Join the City of Orlando for the Holidays
WHAT:
The holiday season is here in the City of Orlando. Throughout November and December, the city is offering free, family-friendly holiday events and activities for all to enjoy, furthering the City of Orlando’s continued commitment to providing a wide variety of amenities and entertainment for everyone.
WHEN & WHERE:
The City of Orlando invites residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season at several events, including:
Friday, November 12, 2021, to Friday, December 17, 2021
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Discover Downtown Pop-up
201 South Orange Avenue
The holiday shopping season is upon us! Finish or start holiday shopping at Discover Downtown. Throughout November and December, everyone is invited to stop by Discover Downtown’s pop-up shop every Friday from November 12 – December 17 (except November 26) and check out merchandise from local retailers not previously sold in the Discover Downtown retail store.
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
12-2 p.m. - Media Window for Installation of the Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas tree
195 North Rosalind Avenue
The Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas tree will begin to be installed at Lake Eola’s Park Washington Plaza. This tree is adorned with 2,000 ornaments and 200 pounds in lights, which will musically sync with the lights on the Lake Eola fountain and will provide precise animation during the shows.
Saturday, November 20, 2021
5-10 p.m. - Jingle Eve 2021
Gaston Edwards Park, 1236 North Orange Avenue
Ivanhoe Village Main Street is hosting their annual Jingle Eve in Gaston Edwards Park, featuring a children’s holiday village, live music, unique vendors, food trucks, an optional wine walk and more.
Sunday, November 21, 2021
7:30 a.m. - Annual Jack Kazanzas Star Installation
Intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard
An Orlando holiday tradition will occur with the raising of the Jack Kazanzas Star 50 feet over Orange Avenue. The more than 50-year tradition of raising the 600-pound golden star started in the 1950s. Since then, the Star has come to symbolize the start of the holiday season in downtown Orlando.
Saturday, November 27, 2021
All Day - Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday provides a unique holiday shopping experience and allows residents to support many of the independent, family-owned retailers and restaurants throughout the City of Orlando, including in Downtown and in Orlando’s 11 Main Street districts.
Friday, December 3, 2021
5 p.m. - Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
195 North Rosalind Avenue
The City of Orlando will host their annual Tree Lighting Celebration for the first official lighting of the 64-foot Wonderland Christmas tree located at Lake Eola’s Park Washington Plaza. The event will include holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks, a holiday market, and an opportunity to meet Santa until 9 p.m. at the Eola House.
Saturday, December 4, 2021, to January 6, 2022
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Every night starting on Saturday, December 4 through Thursday, January 6 at 5:45 p.m.; 6:45 p.m.; 7:45 p.m.; 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., the Eola Wonderland 64-foot Christmas tree will come alive with a synchronized light and music show while the Lake Eola fountain displays red, green and gold lights.
Saturday, December 4, 2021
2-5 p.m. – Curry Ford West Picture Perfect Holidays
Curry Ford West Market Street District, 2507 Curry Ford Road
For the second year in a row, Curry Ford West is back with Picture Perfect Holidays, featuring numerous interactive, imaginative holiday themed displays where families can take one-of-a-kind holiday photos.
7 p.m. - Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Elf
East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy Elf. This free, family-friendly event is a fun and safe way to enjoy the holidays.
Sunday, December 5, 2021
2-6 p.m. - Light Up SoDo
SoDo Plaza, South Orange Avenue between West Grant Street and West Crystal Lake Street
SoDo District is back with their annual Light Up SoDo holiday event, featuring live music, food trucks, holiday vendors, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kid's zone and more. Light Up Sodo is not only family-friendly, but pet-friendly for those who wish to bring along their furry friend.
Friday, December 10, 2021
7 p.m. - Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Polar Express
East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy The Polar Express. This free, family-friendly event is a fun and safe way to enjoy the holidays.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
7 p.m. - Violectric Holiday Show
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Rock in the holidays with the popular strings super-group “Violectric” at the annual Violectric Holiday Show presented by the City of Orlando Department of Families, Parks and Recreation. Free and open to the public, the concert features traditional holiday songs mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits. Donations for the Pet Alliance will be accepted during the event.
Friday, December 17, 2021
7 p.m. - Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – The Santa Claus
East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy The Santa Claus. This free, family-friendly event is a fun and safe way to enjoy the holidays.
Saturday, December 18, 2021
7:30 p.m. - The Nutcracker by the Russian Ballet Orlando
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
The Russian Ballet Orlando presents a free performance of the traditional “The Nutcracker.”
Sunday, December 19, 2021
12-6 p.m. - Milk Mart Holiday Market
The Nook on Robinson, 2432 East Robinson Street
The Milk District has joined up with The Nook on Robinson to host their annual holiday Milk Mart, featuring more than 80 local vendors, food trucks and more.