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Orlando Family Holiday Events: Top 10 Things to Do December 6 – 7

ByKarl Moranette
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The Thanksgiving leftovers are finally gone, and Central Florida is diving headfirst into the holiday season! If you followed our guide for late November, you know we love finding the best local spots that offer maximum fun without the theme park crowds. We are back with a fresh list for the first full weekend of December, bringing you the best Orlando family holiday events happening this year. Whether you want snow in Florida or historic celebrations, check out these top 10 things to do December 6-7, 2025, and keep the festive spirit alive!

From historic pioneer celebrations to snowy nights in Celebration, here is where you should be this Saturday and Sunday.

Large crowd gathered under a massive, Spanish moss-covered oak tree at the annual Cracker Christmas festival. Historic wooden cabins and white vendor tents are visible in the background.
Step back in time and celebrate the holidays the pioneer way! The annual Cracker Christmas festival is a must-do for families this weekend. Find more details on this historic event—which provided this fantastic photo—and nine other top Central Florida holiday activities in our latest guide! (Photo is from Fort Christmas)

1. Cracker Christmas at Fort Christmas

When: Saturday, Dec 6 & Sunday, Dec 7 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Fort Christmas Historical Park, Christmas, FL
Cost: Free Kick off your weekend with a dose of history!
Cracker Christmas is a beloved local tradition taking place on the first full weekend of December. It feels like stepping back in time with live demonstrations of old Florida life, like making sugar cane syrup and blacksmithing. There is also a large craft fair and delicious BBQ. It’s the perfect, free way to see how Floridians celebrated the holidays long ago.

2. Baldwin Park, Winter Garden, Avalon Park & Oviedo Parades

When: Saturday, Dec 6 | Events start at 9:45 AM and conclude after 9:00 PM Where: Baldwin Park, Historic Downtown Winter Garden, Downtown Avalon Park, and Oviedo on the Park Cost: Free This is your full itinerary for a day of non-stop holiday cheer across four Central Florida communities!

  • Morning Kickoff (Baldwin Park): The day begins with the Annual Holiday Parade & Winterfest at 9:45 AM in Baldwin Park. The parade is followed by a free Winterfest with activities like snow play and live reindeer until 5:00 PM.

  • Late Morning (Winter Garden): Head west to Historic Downtown for the classic Winter Garden Christmas Parade which kicks off at 10:00 AM. Stick around for the popular Christmas Golf Cart Parade at 6:00 PM!

  • Afternoon & Evening (Avalon Park): Travel east for the Avalon Aglow Parade which is part of a larger festival starting at 3:00 PM. This event features snow, vendors, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 PM.

  • Nighttime Finale (Oviedo): Head north to Oviedo on the Park for the dazzling Oviedo Winter Parade. Grab dinner before finding a spot, as the parade steps off around 7:00 PM, lighting up Oviedo Boulevard for a spectacular finish to your parade day.

3. Maitland Season of Light

When: Saturday, Dec 6 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Lake Lily Park, Maitland
Cost: Free If you are looking for a Saturday night event that ends with excitement, head to Maitland.
This community festival features live entertainment, local vendors, and a tree-lighting ceremony. The night always concludes with a spectacular fireworks show over the lake!

Night view of the Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival at Lake Nona Town Center, featuring string lights, gingerbread market huts, and people walking by.
Don’t miss the nightly snow and twinkling lights at Lake Nona’s “Oh, What Fun!” Holiday Festival! This modern celebration is a top pick for the weekend. (Photo credit: Oh, What Fun! Lake Nona).

4. Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival

When: Saturday, Dec 6 & Sunday, Dec 7 | Afternoon & Evenings
Where: Lake Nona Town Center
Cost: Free admission (Some activities may cost extra) Lake Nona’s Town Center turns into a festive village for this annual festival.
You can expect “snowfall” every night, cool live performances, fun photo spots, and a super festive atmosphere. Active Family Alert: The Oh, What Fun! 5K run/walk happens on the morning of Saturday, December 6th, if you want an active start to your weekend!

5. ARC’s Holiday Raptor Mingle

When: Saturday, Dec 6 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Avian Reconditioning Center, Apopka
Cost: Small donation recommended For the animal lovers in your family, this is a unique event.
The Avian Reconditioning Center gives you the chance to see amazing birds of prey—like owls, hawks, and falcons—up close. It’s a great opportunity to learn about these animals and support a local wildlife rescue center.

6. Now Snowing in Celebration

When: Saturday, Dec 6 & Sunday, Dec 7 | Snow falls at 6, 7, 8, & 9 PM
Where: Celebration Town Center
Cost: Free admission (Ice skating costs a fee) It’s a true Florida winter experience!
The Town of Celebration uses special machines to make “snow” (non-toxic bubbles) fall on Market Street four times a night. You can also rent skates for the ice rink, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride, or meet Santa.

7. Christmas Wonderland Indoor Experience 

When: Saturday, Dec 6 (2 PM – 9 PM) & Sunday, Dec 7 (1 PM – 7 PM), 2025
Where: Dezerland Park, International Drive, Orlando
Cost: Varies (Ticket purchase required for Wonderland activities)
Escape the Florida heat and step into a massive indoor winter wonderland! This event offers classic holiday fun like ice skating (on a synthetic rink), meet-and-greets with Santa, the chance to build a toy with Santa’s elves, and ride the holiday train. It’s an ideal option for a rainy day or if you need a cozy, non-theme park break.

8. Holidays at Lake Eola

When: Saturday, Dec 6 & Sunday, Dec 7
Where: Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
Cost: Free Take a relaxing trip downtown to see the beautiful Lake Eola Christmas Tree.
It puts on a fantastic light and music show every hour! You can walk the loop around the lake, look at the holiday market, and enjoy the downtown atmosphere.

9. Promenade at Sunset Walk Holinights

When: Saturday, Dec 6 & Sunday, Dec 7 | Evenings
Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
Cost: Free admission This outdoor area offers big holiday fun without making you buy a theme park ticket.
They light up their giant tree, Santa makes an appearance, and there are local craft markets and live bands. It’s a great spot for families with older kids and teens who enjoy music and a lively crowd.

10. Florida Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show

When: Saturday, Dec 6 & Sunday, Dec 7 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Florida Citrus Tower, Clermont
Cost: Free For a quiet, relaxing way to end your day, head to the Citrus Tower.
You can bring a blanket or chairs to the lawn and watch the iconic tower light up in a cool display set to holiday music. It’s a simple, local favorite.

This weekend, your family has so many fantastic options to enjoy the best of Central Florida without the high cost and long lines of the big parks. From watching a historic parade in Winter Park to catching “snow” in Celebration, there is an adventure waiting for everyone, no matter their age. So, grab your jackets, load up the car, and go make some incredible holiday memories that will last long after the lights are put away. Happy holidays!

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