Orlando Holiday Events: 30 Family-Friendly Things to Do (Dec 19–28)

Looking for fun family things to do in Orlando between December 19 and December 28? These Orlando Holiday Events are kid-friendly, not theme-park based, and include indoor and outdoor seasonal activities

From light shows and holiday markets to movies in the park and ice skating. Below you’ll find 30 different ideas with location, dates, and a short description so you can pick what fits your family best.

1. Dr. Phillips Center — Frontyard Holiday Festival
   Location: Dr. Phillips Center plaza, Downtown Orlando
   Dates: Dec. 4 – Jan. 4 (ongoing nightly activities)
   A free holiday village with an open-air ice rink, snow slides, live entertainment, and festive photo spots — perfect for families to stroll, skate, and take pictures.
2. Lake Eola Park — Eola Wonderland Light Show
   Location: Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
   Dates: Nightly shows beginning Dec. 5 (continues through December)
   Watch the big tree light up to music in synchronized shows every 15 minutes; it’s free and magical for kids of all ages.
3. Harry P. Leu Gardens — Dazzling Nights
   Location: Leu Gardens, Winter Park
   Dates: Nov. 28 – Jan. 4 (evening event)
   Walk paths lit by thousands of lights and glowing displays; this ticketed stroll is peaceful, colorful, and very family-friendly.
4. Gaylord Palms — Christmas at Gaylord & ICE!
   Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
   Dates: Nov. 14 – Jan. 7 (ICE! and holiday activities)
   Experience the indoor ice sculptures, snow tubing, live shows, and a giant decorated tree — a unique cool indoor holiday attraction.

   

    

5. Lake Nona Town Center — Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
   Location: Lake Nona Town Center, south Orlando
   Dates: Select Fri–Sun evenings in December (check town schedule)
   This outdoor festival features “snow” dance parties, Santa’s Cottage, storytime, and a small craft market — ideal for a casual family night out.
6. Wekiva Island — Winter Wonderland
   Location: Wekiva Island (Longwood area)
   Dates: Select nights/weekends through Dec. 25
   Boardwalks and trees glow with lights, there are snow flurries on schedule, plus food trucks and family entertainment.
7. Grande Lakes — Holiday Market & Ice Rink
   Location: JW Marriott / Grande Lakes area
   Dates: Late November – early January (evenings)
   Skate under the stars and browse boutique vendor stalls — a calm, upscale seasonal market with skating fun for kids.
8. Amber Brooke Farms — Christmas at the Farm
   Location: Amber Brooke Farms, Eustis (north of Orlando)
   Dates: Weekends through Dec. 21 (check farm calendar)
   Tractor rides, visits with Santa, pony rides, and holiday crafts give a country-style holiday experience for families.
9. Windermere — Holiday Food Truck Night & Movie (Home Alone)
   Location: Windermere Town Hall / Main Street Park
   Date: Dec. 19 (evening)
   Enjoy food trucks, seasonal activities, then an outdoor screening of Home Alone for a cozy family movie night.
10. Avalon Park — Holiday Movie Night (The Grinch)
    Location: Avalon Park Town Center, East Orlando
    Date: Dec. 19 (evening)
    Crafts and games precede an outdoor showing of The Grinch, making for an easy and fun family outing.

    

     

11. Winter Garden — 12Ks of Christmas (Races & Kids Run)
    Location: Hamlin Town Center / Winter Garden start area
    Date: Dec. 20 (morning)
    Active families can join the 12K, 5K, or kids’ fun run; festive medals and holiday spirit make it a lively community event.
12. Baldwin Park — Jingle Jam & Market
    Location: Baldwin Park community area, Orlando
    Date: Dec. 20 (daytime)
    A seasonal version of the community market with holiday vendors, live singers, crafts for kids, and treats.
13. Bithlo Community Park — Winter Fest & Movies
    Location: Bithlo Community Park (East Orlando)
    Date: Dec. 20 (late afternoon–evening)
    Bounce houses, crafts, Santa photos and outdoor holiday cartoons — a free, neighborhood-style celebration.
14. Kennedy Space Center — Holiday Edition Under the Stars
    Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Titusville
    Dates: Special holiday evenings around Dec. 19–20 (check KSC schedule)
    See rockets and exhibits decorated for the season, enjoy space-themed shows, and meet holiday characters in a starry setting.
15. Celebration Town Center — Snow in the Park
    Location: Celebration Town Center (near Kissimmee)
    Dates: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31 (nightly features)
    Fake snow falls over Market Street at scheduled times plus carriage rides and live singers — a quaint, family-friendly town celebration.
16. Lake Eola Park — Clemwood Lights Walk-Through
    Location: Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
    Dates: Nightly in December (through Dec. 27)
    View large animated light figures and synchronized music along the park path; it’s a free, walkable light display.
17. Lake Eola Park — Grinch’s Lair Meet & Greet
    Location: Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
    Dates: Weekends in December (Fridays–Sundays through Dec. 21)
    Kids can meet the Grinch, enjoy face painting, and join short craft activities — a playful photo moment for families.
18. Lake Eola Park — Holiday Train Ride
    Location: Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
    Dates: Select Fri–Sun evenings (including Dec. 19–21)
    A vintage-style, lighted train circles the park for short rides — fun and free for little kids and parents.
19. Lake Eola — Santa at the Eola House
    Location: Eola House, Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
    Dates: Fri–Sun evenings in December (check weekend schedule)
    A cozy setting for visiting Santa indoors with simple holiday photos and family memories.
20. Downtown Orlando — Snowfall Evenings at Lake Eola
    Location: Lake Eola Park / Washington Street area
    Dates: Select Fri–Sun evenings in December
    Short artificial snow flurries and caroling create a festive downtown scene — kids love the surprise snow moments.
21. Orlando Science Center — Dinos in Lights
    Location: Orlando Science Center, Loch Haven Park
    Dates: Nov. 8 – Jan. 6 (evening light shows)
    Dinosaur displays lit in colorful LEDs with scheduled light shows, plus a snow play area — educational and seasonal fun rolled into one.
22. Geneva — Light Up Geneva Parade & Finale at Horsepower Ranch
    Location: Geneva community (east Orange County)
    Date: Dec. 19 (evening parade & ranch party)
    A small-town parade of decorated vehicles ends in a family party with music, bounce houses, and a bonfire.
23. Ivanhoe Village — Holiday Rooftop Sign & Lights
    Location: Ivanhoe Village downtown Orlando
    Dates: Nightly in December
    Stop by for festive photos under a giant lighted sign and nearby holiday decorations — a short but cheerful walk for families.
24. WonderWorks — Outta Control Holiday Magic Dinner Show
    Location: WonderWorks, International Drive
    Dates: Holiday edition shows in December (check performance nights)
    A dinner-show experience with family-friendly magic and seasonal surprises; kids enjoy the tricks and silly moments.
25. Dr. Phillips Center — The Nutcracker (Orlando Ballet)
    Location: Dr. Phillips Center, Steinmetz Hall, Downtown Orlando
    Dates: Dec. 17 – Dec. 24 (performances, including matinées)
    A classic ballet with snow scenes and colorful sets — perfect for families who want a traditional holiday performance.
26. ICON Park — Santa’s Wonderland & Holiday Plaza
    Location: ICON Park, International Drive
    Dates: Nov. 8 – Dec. 24 (plaza activities)
    Free Santa visits in a workshop area, a big decorated tree, and plaza lights make for an easy seasonal stop.
27. Give Kids The World Village — Holiday Nights (Charity Event)
    Location: Give Kids The World Village, Kissimmee
    Dates: Dec. 20–21 (special evening event)
    A ticketed nighttime event featuring lights, carnival games, and music; visiting helps support a children’s charity.
28. Winter Garden — A Merry Light Show (City Hall Projection)
    Location: Downtown Winter Garden, City Hall
    Dates: Select nights in December (for example Dec. 19–21 & Dec. 26–27)
    Watch a 25-minute animated light projection on City Hall set to holiday music — free and staged for families.
29. Winter Garden — Holiday Night Market
    Location: Downtown Winter Garden Pavilion
    Date: Select market nights in early–mid December (check local listings)
    Browse local crafts, hear live children’s choirs, and get free Santa photos — a small-town, family-friendly market.
30. Winter Garden — Main Street Holiday Stroll
    Location: South Main Street (Plant St.), Winter Garden
    Dates: Throughout December (evenings)
    Walk a decorated, closed-off Main Street filled with lights, performers, and festive window displays — great for small kids and strollers.
    

Tips for planning

• First, check the event’s official page or the host’s calendar for exact show times, ticket rules, and any weather updates.
• Second, dress in layers—Florida nights can be cooler than daytime.
• Also, arrive early for free events to get a good viewing spot and to avoid parking hassles.
• Finally, bring a camera, a small snack, and a warm drink to keep little ones happy.
  

To wrap up, these Orlando Holiday Events offer a wide mix of seasonal experiences from Dec. 19–28 that are perfect for families who want holiday magic without visiting theme parks.

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