Things to do this weekend in Orlando: December 17- December 19
The clock is counting down as we enter the last weekend before Christmas. Be sure to finish up any last minute Christmas gift shopping so it’ll Be able to reach before the big day! Be sure to also check out what there is to do this weekend in Orlando below.
Things To Do This Weekend in Orlando
Here are some fun activities to take the kids to this weekend.
Multiple Dates
Central Florida Nights at Emil Buehler Planetarium
Central Florida Nights Campus: Sanford/Lake Mary Location: B0117C Planetarium “Central Florida Nights” is the flagship presentation of the Planetarium, shown more times each year than any other show.
Cranes Roost Park Holiday Light Displays
Enjoy over 200,000 lights on more than 100 holiday displays powered by Duke Energy. The highlight in the park is the 60-foot tall Christmas tree with more than 8,000 energy-efficient LED lights, 2,600 ornaments and over one mile of garland.
Come out to the “Alligator Capital of the World” and enjoy holiday festivities at Gatorland’s Holiday Ho, Ho Ho-Down event weekends starting December 4th through the 19th. Enjoy Family Friendly Holiday Fun, included in the regular price of admission.
Hamlin Holidays in Winter Garden
Bring your family to Hamlin Holidays and celebrate the season! This family-friendly event will feature state-of-the-art thrill rides, a Kiddieland designed especially for children, delicious fair food, and challenging games of skill.
Let it Snow: Winter Wonderland Festival
Let it Snow!, a Winter Wonderland Festival featuring a dual 100-foot long Snow Slide, Santa’s Village, Cirque Performers, Holiday Market.
Experience Dazzling Nights, a 3/4 mile walk through, immersive, holiday light experience. You can arrive at Leu Gardens up to 30 minutes before your timed entry. Children ages 2 and under can enter for free.
Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf
Journey into Buddy the Elf’s world to help save the holiday, in this all-new Gaylord Hotels original experience inspired by the hit Christmas film, Elf™. Complete fun-filled activities to muster enough Christmas cheer to power the Kringle 3000 and Santa’s sleigh.
Oh, What Fun at Lake Nona Town Center
Join us in Lake Nona Town Center, or as it’s known for the holidays, Peppermint Square. This year, we’re spreading the holiday cheer with more snow, more shows, more photo spots, and more magical encounters than ever before!
During this one-hour version of the enchanting annual favorite, Patrons are carried along on a magical journey to a world of fantasy and fun complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger. This performance is specially designed for families of all ages.
The Oviedo Mall Holiday Market returns for 2021! Looking to get your holiday shopping done in record time while supporting small businesses? The Oviedo Mall Holiday Market is the place for you!
Santa Photo Experience at The Mall At Millenia
The Magic of Santa is Back! Celebrate the holiday season with us once again as we present our classic Santa Photo Experience. Make new holiday memories and share moments with Santa starting Wednesday, November 10th through Friday, December 24th.
The 2021 Fezziwig Festival kicks off on December 4 with a Tree Lighting ceremony after the Hunter’s Creek Holiday Parade. The fun continues for the next two Fridays & Saturdays (10 & 11, 17 & 18). Each night will have food, music, and events for the whole family. You won’t want to miss it!
Friday, December 17, 2021
Brew & View Family Fridays at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co
Tis the Season for Christmas Movies at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co! Enjoy Family Friday all December long with fun for the whole family. Watch Christmas classics on our 20ft Screen, Get some shopping done and stop by our vendors and grab some food from our food trucks & vendors!
Cookies with Santa at Orlando Metro Gyms
Enjoy cookie decorating and an extended open gym with your little ones. Complimentary Photo with Santa Included. 11am-12:30pm – ages: Walking to 5 years $10 Active Members; $15 inactive/non-members Gyms in Avalon Park, Baldwin Park, Lake Mary and LB McLeod.
Ivanhoe Village Photos with Santa and Scavenger Hunt
Jingle Trees is Orlando’s premier Christmas Tree Decorating Contest with a display of live Canadian Firs in Ivanhoe Village. This month-long contest will run alongside family-friendly holiday events and vendors all through December. Join us for scavenger hunts, meet Santa, learn the dance of the Sugarplum Fairy, and more!
Level Up Acadmy Parent’s Night Out
Drop your student off at Level Up Academy to learn game development skills and enjoy socializing with other like-minded individuals while you get a chance to enjoy a fun-filled evening in Downtown Orlando.
Oviedo Holiday Movie in the Park
A free, family-friendly Movie in The Park featuring Disney’s Frozen 2. The movie begins around 6:30pm. Remember to bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
Santa’s Animated Workshop at Florida Film Academy
In this workshop students will learn to draw and design their own versions of the popular Christmas characters. Students will then use their character designs to create a festive holiday illustration when they combine their characters with a unique environment of their own design.
Waterford Lakes Santa Stories- Cuentos De Santa
Presented by AdventHealth, Join Santa as he shares his favorite holiday stories with you! Come and enjoy tasty snacks while listening to an uplifting holiday story. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take FREE socially distanced photos with Santa!
Winderemere Food Truck and Movie Night
Enjoy The Santa Clause along with food trucks in Town Square Park in Windermere.
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Boardwalk Bowl’s Holly Jolly Stocking Party
On Saturday, Dec. 18 from noon to 3 p.m., guests can visit Boardwalk Bowl for the Holly Jolly Stocking Party. At this free event, participants can create their own unique stocking and personalize it to their heart’s desire.
Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe
Gather up your little legends and join us for Hard Rock Cafe Orlando’s Breakfast With Santa Saturday, December 18th! Doors open at 7:30am to get yourself started on breakfast before the big guy arrives at 8:00am!
Breakfast with Santa at Rainforest Cafe
MEET SANTA AND CHA! CHA! AND ENJOY A DELICIOUS PLATED BREAKFAST! Take pictures, send letters to the North Pole, and enjoy holiday activities, raffles, and prizes!
Enzian Theater 12 Days of Christmas Movies
This holiday season, let’s celebrate what’s truly important in our lives, the reason for the season: holiday movies! Snuggling up and watching one of these feel-good films is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit, and what could be better than experiencing them here at Enzian?
Families can enjoy a variety of food from more than 20 food trucks, live music, and outdoor seating on the streets of downtown Sanford.
Join the fun at this holiday themed 5K night run in Historic Downtown Clermont . All participants will receive a really cool shirt, holiday themed finisher medal, glow sticks for the run, jingle bells for your shoes, and holiday cookies and hot chocolate at the finish.
He’s making a list and checking it twice! Santa and his elf will be making appearances around Winter Park Village on December 4, 11 & 18 from 2-5 pm! Be sure to get all your Christmas wishes to Old St. Nick. Bring your camera for a keepsake photo!
Saturdays at Avian Reconditioning Center
The Avian Reconditioning Center is open to the public on Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, weather permitting. Our resident raptors are on display under the education pavilion and volunteers are always eager to share their knowledge of these fascinating birds with visitors.
Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Oviedo Mall
Join Mrs. Clause as she brings to life the classic tale “Twas the Night Before Christmas” while enjoying milk and homemade cookies in the Oviedo Mall Community Room located near the mall entrance to Dillard’s. Two times to choose from: 6:30-7pm and 7:30-8pm
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Christmas Movie on the Green at Oviedo First United Methodist Church
All are welcome to join Children and Families Ministry on the front lawn of the church for an outdoor movie night. Climb on board the “Polar Express” as you munch on pizza, popcorn and Popsicles.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Let’s get jolly and enjoy a day of last-minute holiday shopping together at Milk Mart! Join us on December 19th for Milk Mart’s annual Holiday market
Bring the entire family to watch free movies on a big screen. Old Town will play family-friendly movies and classics every Sunday night. Bring a chair, grab some snacks at your favorite Old Town store, and spend the night watching a movie underneath the stars.
Peanut Butter Family Matinee at Enzian Theater
Our Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film Series usually occurs on the fourth Sunday of the month. It is always family friendly and FREE for kids 12 & under. A special Kid’s Menu is also offered!
The Grinch & Whoville elves visit Wekiva Island
Bring the family down to the Island as your favorite holiday movie comes to life with a visit from The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and elves of Whoville. They will be onsite from 2PM to 5PM. for some holiday fun and mischief. Photos and interactions will be available!
