Take a break from the theme parks and experience some family fun by visiting Downtown Orlando during your vacation stay. Downtown for the Holidays offers several, FREE holiday events during the month of December.
Take a walk around Lake Eola and take pictures in front of the City’s 72-foot Christmas tree. Bring a blanket and sit on the grounds while watching a holiday movie at the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Eat delicious food at any of Downtown Orlando’s urban restaurants.
December is always a busy month of hustle and bustle, but it is fun to take in the local atmosphere when you get the chance. Downtown Orlando is very vibrant and rich in culture, there is always something to do. During Christmas time, don’t miss out on the holiday fun.
Downtown for the Holidays Events
Every Night Through January 6
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show
Lake Eola Park
Every night 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 Christmas Tree comes alive with a synchronized light and music show.
Jack Kazanzas Star Installation
The raising of the Jack Kazanzas Star is a long-standing tradition in Orlando. The installation of the 600-pound golden star started in the 1950s. After the original stores closed, the tradition was kept alive by Jack Kazanzas, and in 2010, Mayor Buddy Dyer officially named the star in his honor.
12 Bars of Christmas Holiday Promotion
Thornton Park Main Street District
Enjoy holiday drink specials and signature cocktails at twelve participating bars and restaurants including Wildside BBQ, Mucho Tequila & Tacos, and Graffiti Junktion. More information at 12BarsOrlando.com.
Holiday Movie Nights at Lake Eola
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park (All movies start at 7:00 p.m.)
- Dec 4: Fred Claus
- Dec 12: Elf
- Dec 19: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- Dec 26: A Christmas Story
Tree Lighting Celebration
December 5 | 5:00 p.m.
Kickoff the season with the traditional lighting of the City’s 72-foot Christmas tree. Includes a Mass Choir, Food Truck Bazaar, and a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Live Holiday Concerts
- Dec 6 (6 p.m.): WKMG Local 6 Holiday Concert feat. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra.
- Dec 13 (7 p.m.): Violectric Holiday Concert (Electric string quintet).
- Dec 21 (5 p.m.): Ventana Al Jazz (Christmas music with a Latin Jazz flavor).
The Nutcracker
December 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Performed live by the Russian Ballet Orlando, featuring dazzling costumes and Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement.
Note: These events were originally listed for the 2014 season. Please verify current dates and times with the Downtown Development Board.