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For those looking for budget-friendly holiday happenings, we have you covered. Everything on this list is FREE to attend and happens on multiple nights, so there is no fear of missing out.
Walt Disney World Resort Gingerbread Displays
When: November 11th – January 1st
Where: Walt Disney World Resort
Did you know you can visit the Walt Disney Resorts for free? Yup. Stroll through the wonderful decorations at the Walt Disney World resorts. The Gingerbread displays are back this year and better than ever. Head over to the Grand Floridian to take in the life-sized gingerbread house and sample a taste of the shingles (for sale in the gingerbread house itself!). Other resorts participating in the gingerbread wonder include:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Beach Club Resort
- Boardwalk Inn
- Contemporary Resort
- Polynesian Resort
Each resort has a different opening day for its gingerbread displays, but it's safe to say they will all be up by December 1st. Don't fret about parking because you can take a bus from Disney Springs to any resort and hop around from there. For example, take a bus to the Contemporary Resort and then use the monorail (free) to Grand Floridian Resort and the Polynesian Resort for fun.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
When: November 11th – January 1st
Where: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
They should call this the Christmas Tree Hide-And-Seek because that's what you are doing. Once inside Disney Springs (parking is free!), head to the Welcome Center, House of Blues, 12 Days of Christmas store, or The Marketplace Co-Op and get your free map, complete with stickers to mark when you've found a tree. Previously, you could show your completed map and get a button. Parking is free at any of the parking garages (If you park at Orange, you will be able to walk the entire area without backtracking).
Holidays at Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
When: November 24th, 2022 - January 1st
Where: 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
his year the Plaza Fountain will feature special shows complete with dancing water and festive lights, all done to holiday tunes. Shows happen nightly at 6, 7, 8, and 9 PM. Also happening at Cranes Roost Park (specifically at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater) are free holiday music performances at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater. Happening December 4, 11 & 18, 7 PM – 9 PM
Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration at Celebration Town Center
When: November 26th, 2022 – December 31st, 2022
Where: 610 Sycamore St, Celebration, Fl 34747
Nightly snowfall hourly from 6 to 9 PM The Town of Celebration has some of the best light displays in Central Florida. The residents go all out for their neighborhood competition, with some having real people as part of their display. Last year, my family saw Mr. and Mrs. Claus greet people passing by. And at Celebration Town Center, you can get some of the best "snow" on this side of the Georgia state line as it falls from the main street.
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall
When: December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 2022, 6–9 PM
Where: 300 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL
This year the Winter Garden City Hall has a festive light show planned on select nights from 6 to 9 PM. In addition to the light show, there will also be holiday decorations and an area for children to have fun. Enjoy strolling through all of Winter Garden as they shine this holiday season.
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show
When: December 2nd – January 6th
Where: Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando 32801
Starting on December 2nd, the Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree will come to life with synchronized light and music. Shows will happen at 5:45 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:45 PM. The Christmas Tree is located by E. Washington St. and N. Rosalind Ave.
Downtown Orlando Snowfall
When: Select Dates December 2nd – December 23rd
Where: 512 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801 (Lake Eola House)
Snow in Florida? Head over to experience snowfall in Downtown Orlando this holiday season when it falls on Washington St. by the Lake Eola House (located near the intersection of E. Washington St. and N. Eola Dr.). The snowfall will happen in 15-minute increments and is scheduled to fall on Fridays and Saturdays: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM Sundays: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM
Meet Santa
When: Select Dates December 3rd – December 23rd
Where: 512 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801 (Lake Eola House)
Meet Santa at the Eola House (512 E. Washington St., Orlando, FL 32801) at the Eola House on December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23. Fridays and Saturdays: 4:30 PM – 9 PM Sundays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A December to Remember at the Riverfront Esplanade
When: December 7th – December 25th
Where: 249 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114
The Riverfront Esplanade has several free activities for all ages this holiday season. From Santa sightings to movies on the lawn to fun community events, if you are in the Daytona area, check them out starting December 7th.