Even though Christmas Day is more than a month away, there are festive celebrations popping up around Central Florida in the form of Santa photo ops and holiday celebrations.
From the merry and bright Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo to Light Up Mount Dora and Dazzling Nights, there are more than a dozen ways to kick off the holiday season early in the greater Orlando area. Here are some ideas.
Asian Lantern Festival
Visit the Central Florida Zoo after dark and walk a 3/4-mile loop to see animals and scenes formed with handcrafted lanterns, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. From a large dragon to a crab, a unicorn and manatees, experience the tradition of an Asian lantern festival in our own backyard. Single general admission tickets are $26.99, and a family four-pack costs $88. Discounts are available for zoo passholders.
Dates: Now through Jan. 18, 2026
More information: centralfloridazoo.org
Light Up Mount Dora
Mount Dora is kicking off the holiday season early as the historic downtown area transforms into a “winter wonderland” filled with lights, music and activities for the family. Hear a performance from the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra beginning at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Donnelly Park, then wander over to Sunset Park to see a Christmas tree lighting and fireworks display at 7 p.m. The free event also includes a holiday drone display over downtown Mount Dora at 8 p.m. Pets are not allowed.
Date: 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 22
More information: mountdora.com
Holinights Celebration at Promenade at Sunset Walk
The Promenade at Sunset Walk is giving holiday cheer a home with appearances from Santa Claus, live music, mischievous elves, towering toy soldiers and a Pearl Express Train Tour. Guests can also experience live music and a tree lighting nightly in addition to craft vendors, car shows and more. The event has free admission and parking, and is pet-friendly.
Dates: Select nights through Dec. 25
More information: sunsetwalk.com
Dinos in Lights at Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center invites families to see some of their favorite prehistoric creatures in a “whole new light.” The festive display can be found in the DinoDigs area on the fourth floor with four-minute shows beginning every half hour from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. during the holiday season.
Dates: Now through Jan. 6
More information: osc.org
Christmas Wonderland at Dezerland Park
This International Drive attraction has an indoor “ice” skating rink, themed activities and visits from Santa, plus festive treats and a train ride around Dezerland. Visitors can also hear live performances from local middle school and high school choirs on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout November and December.
Dates: Now through Dec. 24
More information: dezerlandpark.com
Deck the Seas at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
Rather than decking the halls, this Icon Park attraction is decking the seas with a collectible stamp educational scavenger hunt, visits from Scuba Claus and other festive fun. The big man will be visiting the Atlantic Ocean habitat at 1 p.m. Dec. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16 and 18. Activities are included in the price of admission.
Dates: Now through Jan. 4, 2026
More information: visitsealife.com
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
In addition to more than 20 hands-on attractions, the Crayola Experience adds seasonal joy with a scavenger hunt, holiday photo-ops and craft opportunities to make handmade gifts. Activities are included in the price of admission.
Dates: Now through Jan. 5, 2026
More information: crayolaexperience.com
Dazzling Nights
The annual holiday event from Creative City Project lands at Leu Gardens once again with its largest display yet. Experience more than a million lights during a mile-long walk through the 50-acre botanical gardens. This year’s highlights include a 50-foot star in the Rose Garden, “The Cathedral” installation with stained glass and a crystal kingdom with Yetis. Tickets are $31.50-$39.50 for adults and $29.50-$37.50 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and younger enter for free.
Dates: Nov. 28-Jan. 4, 2026
More information: dazzlingorlando.com
Now Snowing in Celebration
Find falling “snow,” strolling carolers, ice skating, train rides, photos with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides at Celebration’s annual holiday event. Snow falls nightly at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. The tree lighting ceremony is at 5:50 p.m. Nov. 29.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 31
More information: celebrationtowncenter.com
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
Wekiva Island lights up this December with special events on select dates, including a holiday market, ornament decorating, breakfast with Santa, outdoor movies and stories with Mrs. Claus. In addition, guests can experience daily “snow” flurries and a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. Some activities require a separate ticket.
Dates: Select dates Nov. 30-Dec. 25
More information: wekivaisland.com
Santa Photos
- The Mall at Millenia offers Santa photos now through Dec. 24 by reservation with a $15 deposit. Reservations can be made up to 10 days in advance. Professional portraits and prints are available for an extra fee. More information: mallatmillenia.com
- Icon Park’s Santa Workshop Experience allows children to step inside a festive scene with decorations, toys and twinkling lights through Dec. 24. Photo packages are available to purchase. Reservations are required. More information: iconparkorlando.com
- The Florida Mall offers a Santa photo experience through Dec. 24 with a special session on Nov. 23 for pet photos and a session on Dec. 7 for a private, sensory-friendly experience for children with special needs. Reserve ahead of time online and pre-purchase photo packages that include prints and personalized messages from Santa. More information: simon.com
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