Christmas Day is more than a month away, but celebrations are happening around Central Florida in the form of Santa photo ops and Christmas celebrations.
From the cheery and bright Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo to the Mount Dora Lights and Dazzling Nights, there are more than a dozen ways to get an early start to the holiday season in the greater Orlando area. Here are some ideas.
asian lantern festival
After dark, visit the Central Florida Zoo and walk a 3/4-mile loop to admire animals and a landscape made of handmade lanterns illuminated by thousands of LED lights. From giant dragons to crabs, unicorns and manatees, experience a traditional Asian lantern festival right in our backyard. General admission tickets are $26.99 each and family four-packs are $88. Discounts available for zoo pass holders.
Dates: From now until January 18, 2026
More information: centralfloridazoo.org
Light up Mount Dora
The holiday season starts early in Mount Dora as the historic downtown area is transformed into a “winter wonderland” filled with lights, music and family-friendly activities. Hear the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra begin at Donnelly Park on Nov. 22 at 5:30 p.m., then head to Sunset Park to watch the 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 and time: November 22nd from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
More information: mountdora.com
Holy Celebration on the Sunset Walk Promenade
Sunset Walk Promenade brings holiday cheer with appearances by Santa Claus, live music, mischievous elves, towering toy soldiers, Pearl Express train tours, and more. In addition to craft sales and car shows, there will also be live music and nightly tree lighting. Admission and parking are free for this event, and pets are welcome.
Date: Select a night through December 25th
More information: sunsetwalk.com
Joe Burbank
Guests view replica dinosaur skeletons adorned with dancing lights at the Orlando Science Center’s DinoDigs exhibit’s holiday show. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Dinos of Light at Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is inviting families to see their favorite prehistoric creatures in a “whole new light.” The festive display can be seen in the DinoDigs area on the fourth floor, where four-minute shows begin every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the holiday season.
Dates: From now until January 6th
More information: osc.org
Desertland Park’s Christmas Wonderland
This International Drive attraction features an indoor “ice” skating rink, themed activities and visits from Santa, as well as festive treats and rail rides around Desertland. You can also hear live music by local middle school and high school choirs on Friday and Saturday nights during November and December.
Dates: From now until December 24th
More information: dezerlandpark.com
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Scuba diving Santa waves to 4-year-old Bryce Jackson of Ocoee during a special appearance at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium in 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Decorate the ocean at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
Rather than decorating the halls, this Icon Park attraction decorates the ocean with collectable stamp educational treasure hunts, visits from Scuba Claus, and other festive fun. The big man is scheduled to visit his Atlantic habitat on December 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, and 18th at 1 p.m. Activities are included in the admission fee.
Duration: From now until January 4, 2026
For more information, please visit visitsealife.com.
Colorful Christmas with Crayola Experience
In addition to more than 20 interactive attractions, the Crayola Experience adds seasonal fun such as treasure hunts, holiday photo shoots, and craft opportunities to make handmade gifts. Activities are included in the admission fee.
Duration: From now until January 5, 2026
More information: crayola experience.com
dazzling night
Creative City Project’s annual holiday event returns to Lew Gardens with its largest exhibit yet. Experience more than a million lights on a 1-mile walk through the 50-acre botanical garden. This year’s highlights include a 50-foot-tall star in the Rose Garden, a stained glass installation called “Cathedral,” and a crystal kingdom with a yeti. Tickets are $31.50 to $39.50 for adults and $29.50 to $37.50 for children ages 4 to 12. Children 3 and under are admitted free.
Dates: November 28th – January 2026 April 2026
More information: dazzlingorlando.com
It’s snowing now to celebrate
Enjoy falling “snow,” caroling, ice skating, a train ride, a photo with Santa, and a horse-drawn carriage ride at Celebration’s annual holiday event. Snow will fall every night at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm until December 31st. The tree lighting ceremony will be held on November 29th at 5:50 p.m.
Date: November 29th – December 31st
More information: Celebrationtowncenter.com
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland
Wekiva Island will be lit up with special events on select days this December, including a holiday market, ornament decorations, Breakfast with Santa, outdoor movies, and Stories with Mrs. Claus. Additionally, guests can experience daily “snow” and a 30-foot tall Christmas tree. Some activities require a separate ticket.
Date: Select a date between November 30th and December. twenty five
More information: wekivaisland.com
santa pictures
The Mall at Millenia is offering Santa photos by appointment with a $15 deposit until Dec. 24. Reservations can be made up to 10 days in advance. Professional portraits and prints are also available for an additional fee. Details: mallatmillenia.com Through December 24, Icon Park’s Santa Workshop Experience lets kids step into a festive atmosphere with decorations, toys and twinkling lights. Photo packages are also available for purchase. Reservations required. Details: iconparkorlando.com The Florida Mall is offering a Santa photo experience through Dec. 24, a special pet photo session on Nov. 23 and a private sensory-friendly experience for children with special needs on Dec. 7. Reserve online in advance and pre-purchase a photo package that includes prints and a personalized message from Santa. More information: simon.com
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