Updated July 2, 2025

Orlando is a truly magical place to spend the holidays.

In December, visitors and locals alike flock to big name celebrations like Grinchmas and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

But the theme parks aren’t the only places spreading holiday cheer throughout Orlando. You can find unique Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa celebrations all around Central Florida.

A red Christmas ornament hangs on a tree surrounded by strings of twinkle lights.

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate this December, yule love these holly-jolly holiday events.

These events are reflective of the 2024 holiday season. Check back soon to see what the holidays have in store for 2025.

Key Takeaways

1. Take a Carriage Ride Through Winter Garden

A white horse draws a white carriage with guests surrounded b lit trees. — Photo: Cannonfire Photography, City of Winter Garden

Winter Garden is a historic Orlando suburb on the shores of Lake Apopka.

Each year, the town transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Downtown comes alive with glistening lights, cheery wreaths, and ruby-red poinsettias.

On select nights, you can catch a dazzling light show or Christmas concert.

The best way to see the lights is via horse-drawn carriage.

In 2024, on select evenings in December, SOUL Haven Ranch offered 20-minute holiday carriage tours.

The adventure started at the downtown pavilion and toured riders through Winter Garden’s wintriest streets. SOUL Haven Ranch charged $110 for up to four adults (or two adults and three children) to ride with them.

2. Have a Joyous Kwanzaa in Winter Park

In 2024, Winter Park hosted an event to mark the 25th anniversary of Central Florida’s Kwanzaa celebrations.

The community gathered for a vibrant Umoja candle-lighting ceremony in a shared generational experience honoring African heritage and culture.

There were also drum circles, poetry readings, craft vendors with black-owned businesses, and Southern cuisine.

2025 will mark the 26th anniversary of the event. Stay tuned for more details.

3. Get Your Mail Postmarked in Christmas, Florida

According to Hallmark, Americans send about 1.3 billion Christmas cards each year. Make your cards stand out from the rest by adding extra holiday flair.

In the pine forests between Orlando and the Space Coast, you’ll find Christmas, Florida.

The rural town got its name from Fort Christmas, a military outpost established on December 25, 1837. The fort is now a museum, which for most of the year is the town’s biggest attraction.

In December, however, the post office is the place to be.

During the holiday season, the Christmas post office puts out festive stampers. Decorate your holiday cards or envelopes before sending them off.

Your cards will also receive a Christmas postmark. While you’re there, you may even see Santa Claus.

The Christmas post office’s location makes it a convenient stopover on the way to the coast. If you’re in town on 12/24, mail your letters, then keep going east on Route 50 to see the Surfing Santas at Cocoa Beach.

4. Light the Menorah at an Orlando Magic Game

Gear up for a slam-dunk holiday at Jewish Heritage Night with the Orlando Magic.

On a select night of Chanukah, you’re invited to the Kia Center to see an Orlando Magic game with a special holiday twist.

The game starts with a concert and ends with the lighting of a giant menorah. In past years, this Festival of Lights celebration has also featured dancing mascots and other Chanukah courtside entertainment.

In 2024, actor Josh Peck was the guest of honor for a postgame fireside chat on the court.

5. Make Like Dasher on a Holiday Fun Run

If your favorite Christmas song is “Run Rudolph Run,” this suggestion is for you.

If you want to have fun, stay fit, and support a good cause, sign up for a local 5K or fun run this December. Be sure to bring your Santa hat, antlers, or other festive apparel. A few of the races going on in December 2025 are:

Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run

Join local news anchor Greg Warmoth for a fun run with a porpoise.

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, head to SeaWorld Orlando to walk or run a 3-mile route in the park. The event starts at 7:15 a.m.

As you make your way through SeaWorld, you’ll enjoy glimpses of the park’s festive décor.

The race costs $60 at the gate, but you can save money by preregistering starting in July.

After you cross the finish line, cheer on the littlest runners during the kids’ fun run. After that, show off your holiday finest at a costume contest sponsored by Rosen Hotels & Resorts.

The Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run benefits Toys for Tots and AdventHealth for Children.

12Ks of Christmas

Want something more ambitious? On Saturday, December 20, at 7:30 a.m., Hamlin Town Center will host the 12Ks of Christmas.

As you run the 7.4-mile route, keep an eye out for Santa Claus. When it’s over, enjoy free Foxtail Coffee, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, and merry music.

There will be Christmassy photo ops and themed entertainment keeping things festive along the course, as well as an appearance by Santa himself.

There will also be a 5K and a kids’ race so everyone can join the fun.

Admission to the 12Ks of Christmas starts at $45.

AdventHealth Santa’s Twilight 5K

If mornings make you grinchy, this nighttime race may be more your style.

Head to Clermont for Santa’s Twilight 5K on December 20 at 6 p.m.

Jingle all the way through the historic district. Then, end your night with cookies at cocoa at the finish line. There’s also a costume contest, with categories like “fastest Santa” and “most creative.”

The entry fee starts at $39. All participants receive holiday goodies like a race shirt and jingle bells.

You’ll also get a glowstick to light the way like Rudolph.

6. See a Production of A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens created a new holiday tradition in the 1850s when he began traveling around the U.K. and U.S. to do live readings of his hit story A Christmas Carol.

Live performances of A Christmas Carol remain a holiday staple today.

In 2025, Orlando Shakes continues its holiday tradition with a staged adaptation of the classic story.

This year’s performances run from Nov. 26 – Dec. 24, 2025. Tickets start at $48.

7. Enjoy a Classic Christmas Movie at the Enzian Theater

This December, head to the northern suburb of Maitland to see your favorite festive films on the big screen.

The Enzian is Central Florida’s only indie cinema. Every holiday season, the theater hosts the 12 Days of Christmas.

During this film series, the Enzian will screen everything from family-friendly movies to cult classics. The on-site bar will serve its favorite holiday spirits in cocktails based on the year’s films.

Last year’s libations included the “Mr. Heat Miser,” inspired by The Year Without a Santa Claus, and a The Nutcracker-themed cocktail called “Dance of the Sugar Plum.”

Rock Around the Christmas Tree at Rosen Centre

The glowing sign of Rosen Centre on the exterior of the building surrounded by lit palm trees and a towering decorated Christmas tree. Make Rosen Centre your holiday destination.

Whether your holiday plans involve sitting in a theater or jogging through SeaWorld, Rosen Centre has everything you need for a joyful holiday season.

Our location on International Drive, close to Orlando’s major highways, makes it easy to explore the city. Or stay in and share precious holiday moments at our on-site spa, pool, and restaurants.

If you’re in Orlando on December 25, we invite you to our Christmas Day buffet. Enjoy holiday classics like glazed ham and Yule logs. Or make new traditions with creative sushi rolls, pasta dishes, and our fresh salad bar.

For pricing and other details, visit our Christmas in Orlando page.

A red velvet yule log sits on a plate surrounded by poinsettias and greenery.