16 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a magical place to experience Christmas! Here, you’ll find information on the best Christmas lights to check out during the Christmas season. You’ll find an array of ways to see the light displays on this list, from drive-throughs to theme parks with beautiful lights and live music, decorated artificial Christmas trees, and more.
1. Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens
- Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Address: Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
Also known as the Dazzling Lights event, this Christmas light display runs annually from November 25 to January 1 at one of Orlando’s best gardens. Each year new and exciting lights are added, making it one of the best holiday events.
Once you arrive, you’ll walk through different garden areas featuring dancing lights, interactive exhibits, a fun inflatable slide, and a dazzling winter wonderland where you can meet characters.
2. Lake Nona Lights
- Dates: November 23 – December 31, 2023
- Address: 9800 Old Patina Way
Lake Nona is a newer neighborhood in Orlando that has quickly become known for its extravagant Christmas lights display. This single house display is choreographed with music and has become a yearly tradition for residents to enjoy! Stay in the loop by checking their Facebook page.
3. Holiday in the Park
- Date: December 6, 2024, 6pm to 9pm
- Address: Central Park at City Hall, 100 N Country Club Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746
Each year, downtown Lake Mary is decorated for the holidays with fun lights and festive décor. There are shows with synchronized music and lights each evening beginning at 6 pm. These shows begin every half hour afterward until 11 pm.
4. I-Drive Holiday Tree
- Date: November 22, 2024, 6pm
- Address: 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
This impressive 50-foot Christmas tree is set up and decorated with lights yearly in ICON Park. The event includes a meet-and-greet with Santa, the tree lighting, performances by Orlando Ballet, live music, and other holiday events. If you can’t catch the ceremony, you can still see the I-Drive Holiday tree through January 1.
5. The Fye’s Christmas House
- Dates: Check their Facebook page for information!
- Address: 407 Eagle Circle, Casselberry, FL 32707
The Fye family puts up a spectacular light show each year at their Casselberry home. Also known as The Fye’s Crazy Christmas House, this show includes dancing lit-up characters, a snow machine on occasion, and a large array of dazzling lights.
It’s free to view the light at the Fye’s house, with the option to walk or drive by. An impressive 50,000 lights are strung each year, which move to coordinated music. There’s also a mailbox for little ones to send their letters to Santa.
6. Light Up Mount Dora
- Date: Downtown Mount Dora, November 23, 2024, starts at 4:30pm
- Address: 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora, FL 32757
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, Mount Dora, a charming small town north of Orlando, offers visitors a jam-packed calendar of holiday events.
Some of these Christmas in Mount Dora events include Light Up Eustis, Santa in Sunset Park, and Light Up Mount Dora. These festive events are great for the whole family, with offerings for people of all ages. If you’re unsure which events to stop by, December 3 is one of the busier days in Mount Dora.
7. Cranes Roost Light Up the Holidays
- Date: December 2, 2023, 5 to 9 PM
- Address: 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
This Orlando area activity occurs in Altamonte Springs each year during the holidays. Cranes Roost Light Up the Holidays includes various activities for families.
Here, you can view some of the best holiday lights around, with 200,000 lights displayed while listening to festive live music.
Additional activities include an exciting firework show, train rides, and the option of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Don’t forget to check out the 60-foot Christmas tree, decorated with ornaments and garland.
8. 2024 Tree Lighting Celebration
- Date: December 1, 2023, 5pm to 9pm, Christmas Tree lighting is at 8pm
- Address: Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
The Tree Lighting Ceremony is a favorite event for Lake Eola residents and visitors. Every year, there’s a countdown to lighting the City of Orlando’s Christmas tree. The Lake Eola Park Tree Downtown Orlando event takes place in Washington Plaza in downtown Orlando.
Afterward, you can continue the holiday celebrations at Walt Disney Amphitheater for live performances and holiday music. You’ll also find food trucks and a holiday marketplace open during this event on December 3. The activity lasts from 5 pm to 9 pm and is free for the public.
9. Cross Christmas
- Address: 4241 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, Florida
If you’re looking for a more “down to earth” Christmas light display, then Cross Christmas is the perfect destination. This residential neighborhood has been putting up an impressive light display for over 20 years now.
The display features over 200,000 lights and multiple themed areas including a nativity scene, winter wonderland, and even a tribute to Disney’s Frozen. The best part? It’s all completely free! Donations are accepted and will go towards supporting local charities.
10. A Merry Winter Garden Light Show
- Dates: December 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 2023, 6pm to 9pm
- Address: 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787
Part of the Christmas festivities in Winter Garden includes the highly anticipated decorating of City Hall for Christmas. At this free light show, City Hall transitions into a festive place with fun holiday lights and an animated scene on the exterior of the building. This scene depicts a festive musical holiday greeting that will help put anyone in the holiday spirit!
11. Central Florida Zoo
- Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 14, 2024
- Address: 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, FL 32771
If you want to view lights but are hoping for an activity that provides a different experience, check out the Asian Lantern Festival. This event is held at the Central Florida Zoo from November 18 to January 15 to celebrate the culture and art of Asia.
Instead of Christmas lights, you’ll find beautiful lit-up lanterns spread throughout a ¾ mile-walking trail at the zoo. These lanterns feature a Chinese style and are in the shape of various animals, plants, and other traditional elements found in Chinese culture.
12. Winter Wonderland of Lights
- Dates: December 15 – 20, 2024 – 7:30 – 9:30 PM
- Address: Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Dr, Winter Springs, FL 32708
For a more traditional holiday light experience, Winter Wonderland of Lights in Winter Springs is a must-see. This annual event is held at Central Winds Park and features over 300,000 lights on display. Enjoy festive music as you drive through the park to take in all the beautiful decorations. Make sure to bring some hot cocoa and your camera to capture all the magical moments!
13. Walt Disney World Resort – Magic Kingdom
- Dates: November 8 to December 20, 2024 – 7:00 PM to midnight
- Address: 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
From November 8 through December 22, you can head to the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom to celebrate the holiday season at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Besides looking at the lights, you can also view the fireworks show on select evenings in November and December. There’s also a dance party, Christmas parade, a Christmas party, and a festive stage show outside of Cinderella’s castle.
14. Universal Studios
- Address: 7000 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819
Universal Studios has an extensive selection of holiday activities, with Christmas-themed areas spread throughout the park. Movie lovers can enjoy an interactive experience at some of the top Universal Studios attractions, like Harry Potter World.
Other attractions include the Grinchmas ™ Who-liday Spectacular found on Islands of Adventure. Here, you can take in the holiday lights in Who-ville, take photos at the many photo ops in the area, and watch a live retelling of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” There’s also a Christmas parade that occurs every night.
15. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
- Dates: Select dates between November 10, 2023 – January 2, 2024
- Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Christmas is not taken lightly at Seaworld, as no matter where you look during the holiday season, you’ll find pretty light displays. There are lit-up Christmas trees, strings of lights, and other exciting holiday-themed areas.
The lights are available to view from November 11 to January 3.
16. Disney Springs
- Address: 1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 328320
What better way to spread holiday cheer than a trip to Disney Springs? Each year, Disney Springs puts up holiday decor throughout the park. These decorations include a trail with lit-up Christmas trees and twinkling lights.
While exploring the decorated area, you can also participate in a scavenger hunt with fun surprises or meet Santa Claus. There’s even an area with live entertainment in the form of a DJ. Additionally, you’ll find Christmas-themed drinks and food to enjoy while at Disney Springs.
