The City of Orlando has announced a series of holiday events and activities scheduled throughout November and December, aiming to provide entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages. The lineup includes concerts, light displays, markets, parades, and family-friendly festivities across various locations in the city.
One of the highlights is the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Messiah Choral Society of Central Florida at Steinmetz Hall on November 16. According to organizers, “For over five decades, the Messiah Choral Society of Central Florida has presented a moving, fully orchestrated performance of Handel’s Messiah completely free to the public. Held each November in the world-class Steinmetz Hall, this beloved concert features professional soloists, a full orchestra and a powerful volunteer choir under the direction of acclaimed conductor Dr. John V. Sinclair. From the jubilant ‘Hallelujah’ chorus to the final ‘Amen,’ this performance is a gift to the community—a way to unite, uplift and inspire as the holiday season begins. It is a tradition built on excellence, inclusion and shared experience.”
Other notable events include Districts of Cheer: Orlando Main Streets Holiday Window Decorating Contest from November 19 through December 12; Lake Eola Christmas Tree Installation between November 20-24; Jingle Eve at Ivanhoe Village on November 22; Small Business Saturday with local shopping initiatives on November 29; College Park’s Holiday on the Drive on December 4; Light Up SoDo event on December 6; Krampusfest in The Milk District on December 7; WinterFest at Lake Eola Amphitheater on December 10; Navidades en Gateway – Christmas in Gateway at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on December 13; Sensory Night for an inclusive celebration at Lake Eola Park on December 14; and several outdoor movie nights featuring popular holiday films.
Lake Eola Park will be central to many activities including train rides for children from December 5-21 during weekends, snowfall experiences near Eola House during select evenings within that period, as well as Merry Market with local vendors starting December 5.
The City’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration will take place at Lake Eola Park’s Washington Plaza beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5 with performances leading up to an official tree lighting ceremony at 8 p.m., where Mayor Dyer will be available for media from approximately 7:45 -8 p.m.
Additionally, special displays such as Clemwood Lights—a tribute honoring lives lost to COVID-19—will be showcased near Eola House from December 5 through January 6.
Holiday strolls connecting Lake Eola Park with downtown’s Central Business District are planned alongside recurring shows like the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show featuring synchronized lights and music.
For those seeking sensory-friendly environments or opportunities to meet Santa Claus without crowds or loud noises, dedicated sessions are scheduled throughout mid-December.
Events like Violectric Holiday Show promise live music performances open to all audiences: “Central Florida’s electrifying strings super-group Violectric…will rock the holidays once again with the 13th Annual Violectric Holiday Show. FREE and open to the public…This visually and aurally stimulating experience blends classic holiday songs like O Christmas Tree and Hanukkah, O Hanukkah with rock favorites like Born to Run and Sweet Dreams – a mashup experience unlike any other…”
Information about these events can be found online at https://www.orlando.gov/holidays or https://www.downtownorlando.com/holidays.
