November 17 | Handel’s Messiah | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Handel’s Messiah is widely regarded as one of the finest and most well-known classical music works ever written. With this performance, Messiah Choral Society celebrates 51 years of gifting the Central Florida community with free performances of this masterwork, accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists, and conducted by music director John V. Sinclair. The concert has become a holiday tradition and is viewed by many as the kickoff to the holiday music season.
November 21 I City District’s Deck the District I 54 West Church Street
City District’s signature Deck the District will feature a gingerbread building contest at Hawkers headquarters, puppy photos with Santa, live music performed by DTO Live, and the City District tree lighting to end the night at 8:45 p.m.
November 24 | Jack Kazanzas Star Installation | Intersection of Orange Avenue and Pine Street
An Orlando holiday tradition, the raising of the Jack Kazanzas Star 50 feet over Orange Avenue will take place the morning of Sunday, November 24 at 7 am. The more than 50-year tradition of raising the 600-pound golden star started in the 1950s. Since then, the Star has come to symbolize the start of the holiday season in downtown Orlando.
November 30 | Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker is an urban adaptation of the classic Nutcracker ballet, taking the audience on a magical journey through cultural lands to the Kingdom of Toys.
This production is described as soulful, bold, colorful, exciting, lively and delightful! A holiday treat for the entire family!
December 6 | Tree Lighting Celebration | Lake Eola Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Kickoff the holiday season on at the City of Orlando's annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola Park. The highlight of the event is the lighting of the six-story Christmas tree featuring 88,000 animated lights. The event will include holiday performances at the Lake Eola Amphitheater, food trucks, and a holiday market.
If you’re unable to make it to the tree lighting, you can catch the synchronized light and music Christmas Tree Show every evening thru January 6. The show will run each hour from 5:45 pm - 9:45 pm.
December 7 | Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – The Santa Clause | East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy The Santa Clause. Showtime is at 7 pm.
December 8 I Christmas on Steel Drums I Luminary Green Park
This festive event will be filled with the sounds of steel drums playing your favorite Christmas tunes. Get into the holiday spirit with music, Caribbean Christmas favorites, and a warm atmosphere. Bring your friends and family for a memorable evening celebrating the season.
December 12-29 I Cirque Mechanics Winter Wonder Shoppe I Seneff Arts Plaza
Under the brightly-colored Big Top, a series of fantastical transactions unfolds with the world-renowned aerial and acrobatic artists of Cirque Mechanics. Here, a quirky shopkeeper is on a mission to sell his prized shiny blue bicycle to the perfect customer and make someone's holiday wish come true.
Customers fly on a Penny Farthing and juggle with diabolos. Contortionists perform on a turntable powered by unicyclists. An aerialist is lifted by an acrobat inside a giant wheel, and trampoline wall artists defy the laws of physics by virtually flying and walking on air!
December 13 | Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – ELF| East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy Elf. Showtime is at 7 pm.
December 14 – 15 | Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market) | Luminary Green Park (437 N. Terry Ave.)
Experience the magic of a traditional German Christmas market at Luminary Green Park on December 14th and 15th! From 11am to 10pm, immerse yourself in festive cheer with delicious treats, unique gifts, and holiday entertainment.
December 14 | Violectric Holiday Show | Lake Eola Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Performing together live on stage, renowned “Vinylinist” and Founder of Violectric, Michelle Jones, and the talented musicians of the Central Florida strings super-group, announce the exciting milestone 10th Annual Violectric Holiday Show rocking into the Lake Eola Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park on Saturday, December 14, 2024 starting at 7pm. Free and open to the public, the 90-minute live concert presented by the City of Orlando’s Department of Families, Parks and Recreation will feature traditional holiday songs like O Christmas Tree, The First Noel and Hanukkah, O Hanukkah mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits like Born to Run, Heroes and Sweet Dreams, delivering a fun-filled, energetic and highly unique holiday show unlike anything seen and heard before and simulcast around all of Lake Eola.
Violectric has also teamed back up with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for the pet-friendly show. Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets and a cash donation for Pet Alliance. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also return for meet-and-greets and family and pet photos, plus more surprises.
Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Showtime is at 7 pm.