Are you looking for the BEST Christmas lights in Orlando, Florida?
As the holidays draw near, everyone is gearing up for their favorite traditions.
Whether that involves decorating your house with lights, picking out a Christmas tree, or visiting Santa Claus, there’s always something special about this time of year.
One of my favorite things that puts me in the holiday spirit is checking out all the epic holiday decorations and experiences around the city!
So if you’re looking for new and exciting Christmas light displays to check out in Orlando, look no further!
I’ve put together a list of the top 10 Orlando Christmas light attractions that you won’t want to miss.
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Top Christmas Lights in Orlando at a Glance:
- Holidays at Disney Springs runs November 10, 2023, through to December 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. with an extravaganza of lights and decor
- Drive-Thru the Winter Wonderland of Lights in Winter Springs (with a special one-night walk-thru)
- Celebrate the magic of the Christmas lights under the snowfall in Celebration
- Be mesmerized by the sparkling light show of Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
- Stroll through 1 million enchanting holiday lights in Lake Mary’s Central Park
- Capture the spirit of the season at Lights at Lake Eola with their 20-minute light shows at Luminary Green Park
Keep reading to get your festive guide of the best Christmas lights in Orlando to see this 2023 holiday season!
1. Johannessen Lights (Winter Park, Florida)
Johannessen Lights is one of the must-see holiday lights events for Christmas in Florida.
They put on an absolutely unforgettable display of Christmas lights and scenes for the public that you will remember long after Christmas has unwrapped.
Their Christmas decorations and lights have become famous and were even featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
It is an absolute extravaganza of vibrant colors and jolly scenes!
Johannessen Lights will dazzle and delight everyone in the family capturing the essence of the holiday season.
This holiday showcase of lights will even have the Grinch smiling from ear to ear!
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2. Winter Wonderland of Lights (Drive-Thru Christmas Lights in Winter Springs, Florida)
Winter Springs transforms into a Winter Wonderland of Lights, just a short distance from Orlando. They are known to go out of their way to bring winter-time cheer to residents!
Light Up Central Winds is a free Christmas event in Florida that puts on this holiday light display yearly at Central Winds Park.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
What makes this celebration special is that any organization or business can join in on creating magic for the community.
This year’s holiday celebration will begin on December 8th and continue to sparkle on the 9th, 10th, 15th, and 17th.
However, December 16th is a special one-night event to walk-thru the winter wonderland of lights. From meeting Santa to filling your belly with food truck delights and a merry movie under the stars, don’t miss out on this incredible holiday event.
Plus don’t forget to head over to Winter Springs on December 2nd to catch the 41st annual Winter Wonderland Parade and the lighting of the tree too!
3. Lights at Lake Eola
This long-standing Downtown Orlando Christmas light display offers residents and visitors alike tons of thrilling events and activities for the holidays.
The Lights at Lake Eola kick off on Friday, December 1st, as Mayor Buddy Dyer hosts the Christmas tree lighting at Lake Eola’s Park Washington Plaza.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
For the remainder of the season, attendees can:
- Enjoy 20-minute light shows at Luminary Green Park beginning November 9th
- Holiday shop at the Merry Market starting December 1st and then every following Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Catch nightly Christmas Tree Light Shows
- Hop on an evening Holiday Train Ride starting December 2nd until the 23rd
- See oversized Christmas decorations around the lake
- Take in performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater
- Watch holiday movies on the lawn
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4. Dazzling Lights at Leu Gardens
For a truly magical and immersive festive experience, check out Dazzling Lights in the gorgeous Leu Gardens.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
This year you can expect many of your favourite magical light shows to return that will transport you into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights.
Plus they have added brand new dazzling lights that will shine bright on select dates through the holidays from November 24, 2023, to January 6, 2024.
In addition, visitors can enjoy a snow dome with swirling snow, a giant neon flower forest, a candy cane vortex tunnel, mesmerizing Moroccan lanterns hanging from above, and even some adult bevies of beer and wine.
This event costs $25, and tickets must be purchased ahead of time. No tickets are sold at the door, so plan ahead!
5. Holidays at Disney Springs
Could there be a better combination than the most wonderful time of the year plus the happiest place on earth?
Celebrating the holidays at Disney Springs is a memorable experience for the whole family, with holiday magic around every corner.
Holidays at Disney Springs starts on November 10, 2023 and, runs through to December 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
Disney Springs is one of my favorite places to hang out!
Shop til you drop for everyone’s favorite gifts, taste seasonal sips and bites at one of the many restaurants that offer festive food, and soak up all the Christmas spirit.
And, of course, Disney doesn’t go easy with holiday decor!
While you are there be sure to take advantage of the enchanted Christmas Tree Trail. They have everything from a massive, glowing Christmas tree to snow flurries floating through the air!
It is one of the super special events at Disney World where no admission is required. Plus, you don’t even have to pay for parking at Disney Springs!
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6. Now Snowing in Celebration, Florida
The town of Celebration, Florida, really holds true to its name!
Each year, the town creates an exceptional holiday experience near Orlando and this year is no different. The 24th annual Now Snowing event adds a touch of magic to the Christmas lights and displays in Celebration.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
This premier “snowing” tradition falls nightly and transforms the Christmas lights into something so special.
It feels almost feels like you have stepped into a scene of your favorite Christmas classic.
You won’t want to miss this Christmas in Florida free event where you don’t have to worry about admission or parking. Christmas in Celebration truly is a season to celebrate!
7. Light Up the Holidays at Cranes Roost
The City of Altamonte Springs brings its residents and visitors an unforgettable display of Christmas lights in Orlando each year at Cranes Roost Park.
The Holiday Light Displays and Fountain Show at Crane Roost illuminates from November 23, 2023, until January 1, 2024.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
Over 200,000 lights are strung with care, but that’s not all you will see here!
Some unique features of this holiday experience include:
- Choreographed fireworks
- Live music
- Dance performances
- Plenty of kid’s activities
- Holiday fountain shows with dancing water and lights
- Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance as well
Plus, don’t forget to mark December 2nd from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. on your calendars for the Light Up the Holidays big event that will light up the magic of the season.
8. Lake Nona Lights
I love it when local cities and organizations create epic Christmas light displays in Orlando.
But when it’s just two average joes inspired by The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, somehow it’s even more magical!
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
At Lake Nona Lights, two self-proclaimed finance geeks got the itch to take the holiday spirit up a notch.
Since 2011, they’ve made it their mission to deliver some truly epic Christmas lights and music-synchronized shows for their community and visitors from all over Florida.
They program each holiday song one by one, creating beautiful works of art that put every attendee in the Christmas spirit.
They usually start on the evening of Thanksgiving Day and run nightly until December 31st each year!
9. Holiday in the Park (Lake Mary, Florida)
Lake Mary is another town that offers an impressive free Christmas light display near Orlando that makes the perfect stop during your holiday rounds!
Downtown Lake Mary is lit up each year without thousands of sparkling Christmas lights synchronized with holiday tunes – but the fun doesn’t stop there.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
Holiday in the Park also offers attendees train rides, face painting with Santa’s elves, balloon artists, holiday carolers, and DJ entertainment.
There are also plenty of vendors to get your holiday snacks from. You’ll leave filled with cheer!
This year it will take place on December 1, 2023, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. in Central Park at City Hall.
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10. Light Up Mount Dora (Mount Dora, Florida)
Not far from Orlando and well worth the short drive is the charming town of Mount Dora. They put on a spectacular display of lights that turns the city into a holiday wonderland.
Why We Love This Orlando Christmas Activity
Buzzing with holiday cheer the town’s annual Light Up Mount Dora annual kicks off the season when the skies light up with fireworks on November 25th.
Then December brings a full month of their famous events!
From the yearly Christmas Walk when shops stay open late while you stroll the decorated small-town streets to holiday concerts and entertainment under the dazzling lights.
Stay cozy in your car and explore the self-driving Christmas tour of homes adorned in merry lights and decorations.
Or watch the waterways glow on December 2 for the Lighted Boat Parade, it is an endless month of sparkling fun.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Christmas Lights in Orlando
Christmas in Orlando is one of the most magical times of the year!
You’re never too grown to feel the holiday spirit so be sure to check off as many Christmas activities in Orlando as your inner elf can.
Did I miss your favorite Christmas lights in Orlando? Drop a comment below and let me know so I can check it out this year too!
Happy Holidays Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
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(Original Article Date: November 7, 2022/Updated by Editor on November 18, 2023)