5 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Orlando This Year

Looking to put a little extra sparkle in your holiday season this year?  

Check out some of Orlando’s best Christmas light displays! 

Throughout the city, you’ll find spectacular showcases of glittering lights designed to impress.  

Here’s where you can find some of the best Christmas lights in Orlando this year.  

Lake Eola’s Downtown for the Holidays 

In the heart of downtown Orlando is Lake Eola, a beautiful lake with a walking path, unique art installations, whimsical swan boats, and views of the Orlando downtown skyline.  

During the holidays every year, the beloved park comes to life with beautiful light displays and festive music, perfect for an evening stroll around the lake.  

The star of the holiday decorations is the Eola Wonderland Christmas tree, which sparkles with a spectacular light show set to popular holiday music each night.  

While the lights will be glowing every night in December, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, there’s even more holiday fun to be found at Lake Eola. The Merry Market hosts local vendors selling handmade products that make perfect holiday gifts. At the Lake Eola House, you’ll be able to catch a snowfall, and even have the chance to meet Santa himself – for free! 

Be sure to check the Downtown Orlando website for special events like holiday movies shown on the East Lawn at Lake Eola Park and festive concerts held at the Lake Eola Amphitheater.  

Now Snowing in Celebration, Florida 

Celebration, Florida was designed to be picture-perfect. After all, it was built by Disney as the image of a traditional American small town. 

Its holiday celebrations have been heralded as some of Orlando’s best for over 25 years.  

Throughout December, the charming streets of Celebration are home to a variety of holiday festivities including horse-drawn carriage rides, snow flurries, and Christmas carolers.  

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in Celebration for Christmas visits and photos up until December 24. Purchase prints or a USB drive to bring every special moment home with you. Pets are welcome to pose with Santa every Wednesday. 

Celebration is home to a variety of boutiques and shops that will be open throughout the event for all your holiday shopping needs. Cross everyone off your list (and find a thing or two for yourself, too).  

When you get hungry, settle in to dine at one of Celebration’s delicious restaurants, or grab a sweet treat from Le Macaron, Kilwins, or Fortuna Bakery.  

Celebration is a wonderful place to see charming homes decorated for the holidays and enjoy the spirit of Christmas in a picturesque community. 

Light Up the Holidays at Crane’s Roost Park 

Crane’s Roost Park is a fabulous destination for anyone looking for spectacular Christmas light displays.  

In fact, Light Up the Holidays was included on the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2023 list for the 10 Best Public Holiday Lights Displays in the country. 

Hosted by the City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy, the event illuminates Crane’s Roost Park with over 200,000 lights, thousands of ornaments, and over a mile of garland.  

A 60-foot Christmas tree towers in the park, glowing with colorful lights.  

Throughout the holiday season, Cranes Roost Park will host holiday concerts with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday movie nights, and other cheerful events.  

Celebrate the season with the kick-off event on Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a choreographed fireworks display, live performances, kids' activities, and food and beverages available for purchase.  

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens 

The Harry P. Leu Gardens have been an Orlando staple for decades.  

Recently, they’ve been reimagining the city’s holiday scene with their spectacular event, Dazzling Nights.  

This immersive experience transforms the 50-acre botanical oasis into a winter wonderland.  

Enjoy walking beneath the boughs of trees with hundreds of hanging Moroccan lanterns glowing overhead. Pause for pictures in a 70-foot tunnel illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights. Walk through a forest of laser lights designed to dazzle.  

This family-friendly ticketed event offers plenty of opportunities for play and exploration, like an area full of enormous 8-foot-tall ornaments that can be rolled around and moved. There’s also a path of interactive lights that light up when you jump on them, perfect for bounding through the exhibit with smiles and laughter. 

Snow flurries will be flying all night long, perfect for making magical holiday memories.  

Sweet treats and holiday beverages (including special drinks for those over the age of 21) will be available to make your experience even more delightful.  

Tickets for the event sell quickly, so be sure to get yours as soon as possible. 

Light Up the Holidays at Rosen Inn International  

Looking for the perfect place to rest your head this holiday season?  

Rosen Inn International offers comfortable rooms, resort-style amenities, and remarkable customer service at a price that lets you save a little extra for your Christmas list.  

Our kid-friendly (and dog-friendly) hotel is the perfect home away from home for the holidays.