Here is a look at some of the best events taking place this weekend. Remember, you can always visit the complete events calendar by clicking on “EVENTS” on our main menu.
The City of Orlando is working with Waze, a GPS software company, to table real-time traffic updates. Click HERE to get up-to-date road closure information before heading Downtown.
If you’d like to have your event added to our calendar, simply send a link to your Facebook event page to [email protected].
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
The Nutcracker, presented by Orlando Ballet
Orlando Ballet presents the cherished holiday tradition, The Nutcracker! Let your imagination fly as you join Clara on a spectacular journey through waltzing snowflakes, mischievous mice and dancing confectionery with the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy! With Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score filling the Walt Disney Theater, and a magical glittering Christmas tree on stage, this beloved production is a seasonal delight, not to be missed! Please note, ALL performances sold out in advance in 2017, so book early to avoid disappointment.
The 2018 Orlando Renaissance Festival
Greetings gentles, and bid thee welcome to the 2018 Orlando Renaissance Festival’s Facebook Event Page! Join us on Friday, December 7th for Pass to the Past, our festival-wide program focusing on education and enrichment. We will be welcoming students K through 12 for a day of immersive learning, competition, performance, and play.
Unusual Frida art exhibit
This is a FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVENT. Join 30+ artists for a magical evening honoring Frida Kahlo passion, love, courage, and pain. A universal unapologetic icon who overcome all life struggles and follow her dreams and passion. Like never before, this exhibit highlights the immense creativity of a group of artists. We want to show more than a “Frida portrait”, using a variety of techniques.
Winter on the Avenue ft the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Join in the tradition of Winter Park holiday festivities as Park Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a tree lighting, carolers, and a visit from Santa. The City of Winter Park has partnered with The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Park Avenue Merchants Association, and Enzian Theater to kick off the holidays in Winter Park the first Friday evening in December.
Holiday Movies in the Park – The Polar Express
Experience the sights and sounds of the season when visiting Downtown for the Holidays. Throughout the entire month of December, downtown Orlando is offering free holiday movies for all to enjoy! Grab a blanket and join the Downtown Development Board and MIX 105.1 on December 7, 2018, at Lake Eola Park to enjoy a free showing of the holiday movie The Polar Express.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park: Miracle on 34th Street
Arrive early to see the annual tree lighting ceremony.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
2018 Orlando Pottery Festival
Save the Dates! Join us in celebrating the 8th Annual Orlando Pottery Festival on Saturday & Sunday, December 8 & 9, 2018 at the Florida Army National Guard Armory (2809 S Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, FL, 32809). Meet local artists and shop for handmade pottery, ceramic art, and one-of-a-kind gifts. FREE admission!
Toughbiker Crankmas 2018
A fun URBAN ride through downtown Orlando. Partial lane closure, follow the rules of the road when not blocked. Must wear a helmet. Monkey bike challenge and recovery after the race at World of Beer Downtown Orlando!toughbiker.com for registration info.
66th Annual “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
Presented by Grafton Wealth Management. Hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, the 66th Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade is Central Florida’s longest-running Christmas Parade. Join us to continue the tradition of marching down historic Park Avenue spreading holiday cheer in downtown Winter Park. More than 100 bands, dance troupes, floats, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus, will delight the young and young-at-heart.
SantaCon 2018!
Yup…it’s that time again…SANTACON 2018!!!!!!! SantaCon is celebrated all over the country and is simply a gathering of people dressed as Santa that go as a group from Restaurant and Bars celebrating the Holiday Season with some tasty Adult Libations! This year we are again encouraging participants to bring musical instruments, Example: Tambourines, Harmonica’s, Guitar’s whatever you have to bang, play on and make some joyous noise! And yes please feel free to bring your furry 4 legged friends!
Centermost Point Invitational Beer Festival
Some of the biggest names in Southeastern Craft Beer are coming to Central Florida. Join What Ales Ya Podcast and Horus of Ten 10 Brewing Company at the inaugural Centermost Point Invitational Beer Festival on Saturday, December 8, from 12 to 5 PM. We’re featuring special brews from several breweries across Florida, outside of Orlando, and the Southeast, including a number of Orlando beer debuts.
100 Things To Do in Orlando Before You Die
Are you missing out on some of the most interesting attractions Central Florida has to offer? The region is home to some of the world s most unique restaurants, events, attractions, and activities. Jon Busdeker, author of 100 Things to Do in Orlando Before You Die, will discuss the best spots to have fun in the greater Orlando area. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation.
The Inaugural Rotary Club of Orlando Christmas Parade!
It has been many years since the City of Orlando has had a Christmas Parade. Christmas is about hope, family, unity, faith, and love. The Rotary Club of Orlando is all about service to the community. Their projects have enhanced the local community since 1920. And now, we want to extend that service to include our first annual Christmas Parade.
Winter Spark Baldwin Park: Presented by Florida Hospital
This family-friendly event begins with a small holiday festival (4-8pm) with artists, vendors, food, and an opportunity for pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus. At 7 pm sharp, a fantastic lighted parade will march down New Broad Street toward the lake. Be sure to stay after the parade to enjoy music and holiday shopping until 8 pm.
A Very TAFFY Christmas! – ONE SHOW ONLY! December 8
She’s back…and she’s got a special package just for YOU! Celebrate the Holidays with Taffy and her special guests at a Cabaret that you’ll definitely be talking about on Monday! ONE NIGHT ONLY!
LARDI B appearing LIVE!
The incredibly hysterical LARDI B performs live at the Parliament House! Singing her smash hit parodies “They Like That I’m Fat”, “Bodak Jello” and many more! Admission is $10. 18+ Welcome. DJ Brianna spins til 3 am. Footlight Players 10pm & 12am
Orlando Krampuslauf * Pub Krawl 2018
Krampuslauf! Krampus Pub Krawl! Come out and joins us for a pub crawl/bar-hop/walk/stroll through Downtown Orlando. The starting point will be at Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge, 50 E Central Blvd *, SEE FULL ROUTE BELLOW* Drink Responsibly. Have fun. Spank the naughty. All costumes welcome. Bring out your Krampus, Perchta, Naughty Child, St Nick, Evil Elves, Evil Snowmen.. or women 
Bring your rusty chains, cowbells, whips, trumpets, drums, other musical instruments.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Florida Highwaymen Meet & Greet
A group of 26 African Americans found success as artists in the segregated South of the 1950s. Meet a group of these remarkable artists and hear their stories on Sunday, December 9 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. You’ll have an opportunity to purchase their uniquely Florida artwork. Free admission.
Sing Along with Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
Sing along with Jim Henson’s classic film! Based on a book by Russell Hoban, this beloved Christmas story, with music from Paul Williams and an all-puppet cast of woodland creatures, tells the story of Ma and Emmet Otter – a family that has little more than each other. When a talent show is held in town, a fifty-dollar prize gives them each hope of buying the other a real present this year.
Milk Mart – Lazy Sunday Holiday Market
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! A time for family and friends, a time for slowing it down, a time for bearable Florida weather… and, best of all, a time for *shopping*! Join us on December 9th in The Milk District with Sportstown Billiards, Etoile Boutique, The Nook on Robinson, IRON COW, and more as we throw the best Milk Mart yet!
