PHOTO VIA DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD

The 2021 holiday season has finally arrived in Orlando. Throughout November and December, downtown Orlando is offering free, family-friendly holiday events and activities for all to enjoy. 

The City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board invites residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season at several events, including: 

11 a.m.–2 p.m. Now thru Friday, December 17, 2021
Discover Downtown Pop-up at 201 South Orange Avenue [GMap]

Finish or start your holiday shopping at Discover Downtown. Throughout November and December, everyone is invited to stop by Discover Downtown’s pop-up shop every Friday from November 12–December 17 (except November 26) and check out merchandise from local retailers not previously sold in the Discover Downtown retail store. 

Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Installation of the Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas tree at 195 N. Rosalind Avenue [GMap]

The Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas tree will begin installation at Lake Eola Park at Washington Plaza today. This tree is adorned with 2,000 ornaments and 200 pounds of lights, which will musically sync with the lights on the Lake Eola fountain and will provide precise animation during the shows. 

Thursday, November 18, 2021
Lighting of the Ivanhoe Holiday Sign at 1111 N. Orange Avenue [GMap]

The historic “Happy Holidays, Happy New Year” sign on top of the old OUC building on Lake Ivanhoe was restored in 2013 and has been a holiday landmark ever since. The 12-foot sign will be turned on at 5:45 p.m. and a small group of Ivanhoe residents shows up each year to cheer on City staff as they flick the switch.

Sunday, November 21, 2021
7:30 a.m. – Annual Jack Kazanzas Star Installation at Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue

An Orlando holiday tradition will occur with the raising of the Jack Kazanzas Star 50 feet over Orange Avenue. 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. 

All Day, Saturday, November 27, 2021
Small Business Saturday city-wide

Small Business Saturday provides a unique holiday shopping experience and allows residents to support many of the independent, family-owned retailers and restaurants throughout the city of Orlando, including in downtown and in Orlando’s 11 Main Street districts.  

Friday, November 26-Monday, November 29
Discover Downtown Black Friday Sale: Discover Downtown holiday Sale

From November 26 – November 29, enjoy 30% off online and in-store with the code “Holiday30.”  Bonus: With each purchase, you have the option of having items placed in a complimentary gift bag and an optional holiday card with your personal message.

11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021
What’s Up Downtown for the Holidays at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park


It’s time for our annual holiday edition of What’s Up Downtown! Pack up your lunch and join us at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park for this free event. District 4, City of Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan, will be joining us as guest emcee. 

5 p.m. Friday, December 3, 2021
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at 195 N. Rosalind Avenue [GMap]

Kickoff the holiday season 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 also includes live entertainment and holiday music. 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.        

Various times Saturday, December 4-January 6, 2022
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park

Every night starting on Saturday, December 4 through Thursday, January 6 at 5:45 p.m.; 6:45 p.m.; 7:45 p.m.; 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., the Eola Wonderland 64-foot Christmas tree will come alive with a synchronized light and music show while the Lake Eola fountain provides animation during the shows.  

7 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Elf on the East Lawn at Lake Eola Park

Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy Elf. This free, family-friendly event is a fun and safe way to enjoy the holidays.  

7 p.m. Friday, December 10, 2021
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Polar Express on the East Lawn at Lake Eola Park

Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy The Polar Express. This free, family-friendly event is a fun and safe way to enjoy the holidays.  

7 p.m. Saturday, December 11
Violectric Holiday Show at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park

Rock in the holidays with the popular strings super-group “Violectric” at the annual Violectric Holiday Show presented by the City of Orlando Department of Families, Parks and Recreation.  Free and open to the public, the concert features traditional holiday songs mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits. Donations for the Pet Alliance will be accepted during the event.  

7 p.m. Friday, December 17, 2021
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – The Santa Clause on the East Lawn at Lake Eola

Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy The Santa Clause. This free, family-friendly event is a fun and safe way to enjoy the holidays.  

7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 18, 2021
The Nutcracker by the Russian Ballet Orlando at Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park

The Russian Ballet Orlando presents a free performance of the traditional “The Nutcracker.”   

For further information on downtown holiday events please visit, downtownorlando.com/holidays.

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