Orlando Top 10 - December 2025

ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL

Select nights in December at the Central Florida Zoo. Wander the three-quarter-mile pathway filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. Ocean-inspired landscapes meet mythical creatures. Enjoy seasonal food available for purchase. Reserve tickets in advance. centralfloridazoo.org

STORM LARGE

Dec. 16 & 17 at Judson’s Live. Best known and beloved as the current lead vocalist for Pink Martini, Storm Large brings her wicked charm and soaring voice in two evenings of cheeky holiday merriment. Get in the spirit with music, gags and gifts, and your favorite songs. drphillipscenter.org

HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL

Throughout December at Universal Studios. See all of the Christmas decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Seuss Landing will be all spruced up for Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s larger-than-life balloons will head through the streets along with seasonal treats & entertainment. universalorlando.com

JINGLE BELL RUN

Dec. 13, 9 a.m. at Baldwin Park. This race for charity is hosted by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and jingle all the way toward a cure! Run or walk toward victory over arthritis. Register in advance. events. arthritis.org/jbrorlando

DINOS IN LIGHTS

Throughout December between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center. Join Stan the T. Rex and his fossil friends in DinoDigs, a festive display of music and light. Each family-friendly show will begin every half hour and concludes with a wintry surprise. osc.org

KRAMPUSFEST

Dec. 7, 2 – 9 p.m. at The Plaza Live. Features live bands, delicious food, festive drinks, a holiday market with local makers, eccentric performance art, costumes, a Krampusnauf parade, and plenty of mischief. The earlier hours are family-friendly, but after dark, the horns come out. (18+ after 6 p.m.) themilkdistrict.org

ORLANDO TREE LIGHTING

Dec. 5, 5 – 9 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. Countdown to the lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas tree! The event will include holiday performances at the amphitheater, food trucks, and the return of the Merry Market. Enjoy a snowfall and a visit with Santa! downtownorlando.com

HANUKKAH CELEBRATION

Dec. 21, 5 p.m. at Lake Nona Town Center. Bless and light the menorah in a special ceremony to commemorate the Festival of Lights. Plus, enjoy a DJ, stiltwalker, children’s performers, face painters, and more. Try traditional foods while the kids make dreidels and learn the story of the holiday. ohwhatfunlakenona.com

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Select days from Dec. 6 – 23 at Orlando Family Stage. Based on the TV special that first aired in 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage” brings the Peanuts gang to life in an adaptation filled with music and laughter as Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of the season. orlandofamilystage.com

THE OUTSIDERS

Dec. 16 – 23 at the Dr. Phillips Center. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. The Greasers dream about who they want to be in a world that may never accept them. drphillipscenter.org