Living in Osceola County, and throughout Central Florida, we are fortunate during the holidays in December to being able to experience what the area’s mega theme parks have to offer during this time of year. But, locally, our communities also hold unique holiday-themed events that we as residents come to rely on each year as a holiday tradition.

Here’s a handy list of (nearly) all the Christmas and holiday events taking place in and around Osceola County:

Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade: This year’s annual downtown tradition down Broadway is Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Join with thousands of your closest friends for festive floats, music, dancing and lights. The Holiday House at the Civic Center will be open from 4-6:30 p.m., where the kids can decorate Christmas cookies and create their own ornaments, and jolly Ol’ St. Nick will be available for a few photo ops before riding in the parade.

Kissimmee Tree Lighting: The city will light its Christmas tree in front of City Hall on Dec. 3 prior to the 6 p.m. City Commission meeting. Every year this officially marks the beginning of the Christmas holiday season which leads to the always extraordinary Festival of Lights parade on Saturday, December 14th. 

St. Cloud Chamber Christmas Parade: This year’s Christmas parade is themed, “A Florida Christmas,” is Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon running up Pennsylvania Avenue and back down Massachusetts Avenue back to the lakefront. The city will light its Christmas tree in front of St. Cloud on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

Kissimmee Utility Authority: Kissimmee Utility Authority will continue its 2019-20 Movie in the Park series on Friday, December 6, 2019 at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The event will feature free admission, free popcorn, trivia contests, prize giveaways and the showing of the Christmas comedy film “Elf” on a 50-foot screen. Activities begin at 5:30 pm; movie at 7 p.m. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and a picnic-style dinner!

Celebration Holiday Home Tour and Winter Wonderland: Don’t miss this Annual event now in its 21st year. Get your tickets now for Friday nights, December 6th VIP Evening. Be the first to see this year’s decorated trees and tablescapes, and new this year themed vignettes from glamping with bears, a little girls princess bedroom, a man cave, New Years Eve buffet, and many more surprises as you stroll through Winter Wonderland. Information and Tickets can be purchased at The Foundation Office 407-566-1234, or online at www.thecelebrationfoundation.org.

Harmony’s Winterfest in the Square: Harmony’s annual Christmas event will be Dec. 14 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring the Harmony High School band, a DJ, ice skating, a train ride, carolers, face painting, a photo booth gingerbread display, food trucks and other vendors. The Tavern at Harmony will host Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 8 from 9-11:30 a.m. for $19.95 per adult and $12.95 for ages 3-11. There will be a seasonal holiday buffet, crafts for the kids and photos with Santa for the family.

Poinciana Florida: The 27th annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration will be Dec. 14 starting at 11 a.m. at Amphitheater Park at Vance Harmon (625 Country Club Drive, Poinciana). A grand parade with over 50 floats will be followed by a holiday celebration with live music, performers and pictures with Santa.

Animal Kingdom: New Tree of Life Awakenings – Fireflies will stir the spirits of the living tree and produce a multi-colored visual display of images accompanied by pieces of the original musical score from The Lion King. The display begins after dark and occurs every 10 minutes until the park closes; also look for festive entertainment, and décor and characters in the Christmas spirit.
Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – captures the magic of the season as a Magic Kingdom winter wonderland from 7 p.m. to midnight. Select dates from Nov. 11 through Dec. 22 are available, and a $10 discount is offered for advanced sales through the Dec. 19 dates. Adult tickets range from $99 to $1349 depending on the date. Also check out Minnie’s Christmastime Fireworks show during the party.
Epcot: The annual Candlelight Processional, with the huge orchestra and choir and scheduled celebrity narrator, begins Nov. 29. The International Festival of the Holidays in highlighted by featuring the holiday traditions of the 11 World Showcase nations.
Sea World: Its Christmas Celebration runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, when the park transforms into its own winter wonderland with over three million lights. The traditional annual shows like O’Wondrous Night and Winter Wonderland on Ice will be joined by the all-new Sesame Street Christmas Parade. Rub noses with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and pals and take pictures with Santa Claus at the Wild Arctic.
Universal Studios: get festive at Universal Nov. 16 to Jan. 5. Universal’s Holiday Parade features the Minions and characters from Madagascar and Shrek on select days from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31. See the live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic The Grinch Who Stole Christmas in the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. And Daigon Alley will be transformed with festive décor and lighting in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have a special show prepared just for the occasion, and Hogsmeade will be decorated with garland and lights as the Frog Choir sings seasonal melodies and special holiday treats and drinks will be available.
Gaylord Palms – ICE!: This year’s theme is “The Polar Express”, the story of a child who goes on an adventure to the North Pole and learns of the true meaning of Christmas along the way. The display, which will feature the sculptures by Chinese ice artists in nine-degree chill and the other fun activities – snow tubing, gingerbrad house decorating, hot chocolate, a Santa-inspired scavenger hunt, Santa’s Snow Throw, the Elf Training Academy and holiday-themed shopping — runs Nov. 25 to Jan. 5.

Legoland: Celebrate at the Winter Haven park on Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 20-31. Holidays at LEGOLAND, presented by the Hallmark Channel, is included in the general admission ticket. Highlights are the “Holly Jolly Jubilee” journey inside Santa’s workshop to sing, dance, and clap along with Santa’s elves, and the LEGO Christmas Tree Spectacular around a 30-footer with interactive lights, music, and snow. Kids can meet the LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier, and after Christmas (Dec. 26-31) they can ring in 2020 with nightly fireworks, dance parties and special building activities, and on Dec. 31 enjoy a special New Year’s “brick drop” at a more kid-friendly hour.

Old Town: The holidays come alive at Old Town, stirring old memories and creating new ones at its classic all-American holiday experience. The Holidays at Old Town is a display of festive decorations throughout its brick-paved streets. iconic Christmas Tree will be on display through December 25. Every weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the snowy season comes to life with white, fluffy snow into the night, in addition to live music and our Friday and Saturday car show and cruise. The unique and affordable shops offer one-of-kind Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.

Light Up UCF: The annual East Orlando holiday celebration returns Nov. 22 and runs through Jan.5 in front of Additions Arena on the University of Central Florida campus. The choreographed light show features new music, and a new Winter Carousel ride also debuts. Light Up Express Train, taking little passengers for an excitingly merry train ride; the Arctic Glide Ice Slide and the Winter Whirl ride also return. Light Up UCF also welcomes back its Holiday Market Under the Stars on Dec. 6, where local merchants will offer their crafts and other homemade holiday wares. Holiday films like “Polar Express”, “The Santa Clause”, “Elf” and “Home Alone” will be shown and are free to enjoy (double features soon to be announced on Nov. 26, Dec. 6 and Dec. 23).

Osceola Arts: The playhouse will show Irving Berlin’s White Christmas on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. from Dec. 6-22 (Dec. 21 also has a 2 p.m. show). Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. Add two veteran soldiers, two talented singing sisters, and a Vermont lodge at Christmas together and you get this beloved holiday musical with 17 Irving Berlin holiday songs.