November 16 | Handel’s Messiah | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
For over five decades, the Messiah Choral Society of Central Florida has presented a moving, fully orchestrated performance of Handel’s Messiah completely free to the public. Held each November in the world-class Steinmetz Hall, this beloved concert features professional soloists, a full orchestra and a powerful volunteer choir under the direction of acclaimed conductor Dr. John V. Sinclair. From the jubilant “Hallelujah” chorus to the final “Amen,” this performance is a gift to the community—a way to unite, uplift and inspire as the holiday season begins. It is a tradition built on excellence, inclusion and shared experience.
November 20 I City District’s Deck the District I 54 West Church Street
City District’s signature Deck the District will feature the much-anticipated gingerbread house building contest, Santa Paws to take pictures with you and your pets, a live band, and the lighting of the Christmas tree to cap off the night of fun at 8:30 pm.
November 23 | Jack Kazanzas Star Installation | Intersection of Orange Avenue and Pine Street
An Orlando holiday tradition, the raising of the Jack Kazanzas Star 50 feet over Orange Avenue will take place the morning of Sunday, November 23 at 8 am. 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.
November 22 | Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker is an original adaptation of the classic Nutcracker ballet. The audience will take a magical journey with Clare through her enchanting dream where she travels with the Chocolate Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy around the world, visiting Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Haiti, India, Puerto Rico and other lands on their way to the Kingdom of Toys. Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker is described as soulful, bold, colorful, exciting, lively and delightful. A holiday treat for the entire family!
December 5 | Tree Lighting Celebration | Lake Eola Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Kickoff the holiday season on 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 will include holiday performances at the Lake Eola Amphitheater, food trucks, and a holiday market.
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 5. The show will run each hour from 5:45 pm - 9:45 pm.
December 6 | Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Frozen | East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
Bring your blankets, gather the family and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with our family-friendly screening of Frozen. Showtime is at 7 pm.
December 13 | Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Elf | East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
Bring your blankets, gather the family and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with our family-friendly screening of Elf. Showtime is at 7 pm.
December 13 | Violectric Holiday Show | Lake Eola Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Central Florida’s electrifying strings super-group Violectric®, led by “Vinylinist” Michelle Jones, will rock the holidays once again with the 13th Annual Violectric® Holiday Show on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. FREE and open to the public, the 90+ minute live concert is presented by the Norelli Family Foundation and additional sponsors of United Arts of Central Florida DTOLive!, Music Performance Trust Fund, and Violectric Education Programs. This visually and aurally stimulating experience blends classic holiday songs like O Christmas Tree and Hanukkah, O Hanukkah with rock favorites like Born to Run and Sweet Dreams - a mashup experience unlike any other, simulcast around Lake Eola. This year’s show features guest performances by students from Edgewater High School and Southwest Middle School, plus acclaimed teen jazz vocalist Bella Beau from Southern California. The event will be emceed by GRAMMY®-Nominated artist, Ms. Meka Nism, with appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos and family fun. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation to support Norelli Family Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity whose focus is “all about kids.” This foundation also supports a wide range of social, human services and other charitable purposes.
December 20 | Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Christmas with the Kranks| East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
Bring your blankets, gather the family and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with our family-friendly screening of Christmas with the Kranks. Showtime is at 7 pm.