Looking to make this holiday season merry and bright? With our event guide to all the fan-favorite holiday activities in Orlando North, Seminole County, even the Grinches of your group will start to feel the joy of the season. After all your hard work to make sure your friends and family have the best holiday possible, you deserve a night on the town — so don’t miss your chance to experience our county’s seasonal staples that make this the greatest time of year! Keep reading to learn about the events that should be topping your to-do list.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Visit the Central Florida Zoo to experience a not-so-typical light display that will take you for a walk on the wild side. At the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens transforms into a wonderland that includes over 30 hand-constructed illuminated lantern displays around the Zoo on a 3/4-mile path.
The beauty of traditional Asian lantern festivals will be on full display, so you can celebrate the customs of another culture as you make your way through the grounds — and if you work up an appetite while walking, there will be food and drinks available for purchase.
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
Tis the season for sleigh rides and Santa sightings at Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland. You’ll have to check the schedule to see what holiday festivities are happening the night you plan your visit, but you can expect sleigh rides down the river, nightly snow flurries, a Christmas Tree Forest, holiday stilt walkers, story times with Mrs. Claus and – if you can believe it – so much more!
Not only can you enjoy a great holiday season here, but Wekiva Island is also giving you the opportunity to make this a special time of the year for someone else. On your way to the fun, you can drop off new and unwrapped toys and donate them to Toys for Tots so you can give back before you hang out.
Light Up the Holidays
If you’re looking for the classic holiday experience, Light Up the Holidays should definitely make the calendar. All your favorite traditions – dialed up to 10 – will be in one place as Cranes Roost Park becomes the HQ for holiday fun. The City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy are decking the halls and decking out the park with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides and a special appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. With over 200,000 lights and the lighting of a 60 ft. Christmas tree, it’s impossible to leave without being in the holiday spirit.
Longwood Christmas Parade
Jingle all the way down to the Longwood Christmas Parade, the annual event that makes visitors feel like locals as the entire community comes together to celebrate the holiday season. In past years, over a hundred entries into the parade lineup, including the Longwood Fire Department, the Longwood Police Youth Explorers, the Lyman High School Marching Band, and more, have made this a can’t miss event.
Come claim your spot on along the parade route on the first Saturday of December to see animal performances, antique cars, clowns, and of course — Santa Claus! After you finish setting up your chairs and blankets, make sure you hit the Citizens on Patrol Concession Food Trailer for sweet treats.
Sanford Holiday Tour of Homes
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Sanford homeowners are showing off their decorating skills as they ready their homes for the 2022 Sanford Holiday Tour of Homes. Step into the past and experience Sanford’s Longest-Running Holiday Tradition that showcases the historical beauty of classic architecture adorned with awe-inspiring holiday decor. Get some decorating inspo for your own home or just enjoy the ambiance as you stroll through the district’s nineteenth-century homes.
This year, in addition to eight homes, you can also tour two historical churches as you sip on your hot cocoa or apple cider. There will also be a classic car show and a holiday market that features over 30 vendors so you can squeeze in some shopping before you go.
Sanford Parade of Lights
Have yourself a merry little night at the Sanford Parade of Lights. This annual parade has been brightening the streets of Sanford for years with exciting parade floats, cheerful music and, of course, dazzling light displays! Celebrate your holiday season the right way when you snag a spot in Historical Downtown Sanford to watch this locally known, widely-loved event.
Whether you go on a sleigh ride down the river or an evening stroll under the lights, you can’t go wrong with any of Orlando North, Seminole County’s events this season.
