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Enjoy choir voices, Christmas classics, and more at The Singing Christmas Trees show. Photo courtesy of First Baptist Orlando
Enjoy choir voices, Christmas classics, and more at The Singing Christmas Trees show. Photo courtesy of First Baptist Orlando
12/4/19 - By James Smith

As the calendar inches toward Christmas, the Orlando area is shining with seasonal celebrations.

This weekend, check out holiday parades in Winter Park, Winter Garden, Longwood, and St. Cloud and tree lightings in Winter Springs, Ocoee, and Oviedo. Families can enjoy a sing-along concert in Sanford, a trip on the Polar Express train to the "North Pole," or celebrate Chinese and Asian culture at the Central Florida Zoo.  

Elsewhere, check out some basketball wizardry with the Harlem Globetrotters in Orlando, or introduce your kids to gymnastics and more bouncy fun in Lake Mary. 

As always, see our holiday guide for the best seasonal entertainment options in Orlando as they emerge, including our must-do list of holiday events and our look at the best holiday lights in the area. And remember, our events calendar is loaded with fun, family events right through New Year's Day. Sign up for our FREE newsletters to receive posts such as this right to your inbox.

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Family-Friendly Events in Orlando All Weekend

The Singing Christmas Trees

Orlando
Singing Christmas Trees features Christmas classics from a huge choir as well as full orchestra, complete with dancing, drama, and 250,000 lights on two 45-foot Christmas trees. READ MORE

The Polar Express Train Ride

Tavares
Families can experience the Polar Express right here in Central Florida. Take an actual train ride that mimics the movie: Get your ticket punched, enjoy entertainment with hot cocoa and a treat, interact with characters and listen to a reading of The Polar Express. READ MORE

St. Cloud Holiday Festival

St. Cloud
This two-day holiday festival features more than 100 crafters, a youth chalk festival, bounce houses, train rides, carnival food, and live entertainment. READ MORE

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
The Asian Lantern Festival features more than 30 large, illuminated sculptures representing traditional Chinese elements. There will also be live entertainment, food, and authentic crafts. READ MORE

Light Up UCF

Orlando
Light Up UCF returns for its 12th season, with an outdoor ice skating rink, light show, rides, film festival and holiday market. READ MORE

Holly Jolly Sounds of the Season Symphony Storytime at Orlando Philharmonic

Orlando
Symphony Storytime at Orlando Philharmonic teaches little ones about instrument families through classical music, illustrations and narration. At December's program, musicians play holiday classics, including Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. READ MORE
Winter Park ushers in the season on Saturday. Enjoy other parades in the area, too. Photo courtesy of the City of Winter Park
Winter Park ushers in the season on Saturday. Enjoy other parades in the area, too. Photo courtesy of the City of Winter Park

Family-Friendly Events in Orlando, Saturday, December 7

Holiday Tree Lighting at the Lawton House

Oviedo - FREE
This Oviedo tradition of more than 20 years includes live entertainment, a tree lighting, and Santa's arrival with help from the Oviedo Fire Department. READ MORE

Winter Springs Winter Wonderland Parade

Winter Springs - FREE
Enjoy winter wonderland festivities at Winter Springs Town Center. The event kicks off with a holiday parade, followed by a tree lighting ceremony, and a visit from Santa. READ MORE

Ocoee Holiday Tree Lighting

Ocoee - FREE
This family event includes Santa's Village and photo-ops, a kids zone with games and rides, arts and crafts, entertainment and the tree lighting. READ MORE

Winter Garden Christmas Parade

Winter Garden - FREE
Bring the family out to enjoy the annual Winter Garden tradition of floats, local organizations and Santa himself in the holiday parade. READ MORE

City of Longwood Christmas Parade

Longwood - FREE
The City of Longwood's annual Christmas parade features seasonal characters, bands and more. READ MORE

Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade

Winter Park - FREE
The annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade marches down Park Avenue with more than 80 organizations, including marching bands, local police and fire departments, floats, and Santa Claus himself. READ MORE
Enjoy basketball wizardry with the Globetrotters. Photo courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters
Enjoy basketball wizardry with the Globetrotters. Photo courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters

Family-Friendly Events in Orlando, Sunday, December 8

The Original Harlem Globetrotters at Addition Financial Arena

Orlando
The Original Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the UCF Arena for The Spread Game Tour. See their signature moves, plus all new experiences. READ MORE

Gingerbread House Decorating at Williams Sonoma

Orlando, Winter Park
In this Junior Chef class, kids decorate their own gingerbread house to take home. READ MORE

Sunday Funday at Orlando Metro Gymnastics - Lake Mary

Lake Mary
Orlando Metro Gymnastics' Lake Mary location is open for all ages to play on the bounce houses, obstacle courses, trampoline, rope swing, and more during its Sunday Funday event. READ MORE

Santa Cares Day at Altamonte Mall

Altamonte Springs - FREE
Santa Cares Day is for children with special needs and their families to meet Santa in a sensory-friendly and inclusive atmosphere.  READ MORE

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