Central Florida Events Calendar
From Veterans Day tributes, the Volusia County Fair's final weekend, and the Vans Warped Tour to Thanksgiving turkey trots, the Orlando Ballet's Nutcracker, and the biggest round of Christmas parades, tree lightings, and holiday markets of the season, find out what is happening across Orlando, Lakeland, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Park, Winter Haven, Clermont, and the broader Central Florida region. Every listing on this page was verified through fresh research on November 11, 2026, and the calendar is re-checked on each update to drop events that have passed and add newly confirmed listings. The events below cover the next several weeks, from November 11 through December 8.
Family Events
(14 events)Volusia County Fair & Youth Show
The county fair closes Sunday, Nov 15, with midway rides, livestock and youth exhibits, fair food, and nightly entertainment. Check the fair's page for daily hours, ride wristband specials, and ticket details.
Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival
The 11th annual fall festival with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and farm activities on select Thursdays and every Friday through Sunday, wrapping up Nov 22 in Clermont. Tickets are purchased in advance online; none are sold at the farm.
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
The gardens' immersive holiday lights experience runs on select nights from Nov 20 with 50 acres of lights, the Twinkle Market, live entertainment, and the 50-foot 'Snowmand' light show. Timed entry 5:30-10 PM; tickets start around $35 for adults.
SEA LIFE Orlando: Sea Star Search with The Elf on the Shelf
The aquarium's holiday family activity pairs the Elf on the Shelf with a sea star scavenger hunt on select dates from Nov 20 through Jan 3. Included with admission; see the attraction's page for dates.
Santa's Farm & Christmas Tree Forest
A working Christmas tree farm with Santa visits and farm activities in Eustis, open Nov 20 through Dec 20. See the Lake County holiday roundup for hours and pricing.
A Charlie Brown Christmas at Orlando Family Stage
The stage adaptation of the classic holiday special runs Nov 23 through Dec 27 at Loch Haven Park. Check the theater's calendar for showtimes and tickets.
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival at Lake Nona
A free holiday festival at Lake Nona's Town Center on select Friday-Sunday evenings Dec 4-20, with a holiday market, carnival rides, a decorated tree trail, Santa visits, and nightly snowfall. See the festival's page for the daily lineup.
KUA Movie in the Park
A free family movie night at the Kissimmee Lakefront, with pre-show activities from 5:30 PM and the movie at 7 PM. Presented with Kissimmee Utility Authority; see the city's events page for the film title.
34th Annual Mount Dora Christmas Walk
The 34th annual Christmas Walk, 6-9 PM, with downtown shops open late, street music and entertainment, food and toy vendors, and free photos with Santa by the Christmas tree at Sunset Park. Free admission.
64th Annual Mount Dora Christmas Parade
Mount Dora's Christmas parade steps off at 10 AM from Donnelly Park through downtown, a long-standing holiday tradition for the lakeside town.
Deck the Mall at Oviedo Mall
A holiday marketplace and family fun day at Oviedo Mall on Dec 5, part of the city's holiday lineup. See the mall's events page for the schedule.
44th Annual Winter Wonderland
Winter Springs' holiday celebration, 4-8 PM, with a holiday parade, tree lighting, and walk-through lights at the Town Center and Central Winds Park, followed by a drive-thru display Dec 6-11. Free.
Gatorland Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down
Gatorland's holiday celebration runs on select dates Dec 5-20 with seasonal shows, character meet-and-greets, and family activities. Included with park admission; see the park's page for the full schedule.
K92.3 Jingle Jam
K92.3's fifth annual holiday concert at the Apopka Amphitheater on Dec 6 at 5 PM, with a billed holiday lineup for the whole family. Ticketed; see the city's amphitheater page for the artist announcement and tickets.
Food & Drink
(7 events)Orlando Beer Festival
The 11th annual beer festival at Lake Eola Park, noon-5:30 PM, with 27-plus brewers pouring unlimited tasting samples, plus live music, giant games, food trucks, and a THC-seltzer zone. 21+; VIP and general admission tiers.
12th Annual Central Florida Fall EggFest
The 12th annual egg-cooking festival at Wekiva Island, 9 AM-5 PM, with Big Green Egg grill masters, food, craft beer, and live music along the Wekiva River. Ticketed.
Florida Coffee Festival
A coffee and matcha culture celebration, 11 AM-4 PM, with local roasters, matcha brands, vendors, DJs, and food trucks at Festival Park. Tickets sold in advance.
The Orlando Christmas Market at Dezerland
A free-admission holiday market on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Nov 27-28, with local vendors, seasonal food and drink, and holiday shopping at Dezerland Park on International Drive.
Sunset Makers Market at Lakeside Village
A makers market at Lakeland's Lakeside Village, 8 AM-2 PM, with local artisans and vendors alongside the shopping center's holiday season. Free to browse.
Kissimmee Farmers Market
The Kissimmee Farmers Market returns on the first Friday of December, 5-8 PM in historic downtown, with local produce, vendors, and live music. Free.
Merry Makers Market
A holiday makers market in Lakeland on Dec 6 with local vendors, seasonal gifts, and family activities. See the Lakeland holiday roundup for hours.
Arts & Culture
(11 events)The Neighbourhood: The Wourld Tour
The band brings its fall tour to the Kia Center on Nov 11. Ticketed; doors and show times are on the venue's calendar.
Autumn Art Festival at Winter Park
The 53rd annual juried fine arts festival, the only one exclusively for Florida artists, with 186 artist booths in Central Park, live music, and children's art activities. Free, 9 AM-5 PM both days.
Festival of Trees: Forty Seasons of Joy
The Council of 101's 40th annual Festival of Trees with designer-decorated trees, gingerbread houses, wreaths, and holiday displays, open 10 AM-5 PM. General admission is $23 for adults and $15 for children 3-12.
Vans Warped Tour Orlando
The traveling festival returns to Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field Nov 14-15 with a two-day lineup of about 130 acts headlined by Sublime, Jimmy Eat World, Simple Plan, Third Eye Blind, Dropkick Murphys, 3OH!3, Taking Back Sunday, and Sleeping With Sirens. Two-day and single-day tickets; expect heavy traffic around the stadium.
Air Supply: A Matter of Time 50th Anniversary Tour
The soft-rock duo's 50th-anniversary tour plays the Walt Disney Theater on Nov 19. Ticketed through the Dr. Phillips Center.
Lindsey Stirling
The violinist brings her holiday tour to the Walt Disney Theater on Nov 21. Ticketed through the Dr. Phillips Center.
Orlando Shakes: A Christmas Carol
The classic Dickens holiday story runs Nov 25 through Dec 24 at the Margeson Theater in Loch Haven Park. See the theater's page for dates, times, and tickets.
for KING & COUNTRY
The award-winning pop duo brings its holiday tour to the Kia Center on Nov 28. Ticketed through the venue.
FusionFest
The 9th annual multicultural festival celebrating more than 110 cultures through music, dance, international food, film, and art at Loch Haven Park. Free; Saturday 10 AM-8 PM and Sunday noon-6 PM.
A Holiday Spectacular at Garden Theatre
The Garden Theatre's holiday variety show on Nov 28. Check the theater's page for showtime and tickets.
Orlando Ballet: The Nutcracker
The Orlando Ballet's production of The Nutcracker runs Dec 4-27 at Steinmetz Hall. See the Dr. Phillips Center's page for performance times and tickets.
Outdoor Activities
(9 events)Pups, Pumpkins & Pints
A family- and pet-friendly fall weekend at Boxi Park with live music, pumpkins, and seasonal activities Nov 12-15. See the venue's events page for the daily lineup.
GROWvember Fall Festival
A fall festival at Mead Botanical Garden with a plant sale, live music, food trucks, and a beer garden, Nov 14-15. Check the garden's page for hours and admission.
Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K
The 37th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot at Lake Eola Park, with registration and costume judging from 7 AM, an 8 AM start, a free kids' Tot Trot at 9:15 AM, and finisher medals. Proceeds support Seniors First's Meals on Wheels programs. Entry about $35-$50.
Avalon Park Foundation Turkey Trot 5K
A casual, kid-friendly Thanksgiving morning 5K at Avalon Park Town Park, 8 AM start, with sliding-scale entry around $10-$30.
AdventHealth Groveland Turkey Trot
Lake County's Thanksgiving morning race in Groveland, 7:15 AM start, with 5K and 10K distances. Entry around $45-$60; registration is online.
Golden Triangle YMCA Turkey Trot
A Thanksgiving morning race in Tavares hosted by the Golden Triangle YMCA. See the YMCA's events page for start time and registration.
36th Annual Mount Dora Lighted Boat Parade
The 36th annual lighted boat parade, themed 'Christmas in Florida,' cruises Lake Dora's shoreline about 6 PM on Dec 5, with best viewing at the downtown waterfront and Donnelly Park.
Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade
Lighted boats parade along the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, 6:30-8:30 PM, with prime viewing along Lake Howard downtown. Free.
Light Up Venetian Gardens & Boat Parade
Leesburg's free holiday kickoff at Venetian Gardens, 5-8 PM, with the Leesburg Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Harris, Santa, holiday music, food trucks, and kids' activities.
Community Events
(35 events)Ocoee Veterans Day Ceremony & Fireworks
Ocoee's annual Veterans Day ceremony, 6:30-7:30 PM, with the VFW Post 2093 band, honorees, and a fireworks show over the lake starting around 7 PM. Free and family-friendly.
Leesburg Veterans Day Parade
Leesburg's Veterans Day parade along Main Street downtown on Nov 11. See the city's special events page for the route and start time.
Sanford Veterans Day Ceremony
A Veterans Day ceremony at 11 AM at Sanford's Veterans Memorial Park, one of several tributes across Central Florida on Nov 11.
52nd Great Day in the Country
Oviedo's 52nd annual community arts and crafts festival with vendor booths, food and baked goods, live entertainment, games, and auctions, produced by the GFWC Oviedo Woman's Club. Free admission and parking; Saturday 10 AM-4 PM and Sunday 10 AM-3 PM.
Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff & Tree Lighting
The Salvation Army's holiday kettle kickoff with a tree lighting at Lakeland's Lakeside Village, 5:30-9 PM, launching the season's giving campaign.
Ocoee Movie in the Park
A free outdoor movie night at Bill Breeze Park, 6-9 PM, with the film beginning after sunset. See the city of Ocoee's events page for the title and details.
Jingle Eve in Ivanhoe Village
An Ivanhoe Village holiday celebration, 4:30-9 PM, with local artisans, food trucks, live music, and festive activities at Gaston Edwards Park along Lake Ivanhoe.
Florida Classic: FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman
The Florida Blue Florida Classic brings the Rattlers and Wildcats to Camping World Stadium with a 3:30 PM kickoff, the centerpiece of a full weekend of events.
Light Up Eustis
Eustis' holiday kickoff, 5-9 PM at Ferran Park, with food and craft vendors, free Santa photos, and the ceremonial tree lighting with Santa's arrival at 6 PM.
Kissimmee Tree Lighting Ceremony
The City of Kissimmee's holiday tree lighting on Nov 28 in historic downtown, presented with Kissimmee Main Street, kicking off the Festival of Lights season.
Small Business Saturday & Holiday Craft Bazaar
Lakeland's Small Business Saturday with a holiday craft bazaar at Munn Park and local shops open across downtown on Nov 28.
45th Lakeland Christmas Parade
The 45th annual Lakeland Christmas Parade, 'The Magic of Christmas,' 7-9 PM, with fireworks over Lake Mirror at 7 PM before the parade winds from the RP Funding Center through downtown. Hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland.
Christmas in the Park
The Morse Museum's 48th annual Tiffany-window lighting in Central Park, 6:15-8:30 PM, with the Bach Festival Society Choir and Brass Ensemble. Free.
Oviedo Little Drummer Tree Lighting
Oviedo's free holiday tree lighting at Center Lake Park, 7-9 PM, with photos with Santa, live animals, carolers, food trucks, and live music.
Winter Haven City Tree Lighting
Winter Haven's city tree lighting ceremony, 6 PM in Central Park, ahead of the holiday season in downtown.
Lights in the Park
Auburndale's holiday celebration, 5:30-8:30 PM at the Historic Depot, with the tree lighting at 7 PM, music, and food trucks. Free.
Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration
The City of Orlando's tree lighting at Lake Eola, 5:30-9:30 PM, with the 72-foot Eola Wonderland tree, the Merry Market with 30-plus vendors, food trucks, snowfall, Santa, and holiday performances.
Light Up Winter Garden
Winter Garden's 39th annual holiday kickoff, 6-9 PM, with the official tree lighting at 6:15 PM at City Hall and entertainment, activities, and vendors across historic downtown. Free.
Winter on the Avenue
Winter Park's holiday kickoff, 5-9 PM, with the tree lighting in Central Park, a Chanukah menorah lighting, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling carolers, s'mores, snow slides, and take-home crafts. Free.
Light Up Clermont
Clermont's tree lighting and street party, 5:30-9 PM, with an '80s 'Christmas Rewind' theme, live music, food trucks, vendors, carolers, and Santa photos at the Historic Village.
Apopka Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
Apopka's holiday tree lighting, 6-8 PM at Kit Land Nelson Park, with vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and Santa photos. Free.
St. Cloud Tree Lighting
St. Cloud's annual tree lighting, 6-9 PM in front of City Hall, with music, crafts, rides, snow, and Santa. Free.
First Friday: Holiday Spectacular
Lakeland's holiday First Friday, 6-9 PM, with holiday vendors, a car show, free family photos at the Munn Park Christmas tree, Santa pictures, and family entertainment.
Havendale Christmas Parade
The Havendale Christmas Parade, presented with Auburndale, steps off at 7 PM along Havendale Boulevard on Dec 4.
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Winter Garden's Christmas parade steps off at 10 AM through historic downtown, followed by the Holiday Night Market and the golf cart parade later in the day.
Holiday Night Market
A holiday night market in Winter Garden's downtown, 4-8 PM, with local vendors, seasonal treats, and festive shopping, coinciding with the golf cart parade at 6 PM.
Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade
A holiday golf cart parade through downtown Winter Garden at 6 PM, a family-friendly twist on the day's Christmas festivities.
Clermont Christmas Parade
Clermont's Christmas parade with the theme 'Christmas Rewind: Holiday Mixtape' steps off at 10 AM from Waterfront Park through historic downtown. Free.
74th Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade
Central Florida's oldest continuous holiday parade, 9-10:30 AM on Park Avenue, with more than 80 participating groups.
Tavares Christmas Parade & Celebration
Tavares' Christmas Parade and Festival on Dec 5 with festivities from 5 PM in historic downtown, including the parade, ice skating, snowstorms, a movie in the park, Santa, and food vendors.
Holidays on Central
Winter Haven's downtown holiday celebration with 100-plus vendors, live entertainment, free Santa photos, and holiday treats in Central Park.
Light Up the Holidays at Cranes Roost
Altamonte Springs' free holiday celebration at Cranes Roost Park on Dec 5, 5-9 PM, with the tree lighting, entertainment, and family activities around the lakefront park.
Haines City Christmas Parade & Glitter, Glisten & Snow
Haines City's Christmas parade, themed 'Glitter, Glisten, & Snow,' steps off at 6 PM, followed by the 31-foot tree lighting celebration at Lake Eva Park, 7-9 PM, with Santa and food trucks.
Flight Before Christmas
A family holiday open house at the Florida Air Museum at SUN 'n FUN, 4-8 PM, with aviation-themed activities and holiday fun.
Sanford Christmas Parade
Sanford's longest-running nighttime parade steps off the first Monday of December, Dec 7, through downtown. See the city's page for the route and start time.
Seasonal/Holiday
(17 events)SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration runs on select nights with holiday shows, lights, seasonal treats, and fireworks through Jan 4. Included with park admission.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom's separately ticketed holiday party returns with Christmas entertainment, snow on Main Street, and holiday fireworks on select nights from Nov 8 through Dec 22, 7 PM to midnight (ticket holders may enter from 4 PM).
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
The resort-wide holiday celebration runs Nov 13 through Jan 3 with ICE! featuring The Polar Express, about 2 million pounds of carved ice, a two-story ice slide, millions of Christmas lights, an Alpine Village, holiday shows, and family activities.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
The zoo's illuminated evening path winds along a 3/4-mile loop with large-scale lanterns themed to wildlife, space, and folklore, on select nights 6-10 PM through Jan 17. Timed-entry tickets in advance.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal's holiday season runs Nov 14 through Jan 3 with Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the holiday parade, now spanning all three parks including Epic Universe.
Holiday Nights at the Promenade
Kissimmee's Sunset Walk holiday nights run select evenings Nov 19 through Dec 25, 6-10 PM, with the 6:30 PM lighting of a 40-foot animated Christmas tree, Santa visits, and a holiday market. Free admission and parking.
Light Up Mount Dora
Mount Dora's holiday kickoff, 4:30-8:30 PM at Elizabeth Evans Park, with the downtown lights switch-on, a drone show, fireworks, Santa, entertainment, and food vendors.
Haven Holiday Market
Winter Haven's 12th annual holiday market with more than 250 local makers, gourmet foods, food trucks, live music, and a kids' area, 10 AM-4 PM. Free and pet-friendly.
Enchanted Forest of Trees
A walk-through display of about 100 decorated Christmas trees at Victory Pointe in Clermont, open Nov 21 through Jan 2. Check the city's events page for hours and admission details.
LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular
LEGOLAND's holiday celebration with a 30-foot brick Christmas tree, an interactive Festive Light Trail, a drone show, and family activities on select dates from Nov 21 through Jan 3. Included with park admission.
Winter Haven Starlight Nights
Downtown Winter Haven's free holiday lights tradition around Central Park, with about 22,000 lights nightly 5:30-10 PM from Nov 26 through Jan 7, per Main Street Winter Haven.
Holidays on Park
Winter Park's holiday season on Park Avenue runs Nov 27 through Jan 3, with the Cathedral of Lights, a holiday carousel, and live entertainment along the avenue.
Frontyard Holiday Festival
A free outdoor plaza holiday festival at the Dr. Phillips Center, Nov 27 through Dec 31, with lights, entertainment, food trucks, and family activities in the arts district.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
The Festival of the Holidays opens the day after Thanksgiving with holiday storytellers, the cookie stroll, and the nightly Candlelight Processional, through Dec 30. Included with EPCOT admission.
Now Snowing at Celebration
Engineered snowfall falls over Celebration's Town Center on select nights Nov 28 through Dec 31, with holiday music and decorated storefronts around the main square.
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland
The riverside venue's Winter Wonderland runs Nov 29 through Dec 25 with $5 admission, nightly snow flurries, a Christmas tree forest, outdoor holiday movies, and Santa visits on select days.
Eola Wonderland & the Merry Market
The 72-foot Eola Wonderland tree and its surrounding trees stay lit nightly from Dec 4 through Jan 6, and the Merry Market opens Friday-Sunday evenings through December with local vendors, sweets, and holiday drinks.
Ongoing and Recurring
Farmers Markets
- Orlando: Orlando Farmers Market, Sundays 10 AM-3 PM at the southeast corner of Lake Eola Park, running since 1987 with dates confirmed through Dec 27 official page
- Winter Park: Winter Park Farmers' Market, Saturdays 8 AM-1 PM on the Central Park West Meadow at 150 N New York Ave official page
- Winter Garden: Winter Garden Farmers Market, Saturdays 8 AM-1 PM at the Downtown Pavilion, 104 S Lakeview Ave official page
- Lakeland: Downtown Farmers Curb Market, Saturdays 8 AM-2 PM on N Kentucky Ave, running Nov 14 through Dec 26 market page
- Mount Dora: Mount Dora Village Market, Sundays 9 AM-2 PM at Sunset Park, 230 W 4th Ave city calendar
- Sanford: Downtown Farmers Market, Saturdays 10 AM-3 PM at Magnolia Square, 150 E 1st St city page
- Kissimmee: Farmers market on the first Friday of each month, 5-8 PM in historic downtown (Dec 4)
- Recurring schedules can shift around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, so check each market's official page before you go.
Holiday Kickoff Week (Dec 3-7)
- Dec 3: the 45th Lakeland Christmas Parade, 7-9 PM with fireworks over Lake Mirror official page; Christmas in the Park in Winter Park (6:15-8:30 PM); the Oviedo Little Drummer tree lighting (7-9 PM); Winter Haven's city tree lighting (6 PM); and Auburndale's Lights in the Park (5:30-8:30 PM)
- Dec 4: the biggest tree-lighting night of the season: Orlando at Lake Eola (5:30-9:30 PM), Light Up Winter Garden (6-9 PM), Winter on the Avenue in Winter Park (5-9 PM), Light Up Clermont (5:30-9 PM), the Mount Dora Christmas Walk (6-9 PM), St. Cloud and Apopka, Lakeland's First Friday Holiday Spectacular, and Winter Haven's Havendale parade; plus the Kissimmee Farmers Market first Friday
- Dec 5: Christmas parades in Mount Dora, Winter Garden, Clermont, Winter Park, Haines City, and Tavares; Winter Garden's Holiday Night Market and golf cart parade; the Mount Dora and Winter Haven boat parades; Holidays on Central in Winter Haven; Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs; Winter Springs' 44th Winter Wonderland; and Flight Before Christmas at Lakeland's Florida Air Museum
- Dec 6: Light Up Venetian Gardens & Boat Parade in Leesburg (5-8 PM at Ski Beach Park), the K92.3 Jingle Jam at the Apopka Amphitheater, and the Merry Makers Market in Lakeland
- Dec 7: Sanford's Christmas Parade, its longest-running nighttime parade, on the first Monday of December
- Every event above is listed in the calendar with its official link.
Fall Farms and Pumpkin Patches
- Southern Hill Farms: pumpkin patch, corn maze, and farm activities on select Thursdays and every Friday through Sunday through Nov 22, 16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont official page
- Thanksgiving week is the final stretch for most Central Florida farm festivals, so check the farm's calendar before heading out.
Thanksgiving Week
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving): four turkey trots to choose from: the 37th Seniors First Turkey Trot at Lake Eola Park in Orlando (8 AM, free kids' Tot Trot at 9:15 AM) official page, the Avalon Park Foundation Turkey Trot at Avalon Park Town Park (8 AM), the AdventHealth Groveland Turkey Trot at Cherry Lake Park (7:15 AM), and the Golden Triangle YMCA Turkey Trot in Tavares
- Nov 27: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays opens at Walt Disney World official page; Holidays on Park lights up Winter Park's Park Avenue; the Frontyard Holiday Festival opens at the Dr. Phillips Center; the Orlando Christmas Market runs at Dezerland Park; and Light Up Eustis kicks off in Lake County
- Nov 28-29: FusionFest at Loch Haven Park, the Kissimmee tree lighting, Lakeland's Small Business Saturday craft bazaar, for KING & COUNTRY at the Kia Center, and LEGOLAND and SeaWorld keep their holiday events going
New Openings and Food News
- Pinstripes Orlando reopens Nov 11: the two-story entertainment venue returns at Vineland Pointe, 11643 Daryl Carter Pkwy, under new ownership, with bowling, bocce, games, and dining. details
- Saucy! by KFC: the crispy-chicken-sandwich concept opened Nov 7 at Phillips Crossings in Winter Garden, its sixth Orlando-area location. details
- Ravah Culinary Emporium: an artisanal bakery, coffee house, market, butcher shop, and restaurant opening this month at 8800 Seidel Rd. details
- Chaska: a Pakistani street-food spot from the Koyla family, now open at 8379 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando. details
- The Parramore Market: Orlando's first micro grocery store, now open at 536 N Westmoreland Dr. details
- Ceviche Arigato: a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant opening in December at 4898 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando. details
- Mavi Turkish Aegean Kitchen and Bar: a Turkish restaurant and bar planned for a December opening at 100 S Eola Dr, downtown Orlando. details
- UniMart No. 2: a Japanese-style konbini from chef William Shen opening in December at the Center of Winter Park, 501 N Orlando Ave. details
- Pacchioni's Cheesesteaks & Pizza: the brand's first brick-and-mortar takes over the former Pizza Bruno space at 2429 Edgewater Dr in College Park, targeted for year-end. details
Live Music and Shows
- The Neighbourhood: Kia Center, Nov 11. tickets
- Vans Warped Tour Orlando: Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field, Nov 14-15, with a two-day lineup of about 130 acts headlined by Sublime, Jimmy Eat World, Simple Plan, Third Eye Blind, Dropkick Murphys, 3OH!3, Taking Back Sunday, and Sleeping With Sirens. tickets
- Air Supply: A Matter of Time 50th Anniversary Tour at the Walt Disney Theater, Nov 19. tickets
- Lindsey Stirling: Walt Disney Theater, Nov 21. tickets
- for KING & COUNTRY: Kia Center, Nov 28. tickets
- Stage: Orlando Shakes' A Christmas Carol runs Nov 25-Dec 24, and the Orlando Ballet's The Nutcracker opens Dec 4 at Steinmetz Hall.
Just Beyond This Window
- Dec 11: Sanford Joyfest, a free holiday party with Santa at Magnolia Square, 6-8 PM; Howey-in-the-Hills Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting; and Bartow's Magical Illumination Christmas Parade at 6 PM
- Dec 12: Sanford Parade of Lights (6-8 PM) and St. Lucia Festival at the Museum of Seminole County History; Leesburg Christmas Festival and 59th Christmas Parade; Apopka's 50th Christmas Parade (10 AM) plus the Johnny Wild holiday concert at Kit Land Nelson Park (5-7 PM); Oviedo WinterFest; Ocoee's Jolly Jamboree and Tree Lighting (1-7 PM); and Davenport's Christmas Parade and Winterfest
- Dec 14-31: Light Up BSP, free holiday light displays through the gardens at Bonnet Springs Park, Lakeland, 6-8:30 PM (closed Dec 25)
- Dec 15-23: Ariana Village Christmas Lights, a free drive-through neighborhood display in Lakeland
- Dec 19: St. Johns River Holiday Boat Parade on the Sanford RiverWalk, 5-8 PM, and The Oak 12Ks of Christmas in Apopka
Moving to Central Florida?
Whether you are moving from another state or just exploring different communities, understanding local events and lifestyle is an important part of choosing where to live. Tyler Gibson can help you find a home near the places you love.
Mark Your Calendar: November 11 - December 8, 2026
The window opens with Veterans Day on Nov 11, with Ocoee's ceremony and fireworks at Bill Breeze Park, a parade along Main Street in Leesburg, and a ceremony at Sanford's Veterans Memorial Park. The Volusia County Fair closes its run Nov 15 in DeLand, and Southern Hill Farms' fall festival in Clermont wraps up Nov 22. The weekend of Nov 14-15 is packed: the Vans Warped Tour at Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field with about 130 acts, the 11th Orlando Beer Festival at Lake Eola, the Florida Coffee Festival at Festival Park, the 53rd Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, the Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art (Nov 14-22), Oviedo's 52nd Great Day in the Country, and The Neighbourhood's show at the Kia Center. Mid-month music includes Air Supply and Lindsey Stirling at the Walt Disney Theater, and Lakeland kicks off its holiday season Nov 20 with the Salvation Army tree lighting at Lakeside Village. Thanksgiving week lines up four turkey trots on Nov 26 (Seniors First at Lake Eola, Avalon Park, Groveland, and Tavares), then the holiday half of the month opens Nov 27 with the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, Holidays on Park in Winter Park, the Frontyard Holiday Festival at the Dr. Phillips Center, the Orlando Christmas Market at Dezerland, and Light Up Eustis. Nov 28-29 brings FusionFest at Loch Haven Park, Kissimmee's tree lighting, Lakeland's Small Business Saturday craft bazaar, for KING and COUNTRY at the Kia Center, and the Orlando Ballet season ahead. The first week of December is tree-lighting week across Central Florida: the 45th Lakeland Christmas Parade, Christmas in the Park in Winter Park, Oviedo's Little Drummer lighting, Winter Haven's city tree lighting, and Auburndale's Lights in the Park on Dec 3; then Dec 4 stacks the Orlando tree lighting at Lake Eola (with the 72-foot Eola Wonderland tree and the Merry Market), Light Up Winter Garden, Winter on the Avenue, Light Up Clermont, the Mount Dora Christmas Walk, St. Cloud and Apopka, and Lakeland's First Friday Holiday Spectacular; Dec 5 brings Christmas parades in Mount Dora, Winter Garden, Clermont, Winter Park, Haines City, and Tavares, plus boat parades in Mount Dora and Winter Haven, Holidays on Central, Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs, and Winter Springs' 44th Winter Wonderland; Dec 6 finishes the week with Leesburg's Light Up Venetian Gardens, the K92.3 Jingle Jam in Apopka, and the Merry Makers Market in Lakeland; and Dec 7 closes the window with Sanford's Christmas Parade. Long-running holiday seasons are in full swing: SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Nov 8-Dec 22), Christmas at Gaylord Palms, the Asian Lantern Festival in Sanford, Holidays at Universal, Holiday Nights at the Promenade, Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens (from Nov 20), and Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland (from Nov 29). Restaurants and venues to watch: Pinstripes reopens Nov 11 near Disney, Saucy! by KFC is open in Winter Garden, Ravah Culinary Emporium debuts at 8800 Seidel Rd, Ceviche Arigato and Mavi Turkish arrive in December, and Pacchioni's targets year-end in College Park.
Disclaimer: Event information is gathered from publicly available sources and is subject to change. Always verify event dates, times, locations, ticket availability, and age and entry requirements directly with the official event organizers before attending. This page is re-researched on each update, and events that have passed or can no longer be verified are removed.
Written by Tyler Gibson, Realtor, Investor, Team Leader, GPG | LPT Realty, FL License 3454664. Moved to Orlando in 2012. Se habla espanol.