6 Orlando Winter Events You Don't Want to Miss
Updated October 2, 2025 by Abigail Bass
Winter is one of the best seasons to be in Orlando.
Milder weather and smaller crowds are just a few of the perks of winter in Orlando. Plus, December is full of spectacular events to celebrate the spirit of the holidays in true Floridian style.
If you’re planning a trip to Central Florida this season, here are some of the Orlando winter events you’ll want to check out while you’re here.
Key Takeaways
- Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
- Oh, What Fun! Lake Nona
- Christkindlmarkt
- 48th Central Florida Scottish Highland Games
- NFL Pro Bowl Games
- Paws in the Park 2026
- Make Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando your Winter Event Destination in Orlando
Holiday Events
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 – Sunday, Jan. 5, 2026
Dazzling Nights is an incredible, immersive holiday celebration that transforms the Leu Gardens into a spectacular glowing wonderland.
As you walk through the gardens, you’ll explore areas illuminated with thousands of laser lights, paths adorned with hundreds of ornate Moroccan lanterns, and interactive lights that shine when you jump on them.
Take in a stunning show with one hundred 10-foot-tall beacons of light, and a towering tree covered in thousands of sparkling sequins.
Be sure to stop and enjoy the snow flurries for a special wintery touch.
Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be sure and order yours soon.
Oh, What Fun! Lake Nona
Friday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 21
Oh, What Fun! is an exciting festival that transforms Lake Nona Town Center into a winter wonderland affectionately known as Peppermint Square.
The family-friendly event takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Dec. 5 – 21.
On Fridays, enjoy Santa’s Toy Box Acrobatics Show with modern circus performers, gymnasts, aerialists, and other amazing talents.
Saturday Snow Days transform the town into “Lake Snow-na" with snow-themed entertainment and delicious icy treats.
Sundays are Family Fun Days with activities and entertainment everyone can enjoy.
Throughout the event, you can delight in story time, sing-alongs, and meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Cottage (with advanced reservations). There will also be a festive holiday market with rotating vendors, seasonal sweet treats, and plenty of fabulous photo-ops along the way.
Christkindlmarkt
Date and times TBD
An exciting new addition to the Orlando holiday events lineup is Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German Christmas Market presented by Orlando restaurant Schmankerl Stub’n.
Last year, the market was held at Luminary Green Park in downtown Orlando. Visitors browsed market stalls with vendors selling gifts, souvenirs, and artwork making perfect holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.
Indulgent, traditional German fare like glühwein (warm spiced wine), sausages, and fluffy beignets were served as live entertainment and festive Christmas music filled the air.
Even St. Nickolas was in attendance to celebrate the season with German traditions.
In 2024, guests could purchase tickets at the gate and were $1 for adults and free for children. Check back later this winter for updated pricing and details on this year’s festivities.
Beyond the Holidays
48th Central Florida Scottish Highland Games
Saturday, Jan. 17 – Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
Celebrate the centuries-old culture and traditions of Scotland at the 48th Central Florida Scottish Highland Games
The two-day event, held at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs, is hosted by the Scottish-American Society of Central Florida.
Watch as contestants compete in athletic events like hammer throw and sheaf toss, highland and country dance competitions, and shortbread and scone baking competitions.
Enjoy traditional sheep herding demonstrations and performances from nearly a dozen Celtic folk and fusion bands.
Kids can enjoy a variety of arts and crafts, face painting, and games like Haggis Hurl and Wellie Toss.
NFL Pro Bowl Games
Date and times TBD
Orlando may not have its own NFL team, but we do have the distinct honor of frequently hosting the NFL Pro Bowl in early February.
The event is a celebration of the NFL season’s biggest stars in the league. Over the course of several days, players from nearly every NFL team will compete in games and drills to showcase their talents, leading up to an exciting flag football game the weekend before Super Bowl LX.
Whichever team you cheer for throughout the season, you’re invited to be a spectator for this football-star-studded event traditionally held at Camping World Stadium. Be sure to check back later in the season for the most up-to-date information on this year’s competition.
Paws in the Park 2026
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026
Paws in the Park is the largest pet festival in the United States, and it’s held right here in downtown Orlando.
The event benefits the Pet Alliance, one of Orlando’s largest animal welfare agencies that provides shelter, fostering, veterinary care, and pet food pantry services to over 5,000 animals every year.
There are plenty of activities for dogs and humans at Paws in the Park. Four-legged friends will enjoy the Doggie Fun Zone, picture-perfect opportunities in the Kissing Booth, and a variety of fun contests. Human guests can wander through the vendor marketplace, unwind in the beer garden, and fuel up on food truck fare.
Feeling creative? Enter the Costume Contest (with a $20 donation to Pet Alliance) to win cash prizes and gift baskets that will let you spoil your furry friend as much as they deserve.
Looking for a new addition to the family? There will be plenty of adoptable animals in attendance, too.
Make Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando your Winter Event Destination in Orlando
Whether you’re coming to town for the holidays or a fun getaway in the new year, make Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando your home base.
Our convenient location puts you in the perfect spot to attend all of Orlando’s exciting seasonal events and celebrations.
We look forward to seeing you soon at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando.
