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The Florida Mall offers endless things to do for kids, including enjoying a meal at the American Girl store. Photo by author
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Experience the illuminating Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo by the author
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The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens transforms into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at night! Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Challenge yourself on the walking beams at Hidden Waters Preserve.
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Hanukkah Begins, Christmas Festivals & Parades, and More Fun Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

Skip the reindeer this holiday season; spend Christmas with Santa and his gators at Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down this weekend!
Skip the reindeer this holiday season; spend Christmas with Santa and his gators at Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down this weekend!
12/10/25 - By Charlotte B

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

Orlando families, this weekend is bursting with holiday magic, free outdoor movies, twinkling boat parades, and more! Families can enjoy festive fun at Christmas on the Farm at Southern Hill Farms, Oviedo Winterfest, Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down, and Lake Nona's Oh What Fun! Holiday Festival. Saturday night sparkles bright with two dazzling parades on the water: Light Up the Lake Boat Parade in Orlando and the Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade. With the start of Hanukkah on Sunday night, snow play in Mount Dora, and movies nights, this is one weekend Central Florida families won’t want to miss. See below for all the details!

More Things To Do in Orlando this Week with Kids

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Best Things to Do This Weekend in Orlando with Kids

2nd Friday Block Party at Lake David

Groveland - FREE
Friday, December 12
Each month, you can expect a variety of retail vendors, food trucks, live music (DJ and/or bands), and a fun kid zone to keep the little ones entertained.  READ MORE

Celebrate the Season at Reiter Park

Longwood - FREE
Friday, December 12
Join the festivities at the City of Longwood's annual Celebrate the Season event. This holiday street party features an array of activities, including photo opportunities with Santa, music by DJ Dennis, live performances, kids activities, and more. READ MORE

Free Movie in the Park - Meadow Woods Park

Orlando - FREE
Friday, December 12
Orange County Parks & Recreation is hosting a free movie night at Meadow Woods Park, showing Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (rated PG). READ MORE

OCLS Hot Chocolate Adventure

Orlando - FREE
Friday, December 12
Betty the Yeti's hot cocoa has gone missing. Do you have what it takes to solve the puzzles and unravel the mystery to find some hot chocolate?  READ MORE

Christmas on the Farm at Southern Hill Farms

Clermont
December 12-14
At Christmas on the Farm Christmas Festival events, enjoy festive fun for the whole family, including snow showers, holiday movies, seasonal treats, Christmas shopping in the Southern Hill Farms Merry Market, and more. READ MORE

Apopka Christmas Parade

Apopka - FREE
Saturday, December 13
Get ready for one of Apopka’s most beloved holiday traditions—the 49th Annual Apopka Christmas Parade! This year’s theme, "Miracle on Park Avenue," will bring the magic of the season to life with dazzling floats, marching bands, local organizations, and a special appearance from Santa Claus himself. READ MORE

Kid$ Bi$ Children's Business Fair

Orlando
Saturday, December 13
Support young entrepreneurs at this one-day marketplace. Kids develop their brand and create a product or service as well as a marketing strategy for this event. READ MORE

Kissimmee Festival of Lights

Kissimmee - FREE
Saturday, December 13
Light up your holiday season at Festival of Lights in downtown Kissimmee! Visit for an evening filled with holiday spirit, family fun, and community joy. This magical event brings together residents, businesses, and groups from across the city to illuminate the streets with spectacular floats and festive displays. READ MORE

Light Up the Lake Boat Parade

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, December 13
Enjoy lights and festivities at this event, with food trucks and Rock Mobsters playing from 6-10pm, and a boat parade at 7:30pm. READ MORE

Maitland Movie in the Park

Maitland - FREE
Saturday, December 13
Maitland's Movies in the Park presents a monthly family-friendly movie under the stars at Independence Square Park next to City Hall. READ MORE

Mount Dora Snow in the Park

Mount Dora - FREE
Saturday, December 13
This annual holiday event includes snow sledding in Donnelly Park, food, music, and other holiday festivities. READ MORE

Oviedo Winterfest

Oviedo
Saturday, December 13
Fresh from the North Pole, tons of fun await at Center Lake Park! With the purchase of an all-inclusive wristband, you will have unlimited access to all the different activities, rides, and attractions. READ MORE

Sanford Christmas Parade of Lights

Sanford - FREE
Saturday, December 13
Bring the family out for an evening of festive fun at the annual downtown Sanford Christmas parade. Witness illuminated floats, dazzling vehicles, vibrant dance groups, and marching bands by local schools, businesses, and community organizations showcasing their holiday spirit along the one-mile route. READ MORE

Violectric Holiday Show

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, December 13
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 at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. READ MORE

Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade

Winter Park - FREE
Saturday, December 13
The Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of Winter Park and the city's Natural Resources & Sustainability Department, sets sail on Saturday, December 13, at 6 p.m. READ MORE

Chanukah on the Park

Winter Park - FREE
Sunday, December 14
Get ready for one of Central Florida's largest Chanukah celebrations! This annual outdoor festival brings together the entire community for a fun evening of music and joy to kick off the first night of Chanukah. READ MORE

Free Family Funday at the Mennello Museum

Orlando - FREE
Sunday, December 14
On the second Sunday of every month, the Mennello Museum offers Family Funday, with free admission, hourly docent-led tours, and a fine arts project. READ MORE

Lake Eola Holiday Sensory Night

Downtown Orlando - FREE
Sunday, December 14
Enjoy the magic of the holidays in a sensory-friendly environment, with low/no music, fidget spinners, noise-canceling headphones, Santa visits, and train rides. READ MORE

Promenade at Sunset Walk's Toy Drive Car & Truck Show

Kissimmee
Sunday, December 14
The Promenade at Sunset Walk, in partnership with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, is hosting a Toy Drive Car & Truck Show. The event features appearances by Santa Claus, music by DJ Jennifer, and prizes for car owners, including a resort stay and Merchant's Choice Trophies. READ MORE

Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down

Orlando
Weekends through December 21
Gatorland's signature holiday extravaganza unfolds with a delightful mix of holiday tunes, festive displays, interactive characters, and seasonal treats available for purchase. Capture the essence of a Floridian holiday by snapping a photo with Gator Claus aboard his swamp-worthy sleigh. Meet the mischievous Krampus Croc and sing along with the Florida Skunk Ape as he performs his favorite “Cryptid carols.” READ MORE

Amber Brooke Farms Winter Fest

Eustis
Select days through December 21
Celebrate the magic of the season at Amber Brooke Farms! At the annual Winter Festival, holiday cheer meets farm fun. Enjoy a festive day filled with Santa visits, face painting, play areas, u-pick strawberries and flowers, and more. READ MORE

Oh What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival

Lake Nona
Select days through December 21
Oh, What Fun! returns to Lake Nona Town Center this December! Visit Peppermint Square (Lake Nona Town Center) for a magical holiday festival filled with nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, local vendors, festive treats, and endless photo ops, including a towering 24-foot Christmas tree. READ MORE

More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Orlando: Christmas Meals at Orlando Theme Parks

You deserve a great holiday meal...here's what's open Christmas Day! READ MORE

A Guide to The Florida Mall for Orlando Kids

The Florida Mall goes beyond just shopping --kids will LOVE it! READ MORE

Is Disney Jollywood Nights Good for Kids? Here’s What to Know!

Disney Jollywood Nights is the ultimate nighttime holiday party! READ MORE

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Orlando

Give the gift of light this holiday season at Orlando Christmas light shows! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Apopka Christmas Parade Route
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Walt Disney World - Hollywood Studios

About the Author

Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
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