With the holiday season rapidly approaching, now is the time to make your plans to celebrate the season in style. Across Central Florida, there are a number of festive events taking place, from longtime traditions to new events sure to put a smile on your face. Check out this guide to see what’s going on in the local communities and at the theme parks.

Now through Dec. 5 

Pet Night With Santa 

Bring your furry friends to get their pictures taken with Santa. Reserve your spot online to ensure you capture your perfect portrait with family and friends. 

Altamonte Mall, 4-7 p.m., $39.99-49.99, Altamonte Springs, AltamonteMall.com

Now through Dec. 22

True North: A Magical New Holiday Musical

This brand new holiday musical takes the audience through a magical and insightful story about being authentic, accepting change and holding an unwavering hope in the magic of Christmas. 

The Orlando Rep, times vary, $15-35, Orlando, OrlandoRep.com

Now through Jan. 1

Night of A Million Lights

A fun, interactive experience for the whole family, guests can enjoy various light displays, lots of live entertainment and some holiday treats. 

Give Kids the World Village, 6-11 p.m., adult tickets range $30-40 children tickets range $15-20 

Christmas Nights in Lights 

This drive-thru winter wonderland is more than a mile long and features more than one million lights in a dazzling holiday display. 

Dezerland, $41-49, 6-10 p.m., Orlando, NightsInLights.com

Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort 

Check out this impressive attraction that is the work of 40 ice artists who have used more than 1,000 tons of ice to create hand-carved sculptures of scenes from How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Gaylord Palms Resort, times vary, $24.99-44.99, Kissimmee, ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.marriott.com

Now through Jan. 31

St. Augustine Night of Lights

Listed as one of the top ten holiday light displays in the world, the Night of Lights glows downtown St. Augustine from the ground to the rooftops.

Downtown St. Augustine, 6 p.m., free, FloridasHistoricCoast.com

Nov. 30 through Dec. 30 

A Christmas Carol 

Follow along on the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas and discovers the true meaning of the holiday spirit. 

Orlando Shakes, times vary, $34.65-59.85, Orlando, OrlandoShakes.org 

Dec. 1

I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting

Check out I-Drive’s 50-foot holiday tree and enjoy an immersive experience from the comfort of your vehicle.

ICON Park, 6 p.m., free, Orlando, InternationalDriveOrlando.com

Dec. 2-4 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.

The classic tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer comes to life on stage highlighting an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m., $10, Orlando, St.Lukes.org

Dec. 2-3 

A Big Band Christmas

Check out a 40-piece big band that will help ring in the holiday season with a night full of classic holiday songs. 

Lake Buena Vista High School, $10-15, Orlando, CFCArts.com

Dec. 2

Light Up Winter Garden 2022

The 35th annual Light Up Winter Garden will kick off downtown’s 38 days of “Tis the Season.”

City Hall, 6-9 p.m., free, Winter Garden, CWGDN.com

Dec. 2-18

The Nutcracker 

The Orlando Ballet hits the stage to present its rendition of the traditional holiday classic which appeals to audiences young and old alike. 

Steinmetz Hall, 2 & 7:30 p.m., $29, Orlando, OrlandoBallet.org

Dec. 2-30 

Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island 

Tree lighting, “snow flurries,” visits from Santa, sledding, performers, holiday activities and more are on tap during this nearly month-long celebration.

Wekiva Island, times vary, $2, Longwood, WekivaIsland.com

Dec. 3 

Musical Mayhem Family Day 

Rock out with the whole family and view the latest special exhibition, Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground. 

Orange County Regional History Center, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., free, Orlando, TheHistoryCenter.org

Longwood Christmas Parade 

Come join in on the fun at the annual Longwood Christmas Parade where guests will enjoy the procession of seasonal characters, live bands and much more.

North Ronald Reagan Boulevard, 3 p.m., free, Longwood, LongWoodFL.org

The Santa Paws Experience 

Bring your furry friends out for the chance to meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy some fresh dog-nog and get a professional photo taken.

Happy Trails Animal Rescue, 1-4 p.m., $25, Orlando, HappyTrailsAnimalRescue.com

Family Art Adventures: Winter Fun  

Tap into your family’s creative side by painting a snowy scene together at this library event which is recommended for families with children ages 3 to 12.

Orange County Library System, Alafaya branch, 11 a.m., free, OCLS.info

A Christmas Carol 

Broadway and film actor Duffy Hudson, without the aid of props and costumes while playing all 30 characters, brings this classic tale to life.

Orlando Public Library, Library Central, 2 p.m., free, Orlando, OCLS.info

Dec. 4-Dec. 30 

The DeLand Christmas Light Show 

View more than 10,000 LED lights from your car and listen over the radio as the music coincides with the illuminated display. 

Stetson Baptist Church, 5:30-9 p.m., free, DeLand, StetsonBaptistChurch.org

Dec. 7-24

Oh, What Fun! 

Lake Nona Town Center is transformed into a winter showcase with a calendar full of celebrations and events.

Lake Nona Town Center, times vary, free, Lake Nona, OhWhatFunLakeNona.com

Dec. 8

Holiday Boutique Stroll

Make your way through downtown Winter Garden to pick up some last-minute gifts as carolers fill the air with traditional holiday songs.

Historic Downtown Winter Garden, 5-8 p.m., free, Winter Garden, CWGDN.com

Dec. 10

10th Annual Violectric Holiday Show

This 90-minute concert performed by violinist Michelle Jones will feature traditional holiday songs mashed up with classic rock tunes.

Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 7 p.m., free, Orlando, Violectric.net

Jolly Jamboree & Tree Lighting

This event features a Santa’s Village, a kids’ zone, the countdown to the three lighting and lots of other family friendly activities.

Downtown Ocoee, 4-9 p.m., free, Ocoee.org

Holiday Golf Cart Street Parade

Sherwood Forest RV Resort residents will present their personal golf carts, decorated for the holiday season.

Old Town, 6:30 p.m., Kissimmee, MyOldTownUSA.com

Breakfast With Santa

Come out to Wekiva Island and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with your family and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Wekiva Island, 9 a.m.-noon, $12.95-17.95, Longwood, WekivaIsland.com

Holiday on the Drive Parade 

The first-ever “Holiday on the Drive Parade” invites the community to celebrate the season with a special guest: Santa.

Edgewater Drive, 5 p.m., free, Orlando, CollegeParkMainStreet.com

Dec. 10-11

The Nutcracker

Russian Ballet Orlando brings this timeless classic to the stage for two special performances at the Polk Theater. The first two shows will also feature a live orchestra playing Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.

The Polk Theater, Dec. 10, 2 & 7 p.m., Dec. 11, 3 p.m., prices vary, Lakeland, RussianBalletOrlando.org

Dec. 11

Toy Drive & Truck Show 

Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk, Marine Corps Reserve and Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in support of Toys for Tots. Visitors are asked to bring at least two toys for donation.

Promenade at Sunset Walk, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., free, Kissimmee, SunsetWalk.com

Music in the Library: Dickens Holiday Celebration 

Enjoy some fun and festive holiday songs performed by the Orlando Dickens Carolers. 

Orlando Public Library, Library Central, 2 p.m. free, Orlando, OCLS.Info

Dec. 14

Orlando Gay Chorus presents: A HoliGAY Spectacular

Enjoy hearing some old favorites along with pop hits and campy holiday tunes at this special one-night only performance. Attendees are asked to bring a new unwrapped gift as a donation for Toys for Tots.

The Ritz Theater, 7:30-9:30 p.m., $23-30, Sanford, RitzTheaterSanford.com

Dec. 15-16

Winter Wonderland

This year’s Winter Wonderland concert will feature holiday favorites including “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” “White Christmas,” “Frosty the Snowman” and lots of other sing-along hits.

Northland Church, 7:30 p.m., $10-25, Longwood, CFCArts.com

Dec. 15 -Dec. 30

Magic of McKee Festival of Lights 

There’s no shortage of entertainment at this festival. Guests can take in an outdoor holiday movie, listen to live music or explore The Garden—an area illuminated with LED lights and featuring festive displays and decorations.

McKee Botanical Garden, 6-8 p.m., $10-15, Vero Beach, MckeeGarden.org

Dec. 16

Holiday Movie & Food Truck Night

Join the town of Windermere for an outdoor holiday movie at Town Square Park and enjoy multiple food trucks serving up a variety of grub.

Town Square Park, 6-9:30 p.m., free, Windermere, Town.Windermere.Fl.us

Dec. 16-17

Elf the Musical

The story of Buddy the Elf comes alive on stage as he travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his real family and, along the way, bring the spirit of Christmas back to life. 

Trinity Preparatory School Auditorium, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Dec. 17 2 and 7 p.m., $5-25, Winter Park, CFCArts.com

Dec. 17 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Join The Trans-Siberian Orchestra for their special show “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” 

Amway Center, 3 and 7:30 p.m., prices vary, Orlando, AmwayCenter.com

Home for the Holidays 

The Florida Philharmonia Orchestra will have audience members in the holiday spirit with the sounds of the season.

The Clermont Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m., $20-30, Clermont, ClermontPerformingArts.com

A Christmas Carol & Canterville Ghost

Ring in the holidays with critically acclaimed Victorian horror troupe Phantasmagoria as they perform the classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, along with Oscar Wilde’s humorous short story, The Canterville Ghost.

The Ritz Theater, 7:30 p.m., $23-30, Sanford, RitzTheaterSanford.com

Dec. 19-20 

Clara’s Christmas Adventures 

The Skyra Foundation presents Clara’s Christmas Adventure, a full-length production of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. 

Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, 2 and 7 p.m., $30, Orlando, DrPhillipsCenter.org

At the Parks 

LEGOLAND 

Holidays at Legoland Florida Resort

Experience the holidays as you explore FUNderland, visit the giant Lego Christmas tree, meet Lego Santa, try some delicious treats and catch a holiday show. 

This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Dec. 31.

SEAWORLD ORLANDO 

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

See the park transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, holiday shows and entertainment, a visit from Santa and holiday treats. 

This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Jan. 3.

Dec. 10 

Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run 

You and your family can walk or run the festive 3-mile route through SeaWorld and enjoy holiday treats at the finish.

7:15 a.m., $33-43, TrackShack.com

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO 

Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure 

“Seuss Landing” will be transformed into Dr. Seuss’s Whoville, with a live show, music and photo opportunity with The Grinch. 

This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Jan. 1 

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

Catch oversized balloons floating high above the streets and featuring some of your favorite characters from Despicable Me, Shrek and more.

This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Jan. 1

Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 

Fans of all things Harry Potter will certainly enjoy the festive décor, live performances, hot “Butterbeer” and other themed celebrations. 

This event is included in regular park admission and runs through Jan. 1

ICON PARK

The Santa Workshop Experience 

Take photos with Santa and enjoy festivities across the park, which has been transformed into a holiday escape with lots of festivities for the entire family. 

This event runs nightly through Dec. 26.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Back for the 2022 holiday season, this celebration with Mickey and his friends will feature live entertainment, a parade, a large fireworks display and more.

This event takes place on select nights through Dec. 22 and separate special event tickets, ranging from $169-$179, are required.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Celebrate the various holiday traditions of the 11 countries represented as part of the park’s World Showcase. 

This event runs nightly through Dec. 30