The 23 best ways to see Christmas lights in Orlando this holiday season

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

6000 Osceola Pkwy.
November 21, 2017 - January 7, 2018

The Gaylord Palms atrium is already a sight for sore eyes, but during the holidays this hotel truly becomes the winter wonderland Orlando deserves.

Photo via Marriott

Christmas at the Leu House

1920 N. Forest Ave.
November 12, 2017 - January 3, 2018

The Leu Gardens has gets itself a makeover at Christmastime. Take a tour of Orlando’s most beloved home in its most festive iteration ever.

Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/Facebook

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

6000 Universal Blvd.
November 18, 2017 - January 6, 2018

Who doesn’t wish they could spend every Christmas at Hogwarts? While 75 degrees of Florida sunshine doesn’t exactly live up to the magic of haunted English castles, you can still relish in the Wizarding World’s Christmas light show at Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley.

Photo via Universal

Christmas Wonders

1642 Sunburst Way, Kissimmee
Through January 1, 2018

There isn't a square inch of this house without a Christmas light, and for that we applaud the Christmas Wonders house. See the impressive lights between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Photo via Christmas Wonders

Holiday Lights & Fountain Show at Crane’s Roost

274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs
December 2, 2017 - January 1, 2018

Spending the holidays at Crane’s Roost is classic in Central Florida. Starting at dusk, walk the trail with friends and family while you’re illuminated by large, colorful Christmas light displays.

Photo via Altamonte Springs

Cross Christmas

4241 N. Econlockhatchee Trl

A trip to the Cross Christmas holiday display will make you feel right at home…that is, if your home is shining with 75,000 lights. The large oak alone is wrapped up with 35,000 bright Christmas lights! See it nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Photo via Cross Christmas/Facebook

Deck the Downtown

Downtown Orlando
December 1 - December 31, 2017

Downtown Orlando districts are teaming up to deck-out shops and businesses in festive lights. Don’t worry if Downtown isn’t your scene; maps featuring participating businesses are available at the Downtown Information Center

Photo via Downtown Orlando/Facebook

Holidays at Disney Springs

1486 Buena Vista Dr.
November 10, 2017 - January 7, 2018

Disney Springs’ holiday festivities are a great way to enjoy theme park Christmas fun without splurging on ticket prices. Walk through the Christmas tree trail with Disney-themed trees, falling snow and music.

Photo via kyleeyalexandra/Instagram

Garden Grove Lights

Garden Grove neighborhood

Easily one of the most spectacular residential Christmas light creations you’ll ever see. It’s well-worth the drive through the neighborhood, though you’ll probably want to step out of your car and stand in awe.

Photo via Gary Kennedy/Youtube

Lake Nona Lights

9800 Old Patina Way
November 23, 2017 - January 1, 2018

The Lake Nona Lights started out with two dudes just wanting to make a killer light show. Afters months of construction, Central Floridians flood the neighborhood to see the house that blasts holiday tunes to an unforgettable light show. Catch it from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night.

Photo via Lake Nona Lights/Facebook

Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show

512 E. Washington St.
December 1, 2017 - January 6, 2018

The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show is an Orlando favorite. If you head out to this holiday display, be sure to stroll through the tunnel of lights for an unforgettable experience. See the synchronized light and music show at the hour between 5:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

Photo via cuzzintruckphotos/Instagram

Light Up UCF

12777 Gemini Blvd.
November 17 - December 31, 2017

This slice of the UCF campus transforms into a wickedly fun winter theme park. It’s the perfect backdrop for a night to remember with friends. Hop on the ferris wheel or try to keep balanced while ice skating.

Photo via Light Up UCF/Facebook

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

1180 Seven Seas Dr., Lake Buena Vista
November 9 - December 22, 2017

If you want to score some major points with the family, get a few tickets for the Magic Kingdom event. With the park lit up in 5,500 Christmas lights and decorations, it’s arguably the best time of the year for residents to visit Main Street.

Photo via pixievacations/Instagram

Now Snowing Celebration

701 Front St., Celebration
November 25 - December 31, 2017

Snow’s-a-fallin’ in Celebration and it’s just begging to be basked in. It’s not often that Floridians get to enjoy snow in any fashion, so get your snow angels in while you can.

Photo via paulajschmitt/Instagram

Retro City Christmas Lights Ride

1806 N. Orange Ave.
Saturday, December 16; 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Ride in style with fellow bikers at Retro City Cycle’s annual Christmas Light Ride. This colorful event brings out tons of festive bicyclists of all skill levels for a ride through Ivanhoe Village and College Park — and for a good cause, too.

Photo via Retro City Cycles/Facebook

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village

413 N. Alafaya Trail
December 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018

It’s not officially Christmas until you take the family to the carnival. Bask in all of the holiday food, amusement park rides, and Christmas lights the village has to offer.

Photo via candidlyshady/Instagram

Singing Christmas Trees

3000 S. John Young Pkwy
December 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17

A large, boisterous choir sing all the holiday classics around two 40-feet tall Christmas trees. If that’s not exciting enough, then how about the 250,000 Christmas lights to boot? Presentations are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Photo via First Baptist Orlando

Stetson Mansion

1031 Camphor Lane, Deland
November 15, 2017 - January 15, 2018

There’s the way your mom decorates her house, and then there’s the way the Stetson Mansion decks the halls. Taking a tour of this vintage home is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Put on your festive walking shoes and take a tour at either 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. daily.

Photo via Stetson Mansion Tours/Facebook

River Grass Lights

River Grass Lane, Winter Garden
Starting on November 23, 2017; looping nightly from 5:40 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This year, ten houses are banding together to bring you one of Orlando’s most elaborate Christmas lights and music displays. Turn the radio to 99.5 FM when you get there and let the show begin.

Photo via River Grass Lights/Facebook

Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration

7007 Sea World Dr.
November 24 - December 31, 2017

During the holidays, the marine theme park turns into a lit-up Christmas extravaganza. The sea of trees at the lakeside Christmas market is a must for all holiday light aficionados.

Photo via justkate28/Instagram