FLORIDA · GO MAKE A MEMORY
Explore the city beyond theme parks with one science stop and a lakefront option.
AN ANYTIME IDEA · SELF-GUIDED
Choose the stops that fit your day. These are our suggested activities, not a scheduled tour or a reservation.
Let each person choose one question they hope to answer. Reserve entry as needed and leave time for breaks.
On a separate drive downtown, choose a comfortable loop or short out-and-back and enjoy the lake views.
Use our guide to plan around Eolaween, Fall Fiesta in the Park or the December tree lighting, each on its listed date.
SEASONAL EVENTS · SOURCE-LINKED DATES
This season’s listings include earlier dates. Use the filtered calendar for upcoming dates and saved events. Organizer information can change; all times are local.
Dress up for games, crafts, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating and lakefront Halloween fun. A Quiet Zone offers a break, and Haunted Mansion screens outdoors at 7:30 p.m.
Sat, Oct 24, 2026
4-9 p.m. · local time
Lake Eola Park
Free admission; vendor purchases extra.
An outdoor arts-and-crafts weekend around Lake Eola, with food and family activities.
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 · Sun, Nov 8, 2026
10 a.m.–5 p.m. · local time
Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando
Free admission; food and shopping extra.
Count down to the city's Christmas tree lighting with holiday performances, food trucks, Santa visits and the Merry Market's local vendors.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026
5:30-9:30 p.m. · local time
Lake Eola Park, Washington Plaza
Free admission; purchases extra.
Watch the parade and stay for a ceremony and family activities honoring veterans and military families.
Sat, Nov 7, 2026
11 a.m.-1 p.m. · local time
Lake Nona Town Center
Free admission.
Explore holiday decorations, Grinchmas entertainment and the holiday parade across Universal's theme parks.
2026-11-14 – 2027-01-03
Park and entertainment schedules vary by date · local time
Universal Orlando Resort theme parks
Included with admission to the relevant theme park; tickets, parking and extras cost more.
Join the pregame celebration with interactive games, inflatables and face painting.
Sat, Jan 2, 2027
Starts at 8 a.m.; confirm closing time with organizer · local time
Tinker Field beside Camping World Stadium
Free Fan Fest admission; food, drinks, parking and game tickets separate.
Follow the unlikely friendship behind the witches of Oz in the touring Broadway musical.
Wed, Jan 6, 2027 · Thu, Jan 7, 2027 · Fri, Jan 8, 2027 · Sat, Jan 9, 2027 · Sun, Jan 10, 2027 · Tue, Jan 12, 2027 · Wed, Jan 13, 2027 · Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · Fri, Jan 15, 2027 · Sat, Jan 16, 2027 · Sun, Jan 17, 2027 · Tue, Jan 19, 2027 · Wed, Jan 20, 2027 · Thu, Jan 21, 2027 · Fri, Jan 22, 2027 · Sat, Jan 23, 2027 · Sun, Jan 24, 2027 · Tue, Jan 26, 2027 · Wed, Jan 27, 2027 · Thu, Jan 28, 2027 · Fri, Jan 29, 2027 · Sat, Jan 30, 2027 · Sun, Jan 31, 2027
Performance times vary; choose a listed matinee or evening show · local time
Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center
Paid reserved-seat tickets; prices vary by performance and seat.
Follow illuminated garden paths through holiday displays, music and seasonal surprises.
2026-11-20 – 2027-01-03
Timed evening admission; check the available ticket slots. · local time
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue
Separate ticket: published adult prices $35–$56 and child prices $33–$53, including fees plus tax.
Build a little paper skyline inspired by a day out, then send the memory to someone.
Supplies & steps ↗Use tiny details in a photo or postcard to solve a friendly group mystery.
Rules & variations ↗Build a wonderfully strange story together, one word at a time.
Rules & variations ↗