Winter Park is getting ready for the holidays. The city has announced its full lineup of seasonal events, and there’s something for everyone, from tree lightings and concerts to a boat parade on Lake Virginia. Before the holiday fun begins, though, there’s a big event happening this weekend.
This Weekend: Autumn Art Festival and Road Closures
The 53rd Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival takes over Central Park on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15. It’s the only juried fine art festival that features only Florida artists. Admission is free, and the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
If you’re driving downtown, plan ahead. From 3 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday, these roads will be closed to through traffic:
- Park Avenue, between Lyman and Canton avenues
- Morse Boulevard, between New York and Knowles avenues
- New England Avenue, between the railroad tracks and Center Street
Holiday Events Lineup
Downtown Holiday Lights Kickoff – Friday, Nov. 27
Park Avenue and Central Park light up with more than 20 wrapped trees, a cathedral of lights and a children’s carousel.
Light Up Seven Oaks – Saturday, Nov. 28, 5:30–8 p.m.
A countdown at 6 p.m. lights up a digital Christmas tree at Seven Oaks Park, followed by a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse – Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18
Free admission from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, with live music from 5 to 8 p.m.
48th Annual Christmas in the Park – Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:15 p.m.
Tiffany windows are lit up in Central Park while the Bach Festival Choir and ensembles perform. You can set up blankets and chairs starting at 4 p.m.
Winter on the Avenue – Friday, Dec. 4, 5–9 p.m.
The annual tree lighting in Central Park, plus a Chanukah menorah lighting, a Kwanzaa kinara display, Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, snow slides and s’mores.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park – Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
A free screening of It’s a Wonderful Life in Central Park.
74th Annual Christmas Parade – Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.
The parade runs down Park Avenue from Canton Avenue to Lyman Avenue. Get there early for the Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., which costs $7 per person.
Chanukah on the Park – Saturday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.
A stunt show, stilt walkers, live music, kids’ activities and a Grand Menorah Lighting in Central Park.
Holiday Pops – Sunday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
A free concert by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra on the Central Park Main Stage. Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Santa Shift Open House – Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5–7 p.m.
Crafts, fire truck tours and a visit with “Firefighter Claus” at Fire Station 61, 343 W. Canton Ave.
Light Up Hannibal Square – Friday, Dec. 11, 6:30–8 p.m.
Free photos with Santa, a concert and carolers at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center.
Holiday Boat Parade – Saturday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.
Decorated boats cruise Lake Virginia. A watch party with music and treats starts at 5 p.m. at Dinky Dock Park.
The Great American Big Band – Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
A holiday concert on the Central Park Main Stage.
Merry Tuba Concert – Saturday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m.
Tuba, euphonium and sousaphone players of all ages perform in Central Park.
Christmas Eve at the Morse – Thursday, Dec. 24
Free admission from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music from 1 to 4 p.m.
Annual Kwanzaa Celebration – Saturday, Dec. 26, 5–9 p.m.
Food, drumming, dance and the SOKO Marketplace at the Winter Park Community Center.
Pop-Tarts Bowl Parade of Bands – Monday, Dec. 28, 3:30 p.m.
College marching bands parade through downtown and perform in Central Park.
Plan Your Visit
Most of these events are free, but parking downtown fills up fast, especially for the tree lighting and the Christmas parade. SunRail’s Winter Park station is right next to Central Park, which makes it an easy option if you want to skip the parking hunt.