The holiday season is almost in full swing, so now is the time to get started on some fun here in Winter Park. That’s right, the top destination for the holiday season is Winter Park, where you can enjoy some winter sports along with holiday themed activities.
Winter Park will also feature holiday events that are exclusive to the season. Take a look at how you can add a little magic to your family getaway with the following Winter Park holiday events:
Holiday Tree Lighting
There are always a few events or activities that signal the start of the holiday season, but none more perfect than a holiday tree lighting. You can start your holiday season in the right setting by visiting in time for the annual holiday Tree Lighting, taking place over at Winter Park Ski Resort. This absolutely free event will once again take place over Thanksgiving Weekend so that Winter Park’s holiday tree can be lit up for the first time this holiday season. Join us on Saturday November 30th starting at 3:30 PM.
Santa Claus himself will be on hand for the fun! Get in photos with Santa and enjoy some hot cocoa to keep warm. Enjoy live renditions of holiday songs performed by the Beverly Belles. The event will end at 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to marvel at the gigantic tree that is covered top to bottom with thousands of holiday lights. This event is free for all to attend, so get there early to grab a great viewing spot!
Tommelfest 2024
Take things back a few centuries by taking your family over to Devil’s Thumb Ranch for the annual Tommelfest once again returning for 2024. This annual event is a Nordic themed holiday event like no other. This one day event features a variety of outdoor fun for the whole family to enjoy. Free ice skating and cross country skiing lessons will be provided at the festival.
Try your hand in the annual keg toss for prizes. Enjoy delicious delicacy including Swedish meatballs that are a savory treat. Enjoy a flask of glogg, the old fashioned Swedish spiced wine, that will help you stay warm. This all-day event will take place on December 14th and is a treat for all ages to enjoy.
Winter Wonderland
Here in Winter Park you will find that most festivities will take place over in The Village. This area of Winter Park Resort offers a ton of fun for the whole family to enjoy. Each holiday season, The Village is transformed into Winter Wonderland on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The festivities inside Winter Wonderland include complimentary cookie decorating, photos with Santa Claus, and delicious hot chocolate.
Walk around The Village at dusk to see the beautiful holiday lights turn on for the evening. However, the main event will also take place at dusk with the holiday drone show that you will not want to miss. This dazzling display in the night sky offers a synchronized display of drones with festive designs and beautiful colors. You have not seen anything quite like it, and it will be displayed each Saturday while Winter Wonderland is taking place. Come join in on the winter fun this holiday season!
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
The holiday season also offers festive parades that will take place over the upcoming weeks. Winter Park is bringing another favorite event back this year, the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade. As the name suggests, this parade takes place on Christmas Eve, making it an ideal family tradition year after year. The event will take place on the slopes of Winter Park Ski Resort, where ski patrols will ski down the slopes with brightly lit torches.
The best viewing area is right by the giant bonfire, where you can easily stay warm. Feel free to also bring hand warmers, pocket snacks, and hot cocoa to help keep you warm. You can easily get to the viewing area with the free Winter Park transit shuttle called The Lift so you do not have to worry about parking. The parade will start at 5:30 PM and will be followed by a non-denominational service beginning at 6:00 PM at West Portal. Join in on this fun on Christmas Eve to create new memories with your family!
More Holiday Events Here in Winter Park
As you can see, there are quite a few different holiday events taking place here in Winter Park this year. Make sure to get a head start on the fun by reserving your favorite vacation rental with us in the area. We offer luxury properties that will keep you comfortable every day during your stay.