The holiday season officially arrives in downtown Winter Garden, Florida with the 37th annual Light Up Winter Garden on Friday, December 1, 2023 Sponsored by the City of Winter Garden and Duke Energy, this beloved community tradition kicks off a month of festive events, decorations, and cheer in the charming downtown area
Light Up Winter Garden is a free event taking place from 6 00pm to 9 00pm with the ceremonial lighting at 6 15pm in front of City Hall. People of all ages are invited to gather in anticipation of seeing thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the streets. This merry event truly makes the season bright!
What to Expect at Light Up Winter Garden
Light Up Winter Garden offers fun for the whole family to get into the holiday spirit. Here are some highlights of what the event entails:
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Tree Lighting Ceremony – Everyone counts down to the big reveal as the 34-foot Christmas tree covered in 2,400 LED lights bursts into a colorful glow at 6:15pm. This officially marks the start of the holidays in Winter Garden!
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Photos with Santa – Jolly old Saint Nick himself will be available for photos at Butterfly Park near City Hall before he must dash off to continue preparations for the big day. Don’t forget your Christmas list!
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Children’s Snow Area – Snow in Florida?! While natural snow is rare, kids can play and sled on a mound of snow in the Downtown Pavilion area. Remember to bring gloves to build mini snowmen.
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Holiday Train Rides – All aboard the Christmas train! Mini locomotives offer free rides for kids around the downtown circle from South Central Avenue.
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Live Entertainment – Carolers, dancers, musicians and more perform holiday tunes and routines on stages set up around downtown.
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Character Meet & Greets – Beloved characters like The Grinch, Olaf, elves and others will greet attendees with hugs and photo ops.
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Gingerbread Decorating – Kids can let their creativity flow with gingerbread cookie decorating at select locations.
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Marshmallow Roasting – Roast marshmallows over fire pits and create s’mores, a perfect cool weather treat.
Getting into the Holiday Spirit
Beyond the official festivities, the entire downtown district will be decked out for the holidays starting December 1st. Twinkling lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, bows and more turn the area into a magical wonderland.
Historic storefronts and lamp posts are draped in lights while holiday decor transforms blank spaces into festive scenes. A must-see is the 34-foot poinsettia tree on display in Centennial Plaza, made up of over 1,300 red and white poinsettia plants.
Downtown restaurants and cafes also get into the spirit with holiday drink specials, cookies, cakes and more. It’s the perfect setting for gathering with loved ones this season.
Holiday Shopping Opportunities
With over 100 specialty shops ranging from apparel boutiques to home goods stores, downtown Winter Garden offers ample opportunities for checking off your gift list. Explore the festively decorated streets and pop into the local small businesses for truly unique, thoughtful gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Knowledgeable shop owners provide excellent customer service to help you find that perfect item for each person. From weekenders to hostesses, foodies to fitness gurus, everyone can find something special among the diverse collection of shops.
Future Holiday Events
Light Up Winter Garden initiates a full calendar of holiday happenings leading up to Christmas in downtown Winter Garden.Some other events to look forward to include:
- Winter Garden Christmas Parade on December 2
- Outdoor Holiday Market on December 2
- Christmas Golf Cart Parade on December 2
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides on select nights
- Merry Farmers Market Saturdays with Santa visits on December 9 & 16
- Holiday movies at the Garden Theatre
- Photos with Santa at the farmers market on December 9 & 16
End your day at Light Up Winter Garden by making plans to enjoy these and all the upcoming festivities in downtown’s magical holiday setting. ‘Tis the season in Winter Garden!
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
City Hall Stage Centennial Plaza Gazebo Main Street Parking Garage Plaza
Light Up Winter Garden 2024 Friday, December 6 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Lighting at 6:15 pm) Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street (Lighting) Historic Downtown Free Admission
Join people in your area on Friday, December 6 for the 37th Annual Light Up Winter Garden, which marks the start of the holiday season.
The annual event starts at 6:00 pm, and at 6:15 pm, you can join us at City Hall for the big switch-turning-on of the holiday lights and see downtown sparkle. Holiday activities and entertainment for all to enjoy will continue through 9:00 pm.
Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, Light Up Winter Garden is a free community event.
Thank you to our sponsor, Duke Energy!
Light Up Winter Garden, Florida
FAQ
What time does light up Winter Garden start?
Which is nicer, Winter Park or Winter Garden in Florida?
What are they building in Winter Garden?
Is Winter Garden expensive?
When is light up Winter Garden?
Join us at the 36 th annual Light Up Winter Garden on Friday, December 1, 6-9 p.m., to welcome the holiday season and kickoff downtown’s 38 days of Tis the Season festivities.
What’s happening at Winter Garden’s annual Christmas kickoff?
Winter Garden’s annual Christmas kickoff will feature a plethora of holiday cheer. Join the city of Winter Garden to welcome the holiday season at the 36th annual Light Up Winter Garden. At 6:15 p.m., be at City Hall for the momentous flipping of the switch to turn on the holiday lights and watch downtown glow.
What time is the Winter Garden Christmas lighting event?
The lighting will take place at 6:15 pm at City Hall (300 W. Plant St.), followed by a variety of holiday entertainment and activities for all to enjoy, including snow activities. Duke Energy and the City of Winter Garden sponsor the event.
When does downtown Winter Garden turn into a holiday Wonderland?
Downtown Winter Garden turns into a Holiday Wonderland, Dec. 6 – Jan. 5! Enjoy festive entertainment, decorations, light displays, photo stations, and so much more! View the Holiday Happenings Event Schedule and visit to make merry memories this holiday season.
What’s happening in downtown Winter Garden?
Kick off the holiday celebrations with some late night shopping fun, at select locations, in downtown Winter Garden. This exhibition tells the visual story and written narrative of contemporary life in Downtown Winter Garden through the lenses of 10 experienced Crealdé master class students.
What to do in Winter Garden in December?
In addition, every Friday night in December will feature live holiday music at Centennial Plaza, 7-9 p.m. Be on the lookout throughout downtown for this festive fun hosted by the City of Winter Garden. Be sure to stop by A Very Merry Farmers Market on Saturdays in December.