Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in Orlando 2024

Fall in Orlando brings a magical transformation, offering visitors a unique blend of warm weather and festive cheer. As the temperatures cool slightly, the city comes alive with various fall festivals that capture the season's essence. From pumpkin patches to family-friendly activities, Orlando provides countless opportunities to celebrate autumn in style.

This guide explores the top ten fall festivals in Orlando for November and December 2024, from exciting events like the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the Orlando Beer Festival, and the Winter Park Harvest Festival. The guide also covers holiday-themed celebrations, including Light Up UCF, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. These events promise unforgettable experiences for locals and tourists, showcasing Florida's best fall.

1. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The famous Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a culinary experience that transforms the park into a food lover's paradise. This renowned celebration of global cuisine will take place from August 29 to November 23, 2024, allowing visitors to savor diverse culinary delights from around the globe in just one day. With over 30 Global Marketplaces, the festival features a wide array of mouthwatering food and beverages worldwide, including wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic options.

2. Orlando Beer Festival

The Orlando Beer Festival, scheduled for November 2, 2024, at Festival Park in The Milk District, promises to highlight fall activities in Orlando. This event showcases hundreds of beer varieties, ciders, seltzers, and spirits from local and national breweries. Attendees can enjoy live music, an interactive game zone, and college football streaming on a Jumbotron. The festival is pet-friendly, adding to its family-friendly atmosphere. VIP ticket holders get early access and exclusive perks, including a private area with complimentary bites and a commemorative glass.

3. 2024 Fall Fiesta in the Park

Join the City of Orlando and Cox Media Group in celebrating 53 years of tradition at the Fall Fiesta in the Park on November 2nd and 3rd at Lake Eola Park. Experience the vibrant beauty of the season in downtown Orlando as you stroll around Lake Eola, exploring hundreds of unique booths featuring local artists and crafters, a variety of food vendors and a beer garden. Enjoy live performances on the amphitheater stage, and don’t forget to bring the kids to have fun in the AdventHealth for Children Kid's Zone.

4. Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a radiant wonderland from November 16-24, 2024. This family-friendly activity showcases over 30 designer-decorated trees, gingerbread houses, and wreaths, offering a unique fall experience in Florida. Visitors can enjoy enchanting décor and participate in crowd-favorite activities like the Entertaining and Design tablescapes raffle and Silent Auction.

A pop-up boutique and Toyland provide excellent opportunities for holiday shopping. Visitors can browse various unique gifts, decorations, and seasonal items, making it a perfect stop for those seeking one-of-a-kind presents. The festival offers special events, including an Opening Night Party, Breakfast with Santa, and a children's Reindeer Romp party. These activities add an extra touch of holiday cheer to this fall festival in Orlando, making it a must-visit for families seeking seasonal fun.

5. Cranes Roost Park Light Up the Holidays

The City of Altamonte Springs, in collaboration with Duke Energy, invites everyone to join in the festive tradition of illuminating Cranes Roost Park on December 7, 2024 at 5 PM until 9 PM. This celebration features live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Experience the park's transformation into a holiday wonderland, showcasing 200,000 dazzling lights and a 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with thousands of ornaments and garlands.

6. Celebration's Now Snowing

Celebration's Now Snowing, Central Florida's premier "snowing" event, transforms the town center into a winter wonderland from November 30 through December 31, 2024. This month-long spectacular offers a unique blend of fall activities in Florida, perfect for families seeking holiday cheer. Visitors can experience the magic of snow in Florida as it falls nightly from 6:00 through 9:00 PM. This enchanting display creates a festive atmosphere, bringing a touch of winter to the warm climate.

Families can indulge in various festive activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, train tours, and visits with Santa. Strolling Charles Dickens-style carolers enhance the holiday spirit, making Now Snowing a must-visit among fall festivals in Orlando.

7. Winter Garden Christmas Parade

The Winter Garden Christmas Parade, a cherished holiday tradition, occurs on December 7, 2024, at 10 AM. This family-friendly activity brings festive cheer to the heart of Winter Garden, offering a delightful fall experience in Florida. Spectators can enjoy a variety of floats, performances, and holiday-themed entries as they line the streets of the historic downtown.

The parade starts at the intersection of Dillard Street and Palmetto Street, proceeding north on Dillard Street before turning west onto Plant Street. It winds through the charming downtown area, concluding at Park Avenue. This route allows for ample viewing opportunities along the way.

Arriving early ensures the best spots along the parade route. After the parade, guests can explore the Holiday Market and enjoy free children's holiday entertainment, making it a perfect fall activity for families in Orlando.

8. Holidays at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a perfect mix of fall activities in Florida. From November 22 to December 31, 2024, visitors can experience the magic of the holidays across both theme parks.

Grinchmas

Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure hosts the beloved Grinchmas celebration. Families can enjoy the heartwarming Grinchmas Who-holiday Spectacular of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," featuring music by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests can also meet the Grinch himself for photos and autographs.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are adorned with magical decorations, creating a winter wonderland atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy holiday-themed performances by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and sample seasonal treats like hot Butterbeer. The highlight is The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a stunning projection show that brings the castle to life with festive scenes.

Universal's Holiday Parade

This spectacular parade features larger-than-life balloons and floats with characters from popular franchises like Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar. Santa Claus makes a special appearance, adding to the holiday cheer. The parade offers a perfect ending to a day full of family-friendly activities at Universal Studios Florida.

9. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party transforms the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland from November 8 to December 20, 2024. Starting at 7 PM until midnight, guests can enjoy festive entertainment, meet Disney characters in their Christmas attire, and experience the park's magical atmosphere.

The party features Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, a dazzling display set to holiday classics. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade happens twice nightly, showcasing favorite Disney characters and Santa Claus. Guests can also enjoy holiday-themed attraction overlays, including a festive version of the Tomorrowland Speedway and a jolly Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor show.

The party offers several exclusive shows. Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration at Cinderella Castle features nostalgic and modern holiday music with dance performances. The Frozen Holiday Surprise brings Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff to the castle stage for a magical celebration. Additionally, guests can join dance parties like the Disney Junior Jingle Jam at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe and Club Tinsel in Tomorrowland.

10.SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a magical winter wonderland during its annual Christmas Celebration, offering a unique blend of fall activities in Florida. From November 8, 2024, to January 2, 2025, guests can experience the season's magic with over 3 million sparkling lights and award-winning entertainment.

The celebration features a variety of festive performances, including the new Mrs. Claus' Magic Kitchen, a hilarious holiday cooking show. Families can enjoy "O Wondrous Night," a retelling of the Nativity story with carols and live animals. The "Winter Wonderland on Ice" showcases impressive ice-skating routines set to holiday music.

Conclusion

From the culinary delights of Epcot's Food & Wine Festival to the enchanting holiday displays at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, these events showcase the city's diverse attractions and festive spirit.

As the year comes to a close, these festivals offer the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories with family and friends. Experience the magic of Orlando with Vacation Central Florida! Our exclusive Central Florida rentals, including vacation condos and townhomes are just minutes from Disney theme parks and other famous attractions. By booking directly with us, you unlock unbeatable prices and personalized service that make your stay magical.