Despite the heat, Orlando still becomes a winter wonderland every December. Twinkling lights and giant moving characters fill the yards of certain special Central Florida homes. Everyone knows the big decorations people put in their own neighborhood, but these colorful displays by the pros are popping up all across Orlando.

Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show 512 E. Washington St., 407-246-2555 The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree comes alive with a synchronized light and music show every night from Dec. 6 through Jan. 5. Photo via
Lake Nona Lights 9800 Old Patina Way The Lake Nona Lights started out with two dudes just wanting to make a killer light show. Afters months of construction, Central Floridians flood the neighborhood to see the house that blasts holiday tunes to an unforgettable light show, starting on Thanksgiving night. Photo via Lake Nona Lights/Facebook
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 1375 E. Buena Vista Drive, 407-939-5277 This holiday-inspired event comes complete with special lights on the Cinderella Castle, a special parade, free cookies and hot cocoa and will open through Dec. 22. Photo via
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show 512 E. Washington St., 407-246-2555 The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree comes alive with a synchronized light and music show every night from Dec. 6 through Jan. 5. Photo via
Winter on the Avenue 150 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, FL 32789, 407-644-8281 This holiday street party features activities like snow slides and s’more roasting, including the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6. Photo via Winter Park Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando 7007 SeaWorld Drive, 407-545-5550 Bring the family to SeaWorld this holiday season every day until Dec. 31 to experience the park evolve into a winter wonderland with more than three million Christmas lights. Check out their Facebook page for times. Photo via SeaWorld Orlando/Facebook
OH WHAT FUN! Lake Nona Festival 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., 407-888-6500 The second annual OH WHAT FUN! Lake Nona Festival will begin on Nov. 29 through Jan. 5 from 4 p.m. to 10p.m. In addition to lights, there will be carolers, ice skating and a mailbox for letters to Santa. Photo via Lake Nona/Facebook
Holidays at Disney Springs 1375 E. Buena Vista Drive, 407-939-5277 Disney Springs’ holiday festivities are a great way to enjoy theme park Christmas fun without splurging on ticket prices. Walk through the Christmas tree trail with Disney-themed trees, falling snow and music. Photo via
Holiday Lights Ride 4915 3022 Corrine Drive, 407-427-1440 Join Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux Cafe for the 12th annual group bike ride to look at Christmas lights throughout the neighborhood on Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Photo via Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux/Facebook
Light Up Mount Dora 535 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora, FL 32756, 352-735-7100 Enjoy dinner in the Historic Donnelly House before downtown Mount Dora gets lit up with over 2 million sparkling lights on Nov. 30. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. and will run until 6:30 p.m. Photo via City of Mount Dora/Facebook
Singing Christmas Trees 3000 S. John Young Parkway, 407-425-2555 A large, boisterous choir sing all the holiday classics around two 40-feet tall Christmas trees at First Baptist Orlando. If that’s not exciting enough, then how about the 250,000 Christmas lights to boot? Visit their website for presentation times. Photo via The Singing Christmas Trees/Facebook
Bivona Christmas Light Show 1601 N. Wind Court, Winter Springs For almost four decades, the Bivona family has been entertaining the Winter Springs area with a spectacular light show while driving their neighbors mad. Join them this year for this annual event that started with the drive to win a neighborhood lights contest and eventually won the hearts of light show fanatics in the Orlando area. Photo via Bivona Christmas Light Show/Facebook
Christmas Lights Ride 1806 N. Orange Ave., 407-895-2700 Group bike ride through Ivanhoe Village and College Park to look at lights displays on Dec. 14. Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Holiday Lights & Fountain Show at Crane’s Roost 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, 407-571-8180 Spending the holidays at Crane’s Roost is classic in Central Florida. Starting at dusk, walk the trail with friends and family while you’re illuminated by large, colorful Christmas light displays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31. Photo via City of Altamonte Springs/Website
Cross Christmas 4241 N. Econlockhatchee Trail A trip to the Cross Christmas holiday display will make you feel right at home…that is, if your home is shining with 75,000 lights. The large oak alone is wrapped up with 35,000 bright Christmas lights! See it nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m starting Dec. 1. Photo via Cross Christmas/Facebook
Deck the Downtown Downtown, Orlando For the entire month of December, Downtown Orlando businesses will be “decked-out” with festive lights and window decorations. A map guides residents and guests as they walk the streets of Downtown, enjoying the creativity and holiday spirit of each of the participating business locations. Photo via Deck the Downtown/Facebook
Light Up UCF 12777 Gemini Blvd., 407-823-6006 Winter carnival with ice skating, pictures with Santa, rides, games, movies and more. Prices for activities vary. Photo via Light Up UCF/Facebook
Stetson Mansion 1031 Camphor Lane, Deland There’s the way your mom decorates her house, and then there’s the way the Stetson Mansion decks the halls. Taking a tour of this vintage home is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Put on your festive walking shoes and take a tour now through Jan. 15.p.m. Photo via Stetson Mansion Tours/Facebook
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, FL 32779, 407-862-1500 Wekiva Island will be decked out in thousands of lights and real snow all December long. Enjoy movies on the river, holiday parties, snow slides and more. Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook
Winter Spark Parade 4915 New Broad St., 407-801-9562 Holiday festival with artists, vendors, food and an opportunity for pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, followed by a fantastic lighted parade down New Broad St. Photo via Winter Spark Parade/Facebook
Winter Springs Winter Wonderland 158 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs, FL 32708, 407-327-6593 This holiday celebration with a parade and Christmas tree lighting will be hosted at the Tuskawilla Town Center on Dec. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is the 15th annual tree lighting event wand will have a kids playland to keep the little ones busy. Photo via City of Winter Springs/Facebook
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 6000 Universal Blvd., 407-363-8000 Who doesn’t wish they could spend every Christmas at Hogwarts? While 75 degrees of Florida sunshine doesn’t exactly live up to the magic of haunted English castles, you can still relish in the Wizarding World’s Christmas light show at Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley. Photo via Universal Orlando Resort/Website