More holiday cheer than ever coming to Downtown Orlando

If you notice more holiday decor and activity in Downtown Orlando, which includes most of the business corridor through the entertainment hub into Historic Parramore and all the way to the Creative Village, it’s probably part of Downtown for the Holidays from Orlando Main Street’s City District. The Orlando Main Street District stretches across the entire area, which means there is lots of room to WOW!

First, mark your calendars now for Sunday, December 5th, when the holiday market and tree lighting will take place on Church Street. The 30-foot-tall sparkly gold Christmas tree will be lit in the middle of the Church Street roundabout across from 55 West, and local micro-businesses will create a market where you’ll find the best unique, locally made and sourced gifts around. There will also be live music, libations and street performers, so it’s perfect for a festive Sunday Funday in Downtown Orlando.

While you’re downtown, you should also stroll the streets to see other “Instaworthy” moments and decor, including the creativity on display for #DeckTheDistrict. Also part of City District’s Downtown for the Holidays, Deck the District encourages businesses to really give their windows that extra holiday spirit, as there’s cash up for grabs! Last year’s winners, CI Group, are in again to defend their title, but we’re pretty sure the competition is going to be steeper than it was in locked-down 2020. For instance, we may or may not have already seen outlines of dolphins in a design for one window — could it be in honor of the famous Clearwater dolphin, Winter? We can’t spoil the surprise, but you can have a hand in who wins by snapping pics, posting to Instagram, and using the hashtag #deckthedistrict.

And to top the proverbial tree with a big gold star, City District is delivering the real Santa Claus, Sir Saint Nick himself, to some of downtown’s favorite neighborhood spots! The Monroe, Ember, Dexter’s Birdland and Artisan’s Table will all feature the magical man on special brunch dates in November and December. He’ll be checking his naughty or nice lists of children (as well as the adult kids sipping mimosas!). It’s a perfect scenario for all you multi-taskers: festive brunch with the fam and friends, plus Santa photos for holiday cards. (Or maybe just Facebook … er, Instagram? OK, TikTok!)

Whether it’s at the tree-lighting and holiday market, strolling the streets of Deck the District, whispering secret wishes to Santa over brunch, or taking in a block party on Church Street or a performance at one of the world-class venues, there are plenty of opportunities in Downtown Orlando this holiday season to grab that perfect pic and soak up some holiday cheer! For more info on it all, go to www.citydistrictorlando.com.