It’s the holidays and it’s showtime in Lake Nona – or rather, snow time!
This year’s Oh, What Fun! is packed with even more holiday magic, live entertainment and festive cheer for Lake Nonians of all ages.
If you’re thinking, “Wait, what’s Oh, What Fun?” it’s Lake Nona’s annual celebration of family, community and (corny as it may sound) pure wintry joy.
All December long, Lake Nona Town Center transforms into the epicenter of all things candy-striped, cozy and bright.
With so many ways to join in, we’ve put together an insider’s guide: what to do, where to stay and how to soak up every bit of the festive cheer.
By the end, you’ll be saying it yourself: Oh, how easy it is to make incredible holiday memories in Lake Nona!
1. The “Endless Family Fun” Itinerary
Like the soothing aroma of a tray of fresh gingerbread cookies right out of the oven, here’s an itinerary baked up for families, North Pole aficionados, and Santa fanatics alike.
Santa’s Cottage: Friday – Sunday, Dec. 5-21
It’s one of the most popular events for a reason! Where else can you step inside Santa’s Cottage for story time and a sing-along, then enjoy a meet-and-greet with St. Nick and his sweetheart?
Secret from the Elves: Santa’s schedule is packed between now and Christmas, so reservations are required and seating is limited. Tickets start at $35 per person. Private experiences are available for families who want an extra-special visit. Don’t miss out, book your spot today.
Opening Night & Tree Lighting: Friday, Dec. 5 (6–10 p.m.)
What better way to kick off the holidays than by joining the tree lighting ceremony in the heart of Lake Nona Town Center? Watch as a stunning 24-foot Christmas tree lights up the night, surrounded by music, ohs, ahs and plenty of holiday sparkle.
Christmas Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 13 (5–6:30 p.m.)
Keep the holiday spirit rolling as a cavalcade of festive floats, sparkling with jewel-toned and candy-colored LEDs, make their way through Town Center. The parade begins at Laureate Park, but for the best view of the full procession, find a spot near Crescent Park at the start.
Family Fun Days: Dec. 7 and 14 (6-9 p.m.)
If there’s one event that sets Oh, What Fun apart from other holiday festivals, it’s Family Fun Days. You might expect a few carolers, but the main stage at Lake Nona Town Center comes alive with an impressive lineup of school choirs, dance teams and youth music groups, showcasing the holiday spirit and the creativity of the community. It’s a celebration of local talent that also serves as an impressive finale to a day of festivities.
Insider’s tip: Stress-free parking that’s literally free is available in all Lake Nona Town Center garages.
2. The “Jingle, Jog & Stroll” Itinerary
For those who believe the best way to celebrate the season is by dashing happily through as much festive fun as possible, here’s a lineup of events to keep you moving (and merry).
Oh, What Fun! 5K Run: Sunday, Dec. 6
(Check-in at 6 a.m.; race begins at 7:30 a.m.)
Celebrate Oh, What Fun’s! opening weekend with our 2nd Annual 5K! Whether you’ve got a trophy room full of road race t-shirts and medals or just looking for a fun way to balance out those extra holiday cookies, this race is the perfect start to the season. Make sure you sign up before Dec. 1 to get an early-entrant discount.
Another incentive? Every runner gets a commemorative medal and T-shirt.
Stroll Through Boxi Park: Anytime (Fridays-Sundays from Dec. 5-21)
Maybe you’re admiring your new race medal from that triumphant 5K finish. Maybe you’re hunting for brunch. Or maybe you just need an afternoon meetup before dinner plans take over. Whatever your quest, stroll through Boxi Park and check out the special holiday lineup – from craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails to live music and…shopping? Sure, why not! While you’re there, snag a gift card for someone special on your list; buy one during the holidays and you’ll get a bonus card. Plus, there’s plenty of holiday-themed activities in Boxi Park’s Kid Zone!
Insider’s tip: Prefer a reservation at your favorite Boxi Park restaurant? You can always reserve a table under the Main Pavilion, rain or shine.
Wind Down on the Evergreen Tree Trail: Happening nightly (Fridays-Sundays from Dec. 5-21)
As the day fades to twilight, take a stroll along the Evergreen Tree Trail, stretching from Town Center to the Lake Nona Wave Hotel. Local partners deck out trees in their most creative holiday finery.
End Up at Wave
You’ve earned it. After a long day of holiday hustle, make your way to the Fa La La La Bar – Lake Nona Wave Hotel’s festive pop-up, fully stocked with effortless charm and tucked right into the hotel lobby. Soak up the holiday vibes and sip on seasonal potables and other hand-crafted cocktails.
Speaking from experience: They also have cake pops – they’re delicious.
The “Constant ‘Gram” Itinerary
If you’re a social media shutterbug, Oh, What Fun has an incredible amount of gram-worthy moments and selfies waiting for you to post. Here are a few of our top recommendations:
Enjoy Lake Snow-Na: In Peppermint Square, snowfall NOW happens DAILY throughout the entire celebration.
#foodstagram: Click and wander through the holiday market for pop-up stands and sweet-treat stations offering seasonal snacks and specialty beverages.
Sweeten your feed: Stop by Before It Melts to sample (or fully commit to) a scoop of their Snickerdoodle ice cream.
All Around Town Center: Snap pics in front of photo walls, oversized ornaments and several festive backdrops – every corner is designed for a perfect shot. No filter needed.
Caption This as AMAZING:
This year’s live entertainment will transport you straight into a winter wonderland with not one but two incredible acrobatic shows: Spirit of the Holidays Live Acrobatics Show (Friday nights) and A Very Peppermint Christmas Show (Saturday nights).
Both will deliver a mesmerizing mix of aerialists, dancers, gymnasts and balancing acts. The best part? There’s no bad spot to get a great shot. See the website for showtimes and more details.
Give us a Shout-Out: Tag us on Instagram @learnlakenona using #OhWhatFun.
Ready to make Oh, What Fun part of your holiday plans and your new favorite Lake Nona tradition?
Whether you follow one of our itineraries or create your own, stay right in the middle of the magic. Explore accommodations here.
