There is no question that the holidays are officially upon us, which for most us means we’ll be spending a lot of time with family and a lot of money on gifts and entertaining. Setting aside a few nights to date the one you love could not be more important but it’s got to be a frugal night. So, for those of us watching our wallets this holiday season, here are some FREE and festive ways to enjoy the romance of the season.

Lights

Tree Lighting Celebration

Friday, December 5, 5pm

Lake Eola Park

Light Up the Holidays, Cranes Roost, Uptown Altamonte

Saturday, December 6, 5pm

Cranes Roost Park

12th Annual Avalon Aglow

Saturday, December 6

Parade at 3pm, Fireworks at 9pm

Downtown Avalon Park

Sixth Annual Murder City Media Christmas Lights Photo Walk!

Saturday, December 6, 7-10pm

Park Avenue Central Park

10th Annual Winter Park Boat Parade & Festival of Lights and Ski Show

Saturday, December 13, 3:30pm (parade to start at sundown)

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens

Orlando Fashion Square Christmas Parade and Festival

Saturday, December 13, 11am – 1pm

Orlando Fashion Square

Free Movies

Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park

Walt Disney Amphitheater – 7pm

December 4 – Fred Clause

December 12 – Elf

December 19 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

December 26 – A Christmas Story

Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park

Date Night at Leu Gardens: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Friday, December 5

Leu Gardens

Gardens open at 6pm, movie starts at 7:30pm

Admission is $6 plus tax adult (Leu Members are FREE)

Popcorn Flicks in the Park: How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Jingle All the Way

Friday, December 5, 7pm

Central Park, Winter Park

Light Up UCF – Holiday Film Festival

Through January 4

CFE Arena, UCF

Outdoor movies Wednesdays 7pm, Fridays & Saturdays7pm & 9:30pm

Free Concerts and Plays

Messiah Sing-Along

Tuesday, November 18, Rehearsal at 5:30pm, Concert begins 7:30pm

Fine Arts Concert Hall (G-118), Seminole State

Friday Night Live

Select Friday Nights starting November 21

Cranes Roost Park

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra “Holiday Pops” Concert

Sunday, November 30, 4pm

Central Park Main Stage, Winter Park

Handel’s Messiah

Sunday, November 30, 3pm

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre

Christmas at the Casa

Thursay, December 4, 6:30-8:30pm

Casa Feliz, Winter Park

WKMG Local 6 Holiday Concert featuring The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra

Saturday, December 6, 6pm

Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park

Donations and gifts for kids suggested

Holiday Concert

Tuesday, December 9, 2pm and 7:30pm

Seminole State College Fine Arts Concert Hall

Casselberry’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Art & Music in the Park & The Food Truck Bazaar

UPDATED: Friday, December 12, 6-9pm

Lake Concord Park

Violectric

Saturday, December 13, 7pm

Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park

19th Annual Merry Tuba Christmas

Saturday, December 20, 1pm

Central Park, Winter Park

The Nutcracker, performed by the Russian Ballet Orlando

Saturday, December 20, 7:30pm

Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park

Ventana Al Jazz

Sunday, December 21, 5pm

Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park