Orlando Joins Grapevine, Philadelphia, Leavenwort And San Diego for the Most Spectacular December Festivals Ever: Wait, There’s More to The List! Find Out

Published on November 21, 2025

December in the United States is synonymous with dazzling lights, festive parades, and unforgettable celebrations. Orlando joins Grapevine, Philadelphia, Leavenworth, and San Diego to offer some of the most spectacular December festivals ever. Each of these cities brings a unique holiday magic, whether it’s through holiday markets, light shows, or cultural performances. But wait, there’s more! The list of amazing festivals doesn’t end there. These cities are just the beginning. If you’re looking for a fun and festive December experience, the U.S. offers an array of events that blend tradition, technology, and holiday cheer. From Grapevine’s Christmas wonderland to Orlando’s immersive holiday experiences, you’ll be amazed at what each city has to offer. Stay tuned, as the rest of the list is filled with even more incredible events you won’t want to miss!

Why the US is Ideal for Festivals?

The U.S. is the perfect destination for holiday festivals, offering diverse experiences that cater to every taste. From the dazzling lights of Grapevine to the festive Christmas Village in Philadelphia, the U.S. combines iconic traditions, local charm, and grand celebrations. With cities like San Diego and Leavenworth, travelers can enjoy cultural markets, light displays, and performances in stunning settings. Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland in Leavenworth or a coastal New England charm in Kennebunkport, U.S. holiday festivals provide unparalleled festive experiences for all ages.

US Holiday Festivals vs International Events

The United States delivers large‑scale public holiday festivals combining mass light displays, themed parades, immersive landscapes and broad inclusion of culture and commerce. Events like multi‑week light spectaculars, drone shows, holiday train rides and free museum access make these experiences a broad feast for every visitor. In contrast many festivals in other countries remain more modest in scale, focus mainly on local tradition and lack the commercial‑entertainment layering US events provide. The US also integrates themed zones (family zones, multicultural cuisine, interactive exhibits) and urban‑wide holiday branding, making the festival itself a destination. Internationally, while strong in tradition, many festivals are shorter, less geared toward tourism infrastructure and fewer blend high‑tech spectacle with mass‑market accessibility. For a visitor seeking high energy, wide choice and major festive marketing, US festivals offer an unmatched combination of scale, variety and spectacle.

1. Orlando Holiday Festival – Orlando, Florida

Orlando isn’t just home to world-famous theme parks—it also offers a holiday festival like no other. The city hosts the annual Holiday Happenings series, featuring a wide range of events throughout November and December 2025, with major festivities beginning on December 5. This makes Orlando an ideal destination to experience the holidays in a warm, sunny climate.

Key Events and Features:

• Tree Lighting Celebration: Head to Lake Eola Park on December 5, 2025 to see the official tree lighting that kicks off the season, with millions of twinkling lights setting the perfect festive mood.
• Eola Wonderland: A Christmas tree show featuring synchronized lights and music, running through early January. The entire park comes alive with enchanting displays.
• Clemwood Lights: A breathtaking light display that used to be a street show, now moved to Lake Eola Park, adding another level of wonder to Orlando’s festivities.
• Holiday Train: A festive train ride and snowfall in downtown, making it feel like a true winter wonderland even in the Florida sunshine.
• Sensory Night: Specially designed for sensory-sensitive visitors, this event on December 14 at East Lawn, Lake Eola offers a quieter, less crowded experience.
• Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival: Taking place at Lake Nona Town Center, this festival features snowfalls, a 24-foot tree, acrobatic performances, and a holiday parade on December 13.

Location: Central Orlando, especially around Lake Eola Park and Lake Nona Town Center.

Tickets and Admission: Most events, including the tree lighting, train rides, and snowfall, are free, but some special activities (e.g., Santa’s Cottage at Lake Nona) may require advance reservations or a small fee.

Specialties: Orlando’s festival blends an urban holiday spectacle with themed markets, family-friendly entertainment, and a “winter wonderland” experience—all set in a warm-weather environment.

2. Christmas Capital of Texas® – Grapevine, Texas

Grapevine, Texas, is renowned for its spectacular Christmas celebrations, earning the title of the Christmas Capital of Texas®. With over 1,400 Christmas events spread across 40 days, it’s a holiday lover’s paradise. From twinkling lights to festive train rides, this city offers something for everyone.

Key Events and Features:

• Carol of Lights: The 37th annual Carol of Lights kicks off the holiday season on historic Main Street. Millions of lights decorate the town, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Merry & Bright Drone Show: Watch a dazzling show with 400 drones lighting up the sky over Main Street.
• North Pole Express Train Ride: Hop on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a 45-minute festive train ride with Santa, elves, and holiday decorations.
• Parade of Lights: This North Texas’ largest lighted Christmas parade features over 100 floats, marching bands, and festive displays that will leave you in awe.

Location: The heart of Grapevine, Texas, centered around Historic Main Street.

Tickets and Admission: Most events, such as light displays, are free, but specific activities like train rides and parades may require tickets.

Specialties: With a combination of light displays, parades, train rides, and festive activities, Grapevine offers a Victorian-style holiday atmosphere that’s perfect for families looking to experience the magic of Christmas in a warm and welcoming environment.

3. Christmas Village in Philadelphia – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you love the charm of European Christmas markets, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village is the place to be. From November 22 to December 24, 2025, this outdoor market brings together over 120 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, decorations, and delicious seasonal treats, making it a perfect stop for holiday shopping.

Key Events and Features:

• Vendors: Shop for unique gifts, arts, and crafts from local and international vendors who create handmade decorations and gifts perfect for the holiday season.
• Food and Rides: Enjoy German-style food such as bratwurst, pretzels, and mulled wine. Plus, take a spin on a historic carousel at City Hall.
• Santa’s House: Visit Santa in his cozy house at LOVE Park for photos and holiday cheer.
• Festival of Trees: Support the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) by visiting the Festival of Trees, a beautifully decorated display of holiday trees that benefit a worthy cause.

Location: LOVE Park and City Hall, Center City Philadelphia.

Tickets and Admission: Entry to the market is free, though food, rides, and shopping are pay-as-you-go.

Specialties: This event brings an authentic German-style holiday market right to the heart of Philadelphia, combining the best of European traditions with the charm of the city.

4. Village of Lights: Christmastown – Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington, is known for its Bavarian-style village, which becomes even more magical during the Village of Lights: Christmastown festival. From November 28 through December 24, this alpine village is transformed with over half a million lights, offering a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere.

Key Events and Features:

• Gazebo Entertainment: Every weekend, enjoy live music, carolers, and choirs performing in the town’s central gazebo, creating a festive atmosphere all around.
• Santa and Mrs. Claus: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus every weekend, with photo opportunities available every day through December 23.
• Light Displays: Over 500,000 lights create a magical snow globe feel, perfect for photo opportunities with family and friends.

Location: Leavenworth, Washington, set against a Bavarian-style alpine village.

Tickets and Admission: The event is free to attend, though some activities, like special craft sessions, may have a fee.

Specialties: The unique Bavarian charm combined with thousands of holiday lights and performances makes this festival a must-see for families and holiday lovers.

5. December Nights – San Diego, California

San Diego may not have snow, but its December Nights festival at Balboa Park is full of festive spirit. This two-day event (held on December 5 & 6, 2025) is one of the largest free holiday festivals in California, bringing together culture, food, lights, and more. It is an ideal event for those looking to combine holiday fun with cultural enrichment.

Key Events and Features:

• Interactive Exhibits: Over 100 interactive exhibits at the Fleet Science Center are free to explore during the festival hours, making it a great experience for families and kids.
• Multicultural Food: Taste foods from over 30 countries, from tacos to churros to traditional European treats, offering a truly diverse holiday culinary experience.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances from local choirs, bands, and other cultural acts, bringing holiday cheer from various cultures.
• Crafts and Family Fun: Participate in crafts and family activities in the family zone, offering plenty of entertainment for everyone.

Location: Balboa Park, San Diego, California.

Tickets and Admission: The event is free to attend, though some parking or food costs may apply.

Specialties: Combining cultural performances, free museum access, light displays, and global food, this event is perfect for families looking for a fun, free holiday celebration under California’s sunny skies.

6. Christmas Prelude – Kennebunkport, Maine

For a truly New England Christmas experience, head to Kennebunkport for the Christmas Prelude festival. This event, which runs from December 4–14, 2025, turns Kennebunkport into a coastal holiday wonderland with stunning decorations, lights, and festive activities.

Key Events and Features:

• Tree Lighting: The Dock Square Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5 is the official start of the celebrations.
• Lobster Trap Tree: The Lobster Trap Tree lighting in Cape Porpoise is a unique twist on the classic Christmas tree.
• Pooch Parade: A holiday dog parade (Pooch Parade) where dogs dressed in holiday attire strut their stuff, making it a fun event for pet lovers.
• Holiday House Tours: Explore beautifully decorated historic inns and homes in the area, showcasing the region’s classic holiday charm.

Location: Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, Maine.

Tickets and Admission: Many events are free, but some, like special tours and crafts, require a fee.

Specialties: The coastal New England charm, the lobster trap tree, and the blend of seaside beauty with traditional holiday festivities make this a special and unique festival.

7. Christmas on the River – Demopolis, Alabama

Demopolis, Alabama, celebrates Christmas on the River, a week-long festival that culminates with the Christmas Boat Parade on December 6, 2025. This riverfront celebration is unlike any other, combining the spectacle of lighted boats with the warmth of Southern hospitality.

Key Events and Features:

• Parade of Lighted Boats: The boat parade along the Tombigbee River is the main highlight, with beautifully decorated boats cruising through the river, making for a beautiful spectacle.
• Lighting of Public Square: Watch the Love Lights Tree ceremony to kick off the celebrations.
• Week of Events: The week is filled with community activities, including live music, local vendors, and a festive atmosphere.

Location: Demopolis, Alabama, along the Tombigbee River.

Tickets and Admission: Most events are free, though some activities may require registration or a fee.

Specialties: The lighted boat parade on the river is a unique spectacle, making this festival one of the best regional celebrations of the holiday season.

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico – December Events and Traditions

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the perfect blend of culture and tradition. From flamenco performances to Pueblo Feast Days, this city offers a unique Southwestern holiday experience. The festival runs throughout December, with multiple events stretching from late November into January.

Key Events and Features:

• Entreflamenco: This flamenco dinner-theater performance runs from November 28 to January 3, offering a cultural feast of music, dance, and food.
• Pueblo Feast Days: Celebrate Pueblo Feast Days with dances and traditional ceremonies at Northern Pueblos during December.
• Farolito Walk: On December 24, the Farolito Walk lights up Canyon Road with thousands of luminarias, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Tickets and Admission: Some events, like flamenco performances, require tickets, while others, like the Farolito Walk, are free.

Specialties: Native American and Spanish cultural traditions, stunning outdoor lighting displays, and a unique high-altitude atmosphere make Santa Fe a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a cultural holiday experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Orlando joins Grapevine, Philadelphia, Leavenworth, and San Diego to create the most spectacular December festivals ever. With so many cities offering unforgettable holiday experiences, it’s clear that December 2025 will be full of magic and excitement. Don’t miss out on this festive adventure!