Cheap Things to Do in Orlando Over the Holidays

Orlando is home to several free and inexpensive events and activities year round, and you can spend the holidays without worrying about your budget with a little planning. Free fireworks shows, holiday parades and appearances by Santa are just a few free things you can enjoy over holiday season in Orlando. Here are some other inexpensive activities and events to enjoy in Orlando over the holidays:

Watch the Holiday Fireworks from Disney's Boardwalk
Head to Disney's Boardwalk any night of the week over holiday season to watch the holiday fireworks spectacular over the Walt Disney World Resort. Admission to Disney's Boardwalk is always free, and the closer you get to the Epcot sphere, the better. Disney's Boardwalk is located on North Epcot Resorts Boulevard in Lake Buena Vista.

Go Window Shopping in Celebration
Celebration is a Disney-planned community located a short drive from the major theme parks, and the town celebrates the holidays on a grand scale with a tree-lighting ceremony, caroling events and special appearances by Santa. All of the shops in Celebration Town Center are also decorated for the season with festive decor and lights, and you can enjoy it all free of charge. Also not to be missed: the nightly snowfall in Orlando that starts a few weeks after Thanksgiving.

Visit the Storybook Village at the Mall at Millenia
The Mall at Millenia gets decorated as a winter wonderland complete with a storybook village setting, and admission to the holiday scene scape is free all season long! Head to the mall to see the beautiful holiday-themed storefronts and displays, and walk through the storybook village to see the holiday lights, Hollyville characters and themed, animated displays. It's a fun (and free) event the whole family can enjoy. Call (407) 363-3555 for more information about events over holiday season.

Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens
This 50-acre botanical garden is located in Winter Park, a short drive north of downtown Orlando, and the Leu House and Museum are decorated for the season with lights and holiday décor. You can spend a day walking around the manicured lawns and gardens to see the roses, bamboo plants and exotic flowers from around the country. Admission to Harry P. Leu Gardens is just $5 for adults and $1 for children.

Watch the McDonald's Christmas Parade at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park hosts its Holiday in the Park festival each year that includes free music and entertainment on the sound stages, food vendors and holiday-themed activities for the kids. There's no admission fee to join in the holiday fun, but you may need to pay a modest amount for snacks and souvenirs. Make sure you don't miss the two hour parade through downtown Orlando in the middle of December to kick off your holiday season with local celebrities, dance acts, live music and an appearance by Santa Clause. Visit www.orlandochristmasparade.com/ for more information.

From the holiday fireworks show over Disney World to the festive décor at the botanical gardens, there are many ways to enjoy holiday season in Orlando on even the tightest budget. Add any (or all) of these holiday events and activities to your itinerary for a fun and memorable holiday celebration.