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Oh, What Fun! Lake Nona’s Holiday Festival Hanukkah and Christmas
12/07/2023
free
Holiday magic awaits the whole family at Central Florida’s favorite holiday event Oh, What Fun!® Holiday Festival at Lake Nona Town Center from December 7-23, 2023.
Stay tuned to ohwhatfunlakenona.com for event news and updates.
Hanukkah Celebration of Lights
Kick off the festivities with us on the first of the eight nights of Hanukkah as we bless and light the menorah in a special ceremony to celebrate the festival of lights. Additional entertainment includes a live DJ, stilt walker, children’s performers, face painters and more. Enjoy traditional foods while the kids make dreidels and learn the story of the holiday.
Thursday, December 7 from 5:30 – 10 pm
Lake Nona Town Center
Opening Night & Tree Lighting
Gather at Lake Nona Town Center — now Peppermint Square — as we light the Lake Nona Christmas tree, a 24-foot beauty festooned with twinkle lights. Enjoy entertainment featuring Santa’s Toy Box – Lake Nona’s own cirque show, performances from local musical groups and “snowfall” to get into the holiday spirit.
Friday, December 8 from 6 – 10 pm
Lake Nona Town Center
Santa’s Cottage
Snowbirds Santa and Mrs. Claus have made their way down south once again to their winter home at Peppermint Square. Visit the Clauses for story time and a sing-along experience, then meet and greet St. Nick and his sweetheart and take the perfect holiday photo with them.
Advance booking is required. Seating limited to 20 people (including children and adults) per 30-minute show. Digital photos are included in your ticket price.
Wednesdays-Sundays, Dec. 8 – 23
Private experiences available for limited showtimes
Showtimes:
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Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: 5 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm
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Saturdays: 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm
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Sundays: 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Holiday Market Way
Inspired by iconic Christmas markets, stroll through multiple market kiosks with rotating vendors selling giftable crafts and bespoke items perfect for anyone on your list. Whether it’s a special piece of jewelry or a keepsake ornament for the tree, you’ll find the sweetest gifts at the Holiday Market.
Runs concurrently with all Oh, What Fun! dates: December 7 – 23.
Located at the Lake Nona Town Center roadway between the Beacon and adjacent office spaces.
Oh, What Fun!
Photo Ops
The holidays are larger than life at the Oh, What Fun! photo wall, 24-foot centerpiece Christmas tree, oversized ornament entrance way, the enchanting patio of Santa’s Cottage or the beautiful holiday scenes in Boxi Park for memorable photos with family and friends.
Runs concurrently with all Oh, What Fun! dates: December 7 – 23.
A Giving Tree and Toy Drop Off
Be sure to check out our Giving Tree and take a card home for information on how you can donate gifts to make a difference this Christmas. Bring wishlist items or a new, unwrapped toy to Boxi Park by December 22 to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida.
Gifts accepted until December 22.
Evergreen Tree Trail
Throughout December, visit the tree trail winding from Peppermint Square in the heart of Lake Nona Town Center all the way to the Lake Nona Wave Hotel. Businesses around the Lake Nona community compete to decorate a tree in their business’ theme for guests to enjoy during Oh, What Fun! Cast your vote for your favorite tree at the end of the trail.
Runs concurrently with all Oh, What Fun! dates: December 7 – 23.
Trail begins on the walkway between the Code Wall and Beacon Lake Nona Town Center parking garage and runs along the walking path to Wave Hotel.
Fa La La La Bar
Adults can sneak away to the Lake Nona Wave Hotel sculpture garden for a crafted seasonal cocktail or a spiked hot chocolate with all the sweet garnishes. The whimsical, modern picture-perfect spot is an ideal place to cuddle up and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Runs Thursdays – Saturday evenings from 5 pm: December 7-31
Lake Nona Wave Hotel Sculpture Garden
Ages 21+
Wave Hotel
Oh, What Fun!
Stay & Play Package
For a limited time, the Lake Nona Wave Hotel is offering an Oh, What Fun! Stay & Play Package* for stays between December 8-30 and includes:
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15% discount from our best available rates
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$50 food and beverage credit to enjoy at Wave Hotel restaurants and bars during your stay
Book your stay today!
*Terms and conditions apply, new bookings only. Not combinable with any other promotion.
Santa’s Toy Box Live Acrobatics Show
Be transported to the North Pole during a live, 20-minute experience with modern circus performers including aerialists, gymnasts, dancers, balancing acts and more.
Fridays, December 8, 15, and 22.
Show times: 6:30 pm, 8 pm and 9:30 pm
Lake Nona Town Center Stage
Magical Musical Performances
Rock out to holiday hits and today’s tunes at the Town Center stage and get into the festive spirit. Dance the night away on Saturday as your favorite songs from your favorite holiday movies come to life. Fill your senses and warm your heart with the sounds of the season you’ll be singing long after you return home.
Saturdays, December 9, 16 and 23.
Performing every half-hour starting at 6:30pm. Last show starts at 9:30 pm.
Lake Nona Town Center Stage
Peppermint Square Saturday SnowDays
Join us in “Lake Snow-na” as Town Center transforms into a winter wonderland. Tube down the snow slide, enjoy snow themed entertainment and indulge in a delicious iced treat.
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Saturdays, December 9, 16 and 23.
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Snow slide: 2 pm – 6 pm
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Stage performances: 6 pm – 10 pm
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Lake Nona Town Center
Sundays Christmas Carnival
Every Sunday, create cherished memories with the whole family at Oh, What Fun! Sundays throughout the event will feature carnival games and rides along with themed entertainment. Close the evening by enjoying performances from our talented local school groups.
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Sunday, December 10 and 17
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2 pm – 8 pm
Lake Nona Town Center
Nightly Entertainment at Peppermint Square
Each night of Oh, What Fun!, enjoy different entertainment the whole family will love. Hit the dance floor with your favorite emcee, Peppermint the Penguin! It’s an exciting and interactive experience for the whole family as Peppermint appears on “The Beacon” all the way from the north pole. Sample seasonal snacks and beverages, catch snowflakes during the nightly snowfall, take pictures with roaming entertainers.
Runs concurrently with all Oh, What Fun! dates: December 7 – 23.
Peppermint the Penguin will appear Friday – Saturday Evenings from 6-10 pm in-between the stage performances.
Lake Nona Town Center
Deck the Holograms at Verse
Step into a virtual snowball fight and decorate a holiday scene at Verse Orlando’s exclusive holiday experience. Capture the joy and excitement of a wintery playground in a fun, interactive and safe AR experience. Guests will even have the chance to meet and interact with Lake Nona’s favorite holiday character, Peppermint the Penguin.
Space is limited, so book you spot today!
