Frontyard Holiday Festival 2026: Free Shows & Movie Nights
- The free Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center returns to downtown Orlando for its second year.
- It runs Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 2026, with more than 80 free live performances and nightly snowfall.
- New this year: Thursday Theme Nights and Sunday Movie Nights.
What’s New at the Frontyard Holiday Festival 2026?
The Frontyard Holiday Festival 2026 kicks off Nov. 27 and runs through Dec. 31 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. The free festival turns the arts center’s three-acre Frontyard into a holiday hangout with live shows, twinkling lights, nightly snowfall, fire pits, games, holiday shopping, food and drinks.
Admission is free, and some activities, food and drinks are available to buy. This year adds themed music nights and free holiday movies, so there’s even more reason to head downtown. Mark your calendars!
Thursday Theme Nights
On select Thursdays, the Grand Stage hosts themed nights from 6–10 p.m.:
- Dec. 3: Latin Night featuring Orchestra Fuego
- Dec. 10: Country Night featuring The Frontmen
- Dec. 17: Yacht Rock Night featuring New Kids On The Yacht
- Dec. 31: Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party with a DJ
Sunday Movie Nights
Sponsored by OUC – The Reliable One, free holiday movies play in the Frontyard every Sunday at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.:
- Nov. 29: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Muppet Christmas Carol
- Dec. 6: The Year Without a Santa Claus and Elf
- Dec. 13: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Home Alone
- Dec. 20: The Year Without a Santa Claus and The Preacher’s Wife
- Dec. 27: The Greatest Showman sing-along, both showtimes
Every Day at the Festival
- Santa’s Story Nook with sing-alongs and stories from Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves
- Live music at The Alpine Chalet from local artists like Viridian Jazz, Belles & Beaux and Gilly & the Girl
- North America’s only transportable carillon, with nearly four tons of bronze bells, ringing at the open and close each night
- The All is Bright Celebration and lighting of The Tree of Light
- Nightly snowfall, the Wintertide Game Lawn and the Little Elves’ Workshop for crafts and letters to Santa
- Fireside s’mores, hot cocoa, cider, mulled wine, specialty cocktails and seasonal bites
Festival Hours
- Open: Wednesdays through Sundays until Dec. 13, then daily starting Dec. 16
- Weekdays: 5–10 p.m.
- Weekends: 2–10 p.m.
- Closed: Dec. 14, 15, 24 and 25
- Location: Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando
What You Need to Know
Programming can change, and more Grand Stage acts are still to be announced, so check the festival page before you go. Inside the arts center, ticketed holiday shows include The Nutcracker, Lindsey Stirling, Straight No Chaser and A Very Broadway Christmas.
Want to make a night of it? Pair the festival with more seasonal fun from our Holidays & Seasonal guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Frontyard Holiday Festival free?
Yes. Admission is free, with select activities, food and drinks available to buy.
When is the Frontyard Holiday Festival 2026?
It runs Nov. 27 through Dec. 31, 2026, and is closed Dec. 14, 15, 24 and 25.
When are the free movie nights?
Holiday movies play every Sunday at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m., starting Nov. 29.
Official details and press materials can be viewed via Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Photo courtesy of Dr. Phillips Center.
Make sure to follow On the Go in MCO on Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Pinterest!
