Oh, What Fun! Returns for Another Holly, Jolly Season in Lake Nona

Beginning December 7, 2022, Lake Nona is kicking off the magical winter season with the return of Central Florida’s favorite holiday festival, Oh, What Fun!

Grab your littles and gather in Lake Nona Town Center, or as it’s known for the holidays, Peppermint Square, for a month filled with celebrations. Immerse yourself in all things merry and bright in Peppermint Square brimming with holiday decorations, nightly snowfalls and live entertainment every Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 24. The festivities will kick off with an opening night tree lighting of the Lake Nona Christmas Tree, a 24-foot beauty adorned with twinkling lights. Check out a few of our favorite highlights:

Santa and Mrs. Claus’s Magical Winter Cottage

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 to take your family holiday photo with them. Make sure to book online at ohwhatfunlakenona.com in advance, as seating is limited to 20 people per 30-minute show.

Nightly Live Entertainment & Holiday Market

Enjoy live shows throughout the festival including showcases from local schools, professional carolers, an all-new Lake Nona holiday cirque performance, live bands and the return of dance parties with everyone’s favorite MC, Peppermint the Penguin. New this year is a Holiday Market featuring local vendors and artisans – it’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your nice list.

The seasonal magic continues throughout Town Center extending to the Lake Nona Wave Hotel where you can enjoy drink options at the Fa La La La Bar in the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden.  While you’re walking around, take a look at the all-new Lake Nona Tree Trail, going from Peppermint Square to the Wave Hotel, lined with trees decorated by local businesses.

Hanukkah Celebration of Lights

Enjoy the first of the eight nights of Hanukkah with a menorah blessing and lighting in a special ceremony featuring traditional songs to celebrate the festival of lights on Sunday, Dec. 18 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy fire entertainers, stilt walkers and dancers and try the traditional foods while the kids make dreidels and learn the story of the holiday.

Give Back with the Giving Tree

Embrace the spirit of the holidays and stop by the Giving Tree and take a card home for information on how you can donate gifts to make a difference this holiday. Bring wish list items or a new, unwrapped toy to Boxi Park by Dec. 22 to be donated to the Ronald McDonald’s House Families at Lake Nona’s own Nemours Children’s Hospital.

Capture the Memories

The holidays are larger than life with immersive photo opportunities, check out the Oh, What Fun! photo wall, 24-foot centerpiece Christmas tree, oversized ornament and gift boxes and Disco the Dog bundled up in his scarf to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Take a short walk to Boxi Park for even more holiday photo opportunities.

Take Home the Holiday Cheer

Looking for your own tree to take home? Find the perfect holiday tree for your family at the Peppermint Forest Christmas tree lot located near Boxi Park. With delivery and tree valet options available, you can enjoy the best parts of the holidays, without the fuss.

In addition to the nighttime festivities, don’t miss daytime pop-up events like a cookie bake-off, snow slides, cold animal exhibitions, pajama pillow fights and more. With different and new activities each day, make sure to bookmark www.ohwhatfunlakenona.com to stay in-the-know on all things holly and jolly as the we enter the holiday season.