Oviedo water tower glowing with Christmas lights over Lawton House, with a rooster silhouette in the foreground

I Finally Got My Oviedo Christmas Groove — Lights, Parade & Tree Lighting

One local’s slightly chaotic guide to making the most of our hometown holiday traditions.

I’ve lived in Oviedo for going on 12 years now, and I’ll be honest — the first few Christmases I barely noticed. I’d see the parade flyers taped to the Circle K window and think, “Yeah, maybe next year.” But then my kid started school, and suddenly I was the mom who had to know where the Santa photo was and when the tree lighting actually happened. So I went. And I messed up everything — parking, timing, snack choices — but by year three I had a system. Now I’m that lady with the camp chair and the insulated mug of spiked cider. You want my system? Here it is.

The Parade of Lights: Arrive Early or You’ll Regret It

The Oviedo Christmas Parade is always the first Saturday of December, and it’s a proper small-town affair. Floats, marching bands, fire trucks covered in lights, and at least one guy in a Grinch costume on a golf cart. My first year I strolled up 15 minutes before start time and ended up watching from behind a minivan while a kid’s elbow kept hitting my knee. Not ideal.

Now I know the secret: get there by 5 PM for a 7 PM parade. Park at the Oviedo Mall or the high school lots and walk over with a chair. Bring your own snacks — the hot dog stand line is always 45 minutes long. And dress warm. It’s Florida, but December nights can get legit chilly. I bring a thermos of cocoa (or coffee with a little Baileys) and we’re set.

Tree Lighting at Center Lake Park: Magic & Mayhem

The tree lighting is the same night as the parade, usually right after. Everyone shuffles from the parade route to Center Lake Park, and it’s a gentle stampede. The tree is a big live oak wrapped in lights, not a cut tree, which I actually love — it feels more Oviedo. They do a countdown, the mayor says something, and then the lights pop on. It’s corny in the best way.

But here’s the thing: if you’re short or have little kids, get to the park early. Like, skip the last few parade floats and walk over while everyone else is still watching. I lost sight of my daughter one year because a tall guy in a reindeer hat blocked her view. We found each other, but still. Also, the free hot chocolate runs out fast — bring your own.

Oviedo vs. Nearby Holiday Events: Which to Pick?

Event	Best for	Downside	Crowd level
Oviedo Parade & Tree Lighting	Families who want a classic small-town night	Parking is a disaster	Heavy, but good vibes
Sanford Holiday Light Show	Drivers who want a light display from the car	You don't get out and walk around	Moderate, but it's a drive-through
Winter Park Scavenger Hunt	Couples or older kids who want more to do	Longer drive, more crowded	Very busy
Orlando Ballet's Nutcracker	A fancy night out	Expensive tickets	Crowded, but indoor

The Lights Around Town: Where to Find the Best Displays

Oviedo isn’t a huge light destination like Sanford’s Christmas lights or anything, but we’ve got good pockets. Lawton House on Center Lake gets draped in lights and it’s perfect for photos — especially with the reflection on the lake. The historic district near Broadway has some cute houses that go all out, too.

If you want a drive-through experience, head over to the Alafaya Woods neighborhood — there’s a street called Hollyhock that neighbors coordinate and it’s pretty impressive. And don’t forget the water tower on the way in — they light it red and green and it’s become a nice little landmark. My kid calls it the “Christmas tower.”

Santa Sightings & Where to Get the Photo

Santa shows up at the tree lighting, but the line for photos wraps around the gazebo. If you want a calmer Santa experience, hit the Oviedo Mall on a weekday evening — he’s there most nights and it’s way less chaotic. Also, the Oviedo Public Library does a “Breakfast with Santa” event a week or two before Christmas — tickets sell out fast, so follow their Facebook page.

My favorite weird Santa spot is the feed store on 426. They set up a little stable with a fake fire and Santa sits there looking slightly overheated in his suit. It’s hilarious and very Oviedo. They give out candy canes and it’s free — just bring a camera.

Local Treats & Where to Warm Up

After the parade and tree lighting, everyone’s hungry. The food trucks at Center Lake Park are fine, but lines are long. My move is to walk to The Townhouse restaurant on Broadway — they do a holiday special menu and it’s cozy. Or grab a slice at Gino’s Pizza if you want something quick.

For sweet stuff, Oviedo Donuts has a special peppermint donut in December that’s worth the sugar coma. And if you’re out driving lights, stop by the Wawa for their holiday hot chocolate — I’m not above admitting that. It’s not fancy, but it hits the spot.

A Small Gift Idea: Something Locally Made

I like to give a little piece of Oviedo at Christmas. The Seminole County Farmers Market has a weekend before Christmas where local artists set up. I’ve gotten honey, soaps, and even a wooden rooster ornament that looks just like our town mascot. There’s also a shop on 426 called Rustic Rooster that has cute Oviedo-themed stuff — tea towels with the water tower, that kind of thing.

It’s nice to give something that says, “Hey, I thought of you while I was at the market in my weird little town.” And the rooster ornament is always a hit.

▶ Watch: A quick look at the Oviedo Parade of Lights from last year
Find it on YouTube → “Oviedo Florida Christmas parade 2023”

Questions folks ask me

What time does the parade start exactly?

Usually 7 PM on the first Saturday of December. But check the City of Oviedo website a week before — they sometimes tweak it.

Is the tree lighting the same night as the parade?

Yes, right after the parade ends, around 8:30 or 9 PM at Center Lake Park. They do it all in one night.

Where should I park to avoid the traffic mess?

Park at the Oviedo Mall or at the high school on Lockwood. It's a 10-minute walk but you won't get stuck in the post-parade exit jam.

Are dogs allowed at the parade and tree lighting?

Yes, but it gets crowded and loud. I've seen people with small dogs in carriers. Big dogs might get stepped on. Use your judgment.

Is there a cost for any of this?

Nope! Parade, tree lighting, and Santa photos at the park are all free. Bring cash for food trucks and hot chocolate.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve finally learned that Christmas in Oviedo isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about standing in a crowd with a half-cold hot chocolate, watching a tree light up while someone’s kid screams “Santa!” It’s about the rooster wearing a little Santa hat (yes, they do that sometimes). So go, park badly, forget the blanket, and just enjoy. It’s our weird, wonderful little town, and it does Christmas right.

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