While the City Beautiful sparkles with some of the world’s best theme parks, Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center shines brightly as it embraces art for every life. This holiday season, the Frontyard Holiday Festival Supported by AdventHealth showcases that community is the true gift every celebration.
Certain moments are holiday traditions. It can be seeing the Nutcracker, being mesmerized by Epcot’s Candlelight Processional or just a favorite meal enjoyed with friends. Sometimes those activities can feel like checking a box off the list. The reality is that sentiment makes the moment more fulfilling.
Dr. Phillips Center started a new holiday tradition with its Frontyard Holiday Festival Supported by AdventHealth. Taking over the “frontyard,” aka Seneff Arts Plaza, the free event runs now through January 4, 2026.
While the front space has welcomed guests to the spectacular theater, it has been underutilized. This holiday experience captures the true purpose of a performing arts center, a community space used by all.
What to Expect at Dr. Phillips Center Frontyard Holiday Festival
Throughout the run, the event includes special performances, visits with Santa and a bounty of food and beverage offerings. As the bells ring, the illuminated tree shines like a beacon. It calls everyone to come to the space, sit for a spell and enjoy all the festivities.
For anyone who has been to Christmas markets around the globe, this new experience captures that community aspect. From the long tables to the quiet spaces, everyone can find a spot that appeals to their personality.
The specialty performances fill the stage with spirited songs, delightful dancing and merry music. Food and beverages showcase the vibrancy and diversity that is part of the holiday season.
From hearty brats to spicy chicken wings and from sweet s’mores to creative cocktails, the many options satisfy any and every craving. A few highlights include the homemade coquito, Korean chicken thighs and s’mores by the firepit. Since this space encourages people to come for a casual lunch, afterwork debrief or an evening of merriment, diversity is vital. More importantly, the variety keeps people coming back for more.
Why Visit the Frontyard Holiday Festival?
As a long time supporter of Dr. Phillips Center and its programming, the Frontyard Holiday Festival Supported by AdventHealth instantly filled me with joy. While quoting the infamous line about a heart growing three sizes sounds cliché, the reality is that Orlando and its community needs this all-inclusive space. Whether the night lingers or the stop is brief, every visit invigorates me with the spirit of the season.
While theme parks and special events dazzle with their grandeur, they can be cost prohibitive for many people. Everyone deserves to be enveloped by the holiday magic. Whether it is gazing at the tree or spinning under man-made “snow,” everyone is in the moment. That gift is one that will be unwrapped in holiday memories for years to come.
Although the Frontyard Holiday Festival Supported by AdventHealth will be packed away after the New Year, the concept opens the possibility to other community seasonal events. Dr. Phillips Center holds various events, but a summertime experience, similar to this holiday one, would be equally successful. When the arts and community intersect, everyone is better for it.
The inaugural Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center supported by AdventHealth is located in Seneff Arts Plaza. There will be more than 80 performances, family-friendly entertainment and a plethora of seasonal fun. The complete schedule of activities can be found on Dr. Phillips Center’s website.
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