The holidays are taking center stage in Downtown Orlando as Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts transforms its iconic Frontyard into an enchanting storybook for the inaugural Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center™ supported by AdventHealth.

“This festival represents the next chapter of our mission—to create a place where everyone in our community loves to be,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “Transforming Seneff Arts Plaza into a holiday destination fulfills a long-held vision of creativity, joy and the power of community.” 

What to expect:   

Opening December 4, 2025, and running weekly for 28 days through January 4, 2026, the arts center’s three-acre lawn—including Seneff Arts Plaza—will come alive with more than 80 live performances, twinkling light displays, fire pits, nightly snowfalls and family-friendly activities with 300,000 guests anticipated to attend.

An iconic illuminated tree sponsored by The Main Law Firm will greet guests entering South Street, featuring a nightly tree lighting ceremony powered by OUC – The Reliable One — creating a one-of-a-kind destination for holiday magic. 

Guests will also be able to interact with Santa through various experiences, sponsored by FAIRWINDS Credit Union, savor seasonal favorites like s’mores and hot cocoa or indulge in specialty cocktails, gelato, decorative waffles, BBQ and more. 

The festival will also be part of the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board’s annualDowntown for the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth. This programming serves as a festive kickoff to the Holiday Stroll in Downtown Orlando, creating the perfect opportunity for visitors to enjoy the event as they make their way through downtown’s holiday lights and activities. 

Programming:  

The free festival shines a spotlight on Central Florida’s vibrant arts community including weeknight caroling sponsored by Massey Services, Inc. Performances will feature local favorites including Dr. Phillips Center’s Quarter Notes and Four Counts, Opera Orlando, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando Gay Chorus, Brass Band of Central Florida, Central Florida Vocal Arts’ Belles and Beaux and several local high school ensembles.    

On the main stage at Seneff Arts Plaza, guests can look forward to holiday movie nights featuring beloved classics like Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, The Polar Express, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story and The Nightmare Before Christmas.  

The lineup also includes performances by Tymisha Harris, Ericka Dunlap, April Brown & After 5, Orchestra Fuego, Jarred Armstrong, Will Patrick, 3 and a Half Men, Chase Shellee & the Underground Retro, Derrick Harris & the Eighth Note Collective and The Yuletide Treasures. 

Adding to the magic, the only transportable carillon in North America will make a special appearance. Nearly four tons of bronze bells will play sounds of the season and guests will have a chance to learn about this instrument.  

New Year’s Eve celebration:  

To ring in 2026, a special New Year’s Eve family celebration on December 31 will feature an interactive DJ playing holiday mashups, LED wands, and a 9 p.m. community countdown to welcome in the New Year.  

A vision of community and connection:  

Since opening in 2014, Dr. Phillips Center has provided more than 63,900 tickets to community members through its engagement initiatives—a tradition that continues through this new holiday festival.  

As part of a four-year partnership, AdventHealth will continue to support the arts center’s community programming, helping make the festival a tradition here in Orlando.  

“The holidays are a special time to pause, connect and celebrate the moments that bring us joy,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of community impact and partnership engagement at AdventHealth. “We’re honored to be part of the Frontyard Holiday Festival — an event that brings our community together in the heart of downtown Orlando to share in light, laughter and hope. Through experiences like this, we’re helping our community feel whole — nurturing the body, mind and spirit during a season meant for togetherness.” 

The festival is made possible through the generous support of AdventHealth, the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board, FAIRWINDS Credit Union, The Main Law Firm, OUC – The Reliable One, JCQ Services, Workscapes, Massey Services, Inc., The Good Pour, Orlando Magic and many other community partners. 

Special thanks to media partners iHeartMedia, WESH 2 & CW18, Clear Channel Outdoor and Orlando Weekly for helping spread the holiday spirit.  

Event Details 

What: Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center ™ supported by AdventHealth 

When: December 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026  

Where: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Seneff Arts Plaza  

Admission: Free (select activities available for purchase) 

To stay updated on performer lineups and event details, visit drphillipscenter.org. 

Orlando, FL— In appreciation of the dedication and service of federal employees, Hatalom Corporation will offer complimentary tickets for federal workers to select performances between November 11-16, 2025.

“Hatalom is honored to provide tickets for federal workers to attend these shows at Dr. Phillips Center,” said John Hinnant, Hatalom President & CEO. “Serving those who serve our nation is at the core of who we are and we are grateful for the opportunity to give back in this way.”

Eligible Performances: 

Charlie Hunter – November 11 & 12 – up to (2) tickets max
Classic Albums Live – Thriller – November 12 – up to two (2) tickets max
Dogman, The Musical – November 15 – up to four (4) tickets max
Jeff Rupert Quartet – November 16 – up to two (2) tickets max

Federal Workers can receive complimentary tickets by showing their government-issued, federal ID at Bill & Mary Darden Box Office the day of the show. *Best available seats, while seats are available.

For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org.

Orlando, FL— Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts today has unveiled a new bronze relief sculpture by world-renowned artist Paul Day, honoring Chairman Emeritus James H. Pugh, Jr.—the visionary whose dedicated leadership helped bring the arts center to life.

From 2003 to 2022, Pugh guided the organization from concept to completion, serving nearly two decades as chairman. His time, expertise and steadfast determination were instrumental in transforming the vision of a world-class performing arts center into reality. Alongside his wife, Alexis, Pugh was the very first donor to the project, making a gift that named the 294-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater—an intimate venue that has since welcomed thousands of regional artists and performances.

Under his leadership, the center opened the 2,700-seat  Walt Disney Theater, elevating Broadway in Orlando, and  Steinmetz Hall, a multiform venue that expanded cultural access for Central Florida and was recognized by Architectural Digest as one of the 11 most beautiful theaters in the world.

“Jim has been instrumental in bringing this dream and our promise of Arts for Every Life to the region,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “His vision and generosity shaped every step of our journey, from guiding the design and construction to building a culture of excellence. This sculpture ensures he continues to always be a part of our story.”

Commissioned by long-time friend and arts center donor Neal Dempsey, the large-scale bronze relief sculpture reflects Pugh’s lasting impact on the arts in Central Florida. Created by internationally recognized artist Paul Day, known for The Meeting Place in St. Pancreas Station in London and A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor at Rollins College, the new piece symbolizes the journey of vision, leadership and community that Pugh orchestrated in bringing Dr. Phillips Center to life.

“Today, we celebrated three powerful forces– transformative vision, unwavering perseverance and the magic that happens when a community rallies behind a dream,” said Ed Timberlake, Chairman of Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors. “Jim proved that with enough determination and heart, you can turn an ambitious dream into a living, breathing cultural cornerstone.”

Ticketed guests can visit the sculpture on the first tier of the Della Phillips Lobby.

Generous support for the art piece was made possible by Jan & Neal Dempsey. Additional support was provided by Valeria & Jim Shapiro and Bill Forness.