Fusion Fest honors the many heritages in Central Florida with entertainment, fashion and food (© 2018 STEPHEN SHELDON)

SEASONAL EVENTS

SCOTT’S MAZE ADVENTURES
Through Dec. 15: Get lost—and have fun—exploring two corn mazes that cover seven acres of this family farm, or take a hay ride and play games. There’s also a produce market and cafe. Saturdays and Sundays only. Long & Scott Farms, 26216 CR 448A, Mount Dora. 352-383-6900. longandscottfarms.com

MESSIAH SING-IN
Nov. 5: Join Seminole State College’s Community Chorus for this traditional sing-in, with soloists and a chamber orchestra. Free. 7:30 p.m. Markham Woods Presbyterian Church, 5210 Markham Woods Road, Lake Mary.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE WINERY
Nov. 8-10: Enjoy live music, hot mulled wine, tours and local arts and crafts for sale. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. Highway 27 North, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com

MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Nov. 8-Dec 22: The Magic Kingdom is as magical as ever with its annual Christmas festivities, including a special parade and fireworks. Select nights from 7 p.m.-midnight. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. Separate park ticket required. disneyworld.disney.go.com

20th ANNUAL CITY OF ORLANDO VETERANS DAY PARADE
Nov. 9: The city honors the U.S. Armed Forces in a celebration featuring marching bands, ROTC units, active duty military, and decorative floats. 11 a.m. Orange Avenue at Robinson Street, Orlando. cityoforlando.net/veteransparade

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Nov. 9-Dec. 30: Embark on a magical journey aboard The Polar Express, which departs from the Tavares Union Train Station, bound for the “North Pole” on select nights through the holiday season. 305 E. Ruby St., Tavares. 352-742-7200. mountdorachristmas.com

FESTIVAL OF TREES
Nov. 16-24: This seasonal tradition at the Orlando Museum of Art transforms the gallery rooms into a holiday showplace with themed, decorated trees, vignettes and decor—all for purchase. Opening gala Friday, Nov. 15. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231. omart.org

HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Nov. 16-Jan. 5, 2020: Muggles are invited to spend the holiday in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed for the season. Visitors can watch Universal’s Holiday Parade and the live show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Activities included in park admission. Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com

SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Nov. 23-Dec. 31: Enjoy festive shopping, live animal shows and entertainment for the kids. Meet Rudolph, witness a live nativity and see the spectacular Sea of Trees on the waterfront. Included with park admission. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldparks.com

ORLANDO REP’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Nov. 24: Enjoy holiday treats, an exclusive multi-item chance drawing, photos with Santa and a performance of Miracle in Bedford Falls. 3:30 p.m. 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-896-7365. orlandorep.com

GAYLORD ICE!
Nov. 25-Jan. 5, 2020: The Polar Express comes to Gaylord Palms with interactive ice sculptures and displays featuring iconic scenes from the story. Children can also enjoy ice slides and ice tubing. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. 407-586-4423. tickets.gaylordpalms.com

EPCOT CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL
Nov. 28-Dec. 30: Hear the story of Christmas each evening as told by a celebrity narrator with a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

HOLIDAYS AT THE MORSE MUSEUM
Nov. 29-Dec. 27: For five consecutive Friday nights during the holiday season patrons enjoy free admission to the museum, special art demonstrations and live music. 4-8 p.m. 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311.
morsemuseum.org

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS
Nov. 29-Dec. 30: Yuletide is celebrated throughout the World Showcase with live musical productions, seasonal food and beverage specialties, and costumed performers bringing time-honored traditions to life. 200 Epcot Center Drive, Orlando. disneyworld.disney.go.com

CHRISTMAS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS
Nov. 29-Jan. 5, 2020: The 1930s Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate mansion is decorated for the Christmas season. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. The gardens are open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; home tours are from 10 a.m-5 p.m. boktowergardens.org

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Nov. 30: Ring in the season with family and friends at this perennial favorite concert  performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Bob Carr Theater, 401 Livingston St., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

SPECIAL EVENTS

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Through Nov. 23: Taste the world from one location in Central Florida as dozens of international food markets pop up within this Disney theme park. Experience the art of celebrity chefs, attend culinary demonstrations, and enjoy “Eat to the Beat” concerts. It’s more than two full months of food and fun. Walt Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

ORLANDO SHAKES PLAYFEST
Nov. 8-9: This festival features readings of seven new plays in development reflecting the vibrancy of human emotion and exploring the diversity of their experience. Orlando Shakes, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. 407-447-1700. orlandoshakes.org

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK
Through Nov. 10: Events throughout the city include fashion shows and networking opportunities for professionals in the fashion, art and entertainment industries. orlandointernationalfashionweek.com

PRAISE WAVE
Through Nov. 16: SeaWorld’s popular Christian music festival with live performances. Included with park admission. Saturdays 1-5 p.m. Nautilus Theater, SeaWorld, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando. 407-545-5550. seaworldorlando.com

PECHAKUCHA NIGHT ORLANDO V27
Nov. 8: Drawing its name from the Japanese term for “chitchat,” this night of learning rests on a simple idea—20 images in 20 seconds—keeping the presentations concise and moving rapidly. 6 & 9 p.m. Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. drphillipscenter.org

ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL
Nov. 8-10: EDC returns to Florida with electronic dance music, carnival rides, performers and art. Tinker Field, Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. 407-440-5700. orlando.electricdaisycarnival.com

ROTARY CLUB OF MAITLAND ART FESTIVAL
Nov. 8-10: Lake Lily is the backdrop for this boutique art festival with live music, dancing, food and drink. Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. maitlandrotaryartfestival.com

PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT AND EXHIBIT
Nov. 8-30: Local artists paint or draw scenes depicting Mount Dora’s landscape. Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 E. 5th Ave., Mount Dora. 352-383-0880. mountdoracenterforthearts.org

COLLEGE PARK JAZZ FEST
Nov. 9: Edgewater Drive, from Smith Street to Clayton Street, is shut down for a night of smooth, funky and soulful jazz on three stages. VIP tables are available for reservation,  and restaurants, shops and businesses are open, with food trucks and vendors lining the street. 5-11 p.m. collegeparkmainstreet.com

MAKER FAIRE ORLANDO
Nov. 9-10: Immerse yourself in Maker culture with exhibits, performances, art and hands-on making and learning—showcasing the creative folks who make, play, tinker and hack in areas like robotics, cosplay, STEM & STEAM, crafts, science, electronics and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Halls, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. 407-634-6257. makerfaireorlando.com

ORLANDO BEER FESTIVAL
Nov. 16: Sample craft beers from local breweries and wines from various wineries. 2-5 p.m. Festival Park, 2911 Robinson St., Orlando. orlandobeerfestival.com

ORLANDO JAPAN FESTIVAL
Nov. 17: Cultural performances including Taiko drumming, martial arts using swords, and samurai warrior demonstrations, plus Japanese food, drink, and arts and crafts. Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 69 Lakeshore Blvd., Kissimmee. jorlando.org/orlando-japan-festival

WINTER PARK INSTITUTE
Nov. 18: LPGA golfer, businesswoman, and ambassador for healthy lifestyles, Annika Sorenstam, discusses her “Journey from Hall of Fame Golfer to Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.” 7 p.m. Bush Auditorium, Rollins College, Winter Park. 407-646-2145. rollins.edu/wpitickets

FLORIDA BLUE BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Nov. 22: The Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman marching bands and dance teams face off the night before the big game. 7 p.m. Amway Center, Orlando. floridacitrussports.com

METROPOLITAN OPERA NATIONAL COUNCIL AUDITIONS/VOCAL COMPETITION
Nov. 23: As many as 40 young, classically trained singers compete for an opportunity to sing on stage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Trinity Preparatory School, 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, Winter Park. 407-922-4688. metauditionsflorida.org

FUSIONFEST
Nov. 30-Dec. 1: It’s a two-day celebration in downtown Orlando honoring the many heritages found in Central Florida through music, dance, film, word, fashion and food. Seneff Arts Plaza at Dr. Phillips Center, and City Hall Commons, Orlando. fusionfest.org

ORLANDO POTTERY FESTIVAL & HOLIDAY ARTS MARKET
Nov. 30-Dec. 1: This family friendly event features unique handmade items created by talented local artists. Free. Florida National Guard Armory, 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando. www.orlandopotteryfestival.org

Ongoing Events

Monthly happenings around town

FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
Nov. 7: Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music and walk through the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art. Food and drink available for purchase. This month’s theme: “Leave No Sight Unseen.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org

ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK
Nov. 8: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord. Food trucks and other vendors on site as well. 6 p.m. Free. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507. casselberry.org

MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART IN THE ALLEY
Nov. 8: Downtown galleries are open to the public while art exhibitors and musicians line Royellou Lane showcasing original works, handmade goods and acoustic sounds. Free. Galleries open 6-8 p.m. Sidewalk exhibitions until 9 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org

THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
Nov. 14: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass (pay and pickup at Olde Town Brokers) and a map of participating businesses. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue and Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com

SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER 5 STREET PARTY
Nov. 14: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, a monthly gathering with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com

3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Nov. 21: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and nontraditional art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. Rogers Kiene Building, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 3rdthu.com

EVENING EXCHANGE
Nov. 22:  Every third Friday, meet at East End Market for interactive workshops and a chance to browse wares from over 30 artisan makers, plus culinary demonstrations, specialty cocktail bars and food specials. 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. 321-236-3316. eastendmkt.com

WORLD OF GOOD

November Fundraisers

Nov. 9
CHALLENGE FOR HOPE FUN RUN, benefits Give Kids The World Village, Kissimmee. gktw.org

FUND FOR HOPE FASHION SHOW, benefits Clarita’s House Outreach Ministry. Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando. claritashouse.com

DANCING FOR DIABETES, benefits the Kids with Diabetes Dance Program. Bob Carr Theater, Orlando. dancing4diabetes.com

Nov. 24
ADVENT HEALTH GOLDEN GALA XXXIX, benefits the AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Lake Buena Vista. adventhealth.com

Nov. 28
30TH ANNUAL TURKEY TROT 5K, benefits programs for seniors. Participants and cheerleaders are encouraged to wear Thanksgiving-themed attire. Lake Eola, Orlando. turkeytrotorlando.com