December Calendar
Check out the hundreds of amazing activities in Central Florida this December.
SEASONAL EVENTS
LAKE MARY MUSEUM FESTIVAL OF TREES
Through Dec. 14: Enjoy festive holiday decorations and bid in the silent auction for your favor- ite tree. Free. 158 N. Country Club Road, Lake Mary. 407-585-1481. lakemarymuseum.com
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Through 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
WEKIVA ISLAND’S WINTER WONDERLAND
Through Dec. 25: This festive month-long celebration includes a snow slide, train rides, holiday movies on the river, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, nightly snow flurries and more. 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood. wekivaisland.com/2019-winter-wonderland
HOLIDAYS AT THE MORSE MUSEUM
Through Dec. 27: For four consecutive Friday nights during the month 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 CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL
Through 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
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS
Through Dec. 30: Yuletide is celebrated throughout the World Showcase with live musi- cal productions, seasonal food and beverage specialties, and costumed performers bringing time-honored traditions to life. 200 Epcot Center Drive, Orlando. disneyworld.disney.go.com
THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Through Dec. 30: Embark on a magical journey aboard The Polar Express, which departs from the Tavares Union Train Station and is bound for the North Pole on select nights through the holiday season. 305 E. Ruby St., Tavares. 352- 742-7200. mountdorachristmas.com
SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Through Dec. 31: Enjoy festive shopping, live animal shows and entertainment for the kids.
CELEBRATION NOW SNOWING NIGHTLY
Through Dec. 31: The town of Celebration hosts nightly free holiday festivities in its downtown area. Snow falls on the hour from 6-9 p.m. as carolers sing holiday favorites. Paid activities include photos with Santa, a train ride and ice skating. 606 Market St., Celebration. celebrationtowncenter.com
HOLIDAYS AT BOXI PARK IN LAKE NONA
Sunday, Dec. 8: Family-Friendly Holiday Sunday Fundays – Make-Your-Own Snow Globes. Boxi Park Lake Nona, 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. Orlando, FL 32827.
Friday, Dec. 13: Have you been Naughty or Nice this year? Have a favorite holiday outfit to prove it? Celebrate the season with Boxi Park and DJ Emcee and dance all night (or at least until midnight!) in your most festive outfit. Whether you’ve been Naughty or Nice we will have one waiting for you on ice. Dress in your best holiday inspired Naughty or Nice outfit and receive a complimentary welcome drink.
Saturday, Dec. 14: Head to Lake Nona for Doggy Ugly Sweater Day! It’s not just us dog owners with those ugly holiday sweaters. Our four-legged friends have them, too. Put your pooch into their ugliest holiday sweater. The contest will begin at 3 p.m. with fun prizes for winners.
Sunday, Dec. 15: Family-Friendly Holiday Sunday Fundays – Gingerbread Man Decorating & Face painting. Boxi Park Lake Nona, 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. Orlando, FL 32827.
Saturday, Dec. 21: Embarrassed by that ugly sweater that grandma gave you? You know we all have one, right? Celebrate the season with Orlando’s top cover band, Stereo FM, and dance all night in the ugliest holiday sweater you can find. Dress in your best ugly holiday sweater and receive a complimentary welcome drink.
Sunday, Dec. 22: Family-Friendly Holiday Sunday Fundays – Snowflake Decorating & A Visit from Santa. Boxi Park Lake Nona, 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. Orlando, FL 32827.
MOUNT DORA CHRISTMAS
Through Dec. 31: Experience downtown Mount Dora decorated with millions of sparkling lights, plus special festivities. 30 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. 352-383-2165. mountdorachristmas.com Dec. 7: Downtown Parade, 10 a.m. Dec. 7: Lighted Boat Parade, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration with Fireworks, midnight.
LIGHT UP UCF
Through Jan. 5: Central Florida families and residents can enjoy an affordable winter wonderland with ice skating, rides and holiday attractions. CFE Arena, University of Central Florida main campus, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando. lightupucf.com
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Jan. 5: 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 admis- sion. Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
GAYLORD ICE!
Through Jan. 5: 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
CHRISTMAS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS
Through Jan. 5: 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
STETSON MANSION CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Through Jan. 15: Tour guides share the details of the decorations and historic highlights of the mansion including the story of the current owner’s extensive restoration. Reservations required. Stetson Mansion, 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand. stetsonmansion.com
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Dec. 1: The Messiah Choral Society presents this classical masterwork in honor of the holidays. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for donation. Free. 3 p.m. Bob Carr Theater, 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. messiahchoralsociety.com
WILL’S A FAIRE HOLIDAY VINTAGE & INDIE ART MARKET
Dec. 1: More than 80 vendors set up indoors and out with live music, food trucks, and craft cocktails, sodas and beer from Will’s Pub and Lil Indies. Free. 1-8:30 p.m. 1042 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. willspub.org
HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND
Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15 & 20-31: Weekends in December bring seasonal shows, special treats, twinkling lights and more during the Christmas Bricktacular and Kids’ New Year’s Party. 1 Lego- land Way, Winter Haven. legoland.com
A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
Dec. 3: Magician John Archer hosts this holiday-themed cirque show complete with juggling, acrobatics, trapeze artists and more. 7:30 p.m. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-242-2219. kingcenter.com
CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS
Dec. 4-7: More than 200 student musicians from the Stetson University’s choirs, orchestras and bands, perform holiday music from various cultural and religious traditions. Wednesday-Fri- day 7:30 p.m. at Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 Woodland Blvd., Deland. Saturday 7:30 p.m. stetson.edu/music
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Dec. 5: Central Park in downtown Winter Park lights up with Tiffany windows from the Morse Museum on outdoor display, and with holiday performances by the Bach Festival Choir. Free. 6:15 p.m. Park Avenue at Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. cityofwinterpark.org
KRAMPUSNACHT AT HOLLERBACH’S
Dec. 5-6: Santa’s evil counterpart arrives to punish the naughty and eat schnitzel on Thursday, followed on Friday with a visit from St. Nikolaus. Nutcrackers, decorations, caroling, Lebkuchen and more. Free. Hollerbach’s Cafe, 205 E. First St., Sanford.407-321-2204. willowtreecafe.com
LAKE EOLA TREE LIGHTING
Dec. 6: The annual ceremonial lighting of Lake Eola Park’s 72-foot Christmas tree with live music and performances, vendor booths and The Daily City’s Food Truck Bazaar. Free. 5-9 p.m. 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. 407-246- 2121. orlando.gov
WINTER ON THE AVENUE
Dec. 6: Join in the tradition of Winter Park hol- iday festivities as Park Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a tree-lighting ceremony, carolers, snowmaking and a visit from Santa. 5-10 p.m. Park Avenue, Winter Park. 407-644-8281. winterpark.org
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Dec. 6-7: This self-guided tour takes visitors on a journey through over a dozen of Celebration’s decorated homes. 407-566-1234. celebrationfoundation.org
WINTER GARDEN HOLIDAY EVENTS
Dec. 6-7: Enjoy the season with the annual street lighting ceremony on Friday evening and look out for Santa during Saturday’s parade. Downtown Winter Garden, Plant St. 407-656- 4111. cwgdn.com
YE OLDE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dec. 7: The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 67th annual parade with more than 100 bands, dance troupes, floats, local dignitaries and Santa Claus himself. Free. 9 a.m. Starting at Park and Cole avenues and proceeding south to Lyman Avenue, Winter Park. 407-644-8281. winterpark.org
AVALON AGLOW
Dec. 7: Join this picturesque neighborhood for a public celebration featuring food trucks, a bounce-house park, community performances and fireworks. 3-9 p.m. 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Orlando. downtownavalonpark.com
LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS
Dec. 7: Watch as Cranes Roost Park comes alive with holiday displays and a 60-foot tree featuring more than 200,000 lights, plus visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and be merry with live entertainment, fireworks and train rides. 5-9 p.m. 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. Altamonte Springs. altamonte.org
HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES
Dec 7: This self-guided walking tour features a mix of businesses and homes along Sanford’s Oak and Park avenues that are decorated for the season. 3-9 p.m. Historic Sanford Welcome Center, 230 E. 1st St., Sanford. sanford365.com
SUNSET & SYMPHONY HOLIDAY CONCERT
Dec. 7: Music and holiday festivities culminate in an evening performance by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Singing Tower Carillon. Separate ticket required. 4 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
SYMPHONY STORYTIME SERIES
Dec. 7-8: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas set to live music for children ages three to seven. Saturday, 10 and 11:30 a.m., Sunday, 2 & 3:30 p.m. Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-770-0071. orlandophil.org
HOLIDAY POPS OUTDOOR CONCERT
Dec. 8: The Orlando Philharmonic performs in Central Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic. Free. 5 p.m. 150 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. cityofwinterpark.org
HOLIDAY ON THE DRIVE
Dec. 12: Edgewater Drive north of Smith Street in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood is closed to traffic and filled with live music, treats, gifts, food samples, vendors—and a visit from Santa. 5-9 p.m. collegeparkmainstreet.com/events
IT WAS A VERY GOOD YULE—RAT PACK
Dec. 13-22: Guests are invited to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater and sip on hot chocolate for an evening set in the era of the Rat Pack. Thursday 12 p.m., Friday 12 & 8 p.m., Saturday 5 & 8 p.m., Sunday 3 & 5 p.m. Mad Cow Theatre, 54 W. Church St., Orlando. 407- 297-8788. madcowtheatre.com
VIOLECTRIC HOLIDAY SHOW
Dec. 14: ’Tis the season for a free holiday con- cert in downtown Orlando, open to all ages and pets (on leashes). Supporting the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, guests are asked to bring a pet supply or donation. Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park, 99 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando. violectric.net
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
Dec. 14: The 2019 tour is a presentation of TSO’s unforgettable, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” featuring founder, composer and lyri- cist Paul O’Neill’s timeless story about an angel sent to Earth to bring back the best representative of humanity. 3 & 8 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000. amwaycenter.com
SLEIGH QUEEN
Dec. 14-15: This year’s annual holiday show of the Orlando Gay Chorus is hosted by the original sleigh queen herself: Rudolph. Donations for Toys for Tots accepted at each show. Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m. Rosen Jewish Community Center of Southwest Orlando, 11184 S Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. 407-308-5119. orlandogaychorus.org
CARILLON & CHORALE HOLIDAY CONERT
Dec. 15: A holiday concert combining the talents of choral members from Harrison School for the Arts with the Singing Tower. 4 p.m. Included with general admission. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676- 1408. boktowergardens.org
METROWEST WINTERFEST
Dec. 21: This free event features a snow slide, ice skating on an outdoor rink, live perfor- mances and a showing of the movie Toy Story, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus, food, fun activities and more. 407-601-2995. MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 Hiawassee Road, Orlando. metrowestcommunity.com
HORTON’S HOLIDAY HAYRIDE
Dec. 22: Join the merry elves of Ace Cafe Orlando for a special night with Reverend Horton Heat, Voodoo Glow Skulls, the 5.6.7.8s and a special guest appearance by Dave Alvin. 7-10 p.m. 100 W. Livingston St., Orlando. acecafeusa.com
CHRISTMAS DAY CARILLON CONCERT
Dec. 25: Christmas carols from around the world are performed. Included with general admission. 1 & 3 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
EVE AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK
Dec. 31: A New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other with gourmet food, signature drinks, access to five CityWalk nightclubs and live entertainment across Orlando’s largest outdoor dance floor. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
ROCK ’TIL THE DROP
Dec. 31: Countdown to 2020 with a night of live music, food, dancing and fun for the entire family. 8 p.m.-12:20 a.m. Hard Rock Live Orlando, 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-351-5483. hardrock.com
THE GREAT GATSBY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Dec. 31: Come dressed to impress in your best flapper or vintage attire for a chance to win a prize. Enjoy some bubbly or signature cocktails and swing your way into the New Year. 8 p.m. Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. 407-629-0054. enzian.org
NEW YEAR’S DAY CARILLON CONCERT
Jan.1: Ring in the New Year with a Singing Tower concert. Included with general admission. 1 & 3 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
SPECIAL EVENTS
FUSIONFEST
Through Dec. 1: It’s a diversitastic 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
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 hayride. There’s also a produce market and cafe. Sat- urdays and Sundays only. Long & Scott Farms, 26216 CR 448A, Mount Dora. 352-383-6900. longandscottfarms.com
STRAIGHT UP WITH STASSI LIVE
Dec. 4: Stassi Schroeder brings her hit podcast to the Plaza Live Orlando with exclusive never-seen-before content, shocking stories, Next Level Basic tips from her book and a glass (or more) of wine. 8 p.m. 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.org
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Dec. 8: Combining athleticism, theater and comedy in their style of play, the famous exhibition basketball team returns to Orlando. 2 p.m. Addition Financial Arena, University of Central Florida main campus, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando. 407-823-3070. additionfiarena.com
ORLANDO STORY CLUB
Dec. 11: The Orlando Story Club winners of the year compete for the title of Ultimate Storytelling Champion in “Best of 2019—Homecoming.” All proceeds support the Downtown Arts District. 7 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com
CANINE EXTRAVAGANZA
Dec. 14-15: Don’t miss this event, presented by the American Kennel Club and Royal Canin, as the best dogs from the around the country compete for the grand prize. Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando. akc.org
CRISS ANGEL RAW—THE MINDFREAK UNPLUGGED
Dec. 15: The magician brings his famous sleight of hand street magic, mentalism and some of his most iconic illusions to life—all performed in an intimate, raw setting. 7 p.m. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-242-2219. kingcenter.com
LAZY SHOPPER HOLIDAY MARKET
Dec. 22: Unique vendors sell gifts for last-minute shoppers, plus food trucks, live music and more. Family and pet friendly. Free. Noon-6 p.m. 2400 block of East Robinson Street, Orlando. themilkdistrict.org
ONGOING EVENTS
STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS
Dec. 2: The Orange County Library System comes to the gardens to share stories and songs with infants at 10 a.m., toddlers at 10:20 a.m. and preschoolers at 10:40 a.m. Free. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
Dec. 5: 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
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
Dec. 12: 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
Dec. 12: 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
ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK
Dec. 13: 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
Dec. 13: 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
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Dec. 19: 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
Dec. 20: Every third Friday meet at East End Market for interactive workshops and a chance to browse wares from over 3 artisan makers, plus culinary demonstrations, specialty cocktail bars and food specials.3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. 321-236-3316. eastendmkt.com
WORLD OF GOOD
10TH ANNUAL POLAR PLUNGE
Dec. 7: Benefits Special Olympics Florida. SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica water park chills down the tropical wave pool. specialolympicsflorida.org
OUC ORLANDO HALF MARATHON & TRACK SHACK LAKE EOLA 5K
Dec. 7: Benefits the Sister City Exchange Program, Track Shack Youth Foundation and Florida Citrus Sports Foundation. Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando. orlandohalfmarathon.com
LEADERSHIP WINTER PARK PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Dec. 7: Benefits adult and youth leadership development. Central Park in Winter Park. winterpark.org
JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK
Dec. 7: benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Lake Baldwin in Baldwin Park, Orlando. arthritis.org
IMAGES HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES
Dec. 13-15: Benefits the Atlantic Center for the Arts’ Images of Arts Festival 2020. New Smyrna Beach. imagesartfestival.org/tour-of-homes
WINE AND CHOCOLATE
Dec. 14: Benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Lakeridge Winery, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
GREG WARMOTH REINDEER RUN
Dec. 14: Hosted by SeaWorld and Track Shack, benefits Florida Hospital for Children. SeaWorld, Orlando. trackshack.com
7TH ANNUAL VIOLECTRIC HOLIDAY SHOW
Dec. 14: Benefits the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando by asking attendees to bring a pet supply or donation. Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando. violectric.net
ORLANDO GAY CHORUS—SLEIGH QUEEN
Dec. 14-15: Supports Toys for Tots by asking attendees to bring a donation to each show. Rosen Jewish Community Center of Southwest Orlando. 407-308-5119. orlandogaychorus.org