Events On The Town: December 2018
40 Holiday Events, 14 Special Events and 9 fundraisers happening in the month of December.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Through Dec. 21: The Magic Kingdom is as magical as ever with its annual Christmas festivities, including a special parade and fireworks. Select days from 7 p.m.-midnight. Walt Disney World. Separate park ticket required for this event. disneyworld.disney.go.com
HOLLYVILLE AT THE MALL AT MILLENIA
Through Dec. 24: Take professional photos with Santa in this fantastical winter wonderland. Guests can shop and dine while waiting for their turn with the man in red. 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando. 407-363-3555. mallatmillenia.com
HOLIDAYS AT THE MORSE MUSEUM
Through Dec. 24: Every Friday night during the holiday season, patrons enjoy free admission to the museum, special art demonstrations and live music. 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. morsemuseum.org
THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Through Dec. 30: Embark on a magical journey aboard The Polar Express departing 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
EPCOT CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL
Through Dec. 30: Feel the spirit of Christmas as a mass choir sings favorite hymns accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a celebrity narrator relates the story of Christmas. Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, disneyworld.disney.go.com
SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Through Dec. 31: Enjoy festive shopping, live animal shows and entertainment for the kids. See Elmo on stage, 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
LIGHT UP UCF
Through Dec. 31: 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
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. 1: Downtown Parade, 10 a.m.
Dec. 1: Lighted Boat Parade, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration with Fireworks, midnight.
CELEBRATION NOW SNOWING NIGHTLY
Through Jan. 1: 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
GAYLORD ICE!
Through Jan. 6: This holiday season, guests can experience “ICE! A Christmas Story” through interactive ice sculptures and displays. Children can also enjoy ice slides and ice tubing. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. 407-586-4423. tickets.gaylordpalms.com
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Jan. 6: Muggles are invited to spend Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed with wondrous spirit. Visitors can watch Universal’s Holiday Parade and the live show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Activities included in park admission. Universal Orlando, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando.
universalorlando.com
CHRISTMAS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS
Through Jan. 6: The 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion comes alive with holiday color and lights for this annual event. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. The gardens are open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; the Visitor Center is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with home tours 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
WEKIVA ISLAND’S WINTER WONDERLAND
Nov. 30-Dec. 30: This festive monthlong celebration includes a snow slide, train rides, holiday movies on the lawn, breakfast with Santa, nightly snow flurries and more. 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood. wekivaisland.com/winter-wonderland-events
SONGS OF THE SEASON
Dec. 1: To celebrate the spirit of the season, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Full Sail University and Rollins College invite the community to gather at the Seneff Arts Plaza for an evening of song, dance and entertainment. 7-9 p.m. 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
AVALON AGLOW
Dec. 1: 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
HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES
Dec 1: 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. sanfordhistorictrust.wildapricot.org
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Dec. 1-2: This self-guided tour takes visitors on a journey through over a dozen of Celebration’s decorated homes. View extravagantly decorated trees and tablescapes in the expanded Winter Wonderland. 407-566-1234. celebrationfoundation.org
SYMPHONY STORYTIME SERIES ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Dec. 1 and 9: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents the classic poem set to live music for children ages three to seven. Saturday, 10 and 11:30 a.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-770-0071. orlandophil.org
LEGOLAND CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR
Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 and 22-25: It’s a Lego lover’s dream Christmas with decorations, a giant tree, Santa and a toy soldier all made out of Legos. Special activities include a scavenger hunt, character meet-and-greets and fireworks. 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. legoland.com
EOLA WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS TREE SHOW
Dec.1-Jan. 6: The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree comes alive with a synchronized light and music show. Nightly at 5:45, 6:45, 7:45, 8:45 and 9:45 p.m. Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. 407-246-2121. cityoforlando.net
WINTER GARDEN HOLIDAY EVENTS
Dec. 1-28: Enjoy the season with a multitude of events happening in Winter Garden throughout the month, from animated light shows and holiday carriage rides to movie screening under the stars and live music. 407-656-4111. cwgdn.com
ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC IN WINTER PARK
Dec. 2: It’s the annual “Holiday Pops” concert in Central Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic. Free. 4-6 p.m. 150 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. eventbrite.com
ORLANDO REP’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Dec. 2: Enjoy holiday treats, an exclusive multi-item prize drawing, and a private performance of Elf The Musical, plus decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and get your photo taken with Santa. 3:30 p.m. 10001 East Princeton Street, Orlando. 407-896-7365. orlandorep.com
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA
Dec. 5: Visit historic Casa Feliz at the most beautiful time of the year, when music, crafts, decorations and visits from Santa fill the house with cheer. Events are free, and photographs with Santa are $15 each. 4-7 p.m. 656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-628-8200. casafeliz.us
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Dec. 6: 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. 6:15-8 p.m. Park Avenue at Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. cityofwinterpark.org
HOLIDAY ON THE DRIVE
Dec. 6: 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. collegeparkpartnership.com
WINTER ON THE AVENUE
Dec. 7: Join in the tradition of Winter Park holiday 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
METROWEST WINTERFEST
Dec. 8: Bring your “happy feet” to this free event with a snow slide, ice skating on an outdoor rink, live performances and a showing of the Happy Feet movie, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus, food, fun activities and more. 407-601-2995. MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 Hiawassee Road, Orlando. metrowestcommunity.com
YE OLDE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dec. 8: The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 64th annual parade with 100 organizations, from marching bands and local police to Santa Claus himself. Free. 9 a.m. Starting at Park Avenue at Cole Avenue and proceeding south to Lyman Avenue in Winter Park. 407-644-8281. winterpark.org
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE STREET PARTY HOLIDAY FEST
Dec. 13: Come out and experience Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, this month with a holiday theme, live music, local artists and both food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. Free. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
ART & MUSIC AND HOLIDAY BAZAAR IN THE PARK
Dec. 14: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord just east of U.S. Highway 17-92. Food trucks and other vendors on site as well, plus holiday music and a chance to meet Santa. Free. 6 p.m. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507. casselberry.org
JANE LYNCH—A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Dec. 14-16: The award-winning singer, actress and comedian delivers poignant and hilarious takes on holiday favorites. Friday-Saturday 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2:30 p.m., Sunday 6:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
Dec. 15: Celebrating 20 years, the 2018 tour is a presentation of TSO’s unforgettable, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” featuring founder, composer and lyricist Paul O’Neill’s timeless story of a runaway who finds her way into a mysterious abandoned theater. 3 and 8 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000. amwaycenter.com
TINSEL IN TECHNICOLOR
Dec. 15: This year’s annual holiday show of the Orlando Gay Chorus features musical performances from hit movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Elf” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 318-865-8055. orlandogaychorus.org
SANFORD’S HISTORIC TRUST HOLIDAY TREES & TABLESCAPES
Dec. 15: This month’s Art Walk features festooned trees and tabletop decor by local artists, businesses and organizations. 6 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordartwalk.com
ONE MAN—A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec. 15-17: This classic Christmas tale is adapted for the stage and performed by David A. McElroy who plays all 37 characters. Saturday and Monday 8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. 407-636-9951. bluebambooartcenter.com
ROCK ‘TIL YOU DROP 2019 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Dec. 31: Celebrate the new year in style at Hard Rock Live Orlando with a dinner buffet, a midnight champagne toast and live entertainment from Epic Evolve, The Decades Show. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-351-5483. hardrock.com
JAMES BOND NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Dec. 31: Come dressed to impress in your best James Bond or Bond Girl outfit for a chance to win a prize. Enjoy some bubbly or signature cocktails and tango your way into the new year. 8 p.m. Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. 407-629-0054. enzian.org
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
Dec. 31: Ring in the New Year at The Alfond Inn with live entertainment from The Buzzcatz, reception stations, open bar and a champagne toast. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Reservations required. 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-6604. thealfondinn.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
SCOTT’S MAZE ADVENTURES
Through Dec. 9: Get lost in a giant maze of corn stalks covering more than seven acres of a family’s Lake County farm. There are also mini mazes, zip lines, hay rides, tours, food vendors, a playground and more. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Long & Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. 352-383-6900. longandscottfarms.com
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Dec. 2: Combining athleticism, theater and comedy in their style of play, the famous exhibition basketball team returns to Orlando. 2 p.m. CFE Arena, University of Central Florida main campus, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando. 407-823-3070. cfearena.com
EATONVILLE CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET
Dec. 2: Experience the history, heritage and culture that is the historic Town of Eatonville featuring storytellers, performers, reenactments, and vendors. Free. 1-5 p.m. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. eatonvillechf.com
STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS
Dec. 3: The Orange County Library System comes to the gardens to share stories and songs with infants at 10 a.m. and toddlers at 10:20 a.m. Free. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
Dec. 6: Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music and wander the galleries of the museum. Food and drink available for purchase. This month’s theme: “Art Under $200.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org
ORLANDO POTTERY FESTIVAL
Dec. 8-9: In its 8th year, this two-day festival is Central Florida’s largest celebration and holiday market of ceramic arts featuring unique handmade gifts created by local potters. Free. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. Florida Army National Guard Armory, 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando. orlandopotteryfestival.org
ORLANDO GLOBAL FASHION GALA
Dec. 9: It’s a “Royal Affair” at this buyer’s showcase featuring four spotlight designers and boutiques and an international showcase with four world-class independent designers. 6:30 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000. amwaycenter.com
ORLANDO STORY CLUB
Dec. 12: From best friends to destinations on a map, December’s theme covers “My Favorite Things,” including favorite places, restaurants, outfits, movies, songs, drinks and most importantly, those who share them. 7 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
Dec. 13: 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
MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART IN THE ALLEY
Dec. 14: An evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres to showcase the works of regional artists, on display at several walking-distance venues. Free. 6-8 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
CANINE EXTRAVAGANZA
Dec. 15-16: 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, North/South Building, Orlando. akc.org
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Dec. 20: 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
CAMPING WORLD BOWL PARADE OF BANDS
Dec. 28: Sidewalk cafes and brick streets provide a great backdrop for the Camping World Bowl bands, cheerleaders and mascots as they march down picturesque Park Avenue in Winter Park and then convene in Central Park for an up-close, fun-for-all performance. Free. 11 a.m., floridacitrussports.com
ORLANDO CITRUS PARADE
Dec. 29: In addition to its signature floats made of tangerines, grapefruits, oranges and other citrus, the parade features local celebrities as honorary Grand Marshals, plus spirited high school marching bands from across the nation, participating bowl game college marching bands, and local performing groups. 10:30 a.m. The parade route begins at the corner of Orange Avenue and Robinson Street in downtown Orlando. orlandocitrusparade.com
World of Good
December Fundraisers
12/1
KNIGHT PALS HOLIDAY FESTIVAL, benefits children with autism. Memory Mall at UCF main campus, Orlando. pals-ucfcard.org
IMAGES HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES, benefits the Atlantic Center for the Arts. New Smyrna Beach. imagesartfestival.org
12/2
FLORIDA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT, benefits the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola, Orlando.
cityoforlando.net/holiday
12/7-9
WINE AND CHOCOLATE, benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Lakeridge Winery, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
12/8
CHALLENGE FOR HOPE 5K, benefits Give Kids the World, with a fun run, character greetings and a kids’ zone. Give Kids the World Village, Kissimmee. gktw.org
JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK, benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Lake Baldwin in Baldwin Park, Orlando. arthritis.org
LEADERSHIP WINTER PARK PANCAKE BREAKFAST, benefits adult and youth leadership development. Central Park in Winter Park. winterpark.org
12/14
6TH ANNUAL VIOLECTRIC HOLIDAY SHOW, benefits the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando by asking attendees to bring a pet supply or donation. Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando. violectric.net
12/15
GREG WARMOTH REINDEER RUN, hosted by SeaWorld and Track Shack, benefits Florida Hospital for Children. SeaWorld, Orlando. trackshack.com
