On The Town Events: December 2017
28 Holiday Events, 7 Special Events and 17 fundraisers happening in the month of December.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
HOLLYVILLE AT THE MALL AT MILLENIA
Through Dec. 24: Get your photo taken with Santa in this fantastical winter wonderland. A line management system allows guests to 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. 29: Every Friday night during the holiday season, patrons enjoy free admission to the museum, special art demonstrations, and music by the Harpist Bizarre Quartet. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. morsemuseum.org
EPCOT CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL
Through Dec. 30: Feel the spirit of Christmas as a mass choir sings favorite hymns alongside a 50-piece orchestra and a celebrity narrator. Concerts included with theme park admission. 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. America Gardens Theater, Epcot, Walt Disney World. disneyworld.disney.go.com
CELEBRATION NOW SNOWING NIGHTLY
Through Dec. 31: Disney’s Celebration hosts free holiday festivities nightly in its downtown area. Snow falls on the hour from 6 till 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
MOUNT DORA CHRISTMAS
Through Dec. 31: Experience downtown Mount Dora decorated with close to 2 million sparking lights, plus special festivities. 30 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. 352-383-2165. mountdorachristmas.com
Dec. 1: 25th Annual Christmas Walk, 6 p.m.
Dec. 2: Downtown Parade, 10 a.m.
Dec. 2: Lighted Boat Parade, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2-3: Christmas Tour of Homes
Dec. 6: Carol of the King, The Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Christmas in the Park with Snow, 5 p.m.
Through Dec. 31: Polar Express Train Rides
Through Dec. 31: Rusty Anchor Christmas Lights on the Lake Boat Tour
Through Dec. 31: Premier Boat Tours Christmas Boat Tours
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration with Fireworks
SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Through Dec. 31: Enjoy holiday 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
CHRISTMAS AT HARRY P. LEU GARDENS
Through Jan. 3: See the historic Leu House decorated in vintage style for the holidays by local interior designers. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1920 Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Jan. 6: Christmas has transformed the theme park: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are decorated for the season in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. View the live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Who needs elves when the Minions join Santa in the all-new holiday parade? And catch a live concert featuring Mannheim Steamroller. Activities included in park admission. Universal Orlando, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
GAYLORD ICE!
Through Jan. 7: The Gaylord Palms has brought artisans from Harbin, China, to create a winter wonderland from 2 million pounds of ice. Children can also enjoy ice slides and ice tubing. This year’s theme is “ICE! Christmas Around the World.” 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. 407-586-4423. marriott.com
PINEWOOD ESTATE AT BOK TOWER GARDENS
Through Jan. 7: The 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion comes alive with Christmas color and lights for this much-anticipated annual event. The gardens are open from 8 a.m. to 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. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
CITY OF ORLANDO TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Dec. 1: Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the city’s six-story Christmas tree featuring 88,000 lights. The event also includes live entertainment and holiday music. 5 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. 407-246-2121. cityoforlando.net
LIGHT UP WINTER GARDEN
Dec. 1: Festive lights come on with fanfare and entertainment along Plant Street in historic downtown Winter Garden. Free. 6-9 p.m. 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. cwgdn.com
WINTER ON THE AVENUE
Dec. 1: 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
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
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Dec. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22: 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. Separate park ticket required. Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World. disneyworld.disney.go.com
AVALON AGLOW
Dec. 2: Join this picturesque neighborhood for a public celebration featuring food trucks, a bounce-house park, community performances and fireworks. 6-9 p.m. 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Orlando. downtownavalonpark.com
YE OLDE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dec. 2: 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
LEGOLAND CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR
Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 23-25: It’s a Lego lovers 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
SPACE COAST WINTER KIDS FEST
Dec. 3: Enjoy kids activities including face-painting, crafts, photo booth, bounce houses, balloon animals and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet. Free. Noon-5 p.m. Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne. eventbrite.com
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA
Dec. 6: Visit historic Casa Feliz at the most beautiful time of the year, when music, crafts, decorations and Santa visits 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. 7: The Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park when it lights up its Tiffany windows in Central Park accompanied by the Bach Festival Choir for an incredible concert. Free. 6:15 p.m. 150 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. bachfestivalflorida.org
WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Dec. 7: The Downtown Development Board invites you to pack a lunch and enjoy song-and-dance performances by the Russian Ballet Orlando, Mad Cow Theatre, Docs & Dellas, Dr. Phillips Center Premier Performance Ensemble, and the Howard Middle School Jazz Band and Show Choir. Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-246-3789. cityoforlando.net
METROWEST WINTERFEST
Dec. 9: Come and “Shrek the Halls” with this free event featuring Shrek characters, face-painting, a showing of the Shrek the Halls movie, Santa and Mrs. Claus, food, fun activities and more. 407-601-2995. 2121 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. metrowestcommunity.com
ORLANDO GAY CHORUS PRESENTS CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
Dec. 9-10: Don’t miss the annual holiday show of the Orlando Gay Chorus. 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 318-865-8055. orlandogaychorus.org
LIVE NATIVITY
Dec. 10: Nine scenes depict the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Refreshments and entertainment at the end of the journey. Free. 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Ave., Maitland. 407-644-5350. goodshepherdmaitland.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE STREET PARTY HOLIDAY FEST
Dec. 14: Come out and experience Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, a monthly gathering with live music, local artists, and both food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. Free. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
SANFORD’S HISTORIC TRUST HOLIDAY TREES & TABLESCAPES
Dec. 16: This month’s Art Walk features trees and tables decorated by local artists, businesses and organizations. 6 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordartwalk.com
FLORIDA CITRUS BOWL PARADE
Dec. 30: This nationally broadcast parade features signature floats made of citrus fruit along with marching bands, specialty units and exciting performances. Rosalind Avenue adjacent to Lake Eola, Orlando. 11 a.m., floridacitrussports.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
AN EVENING WITH ANNA DEAVERE SMITH
Dec. 10: The film, television and stage actor will headline this event, which includes stories from her illustrious career and a brief Q & A session. Through a short performance and interview, audience members will hear about the process of combining a passion for social causes with documentary-style theater-making. 7:30 p.m. Loch Haven Park, Universal Orlando Foundation Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-447-1700, ext. 1. orlandoshakes.org
SCOTT’S MAZE ADVENTURES
Through Dec. 10: 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
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE STREET PARTY
Dec. 14: Central Florida’s largest recurring, monthly street party, with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY WINE AND ART WALK
Dec. 14: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass and a map of more than 25 businesses offering wine tastings. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue at Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com
CANINE EXTRAVAGANZA
Dec. 16-17: 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, canineextravaganza.com
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Dec. 21: You’re invited to descend on the city’s Downtown Arts District for the evening to celebrate all that is art. 6 p.m. Free. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. orlandoslice.com
CIRQUE MUSICA
Dec. 23: The holiday show “Believe” features a dinner, live full symphony orchestra and circus experience. 7:30 p.m. Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 800-745-3000. cirquemusica.com, ohpark.com
WORLD OF GOOD
December Fundraisers
12/2
LEADERSHIP WINTER PARK PANCAKE BREAKFAST, benefits adult and youth leadership development. Central Park in Winter Park. winterpark.org
IMAGES HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES, benefits the Atlantic Center for the Arts. New Smyrna Beach. imagesartfestival.org
12/3
FESTIVALS OF SPEED, showcase of 300 exotic vehicles, benefits the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando. festivalsofspeed.com
CARING SANTA, hosted by The Florida Mall to benefit children with special needs. The Florida Mall, Orlando. simon.com
ORLANDO REP FAMILY HOLIDAY GALA, benefits the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Loch Haven Park, Orlando. orlandorep.com
12/6
STUFF THE STOCKING CHALLENGE, benefits low-income children in Orange and Osceola counties. salvationarmyorlando.org
12/8-10
WINE AND CHOCOLATE, benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Lakeridge Winery, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
Through 12/9
SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE, benefits Central Florida families in need at Christmastime, with family gift adoption opportunities at Publix, Chick-fil-A, The Mall at Millenia and other area locations. salvationarmyorlando.org
12/9
DANCING FOR DIABETES, a showcase of Central Florida dancers, raises funds to find a cure and inspire those with diabetes to live healthy and active lives. Bob Carr Theater, Orlando. dancing4diabetes.com, drphillipscenter.org
JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK, benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Lake Baldwin in Baldwin Park, Orlando. arthritis.org
HOLIDAY HOOPLA, benefits IMPOWER, a mental health and child wellbeing organization. Winey Wench, Oviedo Mall, Oviedo. eventbrite.com
HOLIDAY BICYCLE RIDE, benefits New Hope for Kids. South Seminole Middle School, Casselberry. newhopeforkids.org
12/16
GREG WARMOTH REINDEER RUN, hosted by SeaWorld and Track Shack, benefits Florida Hospital for Children. SeaWorld, Orlando. trackshack.com
CHRISTMAS GIFT DISTRIBUTION, benefits families in need in Osceola County. Community Hope Center, Kissimmee. hope192.org
KNIGHT PALS HOLIDAY FESTIVAL, benefits children with autism. Memory Mall at UCF, Orlando. pals-ucfcard.org
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, annual toy drive and holiday event hosted by Guys With Ties. Downtown Orlando. guyswithties.org
12/31
GRAND MASQUERADE BALL, benefits BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. drphillipscenter.org
