Weekend Happenings Dec 1 to 3

Know what's happening in and around Orlando for the weekend.

Friday:

Lighting Celebration – Lake Eola – 5 p.m.

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. For more info: cityoforlando.net

Winter on the Avenue – Winter Park – 5 to 10 p.m.

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. For more info: winterpark.org

Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat – Orlando Shakes – 6:15 p.m.

It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play opens with a party before curtain where guests enjoy free light appetizers from a local eatery, followed by a brief, informative discussion about the creative process with the director and members of the creative team. Free to all opening night ticket holders. No RSVP necessary. The show will run through Dec. 30. For tickets and more info: orlandoshakes.org

Light Up Winter Garden – Plant Street – 6 to 9 p.m.

Festive lights come on with fanfare and entertainment in historic downtown Winter Garden. Free. For more info: cwgdn.com

Saturday:

Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade – Winter Park – 9 a.m.

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. Starting at Park Avenue at Cole Avenue and proceeding south to Lyman Avenue in Winter Park. For more info: winterpark.org

Mimosas & Yoga – Altamonte Springs – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Girls Night Out Orlando invites local ladies to this special holiday brunch with yoga class taught by Tracy Rickard of Tracy's Total Wellness, followed by mimosas, brunch snacks, and a fun time with the girls. For tickets and more info: eventbrite.com

Channel Your Inner Marilyn – Ripley's Odditorium – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Get up close to one of the most iconic gowns in American history. Meet a famous Marilyn Monroe look-alike and watch a special showing of Gentlemen Prefer Blonds at 7 p.m. For more info: ripleys.com/orlando

Avalon Aglow – Avalon Park – 6 to 9 p.m.

Join this picturesque neighborhood for a public celebration featuring food trucks, a bounce-house park, community performances and fireworks. For more info: downtownavalonpark.com

Rock Hard Male Revue – The Venue – 7 p.m.

Featured in “America’s Got Talent” Season 9, Rock Hard Revue is impressing audiences with its 90-minute fully costumed and choreographed Vegas-style production featuring sexy male performers, live vocals and audience participation that brings the show to life. All December long, if you bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots or Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, you can have a free photo with the men of the show. For tickets and more info: rockhardrevue.com

Sunday:

Space Coast Winter Kids Fest – Melbourne Auditorium – noon to 5 p.m.

Enjoy kids activities including face-painting, crafts, photo booth, bounce houses, balloon animals and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet. Free. For more info: eventbrite.com

Light Up SoDo! – SoDo Plaza – 2 to 6 p.m.

This is a family-friendly event featuring face painting, live wreath making, stilt walkers, train rides, princesses, bounce houses, ornament making, a balloon artist, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. For more info: facebook.com/events

Multi-Day Events:

Scrooge the Musical – Osceola Arts – Fri to Sun

It's opening weekend for this Christmas classic story of miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge and his Christmas Eve journey to redemption with a beautiful score. For tickets and more info: tickets.osceolaarts.org

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – Walt Disney World – Fri & Sun

The Magic Kingdom is as magical as ever with its annual Christmas festivities, including a special parade and fireworks from 7 p.m. to midnight. For more info: disneyworld.disney.go.com

Orlando Renaissance Festival – Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake – Fri to Sun

Travel back in time with a weekend of history, music, food, and fun for the whole family, now with beer. For more info: facebook.com/events

Want to see your event listed in the Weekend Happenings? Contact Rita at rita.barnes@orlandomagazine.com with your press release or event information.