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Between buying presents for your friends, your family and the annual white elephant gift exchange at your office holiday party, the holiday season can get expensive. So instead of adding salt to injury, we’ve compiled a list of festive activities that won’t break the bank.
Light Up UCF
Through Jan. 6 2019
Winter carnival with ice skating, pictures with Santa, rides, games, movies and more. Prices for activities vary. lightupucf.com.
Photo via Light Up UCF/FacebookChristmas in the Park
Dec. 6
The Morse Museum decorates Central Park with stained glass windows while the Bach Festival Choir performs a holiday concert; 6:15 pm. Central Park, Winter Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. Free. cityofwinterpark.org.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyHoliday on the Drive
Dec. 6
Santa and friends ring in the holiday season by turning Edgewater Drive into a winter wonderland, and shops along the drive open for holiday shopping. 5 pm; Edgewater Drive, Edgewater Drive and Smith Street. Free. collegeparkpartnership.com.
Photo via College Park Main Street/FacebookElf: The Musical
Dec. 7-9
Adaptation of the Will Ferrell movie about a human man who was raised by Santa’s elves. 1:30 & 6 pm; Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St.; $15-$25. orlandorep.com.
Photo via Orlando Repertory Theatre/InstagramHoliday Movie at Lake Eola Park: The Polar Express
Dec. 7
Free screening of the animated film based on the popular children’s book. 7 pm; Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street. cityoforlando.net.
Photo via Warner Brother StudioDo You Hear What I Mishear?
Dec. 7
Holiday-themed sketch and improv comedy show. 8 pm; Orlando Shakes, 812 E. Rollins St.; $15. orlandoshakes.org.
Photo via Adobe ImagesNational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Dec. 7
Screening of the holiday comedy outside in the gardens. 7:30 pm; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave; $6. leugardens.org.
Photo via Warner Brothers StudioOrlando Ballet: The Nutcracker
Dec. 7-16
The traditional holiday performance of Tchaikovsky’s most famous work. 7:30 pm; Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $19-$990. drphillipscenter.org.
Photo via Orlando Ballet/FacebookPopcorn Flicks in the Park: Miracle on 34th Street
Dec. 7
Free outdoor screening of the Christmas classic about a girl who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus and the crazy old man out to prove her wrong. 7 pm; Central Park, Winter Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. enzian.org.
Photo via Winter Park/FacebookWinter on the Avenue
Dec. 7
This holiday street party features a flurry of activities, including the annual tree lighting ceremony. 5-10 pm; Downtown Winter Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park. Free. cityofwinterpark.org.
Photo via Adobe ImagesLeadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast
Dec. 8
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and grab a great seat for the Winter Park Christmas Parade. 7-10:30 am; Central Park, Winter Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park; $5. cityofwinterpark.org.
Photo via Adobe ImagesSaturday Matinee Classics: It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec. 8
Film about a man’s life and what would have happened had he never been born. Noon; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; $9. enzian.org.
Photo via Enzian Theatre/FacebookWinter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
Dec. 8
The longest running holiday parade in Central Florida travels down Park Avenue, starting at Cole Avenue and proceeding south, ending at Lyman Avenue. 9 am; Park Avenue, Park Avenue at Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. Free. cityofwinterpark.org.
Photo via City of Winter ParkWinter Spark Parade
Dec. 8
Holiday festival with artists, vendors, food and an opportunity for pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, followed by a lighted parade down New Broad Street. 3-7:30 pm; Downtown Baldwin Park, 4915 New Broad St. Free. baldwinparkevents.com.
Photo via Adobe ImagesA Christmas Carol
Dec. 8
Celebrate the holiday season with this performance of Dickens’ classic tale. 7:30 pm; Margeson Theater, Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. From $18. orlandoshakes.org.
Photo via Orlando Shakespeare Theatre Credit:Photo via Orlando Shakespeare TheatreSounds of the Season
Dec. 9
An outdoor concert from FSYO’s Symphonic Orchestra. 3 pm; Mead Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park; $10-$15. fsyo.org.
Photo via Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra/FacebookA Christmas Spectacular
Dec. 10-15
Travel the United States and visit some of the most popular cities on this Santa-tracking adventure. 7:30 pm; Gateway Center for the Arts, 880 N. Highway 17-92, DeBary; $17. gatewaycenterforthearts.org.
Photo via Gateway Center For The Arts/FacebookSnow in the Park
Dec. 14
Kids of all ages can glide down giant ice slides, play in snow flurries, or tinker in the toymaker’s workshop. Everyone is able to warm up with free delicious s’mores and hot chocolate. 6-9 pm; Central Park’s West Meadow, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. Free. cityofwinterpark.org.
Photo via Adobe ImagesHoliday Movie at Lake Eola Park: The Santa Clause
Dec. 14
Free screening of the holiday comedy. 7 pm; Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street. cityoforlando.net.
Photo via DisneyHoliday Pop Swap Market
Dec. 16
Find unique gifts for family and friends among the vendors at the Holiday Pop Swap Market, which features vintage, vinyl and handcrafted products and several food trucks. 1 pm; Dear Prudence Shop, 2912 Corrine Drive; Free. .
Photo via Adobe ImagesHome Alone
Dec. 16
An interactive film screening with games, a sweater contest, props and more. 6:30 pm; Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden; $16. gardentheatre.org.
Photo via 20th Century FoxGrandma Party Bazaar
Dec. 16
Parking lot holiday market with vendors, live music, interactive booths and more. 10 am-6 pm; Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Road; Free. facebook.com/stardustie.
Photo via Michael LothropsSleigh!
Dec. 22
A young couple spends their first Christmas together, tackling all the holiday traditions with two very different expectations. 3 pm; Clermont Performing Arts Center Performance Hall, 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont; $7.49-$16. clermontperformingarts.com.
Photo via Clermont Performing ArtsWekiva Island Boat Parade
Dec. 22
Boats decorated in Christmas lights illuminate the Wekiva River for hundreds of spectators in a uniquely Floridian procession. 7 pm; Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Road, Longwood; Free. wekivaisland.com.
Photo via Wekiva Island/FacebookHoliday Open House
Dec. 22-23
Stroll through the Morse’s collection accompanied by live music. 1-4 pm; Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. Free. morsemuseum.org.
Photo via Morse Museum/Facebook
