2025 stood out for its numerous, and notable, closures. But the notables that did open wowed, with more than a few firmly ensconcing Orlando as a serious food city of the South. Here, then, are the very best restaurants to have opened in 2025.
OK, adorable miscreants. It’s my closing column of the year, so that of course means that it’s TLU’s annual, unbelievably exciting and inarguably definitive Undie Awards honoring 2025’s standouts in local music. And this year, the flowers go to …
It’s a can’t-miss showcase of the long hours and passion that go into uplifting our local youth, Orlando’s arts scene and the next generation of rockers. Live performances come courtesy of bands formed within the camp and other area talents.
The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl takes place Saturday at Camping World Stadium; the game sees the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets take the BYU Cougars in their fifth all-time matchup and the first since 2013.
After you’re done either opening all the presents, arguing with your family or spending the day in peaceful solitude — venture out Friday to a house that will treat you like (cherished) family: The Dining Room.
The late-afternoon event at the Winter Park Community Center happens for the 26th year with entertainment and fellowship to spare. Guests can look forward to the Candle Lighting Ceremony to celebrate Umoja (unity), a marketplace, Tam Tam Alifa African Drummers and the Kwanzaa Community Dancers.
This might seem counterintuitive for a performer seemingly at the height of her powers and notoriety. But in the midst of a strong showing on the second season of buzzy Shudder/AMC reality competition The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans, Dollya Black walked away from the show and then from drag.
All by her lonesome, Harris channels the iconic likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Beyoncé, Nina Simone and Tina Turner. Between show-stopping readings of these songs, Harris weaves in personal stories and memories, laying bare how these songs and performers influenced her own vibrant work and life.
But politics and Trump’s return to the White House aside, Orlando Weekly staff also got the chance to report some genuinely heartening stories this year. This holiday season, as we’re mulling over the events of the last year, we wanted to share some of those with you.
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the afternoon, admission to the museum is free and you are welcome to amble around the space and check out all of the ornate Tiffany glass in the collection and listen to some festive live music to boot.
