The holidays will be here before you know it, so you’re probably saving every penny you have. Here are some things for you to do this weekend that’ll keep your pennies (and dollars!) safely in your pocket:
Gingerbread House Competition and Display
Live the sweet life (or at least look at it) on display at this gingerbread house competition.
When: Through Monday, Dec. 22
Where: Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd.
City of Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration
Enjoy food trucks, holiday-themed performances and the lighting of Orlando’s 72-foot Christmas tree.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street
Popcorn Flicks: Jingle All the Way and How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Feel the holiday magic with a free double feature.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Enzian Theater,1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
4th Annual Orlando Pottery Festival
Take in live demos, raffles and more at Central Florida’s largest pottery event.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday Dec. 6
Where: Loch Haven Neighborhood Center, 610 N. Lake Formosa Drive
62nd Annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade
Celebrate 60 years of Winter Park’s small town charm with marching bands, community groups and, of course, Santa Claus.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: Central Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park
Avalon Aglow
Embrace the festive season with a parade, hot apple cider and fireworks in downtown Avalon Park.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: Avalon Park Town Center, 13001 Founders Square Drive
Cracker Christmas
This outdoor event in historic Christmas, Florida, features pioneer demos, workshops and more.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 6-7
Where: Fort Christmas Historical Park and Museum, 1300 Fort Christmas Road, Christmas
Richard Gileqitz, Joyce Greco
Be delighted by the sights and sounds of a live painter and guitarist. The show is free, but the hosts ask that you bring a bottle of wine to share.
When: 7:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Timucua, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave.
Sparkle Artisan Holiday Market
Local artisans, musicians and other vendors take over the neighborhood cafe for this annual holiday market.
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Dandelion Communitea Cafe, 618 N. Thornton Ave
Light Up Downtown South
Caroling, food trucks and more as Downtown South lights its own holiday tree.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Lake Beauty Park, 50 W. Miller St.
This article appears in Dec 3-9, 2014.