A TWINKLE & A GLOW

Christmas has been synonymous with twinkling lights ever since the wise men followed the brightest star to Bethlehem.

Around Central Florida, communities decorate their streets and parks to get people in the holiday mood and just generally pretty up the place.

Here’s a roundup of local spots going all out to fuel bright spirits.

And for more holiday fun see the Christmas edition of Check it Out! on Page D2.

Orlando

It’s hard to miss Orlando’s six-story Christmas tree, lit up on the western shore of downtown’s Lake Eola, especially during its five-times-nightly synchronized light performances. But the surrounding lake is also transformed into Eola Wonderland, with a tunnel of lights and holiday music in the air. Today you can catch a performance of the Lake Nona High School Band at 6 p.m., followed by a free screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in the park. Where: Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street Details: downtownorlando.com

Tavares

Looking to visit Santa’s workshop? Then hop on Tavares’ Polar Express ($40-$210), based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 children’s book of the same name. But before you climb aboard, walk along Wooton Park, a deep cut of Old Florida that twinkles like a pixie convention. Where: Wooton Park, Ruby Street and South St. Clair Abrams Avenue Details: orlandothepolarexpressride.com

Avalon Park

In the beginning of December comes Avalon Aglow, a onenight festival that fortunately leaves its glow on the area for the rest of the month. The parks and avenues around this east Orange County community are lighted with holiday cheer. Today, kids can get photos with Santa and make holiday crafts from 4-7 p.m.

Where: Ballroom at the Pavilion, 13401 Tanja King Blvd., Orlando

Details: downtownavalonpark.com

Winter Park

Tradition doesn’t mean nothing changes. Hurricane Irma damaged the big pine that has served as Winter Park’s Christmas tree for 29 years, but the city has brought in a visually swirling, twirling digital tree to light the way. Central Park features music from 7-10 p.m. and lights hung throughout the trees, plus ice skating ($13). And on Friday nights after 4 p.m., the Morse Museum of American Art offers free admission and live chamber music. Where: Central Park, Park Avenue and Morse Boulevard Details: winterpark.org

Mount Dora

Sometimes size does matter. Donnelly Park and surrounding downtown Mount Dora are showcasing 2 million lights, like a force majeure of holiday spirit. Big webs of white lights surround all the tree tops as if spun by particularly festive spiders. Go, be inspired and be grateful that you aren’t the one who has to take them all down. Where: Donnelly Park, Donnelly Street and 5th Avenue Details: mountdora.com

Celebration

It may be in the mid-60s at night, but it’s snowing in the community that Disney built in Osceola County. Celebration hosts “Now Snowing,” where “snow” (actually foam, but it looks cool) falls hourly from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Add in roving carolers, ice skating ($10), horse-drawn carriage rides ($5-$65), photos with Santa (prices vary) and lights strung throughout the thoroughfares and you’ve got a trip to Victorian England in Scrooge’s time (just more electric). Where: Celebration Avenue and Market Street Details: celebrationtowncenter.com