Surfing Santas, fests, boat parades
’Tis the season, and even though Florida doesn’t experience a white Christmas, there are many other indicators that the holiday season has arrived in the Orlando area.
Maybe your neighbor is putting up 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights on his or her house. Maybe you’re eagerly anticipating a boat or golf cart parade, both of which are uniquely Floridian ways to usher in the holidays.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, there’s no shortage of options for getting in the spirit here in Central Florida.
Holiday lights and community festivals
The City of Orlando rings in the holiday season with its largerthan-life Christmas tree featuring a dancing light show nightly at 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. through Jan. 6 near the intersection of East Washington Street and North Rosalind Avenue. Explore a holiday market at Lake Eola Park with local vendors selling handmade goods from 5:309:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23. The city will also host movies in the park and performances throughout December. More information: orlando.gov or downtownorlando.com
Lake Nona Town Center will hold an “Oh, What Fun!” holiday event with a festive tree trail, visits with Santa, a holiday market and entertainment in the East Orlando community. Visitors can also find special events, sweet treats and children’s activities during the festivities, which occur through Dec. 23 at 6955 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. in Orlando. More information: ohwhatfunlakenona.com
The City of Longwood hosts the annual “Celebrate the Season” event at Reiter Park with a laser light show, live entertainment, an inflatable snow maze, slides, photos with Santa and more. The festivities are 6-9 p.m. Dec. 8 at 311 W. Warren Ave. in Longwood. More information: longwoodfl. org
Turn to Connolly,