WHAT’S HAPPENING

What’s Up Downtown for the Holidays: Featuring performances from the Russian Ballet Orlando, Mad Cow Theatre, Dr. Phillips Center Premier Performance Ensemble Docs & Dellas, Howard Middle School Jazz Band and Howard Middle School Show Choir. 11:45 a.m. -1:15 p.m. Nov. 29, Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 101 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, free, 407-246-2121.

Tree Lighting Celebration: The City of Orlando event will feature the official lighting of the city’s 72-foot Christmas tree featuring 88,000 animated lights that will perform nightly in a synchronized light show. The event also includes live entertainment and holiday music. 5 p.m. Nov. 30, Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 101 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, free, 407-246-2121.

Holiday Concert: The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform live. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which helps more than 3,500 underprivileged children receive new toys each holiday season. 5 p.m. Dec. 1, Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 101 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, free, 407-246-2121.

Christmas Angel Breakfast: Free event for children and their families (5th grade and younger). Have breakfast, make a craft, meet an angel and hear the Christmas story. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 1, Pine Castle United Methodist Church, 731 Fairlane Ave., Orlando, 407-438-2700.

A Merry Winter Garden Light Show: Animated light show projected onto the front façade of Winter Garden City Hall. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 1, 7, 8, 15, 22, Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, free, 407-656-4111.

Holiday Harp Ensemble Concert: The Central Florida Chapter of the American Harp Society will present its annual holiday concert featuring more than 20 harps. The concert will feature Christmas music and the harps will be joined by a hand bell choir and other instrumentalists. A reception with light refreshments will be held after the concert. 3 p.m. Dec. 2, Church on the Drive, 1914 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, free, donations accepted, 407-905-2501.

Holiday Pops concert: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will play holiday favorites. Bring a blanket and a picnic. 4 p.m. Dec. 2, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-599-3463.

‘Christmas at the Casa’ holiday open house: Santa Claus will be on hand to greet everyone, the house will be decorated for the season and carolers by Winter Park High School Belle Chanson will lead attendees in holiday favorites. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5, Casa Feliz, 656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-628-8196.

Christmas in the Park: The Morse Museum of American Art will light Central Park with century-old Tiffany windows from its renowned collection at the 40th annual Christmas in the Park. The leaded-glass windows set the stage for a performance of seasonal favorites by the Bach Festival Choir. 6:15-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-645-5311.

Christmas with the Basilica Choir holiday concert: The Basilica Choir will present a wide variety of sacred and secular Advent and Christmas music. An audience sing-a-long of Christmas carols will round out the evening. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, $25, free for ages 11 or younger, 407-239-6600.

Holiday Celebration and Amaryllis Festival: There will be photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), live music, nature-themed vendors, food, gift shop, silent auction, eco activities for children and amaryllis bulbs and other plants for sale. Guests are invited to bring toys and nonperishable food items for local charities. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8, Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha, free, donations accepted, 407-445-9977.

Old-Fashioned Hayride with Santa: A hayride through Downtown Winter Garden. Reservations required. 6-9 p.m. (departing every 30 minutes) Dec. 8, Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, free, 407-656-4111.

Chanukah on the Park: Presented by Chabad of Greater Orlando, the evening will include singing performances, live music, dancers, face painting, jugglers, food and grand menorah lighting. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-529-5966.

Live Nativity: Featuring nine scenes depicting events of Jesus’ birth. 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Ave., Maitland, free, 407-644-5350.

Violectric Holiday Show: Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets and anyone who brings a pet supply or makes a donation for Pet Alliance will receive a pet photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 101 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, free, 407-246-2121.

Winter Park Christmas Boat Parade and Water Ski Show: Sponsored by the Winter Park Rotary Club to raise awareness and funds for food for homeless families and kids at Winter Park High School and Killarney Elementary. The water ski show will begin at 3 p.m. on Lake Virginia and the parade of holiday decorated boats will begin at 6 p.m. with public viewing areas on the Rollins Campus on the lake side of the Cornell Museum. The ski show viewing area will be at the ski ramp on the south side of the campus. Food and beverages will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Rollins College at Lake Virginia, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-256-6369.

Merry Tuba Christmas: Tuba, euphonium, sousaphone and baritone players of all ages are invited to participate. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with rehearsal from 10-11:30 a.m. Registration fee is $10. 1 p.m. Dec. 22, Central Park Stage, 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, spectator admission is free, 407-599-3463.

The Nutcracker: Performed by the Russian Ballet Orlando. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 101 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, free, 407-246-2121.

Braille calendars: The Braille Association of Mid-Florida offers 2019 calendars embossed in Braille. The calendar highlights holidays and includes embossed illustrations with a unique theme. For those sending one as a gift, their name and a short personal note written by them will be embossed in Braille and sent with the calendar. The calendars cost $10 and can be mailed to any address in the United States. To order, call 407-831-1364.

Kids & Family

Movies at Leu Gardens:

Model railroad open house: The Orlando Society of Model Railroaders will have an open house. See a fully operational model railroad that includes eight scale miles of mainline track, detailed scenery including both urban and rural scenes and many diverse industries with associated railroad facilities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 9, Orlando Society of Model Railroaders, 7208 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-810-3306.

Ribbit the Exhibit II: Featuring 26 whimsical copper frog sculptures located in 18 displays throughout the 50-acre gardens. Each sculpture is made from flat sheets of copper that are cut, hammered and folded in three dimensional images. J.A. Cobb uses a process which strengthens and seals each sculpture to last for generations. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Jan. 31, Harry P. Leu Gardens. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-17, free for ages 3 or younger, 407-246-2620.

Recreation

Line dance: Proceeds benefit the Elks/Does Charity Fund. 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $5, 407-247-9704.

Bingo: Proceeds benefit the Bahia Shrine Center Apopka. Doors open at 5 p.m. Early bird games start at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Bahia Shrine Center 3101 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, 407-660-8811.

Ballroom dance class: Proceeds benefit the Elks Charity Fund. 6 p.m. intermediate/advanced, 7 p.m. beginner Tuesdays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $10, 407-227-4883.

Bingo: Early Bird begins at 5:45 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Elks Charity Fund. 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $15-$25, 407-894-1079.

Beginning race walking: Orange County Parks and Recreation Division is offering a beginning race walking program for ages 12 or older. Advance registration required. 8:05-9 a.m. Sundays; 5-5:55 p.m. Mondays, Magnolia Park, 2929 Binion Road, Apopka, free, 407-886-4231.

Bingo: Proceeds benefit church charities. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Early bird 6:15 p.m. Mondays, Incarnation Catholic Church, 1515 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, $8-$12, 407-425-1355.

Senior

Downsizing Made Easy: Learn to simplify your life by downsizing. Presented by Paul Henderson, senior certified housing professional. Reservations required. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5, Winter Park Public Library, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-476-1808.

The Smarter Senior Series: Learn what you need to know about finances. Presented by Mike Flahaven, a local certified senior housing professional. Light refreshments served. Reservations required. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5, West Oaks branch of the Orange County Library System, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee, free, 407-340-5291.

How to Pay for Long-Term Care: Medicaid & VA Benefits seminar: Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Heather Kirson will discuss estate planning, advance directives, nursing home asset protection, Medicaid and veterans benefits. Reservations requested. 10 a.m. Dec. 11, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, free, 407-422-3017.

Senior Survival seminar: Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Kathleen Flammia will discuss Medicaid and veteran benefits, asset protection and estate planning. Reservations requested. 6 p.m. Dec. 12, Winter Park Public Library, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-478-8700.

Card games: Play a variety of games. 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Goldenrod Civic Club, 4763 Palmetto Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-657-6862.

Senior Stretch: A weekly, yoga-based stretch class for participants age 65 or older featuring a variety of physical movements to increase flexibility, balance and strength. These exercises are designed to improve day to day function for seniors. 10 a.m. Thursdays, Florida Hospital Health Village Fitness Center, 2520 N. Orange Ave., Suite 101, Orlando, $5, 407-303-2552.

Computer classes for seniors: The Seniors Now Computer Learning Center offers computer courses designed for seniors and taught by seniors but any age is welcome. Apple workshops are available for help on any Apple product such as iPads, iPhones or Apple computers (even the Apple watch). Windows workshops are available for help on any Windows product. No prior computer experience is necessary for the Introduction to Computers course which is nine hours over three weeks and covers basic email and the Internet using Windows 10. Advanced classes are available for email, the Internet, buying and selling on eBay, computer genealogy, word processing, digital photography and spreadsheets. Times and fees vary depending on classes and week. Courses are taught at Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, 407-318-3256.

Senior lifestyle guide: The Senior Resource Alliance (Area Agency on Aging of Central Florida) and the 50PlusFYI Resource Network have published an information booklet called the 50PlusFYI Lifestyle & Resource Guide. It is available for free at public libraries and senior centers in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Information includes help lines, hotlines, special interest groups, legislative activity, consumer protection trends and community events. Details: 407-265-0534 or 50plusFYI.org.

Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-246-4440.

Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 18, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-977-3825.

Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21, Calvary Assembly Church, 1199 Clay St., Winter Park, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-977-3825.

AARP Smart Driver Vehicle Technology Workshop: Learn how to use the technology to keep you safe and driving enjoyable. Understand your car’s new gadgets, such as back up cameras, drowsy driver alert, blind spot and forward collision warnings, automatic parking and emergency response systems, lane departure warning and smart headlights. Receive a vehicle Technology Checklist to use when shopping for a new car or for features that may already be in your car. Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. March 25, Calvary Assembly Church, 1199 Clay St., Winter Park, $5, 877-805-4115.

Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Maitland Senior Center, 345 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-539-6251.

Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.