WHAT’S HAPPENING

Listings are subject to change. Please call in advance.

Class

Ballroom dance: American style waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, cha cha and swing. Open to beginner through silver level. Partner not needed. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, free for Winter Park residents; small annual facility fee for nonresidents, 407-599-3275.

Diggin’ It Gardening Series: Learn to grow camellias, roses, orchids, cacti and succulents and plants that attract butterflies. Registration deadline Dec. 9. Classes begin Jan. 9, Orlando Garden Club, 710 E. Rollins St., Orlando, $90 for six class series or $20 per class, 407894-2250.

Growing Tomatoes in Central Florida: Learn about the history of the tomato, what tomato varieties are best adapted to the Central Florida climate and how to best grow them. Advance registration required. 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 8, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $5 per household, 407-254-9200.

Growing Tomatoes in Central Florida: Learn about the history of the tomato, what tomato varieties are best adapted to the Central Florida climate and how to best grow them. Advance registration required. 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden, $5 per household, 407-2549200.

ABCs of Bromeliads: Learn about the representative varieties that are available for use in the home or landscape and simple cultural techniques to ensure success in growing these unusual plants. Advance registration required. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $8 for garden members, $14 for nonmembers, 407-2462620.

Deciduous Fruit as an Alternative to Citrus: Learn about growing apples, peaches, nectarines or persimmons and other deciduous fruit as an alternative for citrus. Advance registration required. 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 20, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $5 per household, 407-2549200.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office Civilian Police Academy: A 13-week course designed to educate residents about the many different divisions which make up the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Attendees will participate in demonstrations, instructor guided tours and question-and-answer sessions. Participants must be at least 18 years old. A background check will be performed on all applicants. There are no physical requirements. Registration deadline is Jan. 31. Visit ocso.com. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 19-May 21, Orange County Sheriff’s Office Central Operations Complex, 2500 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, free, 407-254-7141.

Line dance: Enjoy music and get exercise while dancing on a new ballroom floor. 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, $2 per class, 407-246-4440.

Line dance: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays for experienced dancers, Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, $5 per class, 407-592-7835.

Line dance: Enjoy music and get exercise at the same time. 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays for beginners, Azalea Lane Recreation Center, 1045 Azalea Lane, Winter Park, $5 per class, 407-592-7835.

Tai chi and chi kung: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, $8 per class, 407-234-0119.

Line dance: Learn to line dance while enjoying music and getting exercise at the same time. Beginners welcome. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays, Renaissance Senior Center at South Econ Community Park, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, donation, 407-273-4114.

Tap dancing class for adults: Wear hard soled shoes. 1 p.m. (advanced), 2:30 p.m. (beginners) Wednesdays, Pine Castle Woman’s Club, 5901 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, $10 per class, 407-242-3840.

Okinawan Karate-Do: 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Hope Lutheran Church, 2600 N. Dean Road, Orlando, $40 per month, 407-484-5124.

Computer Lessons for Adults: Orange County Parks and Recreation offers courses through the Computer Basics and More program on how to use your PC, laptop, tablet, iPad or Android. Topics include: email, spreadsheets, eBay buying/ selling, internet searching and Windows Explorer. Students are encouraged to bring their own device for direct hands-on learning. Times and dates vary depending on classes. Classes are taught weekdays at South Econ Recreation Center, 3850 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, $10-$15 per class, 407-254-9075.

Festival/Show

FLOREX Stamp Collecting Show: The Florida Stamp Dealers’ Association and the Central Florida Stamp Club will host 38 dealers buying, selling or trading stamps. An exhibit section will contain more than 200 frames showing collections from all over the world. Free stamps will be provided to children. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today, Osceola Heritage Park Events Center, Hall B, 1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee, admission and parking are free, 407493-0956.

Coin and currency show: More than 25 coin and currency dealers will be buying, selling and offering free appraisals for coins, currency, gold, silver, stamps and more. Children ages 12 or younger will receive free coins. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today, Venue on the Lake: The Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, admission is free, 407-730-3116.

Antique phonograph show and sale: Featuring approximately 40 booths representing dealers from across the country, the show will offer a wide range of victrolas, gramophones, cylinder machines, 78 RPM and cylinder records, and memorabilia. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 26, Allure Resort Orlando, 8444 International Drive, Orlando, admission is $25 Jan. 25 and $12 Jan. 26 with free parking, 407-247-6271.

Craft fair: Featuring knit and crochet items, baby quilts, floral arrangements, jewelry and wooden crafts. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, free, 407-277-1821.

Friday Festival: Featuring more than 70 local artisans of all genres, numerous Central Florida-based small businesses and nonprofit organizations with offerings ranging from health and fitness to beauty and fashion. 5:30-9:30 p.m. the first Friday of every month, Baldwin Park, New Broad Street, Orlando, free, 407-755-6430.

Fundraiser

Pancake Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, sausage, grits, coffee, orange juice and all-you-can-eat pancakes. Proceeds benefit the Bahia Shrine Center, Apopka. 9-11 a.m. Dec. 2, Bahia Shrine Center, 3101 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, $7, 407-660-8811.

Health

Tools To Quit Smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing materials and nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Florida Hospital East, 7727 Lake Underhill Drive, Orlando, free, 877-252-6094.

Tools To Quit Smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing materials and nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 5, Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, free, 877-252-6094.

Tools To Quit Smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing materials and nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Winter Park Memorial Hospital, 201 N. Edinburgh Drive, Winter Park, free, 877-2526094.

Movement as Medicine Dance for Parkinson: Presented by The Florida Hospital Parkinson Outreach Center, the dance program incorporate various forms of movement to address balance, flexibility, range of motion and spatial awareness, with live musical accompaniment. Advance registration required. 2-3:15 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month, Florida Hospital Church, 2800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, $5 donation per couple is appreciated, 407-303-5295.

Exercise for those with Parkinson’s disease: Rock Steady Boxing is a noncontact form of exercise that helps those battling Parkinson’s disease. Noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Wadeview Community Center, 2177 S. Summerlin Ave., Orlando, $10 per class, 917-853-9102.

Holiday

A Merry Winter Garden Light Show: Animated light show projected onto the front façade of Winter Garden City Hall. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 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. today, 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. today, 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.

Holiday bicycle ride: Bicycle riders will cruise five miles through brightly lit neighborhoods in Casselberry/Winter Park during this night time ride. There will also be music and refreshments. Proceeds benefit New Hope for Kids. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 8, South Seminole Middle School, 101 S. Winter Park Drive, Casselberry, $10 in advance, $12 the night of the event, 407-331-3059.

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.

‘From Russia with Amore at Christmas’ holiday concert: The Maitland Symphony Orchestra will perform selections from Shostakovich, Respighi, Sleigh Ride and many holiday favorites. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Maitland Presbyterian Church, 341 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, $10 tickets on Eventbrite, or at the door, 321-303-1404.

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.

Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard Holiday Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 16, Orlando Repertory Theatre 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando, visiting $15, free for ages 11 or younger, cfsof.com/ concert-information/.

Lessons and Carols: The evening will feature works by Jacques Arcadelt, Harold Darke, Elizabeth Poston and more. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, free, 407-876-2211.

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: See a classic or current feature film on a 32-foot screen, weather permitting. Gates open at 6 p.m. Bring dinner picnics and stroll the 50-acre gardens before the movie. Concessions available. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 (“Christmas Vacation” rated PG-13), Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $6 for adults, $3 for children, free for Leu members, 407-246-2620.

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.

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. 10, March 14, Fran Carlton Recreation Center, 11 N. Forest Ave., Apopka, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-703-1642.

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.