Free Christmas Events in Orlando, 2011 Edition

There are so many holiday events in Central Florida every year that for this post I decided to narrow them down by price and only include events that are FREE.  Here are some of Orlando's most popular holiday season events that you can enjoy without spending any money.  Come see fireworks, parades, and tree lighting ceremonies; visit Santa, a museum, or a concert; play in the snow, socialize, and much more.  Disclaimer: Most events do serve food and drinks, which are probably not free.  Any other free events you know of that aren't listed?  Leave a comment!

Free Ongoing Events

Although it was already mentioned in the Thanksgiving post, Light Up UCF is going all month.  In addition to ice skating, rides like the Ferris wheel, Christmas train, and ice slide cost money, but there are also free activities, including a musically-synchronized light show every night and the Holiday Film Festival (see below for details).  Parking is free and check the site's calendar for 2-4-1 Tuesdays on ice skating and other combo deals.

Although it's become a nightly event since the Lake Eola fountain renovations earlier this Fall, stop by the park  any night at 8:00pm or 9:30pm to see a four-and-a-half minute light show choreographed with some lively jazz music.

Santa's Winter Wonderland Village will be going on at the Waterford Lakes town center from December 2nd, 2011 to January 2nd, 2012.  Come see seasonal displays, visit Santa's workshop, and enjoy the thousands of lights.  In addition to food and drink stands, there are also twenty different rides (usually $3; $15 daily wristband), including a Ferris wheel and scooter track.

Scenic Mount Dora has an ongoing calendar of holiday events, including movies at the park, lighted boat tours, performances, and lots of opportunities to visit with Santa Claus.

A nightly event in Trumanshow-esque Celebration, Florida, is Now Snowing.  The month-long event (November 26th through December 31st - including Christmas Eve and Day) includes, hourly snowfalls, skating, carolers and other live music, visits by Santa, carriage rides, and other surprise events.

Free Special Events

Tuesday, November 29th

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of Fred Claus on five-story outdoor movie screen

Wednesday, November 30th

Holiday at Heritage Square, Orange County History Center, Downtown Orlando
     -  6:00pm to 8:00pm
     -  Tree lighting at 6:15pm
     -  Choirs, crafts, Santa

Thursday, December 1st

Christmas in the Park, Winter Park
     -  6:15pm to 8:00pm
     -  Lighting of the Morse Museum's Tiffany Windows
     -  Concert by Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir, and Brass Ensemble

Holiday on the Drive with Light up College Park, Orlando
     -  5:00pm to 9:00pm
     -  Tree lighting, Santa, karaoke, live music

Cornell Fine Arts Museum Open House, Rollins Campus in Winter Park
     -  11:00am to 6:00pm

Friday, December 2nd

Holiday Lights Orlando 2001 with Mayor Buddy Dyer, Lake Eola Park Band Shell
     -  4:00pm Tree lighting
     -  Choir, "The Gift" play, live music
     -  Outdoor showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Morse Museum of American Art Open House
     -  4:00pm - 8:00pm
     -  Harp concert, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Cornell Fine Arts Museum Open House, Rollins Campus in Winter Park
     -  11:00am to 8:00pm

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas on five-story outdoor movie screen
     -  Mayor of Oviedo coming; skating discount for residents of Oviedo

Popcorn Flicks, Central Park in Winter Park
     -  7:00pm
     -  Outdoor showing of A Christmas Story and How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Family Fun Night, Lake Concord Park in Casselberry
     -  6:00pm to 9:00pm
     -  Tree lighting and movie in the park

Holiday in the Park, Lake Mary
     -  6:30pm Tree lighting with Santa
     -  Face painting, games, prizes, food, entertainment
     -  Bring canned goods or toys and get free cookies

Light Up Sanford, Magnolia Square in Sanford
     -  6:00pm - 8:00pm Tree lighting
     -  Christmas music

Mount Dora Christmas Walk, Downtown Mount Dora
     -  6:00pm to 9:00pm
     -  Holiday street party with music, Santa, and shopping

Saturday, December 3rd

Winter Park Christmas Parade, Park Avenue, Winter Park
     -  9:00am Parade

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm showing of Veggie Tales on five-story outdoor movie screen

Avalon Aglow, Avalon Park in Orlando
     -  3:00pm Parade
     -  9:00pm Fireworks
     -  Live music, food, rides, story telling

Light Up the Holidays, Crane's Roost Park in Altamonte Springs
     -  5:00pm to 9:00pm
     -  Music, entertainment, fireworks, fountain show

Lighted Boat Parade, Lakefront Mount Dora
     -  Sundown (around 6:00pm)

Friday, December 9th

Morse Museum of American Art Open House
     -  4:00pm - 8:00pm
     -  Classical guitar concert, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
     -  Family tour, 5:15pm - 6:00pm
     -  Sculpture demonstration, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of A Christmas Story on five-story outdoor movie screen
     -  Mayor of Winter Springs coming; skating discount for residents of Winter Springs

Saturday, December 10th

Holiday Concert by the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Lake Eola Park Band Shell
     -  2:00pm
     -  Bring a present or cash donation

Winter Park Festival of Lights Boat Parade, Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
     -  4:30pm, parade at sundown (6:00pm)
     -  Boat parade, live music, food and drink stands

Baldwin Park Festival of Lights, New Broad Street, Orlando
     -  6:00pm to 9:00pm
     -  Parade, live music, carriage rids

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of Home Alone 2 on five-story outdoor movie screen

Illuminated Christmas Parade, Sanford
     -  6:00pm Parade with live music

Sunday, December 11th

Mills50 Jingle 'n' Mingle, Mills Ave & Lake Highland
     -  2:00pm - 5:00pm
     -  Live music, stiltwalker, balloon artist, magician
     -  Art, craft, food, and drink stands; Santa photos

Friday, December 16th

Morse Museum of American Art Open House
     -  4:00pm - 8:00pm
     -  Piano concert, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of Polar Express on five-story outdoor movie screen
     -  HOA President of Avalon Park; discounts for Avalon Park residents

Saturday, December 17th

The Nutcracker Under the Stars, Lake Eola Park Band Shell
     -  7:30pm
     -  Performed by the Russian Ballet of Orlando

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of Mickey's Magical Christmas on five-story outdoor movie screen
     -  Radio Disney night with giveaways

Tuesday, December 20th

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of Miracle on 34th Street on five-story outdoor movie screen

Friday, December 23rd

Morse Museum of American Art Open House
     -  4:00pm - 8:00pm
     -  Flute concert, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of A Christmas Carol on five-story outdoor movie screen

Saturday, December 24th

Morse Museum of American Art Open House
     -  9:30am - 4:00pm
     -  Music by Raintree Chamber Players, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Friday, December 30th

Holiday Film Festival at Light Up UCF, Orlando
     -  7:00pm and 9:30pm
     -  Showing of Santa Claus 2 on five-story outdoor movie screen

Orlando Thanksgiving Week 2011 Rundown, by Melinda Carter

In Orlando, many of the large holiday festivities in the area take place out at some of the large amusement parks, however there’s still plenty to do without having a to spend a big buck throughout the winter. As Thanksgiving approaches next week, Orlando will be home to some great events to showcase the last fall holiday as it gives way to winter. There will be festivals and events to celebrate thanksgiving and other fun events throughout the week for residents and their holiday guests.

This upcoming weekend will be the last to get out and see the 25th Annual Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art. Running through Sunday, November 20, the event will include a beautiful display of vignettes and trees throughout the museum. Ticket prices are between $6 and $10, as guests will be treated to daily entertainment by choirs and dance groups, as well as plenty of food options.

Although it stretches into December, one great tradition for November is Light Up UCF. This event over at the University of Central Florida is a three year old tradition that helps to kick off the holiday season in November. The nightly event takes place in front of the UCF Arena and allows visitors to enjoy ice skating, movies, light shows, and other attractions. This is a great chance for Thanksgiving week visitors to get in some ice skating and prep for the celebration of the holidays in December.

One great Thanksgiving week tradition is turkey trot 5k’s on the holiday morning. The 22nd annual Track Shack Turkey Trot 5k will be the highlight event in Orlando at Lake Eola Park. There will be a regular 5k beginning at 8:00am and a Kid’s Trot starting at 9:15am. Some runners will have fun with the event by dressing up in turkey or pilgrim costumes, but that’s certainly not required. The trot will be a great way for local residents to get out on Thanksgiving morning and get some exercise before feasting back in their Orlando apartments and homes.

Even though it’s a bit north of the city, a weekend trip up to Silver Springs in Ocala could work for a great experience. Ocala will be host to the Native American Festival that will feature a variety of activities including vendors, canoe displays, art contests, a hunting camp and historic exhibits. The festival will be highlighted by performances from tribe members from North and South America, as well as crafting displays and storytelling.

If you don’t have a plan for a thanksgiving dinner or simply don’t feel like putting the effort into preparation this year, there are plenty of dinner events available in the Orlando area. Mimi’s locations, as well as a number of hotels in South Orlando will be hosting their own dinners open to everyone. Be sure to get out with your family and friends this week in Orlando as there will be plenty to do around the city for little to no price at all.

Melinda Carter is a creative writer from the University of Texas El Paso. As an aspiring writer she specializes in writing about travel detestations and tourism.

This Weekend: Harvest Festival, Brouhaha 2011, Avalon Park Fall Carnival

Winter Park Harvest Festival
Sunday, November 20th, 2011
Central Park, Winter Park

The annual Winter Park Harvest Festival is this weekend.  The conference portion of the festival, "A Local Food Conference & Food Enterprise Summit," is happening Saturday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and tickets are $50.  On Sunday, Central Park will host the free producer-only farmers market.  Shop a variety of fresh farm and artisan products, attend seminars and demonstrations, play games, listen to live music, and eat a Farm-to-Table dinner.

Brouhaha Film and Video Showcase
Saturday, November 19th and Sunday, November 20th, 2011
Enzian Theater, Maitland

Brouhaha is a small film festival hosted by the Enzian Theater every year to celebrate locally produced films and videos, including film students and teachers.  This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of Brouhaha.  There are four programs being screened (click the pictures below for more information).  Each consists of a collection of short films and admission is only $5 (free for Enzian members -- student memberships are only $30!).

          



Avalon Jubilee Fall Carnival
Friday, November 18th and Saturday, November 19th, 2011
Tanja King Memorial Park, Avalon Park

A classic carnival is coming to Avalon Park this weekend.  Starting today, from 3:00pm - 10:00pm, and all day Saturday, from 10:00am to 10:00pm, come out for your favorite carnival activities, including a Ferris wheel, rides, and carnival food.

Orlando's Milk District and its New Food Truck Pod

For the past few years now, three stretches of road east of Downtown have been getting a lot of attention.  I'm talking about the Milk District, located on East Robinson across from its namesake, T.G. Lee Dairy, and continuing down Bumby and Primrose.  Many people have written about the Milk District: from TheDailyCity's thorough guide to write-ups in Orlando Magazine and the Orlando Sentinel.  It was even mentioned in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel: Top 10 Cities for 2012, which called it "a neighbourhood on the rise with its motley crew of eateries, bars serving microbrews, bookshops and tattoo parlors."

Larger Map

Now there's another reason to visit the Milk District.  This week, it will be hosting its first Tasty Tuesdays.  Starting tomorrow, November 15th, and recurring every Tuesday, come visit the food trucks set up outside Spacebar (2428 E Robinson St).  From 6:00pm to 10:00pm, you can not only eat at your favorite restaurants on wheels -- including Arepas Orinoco, C&S Brisket Bus, Kalbihau5, Melissa's Chicken & Waffles, Treehouse Truck, and Yum Yum Truck -- but also stop by some of Orlando's most-loved bars and eateries.

2011 Cocoa Beach Air Show This Weekend

This weekend (Saturday, November 5th and Sunday, November 6th) is the the 100th anniversary of Naval aviation, which will be celebrated at the annual Cocoa Beach Air Show.  From noon to 4:00pm, come see a variety of military and civilian aircraft and parachute teams perform their tricks.  General viewing beaches are $5, but north and south there are plenty of free beaches to see the action.  Click here for the complete schedule of events.