Check Out The December 2021 Orlando Calendar

Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance at Winter Park’s “Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade,” Dec. 4, along Park Avenue. (COURTESY WINTER PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

SCOTT’S MAZE ADVENTURES

Through Dec. 12: Get lost in a giant maze of corn stalks at this family farm in Lake County. Check out the mini mazes, zip lines, hay rides, tours, food vendors, playground and more. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Long & Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. 352-383-6900. longandscottfarms.com

DISNEY VERY MERRIEST AFTER HOURS

Through Dec. 21: The Magic Kingdom gets more magical and festive on select nights during the holidays as Mickey and friends welcome guests for an after-hours party featuring a holiday parade, fireworks, character sightings and more. 9 p.m. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

THE SANTA WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

Through Dec. 24: ICON Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland, where families can experience the joys of the holiday, including taking photos with Santa. Lighting of a 40-foot, decorated Christmas tree on Dec. 1 kicks off the seasonal festivities. Purchase tickets online. ICON Park, 8375 International Drive, Orlando. 407-601-7907. iconparkorlando.com

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS

Through Dec. 30: This yuletide extravaganza features traditions from Epcot’s 11 World Showcase nations and presents live musical productions and seasonal foods and beverages. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

CELEBRATION NOW SNOWING NIGHTLY

Through Dec. 31: The town of Celebration hosts holiday festivities nightly in its downtown area. Snow falls as carolers sing holiday favorites. Paid activities include photos with Santa, a train ride and ice skating. 606 Market St., Celebration. celebrationtowncenter.com

HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND

Through Dec. 31: It’s a Lego lover’s dream Christmas with decorations, a giant tree, Santa and a toy soldier all made out of Lego blocks. Special activities include seasonal shows, twinkling lights, holiday treats and more, all with regular admission on select days. 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. legoland.com

HOLIDAYS AT THE MORSE MUSEUM

Through Dec. 31: Friday night admission is free throughout the holiday season, as are holiday events and live music programs. 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. morsemuseum.org

CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS

Through Jan. 2: Enjoy spectacular new shows, such as Cirque: The Spirit of Christmas, and family activities, including ice tubing, Sugary Sweet Storytime and Secret Santa Scavenger Hunt, along with acres of festive decorations. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com

CHRISTMAS AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO

Through Jan. 2: Start a holiday tradition with festive shopping, animal shows, specialty foods and entertainment for the kids. Included with park admission. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworld.com

HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Through Jan. 2: Muggles are invited to spend the holiday in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed for the season. Indulge in the spirit of the season with special treats, shows and Universal’s Holiday Parade. Activities included in park admission. Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com

NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS

Through Jan. 2: This immersive holiday lights spectacular wows with 52 nights of magic under millions of lights in storybook settings. Visit the holiday marketplace, enjoy festive music and indulge in holiday treats at Give Kids the World Village, an 89-acre nonprofit resort that provides free, weeklong vacations to critically ill children and their families. 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee. 407-396-1114. gktw.org

DAZZLING NIGHTS AT LEU GARDENS

Through Jan. 9: Immerse yourself in the wonders of the holidays at Dazzling Nights, a three-quarter-mile journey of awe-inspiring light experiences brought to life by Creative City Project. The magical experience features a massive light maze, Moroccan lanterns, a forest of dancing light, snowfall and holiday tunes, treats and beverages. Choose dates and entry times online. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. dazzlingorlando.com

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

Dec. 1: A fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters comes to life in an elaborate wonderland, stretching the imagination with ballerinas, snowmen, reindeer, aerialists, gingerbread people, carolers, colossal flying ornaments, jugglers, music and more. 7:30 p.m. The Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach. 386-671-3462. peabodyauditorium.org

ORLANDO SHAKES’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dec. 1-24: All-new adaptation by Artistic Director Jim Helsinger features favorite carols, awe-inspiring special effects and the timeless tale of redemption for the heart and soul of miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday 2 p.m.; Dec. 15, 22 & 24 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 2 & 7:30 p.m. Orlando Shakes, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. 407-447-1700. orlandoshakes.org

43RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Dec. 2: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and the City of Winter Park invite all to this free outdoor celebration of the beauty of Christmas. Eight 100-year-old Tiffany leaded glass windows will be lighted at 6:15 p.m., followed by a concert in Central Park by the 160-voice Bach Festival Society Choir and Brass Ensemble. Park Avenue, Winter Park. 407-599-3399. cityofwinterpark.org

CITY OF ORLANDO TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION

Dec. 3: Kick off the season with the lighting of the city’s six-story Christmas tree with 88,000 lights. The event also includes live entertainment and holiday music. 5-9 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2121. orlando.gov

WINTER ON THE AVENUE

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce transforms Park Avenue into a festive seasonal playground with festivities to put all into the holiday spirit. 407-644-8281. winterpark.org

Dec. 3: Winter on the Avenue starts the season with a tree-lighting ceremony, strolling carolers, jazz on Park Avenue, announcement of art contest winners and a visit from Santa Claus. 5-9 p.m.
Dec. 4: More than 80 organizations will be featured in the 69th Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade, the oldest holiday parade in Central Florida, as it starts at Cole Avenue and ends on Pennsylvania Avenue. 9-10:30 a.m.

ORLANDO BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 3-5, 16-19: This enchanting annual favorite tells the tale of a godfather’s Christmas Eve gift of a toy nutcracker that comes to life, transporting young Clara to a world of wonder. Call box office for times. Family and sensory-friendly performances Dec. 4 & 18 at 11 a.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

LIGHT UP WINTER GARDEN

‘Tis the season for all that is jolly and bursting with Christmas spirit, and Winter Garden has much to share throughout the month. 407-656-4111. downtownwg.com

Dec. 3: Tree-lighting ceremony, 6 p.m.
Dec. 3, 4, 10-12, 17-19, 23: A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6 p.m.
Dec. 4: Christmas Parade, 10 a.m.
Dec. 4, 10, 11, 17-19, 22-24, 26-30: Horse-drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Holiday Boutique Stroll, 5 p.m.
Dec. 10, 17: Holiday Live Music, Fridays on the Plaza, 7 p.m.

MOUNT DORA HOLIDAY EVENTS

This month is packed with festivities and events in Mount Dora 352-735-7100. ci.mount-dora.fl.us

Dec. 3: Christmas Walk.
Dec. 4: The Nutcracker, Christmas Parade, Lighted Boat Parade, Night of Lights for Tykes, Christmas Tour of Homes.
Dec. 5: The Nutcracker, Christmas Tour of Homes.
Dec. 11: Holiday Plaid in the Park, Snow in the Park.
Dec. 18: Christmas Symphony Singers.
Dec. 18-19: Half-Marathon & 5K.

AVALON AGLOW

Dec. 4: Join this picturesque neighborhood for a public celebration featuring a heartwarming holiday parade, food trucks, a bounce park, community performances and fireworks. 3-9 p.m. 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Orlando. 407-658-6565. avalonparkorlando.com

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS

Dec. 4: Cranes Roost Park dresses up for the holidays with displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus amid the holiday fountain show, choreographed fireworks, live music, dance performances and kids’ activities. 5-9 p.m. 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. 407-571-8863. altamonte.org

RUSSIAN BALLET ORLANDO’S THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 4: Russian Ballet Orlando and Orlando Children’s Choir bring to life this classic holiday tale with spectacular dancing, singing and costumes. 2 & 7 p.m. Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com. Also, a free performance Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola, 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando. orlando.gov

WINTER WONDERLAND & THE MARKET PLACE

Dec. 4: Browse the gifts and decorations, find the perfect Tannenbaum from a selection of green and flocked trees and visit with Buddy the Bear. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Celebration Town Hall, 851 Celebration Ave. 407-566-1234. celebrationfoundation.org

CHRISTMAS PARADE & HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT

Dec. 11: Celebrate the season watching the 45th Annual Christmas Parade, presented by the Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka and the City of Apopka. 10 a.m.-noon. The parade rolls northbound on Park Avenue to Votaw Road. Stay the day and spend the evening listening to the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in a free concert at the Apopka Amphitheater. 5-7 p.m. 407-703-1700. apopka.net

NINTH ANNUAL VIOLECTRIC HOLIDAY SHOW

Dec. 11: Rock the season with this free, family- and pet-friendly outdoor concert featuring holiday tunes and mashups on electrified strings. Bring a pet toy, food and/or a donation to support Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. 7 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola, 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando. violectric.net

ORLANDO POTTERY FESTIVAL & HOLIDAY ARTS MARKET

Dec. 11: Central Florida’s largest winter ceramic arts celebration and market features unique, handcrafted items for the home, garden and gift giving. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. FOP Lodge #25, 5505 Hansel Ave., Orlando. orlandopotteryfestival.com

A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

Dec. 12: A Central Florida tradition returns with a program featuring beloved Christmas works performed by the renowned Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, soprano Mary Wilson and Grammy Award-winning bass-baritone Dashon Burton. Frontyard Festival, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

GOLDEN GALS LIVE CHEESECAKE & CHEER

Dec. 15: TV Land Live presents Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia as they deck the halls with cheesecake and cheer. 8 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6103. abbeyorlando.com

ORLANDO GAY CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Dec. 15: One of the largest mixed gay choirs in the country presents a feel-good sing-along of new and classic Christmas tunes. 7:30 p.m. Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com

TUSHIN’ THROUGH THE SNOW

Dec. 16-18: Tymisha “Tush” Harris takes us through the holidays with a little bit of naughty and a whole lot of nice in an adults-only performance that kicks off Orlando Shakes’ new Cabaret outdoor series under a tented stage in the Darden Courtyard. Call box office for times. Orlando Shakes, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. 407-447-1700. orlandoshakes.org

ONE-MAN A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dec. 17-18: David McElroy plays all 37 characters from the Charles Dickens classic, moving seamlessly among them while relying only on changes in voice, posture and expression. 7:30 p.m. Penguin Point Productions, 1220 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo. 407-310-8908. theensemblecompany.com

CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

Dec. 18: Experience the chills, thrills and excitement of Cirque performers from around the world as they present a visual and aural holiday extravaganza. 7:30 p.m. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-242-2219. kingcenter.com

CLARA’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE

Dec. 21: Snowfall sets the scene in a dazzling winter wonderland where Clara and the Nutcracker Prince encounter a cast of colorful characters in this full-length production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. 2 & 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS

Dec. 26: Join alum of RuPaul’s Drag Race for their unique take on the holiday season. Hosted by Trinity The Tuck and Monet X Change. 8 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.org

CENTRAL FLORIDA KWANZAA CELEBRATION OF UMOJA (UNITY)

Dec. 26: Join The Equity Council Corp., Afrikan Kulcha School and Hannibal Square Heritage Center for a community celebration and candle-lighting ceremony for Day 1 of the seven-day Kwanzaa celebration. Bring a framed photo of a loved one for the ancestor veneration ceremony, enjoy drum circles, dancing and other performances. 5-9 p.m. Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. Buy tickets at centralfloridaskwanzaa-celebration_day1_umoja.eventbrite.com

NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION

Dec. 31: The City of Mount Dora invites neighbors to ring in the new year with live entertainment, food and fireworks. 9 p.m. Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora. 352-735-7183. ci.mount-dora.fl.us

SPECIAL EVENTS

ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL—INTO THE WILD

Through Jan. 16: See the zoo in a dazzling evening experience featuring more than 30 larger-than-life illuminated lanterns celebrating the culture, art and beauty of Asia’s traditional lantern festivals. LED-lighted sculptures depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements line the paths of this outdoor experience. 6-10 p.m. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford. 407-323-4450. centralfloridazoo.org

FLOREX FLORIDA STAMP SHOW

Dec. 3-5: The largest World Series of Philately show in the Southeast presents 45 dealers from all over North America, showcasing the rare and the beautiful. This year’s show features a youth area, a USPS booth, door prizes and a grand prize on Sunday. Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 321-697-3333. ohpark.com, florexstampshow.com

STELLA SUNG LECTURE

Dec. 5: Composer and UCF Professor Stella Sung will share how she composes music for opera. Her latest work, The Secret River, premieres this month with Opera Orlando. 2 p.m. University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-644-6149. uclubwp.org

POP WARNER SUPER BOWL

Dec. 4-11: Each year, Pop Warner Little Scholars hosts the Pop Warner Football Championships and National Cheer and Dance Championships, bringing together teams from eight regions nationwide. Times TBA. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Place, Orlando. 407-440-7900. campingworldstadium.com

ORLANDO STORY CLUB

Dec. 8: The theme is “Legendary” and the club invites storytellers to share their best tales for a chance to win a prize. 7 p.m. CityArts Orlando, 39 Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-648-7060. downtownartsdistrict.com

2021 CURE BOWL

Dec. 17: This NCAA college football bowl game has raised $3.88 million for cancer research since 2015. Watch athletes from the American Athletic and Sun Belt conferences and support an important cause. 6 p.m. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Place, Orlando. 407-440-7900. campingworldstadium.com

2021 CHEEZ-IT BOWL

Dec. 29: The top teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12 will battle it out in Downtown Orlando in this game to be broadcast live on ESPN. 5:45 p.m. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Place, Orlando. 407-440-7900. campingworldstadium.com