While much of the country dreads going outside and spends 20 minutes bundling up against the frigid temperatures and icy wind, while they salt their stoops and sidewalks and have to dig their cars out of the snow, we here in Central Florida have much more agreeable weather through the holiday season. Sure, it sometimes gets chilly in the mornings and at night (and sometimes even in the daytime), but for the most part, we can still enjoy going places-and the outdoors-for end-of-year fun and festivities.
It's Snowing!
In Florida, we found our own way to experience the snow, minus the freezing temps and sopping clothes. Around the holidays, lots of places make it "snow" by spewing lots of tiny soap suds over the crowd. It sounds a little weird-OK, maybe it is a little weird-but it looks magical, makes it feel like a White Christmas, and kids love it! Some places even come a little closer to the real thing by using shaved ice.
Celebration, FL has one of the grander soap-snow displays in Central Florida, making it snow every night through December right in the town center. There are also horse-and-buggy rides and other fun. CityWalk at Universal Orlando creates an impressive snow display every night in December up through Christmas too. Visit Donnelly Park in downtown Mount Dora on December 12 between 5 and 9 pm for "Christmas in the Park with Snow." Also, downtown Leesburg had a nice snowy event, the Leesburg Main Street Christmas Stroll, back on November 27; if you live in the area and missed it, keep it in mind for next year.
If you want to venture a little farther out for some serious snow and lots of amazing wintery fun for the grandkids, go to Sarasota Snow Fest in Sarasota from December 18 - 20; they'll have 70 tons of snow! Or, take a trip to Naples on December 5 for the city's Snowfest, which features more than 100 tons of snow!
Two Amazing Orlando-Area Holiday Productions
You don't have to be a kid-just young at heart-to be awestruck by two particular holiday events in Central Florida. We thought they deserve a special mention, especially since 2015 is your last chance to see one of them.
This is the last year Hollywood Studios is putting on its famous Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Its 20-year run comes to an end, which is a shame, because the millions of lights synced up to holiday music performed by the Trans Siberian Orchestra is absolutely amazing.
Also, 'tis the season for ICE! and Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee. An already stunning place is made even more so by over 2 million Christmas lights, 2 million pounds' worth of hand-carved ice sculptures (including the nativity scene), holiday decorations, and all sorts of other holiday fun. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of the 2-story ice slides. There's also a beautiful six-room display bringing to life the tale 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, as well as lots of other festive stuff. Definitely check it out, and consider a stay if you're looking for a luxurious way to treat yourself and loved ones for the holidays.
