We continue to look for new, fun activities and adventures in the ORO area. Thanks to Dee Sordillo, we have the following list of local activities to explore in December:
- December: Christmas Spectacular Light Up the Citrus Tower
- The lighting show starts November 26 at 7pm, and then continues each night from 6-10pm through the rest of the year. Thanks to Lynn Lait for sharing this event!
- December: Winter Garden ‘Tis the Season Schedule
- This linked page provides a list of seasonal events to enjoy in Winter Garden.
- Dec 1-18: Sinatra Christmas My Way (Winter Park Playhouse)
- Ring in the holidays with this musical with tunes from classic Sinatra to seasonal Rat-Pack-Style favorites.
- Dec 2: Christmas in the Park (Winter Park)
- Each year, the Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park when it lights up Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert.
- Dec 3: Light Up Winter Garden
- Welcome the holiday season with this annual event to kick off the Season. The lighting takes place at 6:15 pm at City Hall followed by various activities to enjoy.
- Dec 3-19: Holiday Boat Parades Across Florida
- Communities across Florida have scheduled their annual Christmas and Holiday Boat Parades. The linked article provides more information about parades in many areas from Destin to Sarasota. Some parades include fireworks and more. Communities in our area include Mount Dora and Leesburg, among others.
- Dec 9 & 10: Holiday Homecoming (Longwood, FL)
- The Central Florida Community Choir, members of the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra, and the CFCArts Dance Company present A Holiday Homecoming: The Annual CFCArts Holiday Extravaganza!. This holiday concert will have you enjoying favorites selected from the past 10 years.
- Dec 10-12: Coquina Beach Festival (Anna Maria Island)
- This festival offers seafood and music for all to enjoy.
- Dec 11: Home for the Holidays (Clermont)
- The Florida Philharmonia performs at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. This orchestra includes 50 professional musicians from around the state and guest musicians of international renown, in addition to guest soloists. This performance features some of the most beloved holiday classics.
- Thru Dec 30: EPCOT Candlelight Processional
- Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the story of Christmas. Throughout the story, the choir and orchestra performs songs of hope and joy.
- Thru Jan 09: Through the Darkness to Light (Mennello Museum of American Art)
- This exhibit provides a small glimpse of what the long road to freedom (underground railroad) may have looked like for 100,000 enslaved Americans. Photographer Jeanine Michna-Bales researched those brave men and women, their collective steps toward liberation, and the complicated paths that led them there for more than a decade.
Ongoing Activities
- Albin Polasek Sculpture Garden & Museum
- By reservation only, explore the inspired world of internationally-acclaimed Czech sculptor Albin Polasek. You can tour his home, galleries, and sculpture gardens located in Winter Park on Lake Osceola.
- Scenic Boat Tour
- These tours use an 18-passenger boat to explore the pristine Winter Park chain of Lakes.
- Charles Hosmer Morse Museum
- This museum has the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), including jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows, and more.
- Jacaranda Hotel (Avon Park)
- This historic hotel is available all week and the Grand Buffet is available on Sundays.
- Historic Tours at the Howey Mansion
- Enjoy these 1-hour tours to see the progress as they work tirelessly to restore William J. Howey’s prized mansion to its original grandeur! Reservations are required for these $20 tours.
- Lake Griffin Kayak & Canoe Tours
- These tours provide kayaks and canoes as part of their most popular program. Join them for a great paddle and an educational experience on the water!
- City of Clermont Senior Programs
- Clermont offers social activities, fitness classes, games, discussion groups, guest lectures, field trips, and more through its Champions for a Lifetime programming.
- Lunch with the Mayor (Clermont, FL)
- This lunch is offered on the first Monday of each month. For other opportunities and activities, see Clermont Events.
- Lake County Historical Society
- Enjoy an interactive tour from city to city to learn about the citrus history.
- Lake County Trails (Mt Pleasant)
- The trails connect to the Wekiva Trail System for multi-use with bathhouses and covered picnic areas.
- Lake Apopka Trail and Drive Guide
- This 11 mile wildlife and historic tour has an audio recording available for use.