Holiday Festivities in Winter Park

There’s something magical about spending time in Winter Park during the holidays. From the ice-skating rink at Winter in the Park to special events at the Morse Museum of American Art and the twinkling globes of light, I’m convinced there is no better place to celebrate the season.

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, City of Winter Park and Enzian Theatre are excited to kick off the season on Friday, Dec. 2 in Central Park and along Park Avenue. Winter on the Avenue, presented by Westminster Winter Park, includes a flurry of activities from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The evening starts with the Tree Lighting Ceremony live on WFTV Channel 9, followed by Popcorn Flicks in Central Park, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice skating, live jazz, a merchant open house, snowflake stilt walkers, carolers and more.

The next morning, Park Avenue comes to life as 100 festive floats, bands, dance troupes and, of course, Santa Claus, spread holiday cheer in the 64th Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade. The parade, presented by Bright House Networks begins at 9 a.m.

Before, during and after the parade, enjoy a hot breakfast at the 18th annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast, presented by Re/max Town Centre, FBC Mortgage and Florida Power & Light, at the Central Park Main Stage. The event includes pancakes, sausage and beverages from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available at winterpark.org and proceeds benefit the Winter Park Improvement Foundation.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!