Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Tonight – Dec. 17 – The Carols of Christmas – A free concert

Join members of Central Florida Community Arts' Community Choir and Symphony Orchestra as they perform NOEL: The Carols of Christmas. These Christmas classics, arranged by Derric Johnson, will be combined with spirit-lifting narration to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. This free performance promises to be a beautiful blend of tenderness, sharing, and joy that will instill the Christmas spirit into all who experience it. No tickets are needed. Join your friends and neighbors on the Great Lawn in front of the Dr. Phillips Center at 5 p.m.

Now to Dec. 20 – ‘The Nutcracker’ by the Orlando Ballet with the Orlando Philharmonic

The Orlando Ballet's performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Dr. Phillips Center brings Christmas to life in this enchanting holiday favorite accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. When Clara receives a toy nutcracker on Christmas Eve, she is transported on a magical dream-journey complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy, and a gallant Cavalier. Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org

Now to Dec. 22 – Dickens by Candlelight

Dickens by Candlelight is a unique holiday tradition in Central Florida as this three-person play presents an ‘up-close’ portrayal of “A Christmas Carol.” Actors John DiDonna, Morgan Russell, and Monica Long Tamborello portray all of the roles, transforming themselves from character to character as Dickens famous holiday story envelops the audience. Guests are seated at tables enjoying homemade cookies and a pot of hot tea, ‘involving’ the audience in a most welcoming and timeless way. Call 407-222-7669 or visit dickensbycandlelight.com

Now to Dec. 27 – ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ – The musical

The beloved classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” flies off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season with all your favorite characters in this musical production at the Orlando Rep. Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, and of course, Rudolph, are all there in this beloved musical adventure that teaches us what makes us different can be what makes us special. Call 407-896-7365, ext. 1, or visit orlandorep.com

Now to Dec. 27 – PB&J Theatre Factory’s Wordless Holiday Play

Rollins College will present PB&J Theatre’s “Sleigh,” performed in the unique PB&J style, with no spoken dialogue. The story unfolds with the use of comical costumes, props, and sounds, without the actors uttering a single word. In the ‘quiet’ town of Sugar Falls, two shopkeepers are in fierce competition for customers, the post office is working overtime, and the trees at the local tree lot will ‘dance for you’ in hopes you’ll take them home. “Sleigh” is charming and silly and suitable for all ages. Visit pbjtickets.com or call 407-574-5794.

Dec. 18 to 20 – Snow Fest in Sarasota

Bringing families together to enjoy the thrill of playing in the snow (in 80 degree weather), Snow Fest Sarasota guarantees daily snowfall from Dec. 18 to 20 along with giant snow slides, pony rides, pictures with Santa, snowman building, a giant snow globe, live entertainment including candy cane hula-hoopers, jelly bean jugglers, kids amusement area, DJ Grinch, vendors and more. The snow will ‘fall’ at the Ringling Shopping Center in downtown Sarasota from noon to 10 p.m. daily. Parking is free with a $7 contribution at 170 Shopping Ave. in Sarasota. Visit Snowfestsarasota.com

Dec. 19 – Merry Tuba Christmas in Winter Park’s Central Park

Conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher William J. Bell, (who was born on Christmas Day 1902), the first Tuba Christmas was arranged by American composer Alec Wilder (who died on Christmas Eve 1980). From traditional Christmas music, Wilder composed works for tuba and euphonium, many of which will be performed at 1 p.m. on Dec. 19 in a free performance at the Winter Park band shell. Call 407-970-2211 or visit TubaChristmas.com

Dec. 19 – The Russian Ballet of Orlando presents ‘The Nutcracker’

A Christmas tradition for the whole community, “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Russian Ballet of Orlando at the Lake Eola Bandshell, is a tale of hope and imagination. Clara ventures to different lands with her Nutcracker Prince by her side. The Russian Ballet brings the tale to life, interacting with the audience, and creating family memories with this free performance at 7:30 p.m. ensuring that each and every member of the community is able to share in this fun holiday tradition. Visit russianballetorlando.com

Dec. 19 – An Irish Christmas with Keith & Kristyn Getty

Join Ireland's own Keith and Kristyn Getty for their annual tour, Joy: An Irish Christmas, a lively celebration of the birth of Christ. As seen on public television, the Gettys are joined by their band of instrumentalists fusing Celtic, bluegrass, Americana, and classical music as well as cultural dance and the choral sounds of the holiday. This show is at the Bob Carr Theater at 7:30 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dec. 20 – String quartet ‘Well-Strung’ at the Abbey

Receiving rave reviews from New Orleans to London, the string quartet Well-Strung will present their brand new holiday show at the Abbey in Orlando. The evening will include traditional melodies such as “Silent Night” to newly-observed versions of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” An elf has informed me there will be opportunities for audience participation with Edmund Bagnell (first violin), Christopher Marchant (second violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) and Trevor Wadleigh (viola) in this unique musical experience, which begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20. Call 407-704-6103 or visit AbbeyOrlando.com

Dec. 20 – Bok Tower Carillon & Choral Concert

The extraordinary experience of the Carillon at Bok Tower Gardens is even more wonderful on Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. when you may enjoy an hour-long carillon concert with a live choir under the stars. Before or after the concert, visit Pinewood Estate for a special nighttime tour complete with hot chocolate and cookies, or your family may enjoy dinner at the Blue Palmetto Café before the concert for an additional fee. Tickets are available at the entrance gate on day of event. Tickets for the concert only are $5 per person. Tickets for the concert and home tour are $13 per person. Call 863-676-1408 or visit boktowergardens.org

Dec. 20 – Christmas Golf Cart Parade in Winter Garden

Will and Aly Hawthorne, of the picturesque town of Winter Garden, will host the fourth annual Christmas Golf Cart Ride on Dec. 20. Beginning at 5 p.m., the town’s can-do spirit will dedicate all donations to the Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Looping and crisscrossing Winter Garden, traffic laws apply to the golf carts with prizes awarded for best-decorated cart. Should you wish to help, make checks to Edgewood Children's Ranch. Visit Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Facebook.

Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Open House at the Morse Museum of American Art

In a community minded spirit of the season, the Morse Museum hosts several open houses throughout the year with free admission for all visitors on those days. On Thursday, Dec. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors to the museum receive free admission to the galleries all day. Adding to the celebration is live music by the Raintree Chamber Players from 1 to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Call 407-645-5311 or visit morsemuseum.org

Current – Firefighters build bikes for 14 years of smiles

On Dec. 15, Orlando Fire Department’s Station 1 firefighters spent their time between life-saving calls to build 100 bicycles for children, ages 5 to 15, residing in Orlando Housing Authority’s Reeves Terrace. Bikes of all colors and sizes, with gift tags for the lucky recipients, filled the station house. Founded in 2002 by Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, “Wheels 4 Kids” has presented more than 1100 bicycles to the children of the Reeves Terrace neighborhood who have no buses to take them to school. We thank all the generous donors for this very real act of community giving and holiday spirit.