Calendar

NOV. 24

The Thanksgiving Day Feast at The Alfond Inn runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24, at 300 E. New England Ave., located in the Main Park Avenue Ballroom with chef stations located in the conservatory. First seating is at noon and second seating is at 3 p.m. Price is $69 and up for adults and $25 and up for children ages 4 to 12. For more information, call 407-645-6680.

Hear thankful hymns and tunes featuring the Singing Tower carillon at the Thanksgiving Day Carillon Concert from on 1 to 3 p.m. pm Thursday, Nov. 24, at the Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd. in Lake Wales. For more information, call 863-676-1408 or visit boktowergardens.org

One of the oldest and largest fun runs in Orlando, the Turkey Trot 5K benefits programs like Meals on Wheels that help keep seniors living healthy and safe lives at home. It starts at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24, at Lake Eola Park. The cost is $27. For more information, call 407-615-8979 or visit seniorsfirstinc.org

NOV. 26

Come out and support the local small businesses of Winter Park on Saturday, Nov. 26. The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association have joined the Small Business Saturday coalition in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. To learn more, visit smallbusinesssaturday.com

Hear holiday music that will fill your heart joy at Orlando Philharmonic: Home For The Holidays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Bob Carr Theater, located at 401 W. Livingston St. in Orlando. Ring in the holidays with the Orlando Philharmonic joined by the Celebration Ringers of First United Methodist Church Winter Park, The Holiday Singers and the Opera Orlando Youth Choir. Tickets range from $21 to $78. For more information, call 407-246-4262 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Visit the Crealdé Holiday Art Sale to find a special holiday gift like ceramics, paintings, photos or jewelry made by artists. The art sale will be at the Crealdé School of Art Contemporary Sculpture Garden, 600 St. Andrews Blvd., on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is free parking at the event, and for more information, visit crealde.org. Both galleries will be available for viewing as well: “The Spinning Yarn: Storytelling Through Southern Art” exhibition and “New Works from Crealdé’s Emerging Artist Programs: Photography, Ceramics and Sculpture.”

NOV. 27

Celebrate the spirit of the holidays as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents its annual Holiday Pops concert at Winter Park’s Central Park on Nov. 27. The free concert begins at 4 p.m. and will present holiday favorites for all ages to enjoy.

NOV. 28

The non-fiction group at the University Club of Winter Park will discuss “The Billion Dollar Spy: A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal” from 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, at 841 N. Park Ave. The book tells the story of Adolf Tolkachev, a high-level Soviet engineer who gave Russia’s military secrets to the United States for nearly a decade, resulting in the redesign of our weapons system. A $5 donation is appreciated. The group will also discuss the documentary film telling the story of Nikola Tesla titled “Tesla: Master of Lightning” earlier that day from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 407-620-0975. NOV. 29

Writer’s Block Bookstore is slated to host the bestselling author, Nathan Hill on Nov. 29. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. and will give guests the opportunity to promote his debut novel “The Nix.” For more information, visit writersblockbookstore.com/event/nathan-hill

NOV. 30

The sixth annual Homeless Heart Concert Series will be at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N. Park Ave., on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The show starts at 7 p.m. and the lineup includes Maureen McGovern, Florence LaRue and Freda Payne. Tickets are $35 and $55 and can be purchased at homelessheart.org. Donations and payments are tax deductible. For more information, contact Kevin Hagan at 407-998-5662 or [email protected]

DEC. 1

The Orange County Retired Educators Association will meet Thursday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. at College Park United Methodist Church on 644 W. Princeton St. for a “Sounds of the Season” concert by Lake Nona and Apopka high schools. Anyone who has worked in education is invited to join. For more information, call 407-677-0446.

Take in the holiday season at the 38th annual Christmas in the Park from 6:15 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 in Central Park. The city of Winter Park and The Morse Museum will present the 38th annual lighting of century-old Tiffany windows in with a free outdoor concert of holiday favorites by the Bach Festival Society Choir and Brass Ensemble.

Come enjoy the decorated Leu House at night on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Join Albert Pfeiffer, a former Leu House curator, as he discusses the connections the people who occupied the house had to each other, their associations to Orlando's history, the unique characteristics of the house itself and some interesting coincidences. The class will then walk to the house to enjoy the Christmas decorations. Space is limited, so please register early at leugardens.org

DEC. 2

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the city of Winter Park are proud to host “Winter on the Avenue,” a kickoff to the holiday season presented by Westminster Winter Park at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. The holiday street party will include a flurry of activities from 5 to 10 p.m. along Park Avenue and in Central Park. The annual tree lighting ceremony will be broadcast live at 5:15 p.m. on WFTV Channel 9, and will include performances by children’s choirs, and children’s activities. Bring the entire family for a night of holiday cheer to this free event!

Popcorn Flicks in the Park continues with a free screening of "The Santa Clause" as part of Winter on the Avenue from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 in Winter Park’s Central Park. Presented by Winter Park CRA and produced by Enzian Theater, this film series features classic films for the whole family. Bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and some family and friends! There will be free popcorn for everyone. For more information, call 407-629-0054.

DEC. 3

Winter Park’s 64th annual “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade marches down Park Avenue at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, the 64th annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade is Central Florida’s longest running Christmas Parade. Watch as participants continue the tradition of marching down historic Park Avenue spreading holiday cheer in downtown Winter Park. More than 100 bands, dance troupes, floats, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus, will delight the young and young-at-heart. For more information, call 407-644-8281.

The 18th annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast goes from 7 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, in Central Park, presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Winter Park Class 27. Enjoy hot pancakes, sausage and beverages before or after the annual Christmas parade. Cost is $4 to $6 and proceeds benefit local elementary schools. For more information, call 407-644-8281.

The sixth annual Old School Dance Fundraiser presented by Friends of the Welbourne Committee and Board will run from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Winter Park Community Center, located at 721 W. New England Ave. Loosen up for the dance contest to DJ Gemini, and wear your most fun sweater for the sweater contest! All proceeds will benefit Welbourne Day Nursery in educating children for a better tomorrow. Deadline for tickets is Nov. 26. Cost is $25.

The city of Maitland is pleased to announce Season of Light, a Maitland holiday tradition. The celebration will take place at Lake Lily Park beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Come out for fun, music, a snow slide, and fireworks.

DEC. 4

Downtown South officially announces the kick off to the holiday season with the fourth annual Light Up SoDo presented by the new Orlando Orthopaedic Center Walk-In Clinic. The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at SODO shopping center, located on South Orange Avenue between Grant and Crystal Lake streets. This year’s all-ages, family-friendly Light Up SoDo festival has a “naughty and nice” theme. The Main Street festival will feature Santa arriving with Fire Engine 5, princesses, a pop-up holiday market, beer garden, Red Bull DJ, aerial yoga, train rides, wreath making, and performances by local school choirs from The Christ School, Boone, and Delaney Baptist. The event will close with the spectacular lighting of “Main Street”, including a new 20-foot Christmas tree at the center of SODO. Visit downtownsouthorlando.org

DEC. 5

In order to further discuss feedback for the adopted 2009 Comprehensive Plan, the city of Winter Park will be hosting another meeting for community members to attend to review and give responses to this plan. The CoffeeTalk will be on Monday, Dec. 5 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center, 151 W. Lyman Ave. For more information about elements of the proposed Comprehensive Plan, drafts and revisions, visit cityofwinterpark.org/comp-plan

A city blood drive will be on Monday, Dec. 5 at Winter Park City Hall from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To donate, one must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds, in addition to being in good health. All donors must bring a photo ID. For more information, call 407-599-3506.

DEC. 7

Come celebrate the holidays with Christmas at the Casa on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. This festive event is free, but there is a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. Families can take professional photos with Santa for $5, as well. The seventh annual holiday open house is sponsored by the Commerce National Bank and Trust in Winter Park. For additional details, call 407-628-8196.

DEC. 8

The Winter Park Garden Club is proud to present Fun with Flowers on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. Emily Bader and Cathy Bowers will demonstrate how to make a candleholder with greenery, flowers and topped with a beautiful bow. Admission is $25 and is due by Monday, Dec. 5. The class is limited to 20 participants. Bring clippers. For more information, call 407-644-5770.

DEC. 10

A Classic Christmas celebration will be on Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Knowles Memorial Chapel, located at 1000 Holt Ave. Guests can enjoy Christmas songs performed by the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir and Orchestra from $25 to $65.

The Winter Spark in Baldwin Park Parade & Festival will be on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 9 p.m., with the parade at 6 p.m. More information is available at baldwinparkevents.com

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation, will be Saturday, Dec. 10, at Harbor Park. Day of registration/check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with a race start at 8:30 a.m. Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Raise funds to help find a cure for arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability. Run or walk a 5-kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/JingleBellOrlando

DEC. 11

Continuing a nine-year tradition of reaching out to the needy in our community, the Winter Park Sunday Running Group will be collecting food for The Second Harvest Food Bank. The main collection effort will take place in Winter Park on Sunday, Dec. 11, beginning at 6:30 a.m., prior to the Sunday Running Group’s weekly 7 a.m. run (which meets at Park Avenue and Welbourne Avenue). All runners and walkers are encouraged to join them that morning to demonstrate their solidarity with the needy in our community. Participants also are invited to join the group for breakfast at the Park Avenue Panera Bread afterwards. Here is a list of what Second Harvest most needs: meat in a can, canned vegetables, nonfat dry milk, canned soup, oatmeal, pasta/macaroni, canned meats/poultry, canned and dried fruits, evaporated milk, rice, drinks, beef, canned tuna, stew, nutritional drinks, baby food, dry beans. For more information, contact Jack Gallagher at 407-647-3521 or email [email protected]

The Maitland Symphony Orchestra performs its holiday concert, “A Russian Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, at Maitland Presbyterian Church, located at 341 N. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. Under the direction of Artistic Director Eric Mendez, you will hear selections from “The Nutcracker” and many other holiday favorites. Scott Maxwell and MSO Founder Margaret Patten will co-emcee this exciting event. The event is free. Call 321-303-1404 for details.

DEC. 17

Kick off the winter season with ice skating and real snow during RDV Snow Fest on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. at RDV Sportsplex Ice Den. Admission is $15 for ages 3 and up and includes four hours of ice skating, real snow to play in, a snow slide for kids, bounce houses, face painting and plenty of family fun. Hot chocolate and other food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, call 407-916-2550.

Enjoy the rich sounds of Christmas as tuba, euphonium, sousaphone and baritone players of all ages gather to perform the annual free Merry Tuba Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Central Park from the main stage beginning at 1 p.m. Registration is $10 for musicians and begins at 9 a.m., with rehearsal running from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information, please call 407-599-3463.

DEC. 22

Get Your Jazz On runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Alfond Inn, located at 300 E. New England Ave. Come enjoy a live jazz concert under the stars with unlimited select wine, champagne, beer, spirits and seasonal blended cocktails, roasted chicken, smoked pig, vegetarian selection, cigars and valet parking included with purchase. Tickets are $45. For more information, visit thealfondinn.com/the-hotel/upcoming-events/

DEC. 25

Join a Chanukah family festival featuring a Grand Menorah Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 5:30 p.m. in Winter Park’s Central Park. The night will include singing performances by children from the Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Academy, Jewish Rock music and dreidels, chocolate Chanukah gelt, Chassidic dancers, clowns, face painting, light show, comedian ventriloquist and a $1,000 grand prize raffle drawing. Food items will include hot dogs, donuts, chips and drinks.

JAN. 12

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus XTREME features artists who redefine the word extreme in everything they do, magnifying traditional elements of the circus and combining them with never-before-seen spectacles, original fast-paced performances and incredibly hilarious moments. The multi-year tour offers extreme thrills, exotic animals and extraordinary performers that add up to the ultimate family entertainment experience. Tickets available now for shows Jan. 12-16 in Orlando at the Amway Center. Children age 2 by the date of the show and older will require a ticket. The cost of tickets range from $18 to $85. For more information, visit amwaycenter.com

ONGOING

Running through Sunday, Jan. 8, the city of Winter Park will host Winter in the Park, the city’s annual holiday ice skating rink at Central Park West Meadow on the corner of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard. Winter in the Park will be open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. See website for extended school holiday hours. All-day admission is $12 and includes skate rentals. Group discounts are available for 20 or more people. Rental options are available, though reservations are required for private parties. For more information, call 407-599-3203 or visit cityofwinterpark.org/witp

Who is Pierre Matisse? Pierre Henri Matisse is the grandson of French painter Henri Matisse, one of the most important artists of the early 20th century. Matisse grew up among some of the most famous artists of the times including Pablo Picasso, Georges Barque, Jean Effel, Salvador Dali, and Marcel Duchamp. Today, Matisse uses his talent and boundless energy to refine an art form known as "cut-outs" that translates different mediums into avant-garde mixed media. Visit an exhibition of his work at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens through Nov. 27. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.; and closed Mondays.

The Florida Blue Center at 434 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park has several ongoing classes. Tai Chi classes are every Monday at 3:30 p.m. Zumba classes are every Wednesday at 6 p.m. For more information, call 407-441-2020.