Winter Park City Talk

BIG HOLIDAY EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continues their holiday tradition with the 32nd annual Christmas in the Park Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 2. Central Park creates the beautiful backdrop for the lighting of eight turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows as the Bach Festival Choir performs in concert on the main stage. The two-hour program begins at 6:15 p.m. For more information, please call 407-645-5311.

To compliment the annual Christmas in the Park Celebration, Friends of Casa Feliz will present Christmas at the Casa on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 7-9 p.m., at Casa Feliz located at 656 N Park Ave. Santa Claus will be on hand to greet everyone, the house will be decorated for the season, and costumed carolers will lead attendees in holiday favorites.

In addition, while you’re enjoying the Tiffany Windows, stop by the Winter Park Historical Museum and visit Fine Feathers: How the Peacock Came to Winter Park. This beautiful museum will light up with peacock colors, music and Christmas goodies. Free and open to the public from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The museum is located at 200 W New England Ave.

On Friday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m., the festivities continue in Central Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The night will begin with carols from several local ensembles, followed by the award ceremony for the 2010 Holiday Card Competition winners. Central Park will come to life with beautiful bright lights and Santa Claus will make a special appearance. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

In conjunction with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 3, the city of Winter Park and Enzian Theater will present Popcorn Flicks in Central Park featuring “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and “The Polar Express.” The animated film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” will begin at 7 p.m. and precede the new holiday classic “The Polar Express.” For more information, please call 407-629-0054.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, Park Avenue comes to life at 9 a.m. with the 58th annual Winter Park Christmas Parade, presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. This family-friendly occasion showcases holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus and well-known local figures as they make their way down the avenue. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

Before and after the Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 4, Leadership Winter Park Class 21 will host the 12th annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast at the Central Park main stage from 7-10:30 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and beverages for just $5 per adult and $3 per child, with proceeds benefitting Winter Park area elementary schools. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

Chabad of Greater Orlando will present Chanukah on the Park on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m., in Central Park. The evening will include singing performances, live music, dancers, face painting, jugglers and food. For more information, please call 407-644-2500.

For information regarding additional events in the City of Winter Park, please visit the city’s official website at www.cityofwinterpark.org.

POLITICIANS ON ICE!

On Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m., you are invited to join the City of Winter Park Mayor, City Commissioners and other local elected officials as they share their holiday greetings and enjoy the city’s “Winter in the Park” Holiday Ice Skating Rink located on the corner of Morse Blvd. and New York Ave.

Snowflakes of all ages and skill levels are invited to glide, spin, turn and have some icy fun at “Winter in the Park” now through Sunday, January 9, 2011.

For more freezing information, please call 407-599-3203 or skate onto our blustery website at www.cityofwinterpark.org.

GET RID OF THOSE BULKY ITEMS

The City of Winter Park, in partnership with Waste Pro®, is pleased to provide a Winter Cleanup next week, just in time for the holiday season. This large-item pickup service will provide a ‘bonus’ day on which Waste Pro, the city’s solid waste service provider, will pick up old furniture, broken appliances and other bulky items.

To take advantage of this convenient service, residents must place their items curbside after 5 p.m. on the evening before their second, regularly scheduled garbage and trash pickup day. If you live north of the Fairbanks/Aloma avenues corridor, your bonus pick-up will be the week of December 5. If you live south of the Fairbanks/Aloma avenues corridor, your bonus pick-up will be the week of December 12.

Hazardous waste items are NOT included in the Winter Cleanup.

Items such as pesticides, paints, fertilizers, batteries, tires and household chemicals are not included in the Winter Cleanup.

Yard waste is NOT included in the Winter Cleanup.

Please adhere to regular pickup schedules for yard waste.

For questions regarding Winter Park’s Winter Cleanup, or additional information regarding Waste Pro services, please call 407-774-0800.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!

The City of Winter Park is preparing to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus on the evenings of Monday, Dec. 13, through Monday, Dec. 20. Young and young-at-heart will have the chance to mingle with Old St. Nick himself as he rides his sleigh through Winter Park neighborhoods. “On Dasher, on Dancer and Donner and Blitzen!” Santa and Mrs. Claus will make stops in local neighborhoods.

Please visit the city’s website, www.cityofwinterpark.org under What’s New to see the list of times and neighborhoods Santa will be dropping by.