Calendar

DEC. 4

The city of Winter Park and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continue a holiday tradition with the 36th annual Christmas in the Park on Thursday, Dec. 4. The two-hour program begins at 6:15 p.m. Central Park creates the beautiful backdrop for the lighting of nine turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows as the Bach Festival Choir performs in concert on the main stage. For more information, please call 407-645-5311.

DEC. 5

On Friday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. the festivities continue in Central Park with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Winter Park Towers and hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The night will begin with carols from several local ensembles, followed by the award ceremony for the 2014 Holiday Card Competition winners, and finally, the lighting of the tree with WFTV’s Bob Opsahl. 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. 5, the city of Winter Park will present Popcorn Flicks in Central Park presented by Winter Park CRA and produced by Enzian Theater, featuring “Jingle All the Way” at 7 p.m. For more information, call 407-629-0054.

DEC. 6

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Park Avenue comes to life at 9 a.m. with the 62nd annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade, presented by Bright House Networks and hosted 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. 6, Leadership Winter Park Class 25 will host the 16th annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast, presented by Fannie Hillman & Associates and Florida Power & Light, at the Central Park main stage from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy hot pancakes, sausage and beverages for just $6 per adult and $4 per child. Proceeds benefit the Winter Park Improvement Foundation in its efforts to develop adult and youth leaders through Leadership Winter Park programs. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

Local children’s author and artist Michele Gerber’s new children’s book “Pieces and Parts” will debut right after the Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade at the new Writer’s Block Bookstore, located at 124 E. Welbourne Ave. She’ll be introducing and signing her book from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call the bookstore at 407-385-7084.

The city of Maitland Leisure Services will present Season of Light on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. at Lake Lily Park at 701 Lake Lily Drive. The fireworks finale is scheduled for 7 p.m. Come join in this Maitland holiday tradition. Visit itsmymaitland.com for more information.

The Holiday Dinner for the Animals has become a holiday tradition in Central Florida and offers a night of delicious food and camaraderie. The 16th annual Holiday Dinner for the Animals
will start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Garden Café, located at 810 W. Colonial Drive in downtown Orlando. The guest speaker at this year’s Holiday Dinner for the Animals is Mary Beth Ikard with the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Tickets are $25 in advance or $40 at the door. For reduced fee, payments must be received by Dec. 6. Only RSVPs with payment will be counted. Price includes dinner selections from eight vegan dishes and iced or hot tea. All proceeds will benefit The Elephant Sanctuary. For information, please call 407-968-2400 or email [email protected]

DEC. 7

The Winter Park Sunday Running Group will conduct its seventh annual Blanket Collection for The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, prior to its weekly 7 a.m. run on Sunday, Dec. 7. The collection point will be near Park and Welbourne avenues at the Williams & Sonoma store where the group meets for its weekly run. All runners and other interested parties are welcome to join this informal group run and bring along a new or gently used blanket or two and some hope for the homeless. In past years, other groups also have joined us in this outreach, including the Orlando Runners Club, Track Shack’s Marathonfest programs, the Winter Park Dawgs, St. Margaret Mary Church and others. For more information, call 407-647-3521.

DEC. 8

The city will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Winter Park from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8. 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. He will visit Shady Park at 6:30 p.m., Israel Simpson Court at 6:45 p.m., and Winter Park Country Club at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 407-599-3223.