Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now to Dec. 19 – Winter Park Playhouse offers ‘Plaid Tidings’

A heaven sent holiday treat, this musical comedy offers the best of Forever Plaid tied-up in a package with a big Christmas bow. The lads who play the (now-legendary) Plaids – spoiler alert – are members of a fictitious 1950s singing group from a musical that has now been produced so often that the group has its own level of reality. Anyway, the Plaids are back on earth when a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little holiday harmony into a discordant world. Presented by the good folks at the Winter Park Playhouse (who do this kind of thing very well), call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Now to Nov. 21 – Rollins College students present Moliere’s ‘Tartuffe’

The classic French comedy, Moliere’s “Tartuffe” was originally written and performed in the 1600s. Since that time, the play has been presented on stages across the world. The play finds the two-faced Tartuffe scamming a gentleman into surrendering his home and daughter in the name of religion. Originally banned by the church (due to its criticism of religious hypocrisy), “Tartuffe” has electrified audiences for centuries. Broadway veteran John Christopher Jones directs this classic for student actors at Rollins College. Visit rollins.edu/annierussell or call 407-646-2145.

Now to Jan. 17 – Holidays at the Waterhouse Residence Museum

Experience the beauty of Victorian Florida as you step into the Christmas past of Maitland’s early residents celebrating the holidays at the Waterhouse Residence Museum. Imagine the preparations for the Christmas season as this historic home and museum reflects the life of a middle class Victorian family during the early days of the city of Maitland. Built by carpenter William Waterhouse in 1884, the home once again reflects life in Victorian Florida. Call 407-629-1532 or 407-539-2181 for hours and further information.

Nov. 20 to 29 – The American Sand Sculpting Championships

Some jobs make you long for a day at the beach, but for world-class sand sculptors a day at the beach means going “to work.” Huge sand sculptures will arise from the sand at Fort Myers Beach in front of the Wyndham Garden Hotel as the world’s greatest sand sculptors come together for their annual championships. In addition to the Masters Solo and Doubles Divisions, Amateur State Champions will be named. There will also be a vendor village, two kids activity areas, “quick sand shows,” and sand sculpting lessons and demos. Admission is $5. Visit sandsculptingfestival.com

Nov. 20 to Dec. 20 – The Mad Cow is loose in the ‘Secret Garden’

After Mary Lennox is orphaned, she is sent to live with her uncle where she encounters hidden mysteries in her uncle’s garden. Mary finds ghostly spirits that guide her on her journey of self-discovery. With a book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, “Secret Garden” is the winner of the 1991 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical – a magical, musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel. In performance at the Mad Cow Theatre in downtown Orlando, visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407-297-8788.

Nov. 21 – Florida Classic Weekend presents Monica

The much-celebrated R&B singer Monica will bring her soulful voice, flawless delivery, and stunning sense of style to the Dr. Phillips Center at 8 p.m. on Nov. 21 as part of Florida Classic Weekend. Monica debuted big in 1995 when “Don’t Take it Personal" and “Before You Walk Out of My Life" hit the top 10. In 1998 “The Boy Is Mine” spent weeks at No. 1, becoming one of the most memorable songs of the ’90s. Monica released a string of successful albums in the 2000s, culminating in 2009 with “Still Standing,” a BET reality series about her daily life. For tickets, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov. 24 to Jan. 3 – Christmas at Gaylord Palms … with ICE!

Gaylord Palms, famous for its holiday ICE! Show will create “The Night Before Christmas” in 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice. Accompanied by four ice slides, live ice carving stations, and an adult-only On The Blocks Ice Bar, Gaylord Palms has holiday offerings for every age. New this year is The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, which invites guests to find Santa’s 10 scout elves, and Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg is creating an exclusive 25-minute show the entire family can enjoy presented with the inventive theatrics for which Cirque Dreams is renowned. Christmas at Gaylord Palms is open daily from Nov. 24 to Jan. 3 in Kissimmee. Visit ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com

Nov. 25 – Mills 50 District Hump Day Art Stroll

For the cost of a wristband ($10), you and yours can sample complimentary beer, wine or sangria at numerous businesses along Mills Avenue and Virginia Drive while shopping for local art and unique gifts before black Friday madness. Pick up your wristband, map and glass at Wally’s on Mills or Gotkarma on Virginia from 6 to 8 p.m. A cool November evening is perfect for a stroll through original art and innovative crafts as the Mills 50 District and Art for All Spaces bring you the Hump Day Happy Hour and Art Stroll.

Nov. 28 – Orlando Philharmonic: Home for the Holidays

A joyful Central Florida tradition, the Orlando Philharmonic’s Home for the Holidays is back with audience favorites Maestro Albert George Schram, The Holiday Singers, Florida Opera Theatre Youth Chorus, and the incomparable “Mr. Entertainment” Michael Andrew joining together with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to perform holiday favorites for the entire family. Scheduled with impeccable timing – just two days after Thanksgiving – the two concerts will be presented at the Bob Carr Theater. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Nov. 29 – 44th annual free performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’

The 44th annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will usher in the holiday season at 3 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Bob Carr Theatre in a free performance as a gift to Central Florida. Conducted by Dr. John Sinclair, the concert features all the familiar “master-moments” including the ever-popular “Hallelujah” chorus performed by a 120 voice choir, professional soloists and orchestra. The Society continues its support of the Second Harvest Food Bank by requesting concert attendees bring donations of food items to the performance. Visit messiahchoralsociety.org or call 321-285-6382.

Nov. 29 – Orlando Philharmonic’s free Holiday Pops in Central Park

The city of Winter Park and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra invite you and your family to celebrate the holiday season with a free Holiday Pops concert at 4 p.m. on Nov. 29 in Winter Park’s beautiful Central Park. Conductor Yaniv Segal will lead the Philharmonic in a program including “A Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride,” as well as “Home for the Holidays,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “White Christmas” with soloist Marina Jurica. This free event is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. Audience members are encouraged to bring canned or dry food to restock the pantries at Second Harvest Food Bank. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Dec. 1 – Essential Emeril live on-stage at Dr. Phillips Center

As a national TV personality, Emeril Lagasse has hosted more than 2,000 shows on the Food Network, and is food correspondent for ABC’s “Good Morning America.” This superstar chef will be live at Dr. Phillips Center for a night of cooking and camaraderie as we learn more about Emeril and how to make some of his favorite dishes. The show will be followed by a book signing of his 19th book, “Essential Emeril” in the lobby. Our own nationally recognized John Rivers – restaurant entrepreneur and head chef of the award-winning 4 Rivers Smokehouse and The Coop – will host the evening with Emeril. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Dec. 2 – Christmas at the Casa

Casa Feliz’ sixth annual Holiday Open House, sponsored by Commerce National Bank, will take place beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Guests may have photos taken with Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, admire the traditional Christmas decorations at Casa Feliz (courtesy of Lee Forrest Design), while enjoying a quartet of Dickensian Carolers. There is no charge to attend Christmas at the Casa, but a donation of $2 per person, or $5 per family is suggested. (Professional Santa portraits are $10.) Call 407-628-8196 or email [email protected]