Calendar

NOV. 17

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite you to come support local businesses as you sip and stroll through Park Avenue on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while you visit your favorite local shops and restaurants. For more information and registration, visit winterpark.org

Orange Audubon Society member and nature photographer Reinhard Geisler will showcase his extraordinary bird photography on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Camellia Room of Leu Gardens at 1920 N. Forest Ave. For more information, call 407-637-2525 or visit orangeaudubonfl.org

Come enjoy a screening of “The Philadelphia Story” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the University Club of Winter Park, located at 841 N. Park Ave. This romantic comedy film and an unqualified classic was directed by George Cukor and starred Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and James Stewart. Oscar-nominated in almost every major category, it won two – Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay – but over the years it’s grown beyond statuettes and remains as one of the greatest films of the 20th century. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie starts at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is appreciated. For more information, call 407-620-0975.

NOV. 18

Light Up UCF, one of Orlando's most anticipated holiday attractions, is an affordable, family winter wonderland featuring ice-skating, rides, and an all-new light show. Making its annual return to CFE Arena, Light Up UCF opens Friday, Nov. 18, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 7. With their ninth season comes a slew of brand new attractions including an all-new light show with 30,000 more lights, new music and snowier nights. Featuring a combination of visual, aural, and interactive elements that capture the spirit of the season, patrons can expect a memorable ninth season. Tickets for ice-skating, rides, and photos with Santa can be purchased at the CFE Arena Box Office. Select tickets are also available for purchase through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. More information for all Light Up UCF events can be found at LightUpUCF.com

Beginning Friday, Nov. 18 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. Opening day, Nov. 18, will feature half price entry for everyone. 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

Voices of Light starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19, at Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College. Come witness a stunning evening of music performed by members of the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra. The critically acclaimed event merges the legendary silent film masterpiece “The Passion of Joan of Arc” with a live performance of a beautiful new work by composer Richard Einhorn and produced in partnership with Gladdening Light. Ticket prices range from $25 to $65.

NOV. 19

The DogFest Walk ’n Roll Orlando will be held on Nov. 19 at Lake Lily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Canine Companions for Independence will host this event to celebrate the dog and people partnerships this group produces.

Come out to the 40th annual Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Longwood Historic District, west of the intersection of State Road 434 and County Road 427. Proceeds maintain circa 1885 historic buildings. Parking can be found at the SunRail lot. Call 407-332-0225 for more information.

The annual Weavers of Orlando Auction is the event for weaving enthusiasts across Orlando. The auction will be held at on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Winter Park Towers at 1111 Lakemont Court. Items include rare, out-of-date books, yarns of all kinds, tools, looms, spinning wheels, spindles and much more. Bidding is active – most items appear the day of the auction. For more information, visit weaversoforlando.org

“Swingin' Live! With the Orlando Big Band” starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, located at 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in historic Sanford. The event features the vocal talents of Shannon Corcoran, Amy Davenport and Rachel Harmon under the direction of Bennett Harmon. For tickets call 407-321-8111 or visit WDPAC.com

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.

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

NOV. 27

Celebrate the spirit of the holidays as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents its annual Holiday Pops concerts 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. Unmasked by a U.S. traitor, Tolkachev was executed for high treason in 1986. David E. Hoffman, the author, was the Moscow correspondent for The Washington Post and now is a contributing editor to that newspaper. 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

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.

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. Join them to 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.

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 candle holder 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. 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]

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.

ONGOING

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.