In a tropical climate like ours, it can be tough to get into the holiday spirit when it’s 85 degrees in the middle of December. Although winter doesn’t bring snow to Central Florida, there are still plenty of opportunities for you and your family to get in to the spirit of things this Advent and Christmas season. St. Charles, an Orlando Catholic school, provides their guide to the best holiday celebrations around Central Florida that your whole family will enjoy.
Holiday Parades
Watching a parade is a great way to ring in the Christmas season with your whole family. Lots of local governments in the Central Florida area host holiday parades in their cities in the weekends leading up to Christmas. This year, you can check out parades in Avalon Park, Longwood, Mount Dora, Oviedo, Winter Garden, Winter Park, and Winter Springs. Your family can spend some quality time enjoying the mild winter weather and watching festive floats pass by. The voices of St. Charles and our cheerleaders even host a float in the Winter Park parade!
Ornament Workshops
In this event at Orlando’s Downtown Recreation Complex, you and your family can decorate ornaments together to place on your Christmas tree. You can choose from a wide range of readymade bisque ornaments and paint your own unique and festive keepsake. Ornament workshops are held throughout the first two weeks of December, and the organizers advise calling ahead to reserve your spot at the studio.
Lake Eola Tree Lighting
On December 6, you and your family can attend Mayor Buddy Dyer’s annual first lighting of Lake Eola Park’s Christmas Tree. After you witness the lighting of the awe-inspiring 72-foot Christmas tree, enjoy live music and performances, vendor booths, and a variety of delicious foods from the Food Truck Bazaar.
Light Up UCF
The annual month-long holiday celebration returns to the Addition Arena at the University of Central Florida. Light Up UCF offers plenty of attractions for you and your family to enjoy, such as ice skating, carnival rides, live music performances, and a dazzling holiday light show. New this year, a Holiday Film Festival on select nights invites families to enjoy classic festive films in the arena lobby.
St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando Catholic school, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.
