The Holidays are beautifully celebrated here in Orlando, especially at the ever popular theme parks. However, there are plenty of lesser known holiday gems to savor besides them. There are so many things to do in Orlando around the holidays that it was difficult whittling the list down to five; but, we managed. Here are the top 5 hidden gems we recommend this season.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2015 – Friday, December 25, 2015
(Dates subject to change. Updates on Facebook.)
14645 Grand Cove Dr, Orlando, FL. 32837
Since 2010, Andrew Albertson has opened up his residence to the public in December for a spectacular free Christmas display including thousands of lights, over 60 trees outside, and 40 decorated trees inside.
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Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village
Select dates Friday, December 4, 2015 – Sunday, January 3, 2016
Waterford Lakes Town Center
413 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL. 32828
This annual winter festival and carnival includes photos with Santa and other characters, holiday food, amusement rides, music, plus thousands of Christmas lights and displays.
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Friday, November 13, 2015 – Sunday, January 3, 2016
12777 Gemini Blvd. N, PO Box 161500, Orlando, FL. 32816
Back for its eighth season, Light Up UCF offers an ice skating rink, rides, film screenings, and holiday attractions at the UCF CFE Arena, running for 50 nights in November and December. Check the sites calendar for specific details of each day.
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Saturday, December 19, 2015
Central Blvd. and Court Avenue, Downtown Orlando, FL. 32801
The Orlando Christmas Parade has been canceled this year, but what will be replacing it will be just as spectacular. On December 19th, the 2015 Bank Fest Christmas Fest will be held in Downtown Orlando, complete with food trucks, vendors, music; Santa, his elves and real reindeer; and the Jingle Bell Dog Jog followed by a tacky sweater contest for both humans and their furry friends.
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Saturday, December 12, 2015 – Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Lowndes Shakespeare Center at Loch Haven Park
812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL. 32803
An interactive show featuring just three actors, A Christmas Carol is performed as a ghost story while guests enjoy treats of cookies and tea. A local Orlando tradition for eighteen years.
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Our favorite Holiday gems around Orlando are sure to be a hit. I hope you’ll try them out!
And since it’s the 2015 Holiday season, I’ll just go ahead and add a bonus:
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Opens in theaters nationwide December 18, 2015
No spoilers, I swear; but it’s phenomenal and deserves a theater watch.
Santa Chewie will know if you don’t.
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From all of us here at Amber Diagnostics,
we wish you a very happy Holiday season, and a joyful New Year!
