Connect with us

Events

You Can Join the City of Orlando for the Holidays

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) By City of Orlando – There is no more festive time of the year to experience the City of Orlando than the holiday season. Throughout November and December, the City is offering a variety of family-friendly holiday events and activities for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy, furthering the City’s continued commitment to provide a wide variety of amenities and entertainment for everyone.
WHEN & WHERE:
The City of Orlando invites Central Florida residents and guests to celebrate the holiday season at several local events in Orlando, including:
Thursday, November 17, 2016 – January 2, 2017
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Christmas at the Leu House
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue
Local interior designers have decorated the 11-room estate with holiday trimmings, Christmas trees and decorations to create an enchanting Christmas for all to enjoy. The Leu House is included with regular admission to Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
5:00 p.m.
Jingle Eve
Gaston Edwards Park, 1236 North Orange Avenue
Annually organized by the Ivanhoe Village Main Streets District, Jingle Eve is a family-friendly holiday celebration featuring a Santa’s Village, a wine stroll, beer garden, Christmas tree lighting, food trucks, local artists, boat parade, vendors and live musical performances.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
7:00 a.m.
*Work on the star will begin at 7:45 a.m. with the raising of the star to take place between 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.*
Jack Kazanzas Star Installation
Downtown Orlando, Intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard
The tradition of raising the 600-pound golden star began when two competing department stores, Ivey’s on the east of Orange Avenue and Dickson & Ives on the west, joined together in 1955 to hang the historic Christmas star between the two stores. The raising of the star marks the start of the holiday season in the City of Orlando.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
All Day
Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday provides a unique holiday shopping experience and allows residents to support many of the independent, family-owned retailers and restaurants throughout the City of Orlando, including Downtown and in Orlando’s 10 Main Street districts.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
12:00 p.m.
What’s Up Downtown for the Holidays
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
The annual holiday edition of What’s Up Downtown will feature song and dance performances by the Russian Ballet Orlando, Mad Cow Theatre, Howard Middle School Jazz Band and Howard Middle School Show Choir.
5:00 p.m.
Holiday on the Drive
Edgewater Drive, Between Smith Street and Clayton Street
The College Park Partnership Main Streets District invites families and friends to Holiday on the Drive featuring a Christmas tree lighting, live music, Santa Claus and other holiday festivities.
Friday, December 2, 2016
5:00 p.m. – Festivities Begin
7:00 p.m. – Tree Lighting Ceremony
City of Orlando Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
The City of Orlando’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration will feature the official lighting of the City’s 72-foot Christmas tree. This event will include live music by Trinity Lutheran School students and Encore! Cast Performing Arts, a holiday gift shop and food trucks.
Friday, December 2, 2016 to Sunday, December 18, 2016
4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Santa Claus at the Eola House
Lake Eola Park, 512 East Washington Street
Santa Claus is coming to the City of Orlando, and he’s not camera shy. Parents have festive picture-taking opportunities for their children with Santa at the Eola House during the weekends before Christmas, on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18.
Friday, December 2, 2016 to Friday, January 6, 2017
Nightly Starting at 5:45 p.m.
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Every night starting on Friday, December 2 through Friday, January 6 at 5:45 p.m.; 6:45 p.m.; 7:45 p.m.; 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., the Eola Wonderland 72-foot Christmas tree will come alive with a synchronized light and music show while the Lake Eola fountain displays red, green and gold lights.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
6:00 p.m.
Holiday Concert at Lake Eola
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
In support of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Network, the award-winning Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will hold its seventh annual holiday benefit concert performing holiday favorites.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
2:00 p.m.
Light Up Downtown South
Downtown South, 918 South Orange Avenue
City of Orlando Main Street Downtown South’s annual holiday event will feature a number of activities including an appearance from Santa Claus, face painting, train rides, holiday market, live wreath making, beer garden and the lighting of the 20-foot Christmas tree.
4:00 p.m.
District 2 Holiday Event
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz will host a holiday celebration featuring a live mariachi band and family entertainment.
Friday, December 9, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Holiday Movie in the Park
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
The free holiday movie featured will be “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
11:00 a.m.
SantaCon
Thornton Park District, Begins at World of Beer, 431 East Central Boulevard
Sponsored by the Thornton Park Orlando Main Streets District, “SantaCon” will start at World of Beer and allow participants dressed up as Santa Claus to take advantage of drink specials at participating Thornton Park District restaurants and bars.
7:00 p.m.
Violectric Holiday Show
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
This free concert features local electric string quintet band Violetric, playing a mash-up of rock, pop and holiday favorites.
Friday, December 16, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Holiday Movie in the Park
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
The free holiday movie featured will be “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” starring Jim Carrey.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
7:30 p.m.
“The Nutcracker” Performance by the Russian Ballet of Orlando
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
The Russian Ballet of Orlando will present a gift to the Orlando community with a free performance of the traditional ballet “The Nutcracker.”
Friday, December 23, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Holiday Movie in the Park
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
The free holiday movie featured will be “A Christmas Story.”
Thursday, December 29, 2016
11:00 a.m.
Florida Citrus Parade
Downtown Orlando
The Florida Citrus Parade brings together over 3,000 participants in one of Central Florida’s longest running traditions. The parade will feature signature citrus floats, marching bands from across the country and family fun in Downtown Orlando.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

BookNet Fest Returns to Orlando with Bold Conversations and a Love for Storytelling

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Orlando’s vibrant literary scene will take center stage this May as BookNet Fest returns for its 2025 edition. Since 2017, the annual book convention has served as a unique space for readers, writers, and content creators to come together for a two-day celebration of stories and community. This year’s festival runs May 23–24 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs® Area, promising dynamic panels, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of literary camaraderie.

A highlight of this year’s event is the support from The New Romantics, a recently opened independent bookstore in Orlando dedicated entirely to romance fiction. The store is quickly becoming a beloved space for fans of the genre and is lending both heart and visibility to this year’s festivities as an official sponsor.

BookNet Fest 2025 is shaping up to be everything some recent book festivals weren’t. Following the chaos of the A Million Lives Book Festivaldubbed the “Fyre Festival of the book community” after attendees took to social media to express frustration over poor planning and mismanagement—many readers and authors are approaching book events with newfound caution. With more than 3.2 million views on the organizer’s TikTok apology and promises of refunds by May 31 from Archer Management, trust in book events is under scrutiny.

But BookNet Fest offers a reassuring contrast. Built by and for the community, the event has a track record of thoughtful programming, transparent planning, and genuine inclusivity. It’s a festival that prioritizes quality over flash—and it shows.

Among this year’s panel highlights:

  • “Ask a Lawyer: Legal Landmines in the Bookish World” will give attendees a rare chance to hear from professionals on navigating contracts, copyrights, and online publishing risks.

  • “Reading Under Threat” addresses the rise of book bans and censorship in the United States.

  • “Sinners and the Power of Black Storytelling” explores cultural legacy and creative innovation through the lens of Black literature.

What sets BookNet Fest apart is its intimate, creator-driven feel. Unlike large-scale expos or influencer-first events, this festival thrives on meaningful connection—between fans and authors, between colleagues and creators, and between people who simply love books.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring novelist, or a BookTok regular, BookNet Fest 2025 offers a grounded, uplifting space to learn, connect, and be inspired.

For tickets and more information, visit booknetfest.com

___________________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Continue Reading

Entertainment

P!NK Brings ‘Summer Carnival’ Tour to Camping World Stadium on November 18

Published

on

Source: Camping World

Orlando, FL (FNN) – This is a reminder that multi Grammy-Award winner P!NK will be bringing her record-breaking Summer Carnival Tour to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on November 18, 2024. Joining her for this highly anticipated concert is boundary-breaking artist Maren Morris, known for her dynamic vocals and electrifying performances. Morris will support the final date of P!NK’s tour, stepping in to replace GROUPLOVE.

P!NK’s captivating live performances have generated tremendous fan enthusiasm, solidifying her status as a touring powerhouse.

With nearly 3 million tickets sold and an astonishing $350 million in revenue during last year’s tour across Europe, the UK, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, her 2023 Summer Carnival Tour was recognized as one of the top-grossing tours of the year by Billboard.

Known for her high-energy shows and stunning visual production, P!NK continues to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences for her fans.

Maren Morris, a Grammy-winning artist, has made waves in the music industry with hits like “My Church” and “The Bones,” blending country, pop, and R&B influences to create her unique sound. Her presence on this tour promises to elevate the concert experience, adding to the excitement surrounding P!NK’s performances.

Tickets for the concert are selling fast, starting at $29.95, but pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved, and fans can purchase them through the Camping World Stadium box office or at Ticketmaster.com. Please note that all dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice, and applicable taxes, service, handling, and facility fee charges may apply.

Camping World Stadium is located at 1 Citrus Bowl Place in Orlando. For more information about the concert and to stay updated on any changes, visit CampingWorldStadium.com. Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary evening of music and celebration!

_____________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Continue Reading

Business

Kia Center to Host Hiring Events: Join the Winning Team!

Published

on

Source: Kia Center
ORLANDO, FL — Kia Center, Central Florida’s premier sports and entertainment venue, previously announced their series of hiring events which started on September 30 and will continue on December 9, and January 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. These events are designed to attract passionate individuals eager to provide legendary experiences for guests while supporting local sports teams and world-class performances. With a busy calendar featuring Orlando Magic basketball and Orlando Solar Bears hockey, the need for dynamic team members has never been greater.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to explore part-time roles in areas such as guest services, security, food and beverage, and cleaning services, with same-day on-site interviews available. Applicants are encouraged to bring resumes and two forms of identification. Additionally, those attending can apply for positions at nearby venues like Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field. As a bonus, attendees will have a chance to win complimentary tickets to upcoming events, including performances by Simone Biles and Justin Timberlake. For more information, visit KiaCenter.com.

______________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News

kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending