“Dazzing Nights”, the magical experience of light at Harry P. Leu Gardens, continues until January 9. Don’t miss it! (DREAMTOWN PHOTOGRAPH)
SPECIAL EVENTS
NOL AT GAYLORD PALMS
Until January 2: Spectacular new shows, such as Circus: The Christmas Spirit, and family-friendly activities including Ice Tubes, Sugary Sweet Storytime, and Secret Santa Scavenger Hunt, plus acres of festive decorations. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com
NOL AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO
Until January 2: Start a holiday tradition with festive shopping, animal shows, culinary specialties and children’s entertainment. Included with the entrance to the park. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworld.com
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Until January 2: Muggles are invited to vacation in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Indulge in the spirit of the season with special treats, shows and Universal’s Holiday Parade. Activities included in the entrance to the park. Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS
Until January 2: These spectacular immersive Christmas lights impress with 52 nights of magic under millions of lights in storybook backdrops. Visit the Holiday Market, listen to festive music, and treat yourself to holiday treats at Give Kids the World Village, an 89-acre non-profit resort that offers free week-long vacations to critically ill children and children. their families. 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee. 407-396-1114. gktw.org
STUNNING NIGHTS IN THE GARDENS OF LEU
Until January 9: Immerse yourself in the wonders of a vacation at Dazzling Nights, a three-quarter-mile journey of awe-inspiring light experiences brought to you by Creative City Project. The magical experience includes a huge maze of light, Moroccan lanterns, a dancing forest of light, snowfall and holiday tunes, treats and drinks. Choose the dates and times of entry online. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. dazzlingorlando.com
ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL – INTO THE WILD LIFE
Until January 16: Experience the zoo on a dazzling evening featuring over 30 larger-than-life illuminated lanterns celebrating the culture, art and beauty of traditional Asian lantern festivals. LED-lit sculptures of animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements line the paths of this outdoor experience. 6 to 10 p.m. Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford. 407-323-4450. centralfloridazoo.org
MECUM COLLECTION CAR AUCTION
January 2-5: Expect to see thousands of vintage, muscular, and exotic cars for sale, along with old auto signs, hood ornaments, and other memorabilia. 8:00 a.m. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. mecum.com
ZORA! FESTIVAL
January 7-30: This year’s theme is Celebrations for Generations to celebrate the life of author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston and her hometown of Eatonville. The annual festival features arts, culture and humanities programs, museum exhibits, panel discussions, tours of historic Eatonville, and music. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum, 344 boul. E. Kennedy, Eatonville. zorafestival.org
FLORIDA WEDDING EXPO
January 9: Host your wedding in one place for one afternoon at the biggest wedding show of the year. Browse over 150 vendors and enter to win over 100 freebies. Noon to 5:00 p.m., Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, 9800 International Drive, Orlando. 407-571-9990. floridaweddingexpo.com
FRIENDS MUSIC PREVIEW 2022
January 10: This award-winning musical awareness series presented by the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra explores a wide range of musical topics. This month: from performer to conductor — Dr. Mauricio Cespedes. 5:00 p.m. Classes are held at Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-896-6700. Amisorlandophil.org
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
Jan 14-Feb 21: The trifecta of the fabulous, with artistic cuisine, visual arts and shows. Included with the entrance to the park. EPCOT Walt Disney World Resort, 200 Epcot Center Drive, Orlando. disneyworld.disney.go.com
THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF ILLUSIONS
January 15: Las Vegas-style family magic and illusions show featuring Kendrix’s Illusions and comedic magician Glen Foster. 7 p.m. Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com
M. GLAMOR 2022 COMPETITION
January 17: In this competition, men strut and pose for a cash prize. Watch the men of the Orlando area showcase their best in three categories: Beachwear, Solo Talent, and Party Wear. 7:30 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.org
AN AUTONOMOUS NIGHT OF LAUGHING
January 20: Nine of Orlando’s intrepid and funny women step out of their comfort zone and take center stage to perform a comedic routine they’ve written themselves. Mixer at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Quantum Leap Winery, 1312 Wilfred Drive, Orlando. 407-730-3082. empoweringnightoflaughter.com
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS LPGA CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT
January 20-23: LPGA Tour winners, celebrities, athletes and artists play on the course designed by Tom Fazio at Lake Nona. Tour champions compete for $ 1.2 million in cash prizes and celebrities play to win $ 500,000. A three-night concert series will feature Sheryl Crow, Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms and more. Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, 9801 Lake Nona Club Drive, Orlando. hgvlpga.com
ORANGE CITY BLUE SPRINGS FESTIVAL DES LAMANTINS
January 22-23: Each winter, 100 or more manatees visit the warm waters of the springs. Celebrate this unique aquatic mammal and enjoy live music, crafts, face painting, dancing, rides, and of course, manatee watching. Valentine Park, 1511 W. French Ave., Orange City. themanateefestival.com
MORSE MUSEUM CONFERENCE SERIES
January 26: “Highlights of the Stebbins Collection” —American Painting Curator Regina Palm discusses several paintings and objects in the Stebbins Collection and their importance to other works in the museum. 2:30 p.m. Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 W. Canton Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. morsemuseum.org
ORLANDO SHAKES CABARET SERIES
January 27-29: Michael Andrew and the Sinatra Sextette perform live in the Shakes’ intimate outdoor venue. 7:30 p.m. Darden Courtyard at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. 407-447-1700. orlandoshakes.org
FLORIDA STORY FESTIVAL
January 27-30: The festival is back and in person this year, with “storytelling concerts”, workshops, competitions, Swapping Grounds, a Story Slam and Youthful Voices. Lakeside Inn, 100 Alexander Street, Mont Dora. 352-234-6422. flstory.com
ROCK THE UNIVERSE
January 28-29: This musical weekend of fun and faith features Casting Crowns, for KING & COUNTRY, Matthew West, Zach Williams and more. 4:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
