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Need some inspiration for your holiday tree? Or just looking to marvel at the handiwork of others? Check out the over-the-top conifers at the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. While some trees have been inspired by Disney movies, others take their cues from Disney attractions such as the Haunted Mansion. Make sure you view 2021-only trees made specifi cally to celebrate Disney World’s 50th anniversary—and get your hands on a map of the layout so you don’t miss a thing. Disneysprings.commiss a thing. Disneysprings.com

The Magic of the Holidays is Alive in Orlando

Grab a slice of joy this holiday season as many of Orlando’s beloved holiday celebrations return. BY JENNIFER MCKEE

DECK THE HALLS AT EPCOT

e Candlelight Processional has returned to EPCOT! e tradition, which dates back to 1958 at Disneyland, has been taking place at Walt Disney World since 1994. After a pause in 2020, its return is particularly fi tting this year, as it coincides with the celebration of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. Each night through Dec. 30, by candlelight, a celebrity narrator retells the Biblical Christmas story of the child born in Bethlehem, accompanied by a choir and 50-piece orchestra; the choral pieces were woven into the production to provide additional inspiration, hope and joy. e all-ages experience is part of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays and takes place in the America Gardens eatre. Also returning are Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages, which guarantee diners entry into the evening’s performance (a handy perk, since the event is extremely popular.)

Be sure to fully explore EPCOT to learn about holiday traditions around the globe. All of EPCOT’s World Showcase nations are participating in the aff air and will lead you around by your senses: e sights, sounds, scents and fl avors you’ll encounter will be truly unforgettable. And what’s more mouthwatering than some holiday treats? Get a Festival Passport and stroll the World Showcase promenade to visit Holiday Kitchens, which are cooking up a panoply of festive fl avors. Love sweets? Consult your handy Holiday Passport or My Disney Experience App to uncover a scrumptious Holiday Cookie Stroll. Disneyworld.com

HOLINIGHTS

Join holiday revelers such as mischievous elves, towering toy soldiers, carolers and Santa Claus himself on Thursdays-Sundays through Dec. 26 at Promenade at Sunset Walk. The Holinights Celebration brings with it a craft market, holly jolly tunes, snowball fi ghts and a chance to regale the big man with your list—you have been nice? The beautiful outdoor entertainment district always puts on a good time, with concerts, car shows and plenty of holiday fare. Plus, there’s free admission and parking. Sunsetwalk.com

Celebrate Christmas at Grande Lakes

BY JENNIFER MCKEE

FESTIVITIES CONTINUE THROUGHOUT December for visitors at the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Grande Lakes. Fridays through Sundays, kids can take a ride on the Grande Lakes Express, which runs between the two properties. It’s a great way to view holiday lights and luminaries set up along the lakeside. Of course, if you decide to walk it, you’re in for a glittering stroll, and may just run into holiday carolers along the way. Don’t forget to take a holiday photo in the gazebo. And there’s plenty of drink to aid you—classics such as hot toddies, hot apple cider and spiked eggnog, plus special cocktails created by resort mixologists. ose looking for non-alcoholic beverages can indulge in milk and cookies or coffee and cookies.

And then there are the extra-special events. Overload your cuteness quotient at Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea, a holiday version of the Ritz’s traditional tea with a takeaway for the kids and a visit from Santa. en, meet Mrs. Claus when she hosts her very own story time in the Ritz Kids Garden (Dec. 24-25); there are plenty of pre-packed holiday goodies to go around. Also on Christmas Eve, kids can receive a very special tuck-in from Santa, in addition to a custom stocking (a minimum 24-hour notice is required). Grandelakes.com

THE SANTA WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

ICON Park once again transforms itself into the ultimate winter wonderland complete with the signature Santa photos its known for. This year, the shopping center outdoes itself with the Santa Workshop Experience; it o ers a free train ride from the parking garage on Santa’s North Pole Express. Holiday beverage and treat o erings are available. Be sure to dress in your best holiday finery for your photos! Choose from traditional or candid shots. Open every day through Christmas Eve. Iconparkorlando.com

GO INTO THE WILD AT THE ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL

More than 30 larger-than-life lanterns, lit by more than 10,000 LED lights, bring bursts of color to the skies of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford through January 16. Each lantern has been hand-constructed and is displayed on a ¾ mile path around the zoo, and celebrates the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals. Separate ticket purchase is required to view the lanterns; be sure to get yours early, as they sell out quickly. Centralfloridazoo.com