Holiday PLAY Guide

Holiday PLAYguide

Let’s usher 2020 out with some happiness and healthy memory-making at these socially distanced events that will have you smiling well into the new year.

Words by Wendy Meyer

Resorts & Attractions

THE SANTA WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

ICON PARK

Now through January

Everyone’s favorite Mall Santa has moved to ICON Park for a more socially distanced yet super special traditional family photo like the ones you’ve always loved. The group behind this experience has made thoughtful changes to keep everyone healthy and deliver superior quality Santa experiences. Reservation are required. thesantaworkshopexperience.com

SANTA’S WONDERLAND

BASS PRO SHOPS

November 7–December 24

Enjoy a contactless visit with Santa! Families who visit Santa receive a free 4x6 studioquality photo as well as a free shareable video. During your visit, kids can mail their letter to Santa and bring home free holiday craft activity kits. Free advanced reservations are required. basspro.com

CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS

GAYLORD PALMS RESORT

November 13–January 3

Gaylord Palms is the place to be this holiday season. They have something for everyone! In addition to ICE!, snow tubing and live holiday cirque-style shows in the lobby, the "I Love Christmas Movies" exhibit is new for 2020. This multi-sensory pop-up exhibition allows guests to experience beloved holiday movies such as The Polar Express, A Christmas Story and more in a completely new way. ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com

NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS

GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE

November 13–January 3

Stroll the Avenue of Angels, aglow with more than 3 million lights, savor delicious treats and enjoy the accessible rides and storybook attractions that have brought happiness and hope to critically ill children and their families from around the world for 34 years. gktw.org

CHRISTMAS AT THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

November 14–January 3

Celebrate the magic of the season with your fellow wizards! No matter the house, you and yours will delight in the dazzling lights at Hogwarts Castle and enjoy joyous laughter through Diagon Alley. There are special holiday treats and drinks, the atmosphere is brimming with excitement and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have a special show prepared just for the occasion. universalorlando.com

LIGHT UP UCF SEAWORLD

GRINCHMAS WHO-LIDAY ADVENTURE

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

November 14–January 3

Seuss Landing is decorated with the holiday charm and cheer of Dr. Seuss‘s Whoville. Your heart might grow three sizes as you delight in the hilarious hijinks of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic tale starring the Grinch. You may even have the opportunity to meet the maven of mischief himself! universalorlando.com

SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

SEAWORLD ORLANDO

November 21–December 31

SeaWorld is overflowing with holiday cheer this year. View over 3 million lights and learn about animal friends while enjoying joyful traditions with a safe and healthy twist. PLAY TIP: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bang! This spectacular musical celebration and bold fireworks display will send a wave of welcome to the year ahead. seaworld.com/orlando

Neighborhood Celebrations

TASTE OF EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS

EPCOT

November 27–December 30

Discover a holiday festival like no other, featuring the joyous holiday traditions of 11 World Showcase nations. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays surrounds you in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season, as celebrated by cultures near and far. Enjoy live musical productions and savor seasonal food and beverages at the expanded Holiday Kitchens. disneyworld.disney.go.com

HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND

November 27–29, December 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 & 24–31

This jolly time of year features a combination of seasonal shows and treats, special LEGO characters, twinkling lights and fireworks. PLAY Tip: The Kids’ New Year’s Party is the best place to ring in the new year while still making sure everyone is in bed by 9 p.m. legoland.com

DAZZLING NIGHTS

HARRY P. LEU GARDENS

December 1–January 3 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

Harry P. Leu Gardens will transform into a magical wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays and beautiful sculptures during this new family-friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on an interactive holiday experience. dazzlingorlando.com

ORLANDO BALLOON GLOW 2020

BLUE JACKET PARK, ORLANDO

December 3–6

Enjoy the view of glowing hot air balloons at dusk. This event also includes food and retail vendors and activities for kids. balloonglowtour.com

ORLANDO BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER - A FAMILY SHOW

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER

December 5, 12 & 19

It doesn’t feel like the holiday season until we see sugar plum fairies dancing. These special performances are created just for families to experience the ballet in a magical setting. drphillipscenter.org

LETTERS TO SANTA FEATURING THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

ENZIAN THEATER

December 6, 11:15 a.m.

Children will receive a goodie bag, including a letter writing kit to craft their wish list for Santa, coloring pages and candy canes. A special menu including cookies and hot cocoa will be available in-theater. On the way out, kids can drop their letters to Santa! enzian.org

A FRINGEMAS CAROL

LOCH HAVEN PARK

December 11–13, 6:30 p.m.

A socially distanced, Dickens-inspired theatrical journey! During this outdoor event, you will be led in small groups by your own Scrooge, who will travel to different points in A Christmas Carol. orlandofringe.org

POPCORN FLICKS IN THE PARK: THE POLAR EXPRESS

CENTRAL PARK, WINTER PARK

December 12, 7 p.m.

Experience this epic holiday classic under the stars! Reservations are required. enzian.org

HOLIDAYS IN THE COURTYARD PRESENTED BY CFCARTS

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Fridays & Saturdays now through December 20, 7:30 p.m.

Under the twinkling lights of CFCArts outdoor terrace, Holidays in the Courtyard will present an array of performances. Your family can enjoy holiday tunes featuring performers from all over Central Florida — including theme park favorites! cfcarts.com

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL PRESENTED BY ADVENTHEALTH

THE GARDEN THEATRE

Now through December 20

Garden Theatre brings this classic to life on stage, and you won't want to miss Matilda’s magic when she dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. gardentheatre.org

OPERA ORLANDO PRESENTS: HANSEL & GRETEL

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER

January 29–31, 2021

Take a journey deep into the woods with Hansel and Gretel as this classic tale is brought to life. This kid-friendly opera is in English and reduced to 75 minutes. operaorlando.org/hansel

Private & Charter School Guide

A Kids Gym offers little learners (infant to pre-K) a wonderful introduction to school in a half-day or full-day program with a literature-rich environment and hands-on activities. We have an outstanding movement-based gym program that introduces little learners to gymnastics, physical education and dance, which teaches them the core skills needed for basic ball handling, skipping, jumping, kicking and more.

1495 Evans St. #400, Oviedo 407-365-6800 • akidsgym.com

American Classical Charter Academies’ tuition-free, traditional education leads students on a journey of engagement with language arts, math, science, history, geography, music and art. Classical education develops within students a foundation of virtue and cultural literacy with a strong emphasis on American citizenship. Explore our two American Classical Charter Academies, in Saint Cloud and – enrolling soon for fall 2021 – Kissimmee-Celebration.

2395 Hickory Tree Rd., St. Cloud 407-593-2909 • accaschools.org

The Christ School partners with families to provide academic excellence through an individualized, Christ-centered K–8 experience. Our students thrive in an engaging learning environment. Lessons are focused on collaboration, communication, creative problem-solving and critical thinking. STEAM-based activities are infused across all subject areas, and a growth-mindset is celebrated. We invite you to explore The Christ School, developing students into confi dent, compassionate Christian leaders.

106 E. Church St., Orlando 407-849-1665 • thechristschool.org

The First Academy

Voted Orlando’s Top Private School, The First Academy provides the strongest balance of accelerated academics and Christian leadership. Serving over 1,200 students in Central Florida from preschool through high school, The First Academy elevates all students to their highest levels of achievement. The First Academy offers award-winning arts and athletic programs, customized student pathways and inspirational teachers.

2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando 407-206-8802 • thefi rstacademy.org

The Geneva School inspires students to love beauty, think deeply and pursue Christ’s calling. The lower and upper school campuses educate 540 K4–12th grade students on 45 acres, inspiring a lifelong love of learning. Geneva School Knights are focused, hardworking, prayerful, united, students of the past, prepared for the future, victorious, curious, intelligent, winsome, articulate, loved, known, servant-hearted and leaders.

Lower School Campus - 2025 State Road 436, Winter Park Upper School Campus - 1775 Seminola Blvd., Casselberry 407-332-6363 • genevaschool.org

Kiddie Academy

At Kiddie Academy, your child will grow socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually. Kiddie Academy has the teachers, tools and inspiration it takes to nurture oversized confi dence and big ideas. It’s all part of becoming an amazing adult and begins with our Life Essentials® philosophy: curriculum, technology, health & fi tness, and character. We are conveniently located at Apopka, Longwood-Lake Mary, Sanford-Heathrow, Oviedo, Clermont, Orlando-Conway, Winter Park and Hunters Creek.

KiddieAcademy.com

Lake Highland Preparatory School’s strong academic continuum spans 14 years – from Pre-K through 12th grade – and focuses on developing the whole child. In addition to challenging academics, students exercise every part of their creativity through art, music, world languages, STEM, innovation and sports. Inspiring teachers nurture a love of learning as students develop confi dence in their abilities, challenge their curiosity and grow in goodness. On-campus and Digital Campus options are available for prekindergarten through 12th grade.

901 Highland Ave., Orlando 407-206-1900 • lhps.org

The Masters Academy

The Master’s Academy is a world-class Christian school providing spiritual and academic excellence since 1986. TMA serves over 1,000 students, 18 months–12th grade, on a 33-acres campus on Lukas Lane in Oviedo. Please visit MastersAcademy. org to learn more or email admissions@mastersacademy.org to schedule your private tour.

407-971-2221 • MastersAcademy.org

O2B Kids is a place that opens minds, improves self-confi dence, develops social skills and strengthens bodies. We help children discover hidden talents and promote a passion for discovery with our nationally accredited Preschool & School-Aged programs.

Three Locations: 1175 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo 995 North State Road 434, Suite 600, Altamonte Springs 1072 State Road 436, Casselberry o2bkids.com

Orlando Catholic Schools

Serving Orange and Seminole counties, Orlando Catholic Schools are committed to providing an enriched, educational experience rooted in high academic standards and steeped in the Catholic faith. Our dedicated faculty welcome innovation and hold a sincere interest in the individual child. We encourage students, Pre-K through 12th grade, to be creative, think critically and create a more benevolent and just world through service and leadership.

OrlandoCatholicSchools.org

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center Preschool is Central Florida’s fi rst STEM preschool, established in 2009. Children benefi t not only from a developmentally appropriate learning space that includes hands-on activities and skill-building centers, but also from the diverse and content-rich STEM experiences available in exhibit halls on-site. The OSC preschool model builds 21st century skills through project-based learning and the inquiry method that allows children to apply the subject matter to real-world problems relevant to their age and community.

osc.org/preschool

Park Maitland School provides a complete educationalexperience emphasizing the academic, social, emotional and physical development of its students. Our wholechild education is designed to be challenging, enlightening and enriching for students of high-average to gifted abilities. Join us for our appointment only open house on Saturday, January 23 at 10 a.m.

1450 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-647-0102 • ParkMaitland.com

The Parke House Academy

Located in Winter Park, The Parke House Academy offers exceptional and accredited private elementary school education in a family-oriented environment with small class sizes. We pride ourselves on the individualized instruction we give to each unique child. We also offer programs for children ages 1 through Pre-K. Contact us for a personal tour.

1776 Minnesota Ave., Winter Park 407-647-1121 • TheParkeHouseAcademy.com

St Luke’s Lutheran School

St. Luke’s Lutheran Preschool is focused on getting rid of worksheets and exploring our surroundings. We allow children to explore using all their senses, discover patterns of change over time and become active learners. Our goal for our preschoolers is to enjoy exploring a stimulating environment where critical thinking is the basis for all they do.

2025 W. State Road 426, Oviedo 407-365-3228 • StLukesLutheranSchool.org

Trinity Preparatory School

Trinity Preparatory School’s core values of excellence, faith, character development and family ensure that students are immersed in a caring and supportive environment that offers the top educational programs in Central Florida. As the No.1-ranked private school and STEM school in the Orlando area, Trinity Prep offers unmatched educational and extracurricular opportunities for its students.

5700 Trinity Prep Ln., Winter Park 321-282-2515 • TrinityPrep.org

Walden Community School

Walden is a private, not-for-profit, K–12 school committed to encouraging students to reach their highest academic potential in a collaborative and creative environment. Our hand-crafted, integrated curriculum is inquiry and discussion-based, and our conceptual approach to world issues empowers our students to become global citizens. Walden offers small class sizes with full- and part-time enrollment options for On-Campus, Virtual Live Stream and Hybrid.

4595 Howell Branch Rd., Winter Park 407-677-8225 • WaldenCommunitySchool.com

Weekday School is a part-time Christian preschool serving children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years. Our school is known for its committed teaching staff, play-based learning environment and personalized focus on each child. Established in 1950 as a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, the Weekday School is accredited by the Christian School of Florida.

106 East Church St., Orlando 407-996-5864 • WeekdaySchoolOrlando.org

Windermere Preparatory School is a community school with a global vision serving students from PreK–3 to Grade 12, plus boarding for Grades 7–12. Through personalized learning and cutting-edge curriculum, we develop and educate the whole child through our collaborations with MIT, Juilliard, StartUp Studio and UNICEF. While academic achievement is our highest priority, it is complemented by fine and performing arts, athletics, clubs and community service.

6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd., Windermere 407-905-7737 • WindermerePrep.com

Pompeii: The Immortal City

This new exhibit at the Orlando Science Center (OSC) will be on display until Sunday, January 24, 2021.

Guests can experience the drama and majesty of the legendary ancient city right here in Orlando! OSC is one of only three sites in the United States to host Pompeii: The Immortal City and the last stop on their U.S. tour. The exhibit features immersive experiences that transport guests back in time to witness life both before and after the catastrophic volcanic eruption that destroyed Pompeii. Through authentic artifacts, artwork, replicas and multimedia experiences, guests will embark on a journey through this first-century Roman city. Tickets to Pompeii: The Immortal City cost $26 for adults, $18 for youth (ages 2-11) and also include access to all OSC exhibits, films and live shows. OSC members get free admission. Tickets will be timed entry, and people are encouraged to buy in advance online at: osc.org/Pompeii.

the center of your world the heart of ours

As a parent, you’d do anything to keep your child safe and healthy. So would we, which is why we are taking extraordinary measures to protect your family when you visit our world-class facilities at AdventHealth for Children. From social distancing and face coverings to online check ins and more, you can feel comfortable coming to us. Recognized again by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Children’s Hospital in Florida for newborn care, we are the heart of a leading pediatric health network including 140 pediatric specialists, Level 4 epilepsy care, expert children’s heart specialists and more, with convenient locations across Central Florida.