Watermark's Holiday Guide 2017 by Watermark Publishing Group

Steve Clayson 703-286-9851

Robbie Parker 703-789-7560

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The 2018 winter opera festival

Victor DeRenzi, Artistic Director Richard Russell, Executive Director

Bizet’s

Carmen Feb 17–Mar 24

fate united two lovers, now fate will tear their lives apart

also playing PUccini’s

Manon Lescaut Feb 10–Mar 23 puccini’s first great success

Bellini’s

Norma Mar 3–24

a struggle of love and duty in ancient times d’albert’s

Tiefland Mar 10–25

a young woman’s journey from oppression to freedom

All operas performed in the original language with English translations projected above the stage.

tickets start at $19 and are going fast— Subscribe and save 10%

sarasotaopera.org | (941) 328-1300 Sarasota Opera box office located at 61 N. Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

Add some holiday cheer to your home!

20 0 17 17-2 -201 -2 018 01 8 S E AS SE SEAS ASON ON

SEASON

Gift Certificates available

Royal philharmonic JAN orchestra

13 SAT

PINCHAS ZUKERMAN,, CONDUCTOR & VIOLIN London

JAN

helsingborg symphony

SUN

Nareh Arghamanyan, PIANO

FEB

Puccini’s madamA butterfly

10 SAT

TEATRO LIRICO D'EUROPA

FEB

Staatskapelle GERMANY weimar orchestra

23 Fri

FEB

Take 20% off of your purchase when you bring in this ad

SUN

MAR

A Division of Gribble Interior Group

SUN

Furnishings

. Décor .

Vadym Kholodenko, PIANO 2013 Van Cliburn Gold Medal Winner

Jacksonville Symphony Behzod Abduraimov, piano

national symphony orchestra of cuba Pavel Nersessian, piano

Tickets On Sale Now,

Lifestyle

including discounts for students, families, Volusia County Schools employees, and military.

1822 Edgewater Drive it’s the mix, not the match. Orlando, Fl 32804 Open Monday - Saturday, 10 - 5 407-843-0040 www.collagehome.com

PEABODY AUDITORIUM

for more information call

386.253.2901 or visit dbss.org

presents

December 9 - 2:00pm & 7:00pm December 10 - 2:00pm

Tickets start at $29

OperaOrlando.org/amahl or 407-512-1900

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Box Oﬃce drphillipscenter.org

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SWEDEN

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Contents

7 22

The Holidays Are Here

Easy as Pie

11 24

Home for the Holidays

Up on the Roof

16 30

Watermark's Wish List

Business Listings

FOUNDER AND GUIDING LIGHT | Tom Dyer

OWNER, PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR | Rick Claggett BUSINESS MANAGER | Kathleen Harper

CENTRAL FLORIDA BUREAU CHIEF | Jeremy Williams TAMPA BAY BUREAU CHIEF | Ryan Williams-Jent

The IMAGES Holiday Tour of Homes features must see homes decorated for the holidays by area florists and showcasing the unique charm of New Smyrna Beach! This is a favorite event of the Central Florida community, and groups of friends attend year after year as a kick-off to the holiday season. The popular IMAGES Boutique is included in your tour and features handmade items by ACA’s Volunteer League.

Tour & Boutique Tickets $25 (a great gift!)

386.423.4733 Proceeds benefit the 42nd Annual

IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts January 26 - 28

Downtown New Smyrna Beach

A free juried fine art festival featuring the work of 225 artists, live entertainment, children’s activity tent, student art exhibit, and more. Upgrade your festival experience - Become an IMAGES Patron! Visit website or call 386.423.4733

ART DIRECTOR | Jake Stevens

CREATIVE ASSISTANT | Jason Donnelly SALES DIRECTOR | Danny Garcia

ORLANDO AD SALES | Sam Callahan, Dillan Ramirez TAMPA BAY AD SALES | Debbie Reeves

Contents of this Holiday Guide are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Opinions expressed in articles generated by Watermark do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial or advertising staff. Watermark cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Plan your weekend stay at nsbfla.com

FAX :

(CENTRAL FLORIDA) (CENTRAL FLORIDA) 407-481-2243 407-481-2246 (TAMPA BAY) (TAMPA BAY) 813-655-9890 813-849-2986 PUBLISHER@WATERMARKONLINE.COM WATERMARKONLINE.COM

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s Season from gs Greetin

FIND YOUR FLORIDA Close to everything and yet a world away!

Wa t e r m a r k â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s

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The

Holidays Are Here

TR AD ITIONS O LD AND NEW BRIN G WAR MTH AND LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR

BY RICK CLAGGETT an you believe the holidays are here? The turkey is still cooking in the oven and all the mega-stores have already filled their aisles with trees, tinsel and blow-up yard art. Stores are buzzing with deals to help you find the perfect gifts that will make your loved one’s holiday dreams come true.

The holidays are a special time of year for me and my family, both the one I was born with and the ones I chose to call my family. It’s an opportunity to take all the year’s craziness, all the political grossness and social media stress, and focus it into love and appreciation for those in your life. My fondest holiday memories are of when I was a kid. Christmas Eve was a special night for us. It was a night for the whole family to be together. We’d enjoy the lights my dad and uncle put up and snack all night on my mom’s famous date-nut bread. I was in charge of mixing the sherbet and ginger ale, a concoction I apparently couldn’t get enough of when I was young. When it got late, mom would tuck us into bed and read us Luke’s Christmas Story from the Bible until we would fall asleep. Sometime we were too excited so she’d have to read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas as well. We’d wake up to a wonderland.

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I remember nothing but warmth, happiness and love. It was magical. Those traditions have come and gone, as have some new traditions. But family remains constant. We have picked up a few more members along the way: friends, coworkers, neighbors, children and spouses. Adding to our family has become a tradition of its own. In this Holiday Guide we check in on some of your favorite holiday traditions, we let you in on those not to be missed holiday recipes and shows and give you a glimpse into the wish list of our staff. We hope you enjoy our take on the holidays. Don’t forget to check out our advertisers who make these publications possible. They are sure to offer just what you need this season. Enjoy this time of year. However you celebrate and however you say it, we wish you and yours a magical holiday season. Happy holidays from our family to yours!

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Use this logo for reductions only, do not print magenta. Do not reduce this logo more than 35%. Magenta indicates the clear area, nothing should print in this space. You may reduce the logo to 30% without the tag and strap lines.

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Use this logo for reductions only, do not print magenta. Do not reduce this logo area, nothing should print in this space.

Color of Wood Block Motif critical match to Pantone 1805. more than 35%. Magenta indicates the clear Letters print Pantone Process Black.

H o l i You d may a yreduceGtheulogoi tod30% e without 2 0the1tag7and strap lines. Color of Wood Block Motif critical match to Pantone 1805. Letters print Pantone Process Black.

on the

Roof

COMPIILED BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

he winter season tends to be a busy time for most. Shopping for gifts, attending parties and battening down the hatches as family comes to visit; so it’s no wonder that this time of year brings about an abundance of holiday traditions. Traditions put us at ease amongst the chaos and remind us of a simpler time when someone else did all the shopping, cooking and planning for us. We asked some of our Watermark friends what their favorite holiday traditions are.

BRIAN CRAFT

dirECTor oF marKETing For manaTEE pErForming arTs CEnTEr

Growing up every year my mom got pressured into participating in her clique of housewives’ Holiday Cookie Exchange, which to me was the best day of the year. My mom has no sense of smell so she didn’t enjoy the aroma of fresh baked cookies like I did… or know when they were burning. Thanks to her catty clique of housewives’ annual gathering (which was just an excuse to gossip and drink) once a year I got cookies, and more importantly the arrangement of cookies she brought home with her. They were much more decadent (aka, not burnt). Now I am blessed to have my fiancé, Matt, who loves cooking. I get all types of scrumptious treats and aromas all year Wa t e r m a r k ’ s

round, but there’s still that special distinctive burnt holiday Christmas cookie smell that visits our home each holiday season in the vessel of a brown box on our doorstep.

REBECCA RILEY STOROZUK

orangE CounTy sHEriFF’s dEpuTy

My favorite holiday tradition every year is getting home from work late at night to everyone being asleep. I have worked almost every single holiday since I was 18 years old. Very rarely is it ever a “calm night.” It’s normally some of our busiest! But when I get home to no one yelling, no sirens and it’s just silent!! The air is a bit colder out so I can crack the window a little, have a small dinner and relax!!!

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INSPIRE • ENTERTAIN • IMPACT

Box Office: (941) 748-5875 502 Third Avenue W, Bradenton, FL ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com

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| uu | Holiday Traditions from pg.11

IMAN TRAVIEASO

Flamingo sT. pETE pErFormEr

I love Christmas, my boyfriend loves Thanksgiving. In the summer of 2015 I was thinking of ways to bring our families together, because we don’t get to spend those holidays with them. I came up with Thankschristmas. I decorate our home for Christmas and the buffet tables with Thanksgiving decorations. November 2015 was our first bi-yearly Thankschristmas . I’m preparing the house for this year’s Thankschristmas and I’m looking forward to seeing the family. We’re going to enjoy food, hold our Wii tournament with trophies, play Secret Santa and find the pickle in the Christmas tree.

ANNA VISHKAEE ESKAMANI

CandidaTE For Florida HousE disTriCT 47

As an Orlando native winter is one of my favorite times of the year. The crisp weather and holiday tunes give me an extra pep in my step, and I use the time to reboot and give back. Volunteering at United Global Outreach’s toy drive in Bithlo is an annual tradition for me, along with making financial contributions to some of my favorite nonprofits like Planned Parenthood and Equality Florida. If time permits, I’ll probably head to the Space Coast for some sun too—one of the many perks of December in Florida!

DOUG BA’ASER

CEnTral Florida EnTErTainEr

I normally spend Christmas alone. I have a large family and I do visit them during the holidays but about 10 years ago I had to work late on Christmas Eve and just decided to stay home on Christmas day. I loved Wa t e r m a r k ’ s

it and I have continued the tradition for most of the last 10 years. Doug time: watching bad TV and eating horribly unhealthy food. New Years Eve is different. NYE has always meant the Parliament House to me. From late ‘70’s forward, I think I have only missed two NYE’s at the PH. A huge group of friends go out to dinner and then we dance the night away, often ending up passed out in a room. I am sure I will be there this year!

JOHN GASCOT Tampa Bay arTisT

Gift-giving is without a doubt my favorite holiday tradition. I’m a total Christmas geek when it comes to this. Talk about the “thrill of the hunt!” I live for searching every nook and cranny of our local boutiques and galleries for that perfect gift. For me it’s not about how much something costs but how specifically perfect for the recipient each item is. I prefer giving things you can’t get from a chain store. Giving something that is unique or locally handmade tells that person how special they are to you.

WAYNE DICTOR

oWnEr oF diCTor FinanCial

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. It’s a time for family and friends to gather and spend the day together for camaraderie and feasting. One silly tradition that I have continued since I was a child is to watch Laurel and Hardy in March of the Wooden Soldiers. I also light the fireplace for recognition of the fall and winter season even when it’s 90 degrees outside. Lastly but perhaps most important, I make it a point to support an organization that helps to provide a holiday meal for families and individuals who are not as fortunate to have their own celebration. My wish is for everyone to have a happy and healthy holiday season.

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Piñero Preventive Medical Care Serving our community for 10 years

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Specializing in comprehensive medical services to our LGBT community since 2006.

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History Center

regional

Florida HigHwaymen meet & greet

orange

County

december 10 10 A.m. - 4 P.m.

Meet the artists and purchase their uniquely Floridian artwork. Free admission. Call 407-836-8594 for more details. thehistorycenter.org

Call 407-836-8594 for info 65 East CEntral Blvd. • orlando, fl 32801

The Perfect Gift

...and no, it’s not the guy.

Take a break from the crowds and long lines with a visit to Old Town. Stop by one of our many unique shops and pick up gifts for everyone on your list. Stroll down Main Street and celebrate the season with themed events, a dazzling display of lights and decorations, and snow (even in Florida). Try something different and make Old Town a stop during the holidays. Heck, you may even find something for yourself…and no, it’s not the guy.

myoldtownusa.com 407-396-4888

5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (US 192)

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COMPILED BY RICK CLAGGETT

atermark’s wish list has become a favorite annual tradition among our staff. We scour the internet looking for the latest trends of what’s hip and what’s needed to fill that tiny void in our lives. From the practical to pure fantasy, we provide a little gift guide of what packages we would like to unwrap this holiday season. Mostly, we just hope you get what your heart desires. Happy Holidays!

RICK CLAGGETT oWnEr and puBlisHEr

Last year I wanted Broadway, this year it’s all about Hollywood. Thanks to my newly installed braces I can’t eat popcorn or milk duds, but that won’t keep me from the movies. There is nothing quite like going to the theater to see films from blockbuster mega-films to Indy flicks. I love them all, but hold the Weinstein please. MoviePass makes it easy and affordable to go to the movies every day! For just $9.95 a month your subscription will get you into a movie a day for a year. Check it out at MoviePass.com.

JAKE STEVENS arT dirECTor

This Christmas, it’s time to clean up my act. That’s why I’m asking Santa for the Bissell Steamshot Hard Surface Cleaner. I have a very small home. Traditional bathroom and kitchen cleaners turn it 16

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into a box of noxious fumes. A day of scrubbing and cleaning means a night of sleeping in my car while the house airs out enough to be fit for habitation. This little steam cleaner powers away all of the built up kitchen grime and accumulated bathroom sludge with no hazardous vapors, all with the power of steam! With this little device I can have a home clean enough for open-heart surgery without having to sacrifice my lungs.

JEREMY WILLIAMS

CEnTral Florida BurEau CHiEF

Oh tiny, beardless ripped Santa Claus that I see in my dreams when I close my heavy eyes after a long day of truthing; what I want for Christmas this year is the brand new Google Home Mini. This adorable, puck-size digital assistant would come in handy when arguing with house guests about whether it was Kyle MacLachlan or James Spader in

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| uu | Watermark Staff Picks from pg.16

SOME GIFTS CAN’T BE WRAPPED

Give Experiences! IRMA THOMAS, THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, AND PRESERVATION HALL LEGACY QUINTET NOVEMBER 19, 2017 AT 7:30PM TANGO BUENOS AIRES NOVEMBER 29, 2017 AT 7:30PM TENOR GHALEB DECEMBER 6, 2017 AT 7:30PM CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND  BROADWAY DECEMBER 20, 2017 AT 7:30PM

JASON DONNELLY CrEaTiVE assisTanT

RON WHITE JANUARY 6, 2018 AT 7:30PM

Finding that perfect gift can be quite stressful. “Is it their style, color, size etc.” I get flashbacks of an overwhelmed 7-yearold, dragged out to a Filene’s Basement sale in December with women fighting over that last cashmere sweater that clearly can never be worn again by anyone but a linebacker; whilst I was hiding under the rack of mismatched clothing. So, when it comes to gifts I’d much prefer to enjoy some food, wine and art. Let’s go out to your favorite local tapas restaurant, “sip” a bottle of your favorite wine then go see a show at The Venue.

CLAY WALKER JANUARY 10, 2018 AT 7:30PM DIRTY DANCING  BROADWAY JANUARY 16, 2018 AT 7:30PM LONESOME TRAVELER: THE CONCERT WITH SPECIAL GUEST STAR PETER YARROW JANUARY 20, 2018 AT 7:30PM AMERICA JANUARY 25, 2018 AT 7:30PM GARRISON KEILLOR FEBRUARY 8, 2018 AT 7:30PM MICHAEL MCDONALD FEBRUARY 16, 2018 AT 7:30PM LEGENDARY LADIES OF MOTOWN FEATURING MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS AND MARY WILSON OF THE SUPREMES FEBRUARY 24, 2018 AT 7:30PM

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BusinEss managEr

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David Lynch’s 1986 film Blue Velvet (it was Kyle MacLachlan, Karen! GOD!), or when I am sitting alone at home (Karen refuses to come over now) and want to hear a joke so that I can have some sort of social interaction. DO NOT bring me the full size Google Home Santa. I live in a small apartment and I don’t have the space for such a clunky piece of equipment. No, the sleek, simple design of the Google Home Mini would do me just fine.

This Christmas I am asking for a window tinting gift certificate for my new car. After making payments on my last car for five years, I was holding out as long as possible before getting another one. Unfortunately, after a little over a year of no payments, the old car broke down and was going to be way too expensive to keep fixing. So, I am left with a bittersweet feeling of excitement with having a new car and the dread of another five years of payments. While I do absolutely love my new Passat, for

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me window tinting is a must in Florida!

SAM CALLAHAN sEnior aCCounT managEr

The only thing I can think of that I would like to have for Christmas this year is a vacation! I don’t need anything big, just a little vacation somewhere that is warm and tropical for about five days. Maybe the best vacation would be on a cruise ship. Then I could go to several locations and decide where I would like to go next year. Thank you Santa!

DILLAN RAMIREZ aCCounT managEr

This year for Christmas I’d like to ask for a complete travel package to experience my first Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. I’d like round trip flights and an Airbnb close to the heart of NOLA to accommodate my best friends, my mom and myself. I’ve never been to NOLA which has been on the top of my list of places to travel to. I’ve done my fair share of traveling inside the United States, but I hear this city is so lively and full of spirit. From the food to the music to the historic sites, I’d love to experience it all.

DANNY GARCIA salEs dirECTor

I like technology. I usually like to buy for both function and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, kind of like when I look for a boyfriend. This year I upgraded my phone, laptop and even purchased a robo-vacuum. What about my home entertainment? I would like to upgrade the TV in my bedroom from a 55” 1080p to a 4K. Add to my wish list LG’s 65” Wallpaper OLED TV. This TV is so unbelievably thin, it’s about the thickness of a credit card and includes a Dolby Atmos sound bar— which is fantastic for TV and movie Wa t e r m a r k ’ s

viewing as well as just streaming music. Granted, anything over 32” in a bedroom is a bit excessive; but previously I asked for a trip to Iceland since I wasn’t able to get the 6’9” 411 lbs. Icelandic strongman Hafþór Björnsson. I’m ok with excessiveness.

TOM DYER

FoundEr and guiding ligHT

I want an orrery because I like saying the word (try it), and because it will provide me with an oft-needed reminder of my insignificance. An orrery is a mechanical device that illustrates the relative positions of the planets in our solar system. Google it. They’re beautiful... especially the antique ones.

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT Tampa Bay BurEau CHiEF

For the holidays this year, I think I’d like a puzzle table because even though I’ll be 33 this December, my friends like to remind me that I’m actually 104. I get a lot of satisfaction out of assembling a puzzle, especially a nerdy one from Star Wars or something. They’re cost-effective entertainment (at least for me) that last a long time, and they center me. I spend a lot of time digesting politics, so it’s nice to be able to do something simple but gratifying. And if I had a puzzle table, my husband could have our living room table back.

DEBBIE REEVES aCCounT managEr

This holiday season, topping my list is a Mini Cooper convertible. The Mini Cooper has been my dream car for so many years. For being such a little car, it is packed full of style and adding the convertible feature closes the deal.

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T H REE- I N G RED I EN T D ISH ES FO R T H E E A S I E S T H O L I D AY M E A L E V E R

B Y H O L L Y V. K A P H E R R

magining a warzone kitchen by dinner time? Keep a clean(ish) kitchen and your sanity this season with these ultra-simple, quintessential holiday dishes. If you’re the type that wants to spend a fortune and three days in the kitchen prepping for the big holiday feast, turn the page. This menu ain’t for you, Martha Stewart. But if you’re looking for a few simple staples to put on the table for you and your closest kin, look no further. You’ll be able to count the number of ingredients in this entire menu (minus salt, pepper and olive oil) on two hands.

EnTrÉE:

Salt and pepper to your heart’s contentment. Tent the breast with aluminum foil for the first two-thirds of the cooking time. Then, remove the foil tent, crank up the oven to 400 degrees, and finish cooking. Insert an instantread thermometer between the thigh and breast. When it reads, 185 degrees, you, and that turkey, are golden.

ROAST TURKEY

You didn’t think we’d let you off that easy, did you? ingrEdiEnTs: 1 turkey 3-4 lemoNs 2 stiCks soFteNed Butter Follow one simple rule and you’ll never have a dry turkey ever again. Twenty minutes per pound at 325 degrees. That’s it. No longer than that. Wash the turkey and pat it dry. Shove your hand inside and grab those giblets. Keep them or ditch them, your choice. Cut the lemons in halves (take off the stickers, please) and throw them in the cavity. Congratulate yourself. Then, take some of the softened butter and rub the turkey’s meat under the skin. Be careful. The skin is delicate. Make sure you get butter all over the breast meat as well as the dark meat underneath. 22

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sidE:

CRANBERRY-ORANGE GREEN BEANS Color, flavor, crunch—these blessed beans have it all. ingrEdiEnTs: 2 lB. GreeN BeaNs, eNds remoVed 1 CuP dried CraNBerries 1 NaVel oraNGe, Zested Blanch the green beans first in boiling water for 3-4 minutes or until they’re bright green. Then shock them in some

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cold water to stop the cooking and drain them. Let them dry for about 10 minutes, or lay them on a few paper towels to dry if you’re in a hurry. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick pan. Once hot, but not smoking, place the beans in the pan, cooking 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add dried cranberries and the zest of the navel orange. Heat through. Serve immediately. High five, holiday hero.

dEssErT:

PUMPKIN-PECAN PARFAIT

Your two favorite holiday pies had a baby. Eat the baby.

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ingrEdiEnTs:

Sponsored by Michael’s on East

2 PaCkets PumPkiN-FlaVored PuddiNG miX 1 CuP HeaVy Cream ½ CuP CHoPPed PeCaNs I know, I know. Struggle pudding. Just do it and make your life easier. Make the pumpkin pudding according to the directions on the box. Yes, I realize you’ll need milk and that’s a fourth ingredient. Sue me. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes on medium-high power if you’re using a hand mixer. In a large bowl, gently fold half of the pudding and half of the whipped cream together. Then add the other half of the whipped cream and fold. Then add the other half of the pumpkin pudding and fold until completely combined. Stop. You’re done folding. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet in a 300-degree oven for no more than 5 minutes. Any more than that and you’ll burn the things and they’re expensive. Spoon the mousse mixture into pretty dishes or, even better, champagne coupes. Top with the toasted pecans. Wa t e r m a r k ’ s

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Home for

the Holidays

COMPILED BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

he lights, the sounds, the frosty temperatures that dip below 75; yes, it’s the winter season here in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. Since it is that time of the year when we wish for peace on Earth and goodwill toward all, wouldn’t it be nice to get out of the house and share in the festivities with your fellow Floridians. To help, we gathered some of the best events in your area that should help you get into, and stay in, the holiday spirit.

CEnTral Florida

Light Up UCF, Friday, Nov. 17 - Sunday, Dec. 31, times vary, University of Central Florida, Orlando. 407-823-6006; LightUpUCF.com Holidays at Universal Orlando, Select days Saturday, Nov. 18 - Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, times vary, Universal Resort, Orlando. 407-363-8000; UniversalOrlando.com Walt Disney World’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, Select nights Friday, Nov. 24 - Saturday, Dec. 30; 5:00, 6:45 & 8:15 p.m., American Gardens Theater, EPCOT Center. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com Dave Koz 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour, Monday, Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m., King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne. 321-242-2219; KingCenter.com 24

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The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Select nights Friday, Dec. 1 - Saturday, Dec. 30, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com City of Orlando Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:00 p.m., Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-246-2121; CityOfOrlando.net/Holiday Songs of the Season Concert, Saturday, Dec. 2, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Parliament House’s Light Up the Courtyard, Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:00 p.m., Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com CoNTINUED oN pg. 29 | uu |

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The Perfect Holiday Gift The Gift ~ a trip to historic St. Augustine, Florida With a stay at the fabulous

At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast “Out Magazine’s editor’s #1 spot of “5 LGBT-Owned B&Bs That Will Take Your Breath Away”

A thoughtful & greatly appreciated gift! (but don’t tell them how easy this gift was to buy!)

1. Buy an AJE Gift Certificate • online- AtJourneysEnd.com • by phone 904-829-0076 2. For any $$ amount 3. Use it on any future date!* We’ll even send you a little something for under the tree!

*Based on room availability

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bayhilljewelers.com 130 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 opening november 2017!

@bayhilljewelers

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ST. PETE

PARTIES, FUNDRAISERS, RECEPTIONS, CORPORATE EVENTS, CONCERTS, WRAP PARTIES

www.TheZooStudios.net • (727) 350-5962

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| uu | Holiday Events from pg.24

Wanzie’s Not-Quite-Right Holiday Spectacular TV Special in Living Color, Select nights Sunday, Dec. 3 - Sunday Dec. 17, times vary, The Starlite Room at Savoy, Orlando. 407-270-4685; SavoyOrlando.com 5th Annual Violectric Holiday Show, Saturday, Dec. 9, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-434-1261; Violectric.net Orlando Gay Chorus: Christmas Memories, Saturday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 10, 4:30 p.m., The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; OrlandoGayChorus.org A Classic Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 16 & Sunday, Dec. 17; 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. & 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Knowles Memorial Chapel, Winter Park. 407-646-2182; BachFestivalFlorida.org The Nutcracker presented by Orlando Ballet, Thursday, Dec. 21 - Sunday, Dec. 24, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-418-9828; OrlandoBallet.org

Tampa Bay A Christmas Story: The Musical, Select nights Tuesday, Nov. 14 - Sunday, Dec. 10, times vary, Venice Theatre, Venice. 941-488-1115; VeniceStage.com Winter Village at Centro Ybor, Select nights Sunday, Nov. 19 - Sunday, Dec. 17 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Centro Ybor Courtyard, Tampa. 813-241-8838; Ybor.org/events Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town, Select days Sunday, Nov. 19 - Sunday, Dec. 31, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Busch Gardens, Tampa. 813-884-4386; BuschGardens.com/Tampa Lowry Park Zoo’s Christmas in the Wild, Select nights Friday, Nov. 24 - Saturday, Dec. 30, 4:00 p.m., Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa. 813-935-9486; LowryParkZoo.org Wa t e r m a r k ’ s

Holiday Lights in the Gardens, Friday, Nov. 24 - Sunday, Dec. 31, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., The Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo. 727-582-5800; FLBGFoundation.org Dave Koz 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 8:00 p.m., Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org & Wednesday, Nov. 29, 8:00 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com St. Petersburg Santa Parade and Snowfest, Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., North Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441; StPeteParksRec.org The Red & Green Party, Saturday, Dec. 2, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg. 727-342-0084; StPetePride.com Light Up Flamingo: A Dr. Suess Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 2, 8:00 p.m., Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com Una Voce’s Forbidden Christmas: A Naughty Cabaret, Friday, Dec. 8, 8:00 p.m., The Palladium, St. Petersburg. 813-389-6313; GMCTB.org A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour, Saturday, Dec. 9, 8:00 p.m., Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-2827; StrazCenter.org A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage, Saturday, Dec 16, 2:00 & 7:30 p.m., Capitol Theatre, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; AtTheCap.com Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 3:00 & 7:00 p.m., The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7832; TheMahaffey.com & Friday, Dec. 29, 3:00 & 7:00 p.m., Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org

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Business Listings Arts and Entertainment

The Peabody Auditorium 386-671-3460 peabodyauditorium.org

A Drag Queen Christmas 813-229-7827 dragfans.com

The Players Theatre 941-365-2494 theplayers.org

Atlantic Center for the Arts 386-427-6975 atlanticcenterforthearts.org Daytona Beach Symphony 386-253-2901 dbss.org

The Zoo Studios 727-350-5962 thezoostudios.net Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 941-953-3368 vanwezel.org

Manatee Players 941-749-1111 manateeplayers.com

Venice Theatre 941-484-4033 venicestage.com

Maxwell C. King Center 321-433-5720 kingcenter.com

Dining TooJay’s 407-894-1718 toojays.com

Osceola Arts 407-846-6257 osceolaarts.org Orlando Ballet 407-426-1733 orlandoballet.org Opera Orlando 407-512-1900 operaorlando.org Orlando International Fringe Festival 407-648-0077 orlandofringe.org

Gary Lambert Salon 407-628-8659 lambertsalon.com

Hotel and Lodging At Journey’s End 904-829-0076 atjourneysend.com

Ruth Eckerd Hall 727-724-5310 rutheckerdhall.com

Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk 813-223-1351 barrymorehotel.com

Sarasota Opera 941-366-8450 sarasotaopera.org

Plantation on Crystal River 352-795-1605 plantationoncrystalriver.com

St. Petersburg Opera Co. 727-559-2174 stpeteopera.org

Museum

Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment Arena 813-301-6893 amaliearena.com

Health & beauty

Wa t e r m a r k ’ s

Albin Polasek Museum And Sculpture Gardens 407-647-6294 polasek.org Henry B. Plant Museum 813-254-1891 plantmuseum.com H o l i d a y

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Orange City Regional History Center 407-836-8500 thehistorycenter.org

mEdiCal Pinero Preventive Medical Care 407-426-9693 pineromedical.com

rEal EsTaTE The Henry Eli Group 703-789-7560 henryeli.com

sHopping and rETail And33â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thrift Shop 321-300-4083 and33s.com Avalon 407-895-7439 avalonbeyond.com Bay Hill Jewelers 407-226-6882 bayhilljewelers.com Collage Home 407-843-0040 collagehome.com Fairvilla Megastore 407-425-6005 fairvilla.com Gulfport Merchants Association gulfportma.com Ten Thousand Villages 407-644-8464 tenthousandvillages.com Old Town Kissimmee 407-396-4888 myoldtownusa.com Unique Pools Spas & Billiards 407-296-6776 uniquepsb.com

rEligious sErViCEs St Andrew United Church Christ 941- 922-7595 uccstandrew.org

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Dec 21-24 DrPhillipsCenter.org

844.513.2014

20 17

TICKETS STARTING AT

OrlandoBallet.org

Sponsored by Dancer: JinHo Won (Republic of Korea) Photography by Michael Cairns 2017

Benefiting

Saturday, December 23, 2017 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.