Watermark Holiday Guide 2022

Gnome for the Holidays

Ryan Williams-Jent

The beginning and end of the holiday season can be a little tricky for folks who aren’t Florida natives, something I’ve experienced f rsthand as an Ohio transplant. I’m not from as far north as Santa, of course, but I still grew up in plenty of winter weather.

It always served as a clear indicator of when celebrations like anksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas and more were near. Falling leaves, blankets of snow and layer upon layer of cozy clothing set the holidays in motion.

ings are a little di erent in Florida, where the transitions between spring, summer, fall and winter aren’t quite as noticeable. It gets a little chillier, sure, but it’s clear all year long why we’re called the Sunshine State.

I’ve come to love it, in part because I now understand that the holidays are a feeling we carry with us more than anything else. I’m also happy to trade the snow for some sand.

So when does the holiday season actually begin? One marker is Watermark’s Holiday Guide, an annual tradition we’re proud to continue. It’s a celebration of family – chosen and otherwise – that we’re happy to publish year after year.

We’ve asked for a little help this time. at’s why you’ll see holiday gnomes popping up throughout the guide, whisking you through our Watermark wonderland.

As they all should, this year’s festivities begin with a party. As more companies look for ways to bring people together after the height of the pandemic, we share some tips for throwing an unforgettable holiday party for your co-workers and community.

Watermark’s sta details a few of our favorite things next, presents we’d be happy to receive this or any year. We re ect on reasonably priced gifts that would t in our stockings or socks, others that cost more that would t in a box and something that shocks, a gift without a price limit. Hopefully it will give you a few ideas of your own.

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We reach out to members of our community next. ey share the weirdest or wildest White Elephant gifts they’ve ever given or received at a holiday party. To help you really get in the holiday spirit, we also open up some Season’s Readings after that, LGBTQ holiday books for all ages.

Be sure to check out our events listing for all the holiday happenings throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay, and don’t miss our Business Directory. is and every holiday season, it’s important to support those who support you.

As always, from our gnomes to yours, a safe and happy holidays from all of us here at Watermark. We hope you enjoy our latest Holiday Guide.

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Holiday Off ce Party

7 tips to throwing an unforgettable holiday party for your co-workers

Jeremy Williams

With more companies offering a work-from-home option on top of businesses that already have multiple shifts and/or locations, the holiday off ce party is one of the few opportunities you may have during the year to see everyone who you work with in one place, at one time, so you’ll want to be as welcoming and inclusive with it as you can.

If you are the one in charge of organizing said party, you may be feeling the pressure to make it something special that will have your co-workers singing your praises into the New Year while also impressing the boss. Well, have no fear! We have been tinkering in the workshop and scouring the internet for tips, tricks and ideas to get you started. So, take a deep breath and save all that stress for Black Friday shopping and dinner with the in-laws.

Don’t wait for the last minute

Making sure your holiday party is an epic a air requires lots of planning. Don’t think that you can start throwing a party together a week ahead of time and have everything you want. We all know when the holiday season is far in advance so start making plans at least a few months ahead of time.

“Ideally, you'll begin thinking of ideas in the summer," says virtual event platform Yaymaker. " at way, you can start making moves in the fall. Remember: e more time you allow, the less stressful your event planning will be, and the more likely you will secure all

the details you want."

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e best way to start your planning, according to Yaymaker, is to pick your date and make a checklist.

“Creating a holiday party itinerary is always wise. With so many things to take into consideration, you want to ensure that nothing is missed,” they write.

Who’s on the guest list

You’ll need to get a good headcount of who you’re inviting. is will help you decide on other aspects of the party.

“Knowing how many people will be in attendance enables you to move forward with selecting a venue and planning your menu,” the custom merchandise company Merchology states.

ere is a lot to gure out when building the guest list. Is it just those who work in the company or do you want to extend it to those who do business with your company? at could include vendors, clients or notable members of the community. Obviously

the guest list will include your co-workers and their partners. Are kids coming or is this an adults only party? If you want to expand the guest list to more than coworkers, send those invites as early as you can. e holidays are busy and calendars ll up fast.

“[Invitations] should be done at least a couple of months in advance of the party,” Merchology recommends. “ ink of them as less formal wedding invitations.”

Decide on your party theme

It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant but having a theme for your party helps you to separate yourself from all the other parties happening during this time of year.

“You already have an overlaying theme to work with: a holiday party,” states e Madison Events Center. “Now all you have to do is decide if you want to focus on more of a winter wonderland theme … or something else.”

You can go for typical — ugly sweater party — or over the top — come dressed as your favorite holiday mascot — to posh and fancy — tuxes and ball gowns, anyone?

“You have several options to choose from so think about what best suits your company’s beliefs and values,” Madison Events advises.

Eat, drink and be merry

No matter what else you do for your party, the food is going to be the main event. You’ll most likely want to have the event catered, says Merchology. Potlucks are fun for a little get-together or parties with a small guest list, but you'll want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves

after a long year, and you can’t do that if everyone is worrying about what to bring and is there enough.

Also decide on the type of food presentation. Is it bu et style, a sit-down dinner or just hors d’oeuvres?

“Whatever culinary format you pick for your party be sure to have alternative options for vegetarians and people with common food allergies like nuts, soy, gluten and shell sh,” Merchology says.

Don’t forget to plan for the bar. Is this a dry party or will alcohol be served? If you will have the option of alcohol, make sure your guests pace themselves. is is still a work function after all. Also, for ease and convenience, nd a caterer that will handle both the food station and the bar.

Supply some entertainment “ e right entertainment is essential for any type of event,” says Madison Events. “Imagine a room lled with people celebrating the holidays with no form of entertainment at all. A situation like this could make the night drag on.” is can be something as simple as asking Google or Alexa to play some holiday tunes to having live entertainment. Particularly within the LGBTQ community, you are sure to be able to nd a few talented singers, a local band or a winter-themed drag queen to spice up the party.

Don’t leave anyone out

Yes, Christmas is the most celebrated holiday of the winter season in the U.S. (a recent poll shows 77% of U.S. residence celebrate Christmas, second only to anksgiving at 81%) but there are a ton of other winter holidays including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice and more.

While you may get accused by the party Karen of giving into “wokeness,” it is best to focus on it being a “Happy Holidays” party rather than a “Merry Christmas” party. If you work at a place with a small sta and you know for a fact that they all celebrate the same winter holiday, then there is no issue in focusing on that one. But if you have variety in your sta then have some variety in your holiday decorations, music and greetings.

Also keep in mind, going back to the food, that some guests may have certain dietary restrictions based on their religious views so it is important to nd out the winter celebratory practices of as many of your guests as you can.

Don’t let the employees leave empty handed

It is the holidays after all so make sure to provide a personalized gift for the employees of the company, and it doesn’t have to be anything expensive. Even just a hand-written thank you card with a small holiday bonus for a job well done for the year will do. But feel free to go big and showy as well.

Keep in mind that if you are having more than just the employees come to the party, try and do the gift giving before the rest of the guests arrive or away from the additional partiers if you are only providing presents to employees. a karaoke machine. presents to employees.

If you really want to get your guests engaged, try something a little less common and a little more hands on like hiring a caricaturist, a tarot card reader or a close-up magician to perform throughout the party. If you are looking for more people-free entertainment, try renting a photo booth or a karaoke machine.

In our box, in our socks, & a gift that shocks

In the Oscar- and Tony Award-winning musical, “The Sound of Music,” Maria sings to the children about a few of her favorite things.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings, these were a few of her favorite things.

We here at Watermark love that song, so each year we ask our staff to make a list of their own and name a few of their favorite things they hope to get as gifts for the holiday season. We asked each person to select three gift ideas — one around $50 that would fif t nicely in a stocking hung by the chimney with care (or in our socks), one around $500 that can be wrapped and placed under the tree (or in our box) and one that has no price limit and can be anything your heart desires (or a gift that shocks).

Rick Todd

Dearest Santa, When lling my stocking this year, I would appreciate a purple pair of Crocs. While I once hated this hideous shoe apparel, I have been educated on the glorious comfort of socks and Crocs and would like a purple pair to wear to all of my Watermark work events throughout the year. ($49.99 @ Crocs.com)

Dearest Krampus, I assume you would be the one to ask about all things re, so from you I would like a circular concrete gas repit. I think the AKOYA Outdoor Essentials 30" ber concrete outdoor propane gas re pit table bowl in gray would do nicely. My husband and I have spent a great deal of time renovating our backyard and this would be the perfect addition to our improvements.

($546 @ Amazon.com)

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Dearest Holiday Armadillo,

You would be my most favorite holiday mascot if you were able to manifest an electric car for me this holiday season. I spend a great deal of time on the road and I would love to not have to stop for gas. How about an all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra from Sport Subaru in Orlando. (Starting at $44,995 @ SportSubaru.com)

Jeremy Williams

Hi Santa,

I hope you and your husband are staying safe this holiday season. Did you both get your vaccines? I hope so since you are going to be interacting with so many people in a few weeks. I know you have a lot of orders to ll but I have been such a good boy all year long that I just know you’re going to bring me everything I ask for.

I know the game hasn’t had the best reviews, but I am a sucker for all things Batman. So in my sock this year, I would love to nd a copy of the new “Gotham Knights” game for the PlayStation 5. I have a PS5 with the disc drive so a hardcopy of the game is a must. ($69.99 @ BestBuy.com)

When I was in the Air Force, I was lucky enough to get stationed in Italy and while there I was able to see the Roman Colosseum. To commemorate that visit, I would love to see the Lego Colosseum under my tree. is 9,036-piece set is one of the largest sets Lego makes and would look amazing on my shelf. If you can be so kind and buy it on my Lego.com account, It will also rack up more than 3,500 VIP points for me. (549.99 @ Lego.com)

inking extravagantly, the gift that would shock the socks right o of me Santa is a stay in e Mark Penthouse in New York City. It surprises most people when I tell them I have

never been to New York City, and I would like to correct that travesty this year. And if I’m going, I might as well stay at one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world. is penthouse suite in Manhattan’s e Mark Hotel is 10,000 square feet of pure luxury with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a library, private rooftop terrace and in nity pool. From this magni cent hotel’s top oor, now that’s how you see New York. ($75,000 per night @ eMarkHotel.com)

Ryan Williams-Jent Dear Santa,

is year I’d like to collect some new gadgets and gizmos with Hasbro’s “ e Little Mermaid” Monopoly. It’s the same classic game with a Disney twist. I can always use more whosits and whatsits galore. ($27.99 @ Amazon.com)

I’d de nitely stay home for the holidays with Arcade1Up’s “X-Men” arcade cabinet, the most marvelous way to dish up hours of nostalgic gameplay. I loved it as a kid and know I still would. ($499.99 @ Kohls.com)

It’s probably not a shock to you, Santa, but I’d love to go on the o cial Titanic Expedition to see the wreckage with my own eyes before it’s lost forever. I've always been fascinated with it. (Starting at $250,000 @ OceanGateExpeditions.com)

Dylan Todd

Maybe I'm a little old fashioned or maybe I'm just a little older this year, but a pack of socks sounds great! You know, it's the necessities we don't always remember. You can’t go wrong with Alpine Swiss men’s cotton socks. ($15.99 for a 6-pack @ Amazon.com)

My husband and I have a habit of visiting my family up in New Paltz, New York, we try to go at least once a year. I think this would be a great gift, maybe see the snow and change pace for a few days. ($400 for two nonstop, round-trip tickets @United.com)

As you probably know, I'm a photographer, and photographers like their gear. I'm in the process of switching from Canon DSLRs to Canon Mirrorless and to just have that whole process done, regardless of budget, would be great. (approximately $10,000 @ USA.Canon. com)

Kyler Mills

Dear Santa, I feel like it's been a while. I try not to ask for much, but I've been really good this year, and I haven't bought myself many treats at all!

In my socks, I would love the "Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack." ere are so many old N64 games I want to play again and this seems way easier than hooking up my ancient TV with the AV connections. Plus, if I'm lucky, I'll have time to stream them as well! ($49.99 for a one-year subscription @ Nintendo.com)

In a box, I would love ALL the materials to build a new set of mechanical wings for my cosplay! Materials can get expensive, so between all the nuts, bolts, foam and electronics, I'm sure it will add up. (about $500 @ various locations)

For a gift that shocks, I would love some help with a house down payment. Me and my husband are feeling ready to get a place of our own, but a little help would make a huge di erence. I promise we're not asking for a mansion, just somewhere we can settle in and make ours. (about $20,000 @ Zillow.com) anks for thinking of me, and for all that you do. You really make the world a better place. Love, Kyler

Danny Garcia

Dear Krampus, You and I have a much better relationship than me and the big guy in the red coat with the white beard. We get each other, you know? Which is why I’m sending you my holiday-want list, but not a holiday-need list.

For my socks, I would like a gift card to prepurchase the “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” game for my Xbox Series X, expected to be released in early 2023. I mean how cool would it be to play as a Killer Klown, am I right? (price TBD @ XBOX.com)

Now, “in the box” is a tough one. I’ve had a great year, but a Universal Orlando Premier Annual Pass would be fun. I love theme parks and crazy rides, not to mention the pass comes with a free Halloween Horror Night ticket! ($639.99 @ UniversalOrlando.com)

Now "the gift that shocks," what I would really want most of all, would be a nice weeklong European vacation! Sure, I did Iceland pre-pandemic, but now it’s time to see all the

amazing historic sites. I love museums, so perhaps a museum tour of Europe. e 18-day Grand Tour of Europe from Go Ahead Tours sounds pretty good. (starting around $4,700, depending on time of year, @GoAheadTours. com)

Make this happen Krampus, and I’ll make it worth your while!

Sam Callahan

Dear Santa, In my socks I would like the opportunity to become a millionaire. So how about some Florida Lottery tickets, please?

Santa, I am feeling really lucky this year. (prices vary @ various locations)

In a box under the tree, I would like a tabletop replace for ambiance and warmth this winter. e Tabletop Fireplace from Sharper Image brings elegance and sophistication to any room with its distinctive shape, glass screens and real ames. Best of all, it runs on clean-burning bio-ethanol fuel, so there's never any smoke, melted wax, soot or ashes to clean up, and you don’t need a chimney or vent to use it. (199.99 @ SharperImage.com)

And Santa since I have been so very good this year — and we need a real vacation — I would like it if my wife and I could go on a 2-week cruise to Hawaii, seeing all ve islands. We want to vacation in style, so make sure to book a stateroom on the aft deck with balcony. (about $9,500 @ Princess.com)

Watermark asks:

What the weirdest or wildest White Elephant gi you have ever received or given during a holiday party?

“ e weirdest White Elephant gift I received was a mold of someone's teeth. Yep — teeth. e person who did it thought that everyone would do weird gifts too, but they were alone in that. ey felt SO badly after and ended up getting me another gift later to replace the teeth (which they took back at the party).”

— Terrance Hunter, Central Florida Community Arts CEO

“My white elephant gift is one I gave, a pair of keychains that looked like chicken nuggets. My roommate ended up with them. He loved them but had to stop using them because my dog thought they were real nuggets and got possessive!” — Wendi Johnson, Tampa Bay realtor

“I got this Native American Nativity scene at Je Jones' annual Holiday Crap Gift Exchange Party and I actually wanted it because of what to me was its absurdity. [Google it and] check out the gurines, especially the animals. Hysterical! Come to nd out there actually is a church that ascribes to a combination of traditional Native American beliefs and Christianity, with the sacramental use of peyote ... the imbibing of which, I feel certain, accounts for the design of the nativity scene. — Michael Wanzie, Central Florida playwright/director/ producer/actor

“ e weirdest white elephant gift I ever got was while I was performing on a cruise line. It was a rabbit, and not the u y kind. I traded it for a bottle of vodka.” — Rockell Blu, Miss Come OUT St. Pete

“My gift came from my Grandpa and it’s one of my favorite memories of him. When I was about 10 years old, I got Playboy Bunny perfume. He was just a really bad gifter. My dad was so mad he returned it.” — Lucas Wehle, Tampa Bay activist

Yuja Wang Plays Rachmanino

Steinmetz Hall

January 14 & 15

“Something Wonderful: The Songs of Rogers & Hammerstein” Steinmetz Hall January 28 (evening / matinee)

Rimma Plays Mozart

The Plaza Live February 6

Just a Lucky So And So The Plaza Live February 11 & 12

Prelude Program: Goldberg Variations

The Plaza Live February 13

Resonate Festival The Plaza Live February 16, 18 & 20

Chris Thile in Concert Steinmetz Hall February 25 T

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Season's Readings

8 LGBTQ holiday books for all ages

Ryan Williams-Jent

Whether you’re cuddled up with a loved one, celebrating the season in solitude or looking for the perfect present for a gift swap, books are a fantastic way to get in the holiday spirit.

LGBTQ representation is still arguably more prevalent on the page than it is in any other form of media, and as it does in every medium, representation matters. It’s something major book publishers around the world agree on, introducing inclusive content year after year.

“Books draw us in, teach us lessons and allow us to see other points of view and places in the world,” HarperCollins Publishers explains. “Everyone should be able to see themselves and their lives re ected in quality literature, from picture books to chapter books, graphic novels and non- ction.”

at’s why we’ve gathered a list of 8 LGBTQ-inclusive holiday books for all ages

here. ey’re sure to become some of your favorite reads this and every season, so pick up a copy wherever books are sold.

“Holiday Hearts”

(Bold Strokes Books, 2021)

Diana Day-Admire’s holiday romance introduces readers to Logan Brady, who’s dreading coming out to her family over the holidays. She meets Mick Finnegan on her plane ride home, unaware her brother has invited her to celebrate the season with their family. When they’re stranded in Chicago overnight and share the only available hotel room, things get interesting. “Being home for the holidays is complicated, and Logan

and Mick are one food ght and a ride to jail away from learning to live without fear and love without limits,” it’s described.

the Menorah! A Hanukkah Handbook” (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2018)

is all-ages picture book from author Jacqueline Jules and illustrator Kristina Swarner is billed as “the Hanukkah manual for the contemporary Jewish family,” featuring at least one same-sex couple. It includes the holiday’s history, rituals, activities, songs and recipes, providing tools “for creating meaningful family moments in light of the menorah.” It also includes “brief re ections to read aloud before reciting the candle-lighting blessings” on each of Hanukkah’s eight nights.

“Light

“Miss Claus” (NineStar Press, 2021)

J.R. Hart’s narrative introduces Kris Claus, Santa Claus’ daughter and successor. Nothing can stop her except her ex, who’s trying to replace her “by bringing up an archaic gender law that says women can’t be Santa.” Miss Claus “won’t give up who she really is – a proud woman – to reach her dreams,” however, and “when a letter from a transgender girl down South reminds her of herself as a child, Kris knows exactly what’s at stake, not just for her own dreams, but for the dreams of girls everywhere.”

“Over the River & Through the Wood: A Holiday Adventure” (Union Square Kids, 2015)

Author Linda Ashman and illustrator Kim Smith bring a new twist to a classic song. In this winter tale, Grandma and Grandpa invite "their far- ung, modern and multiracial family [to] ‘Come to our house for the holidays – and bring your favorite pie!’” at includes LGBTQ members. “O everyone goes, driving down snowy roads, riding the train, boarding a plane … even sailing along in a hot-air balloon,” its synopsis reads.

“Rachel’s

Christmas Boat” (Flamingo Rampant, 2017)

Sophie Labelle’s picture book introduces readers to Lulu and her transgender parent, dealing with pronouns and more. “When Lulu’s Dad tells Lulu that she’s going to change her name to Rachel and be a lady now, Lulu has a major worry: what if Santa doesn't nd out in time to x all the tags on Rachel’s presents?” its synopsis asks. “Lulu decides to take matters into her own hands and make sure her Dad gets the lovely Christmas she deserves for being a most excellent parent.”

“Santa’s

Husband”

(Harper Design, 2017)

Author Daniel Kibblesmith and illustrator A.P. Quach introduce readers to a Santa who is Black and married to a white husband, an equally cheery fellow. “We see the Clauses sitting by the re at their cozy North Pole home, vacationing at the beach, having an occasional disagreement, celebrating their wedding day, and comforting each other when some loudmouth people on television angrily dispute Santa’s appearance and lifestyle,” it’s described. It shows readers that Santa “can come in all shapes and colors and sizes –just like the children and families he visits all over the world each Christmas eve.”

“The Christmas Truck” (NarraGarden LLC, 2014)

“If you are in need of some Christmas cheer, or you have some cheer to spare, here is a book to warm you heart, a gift for friends to share,” author J.B. Blankenship and illustrator Cassandre Bolan’s book teases. “So settle in and know, my friend, before you turn the page, that this is a story for everyone: for friends of every age.” “ e Christmas Truck” introduces readers to Papa, Dad and their amazing kid, who work together with a fabulous grandmother to “implement a plan to save Christmas for a child they have never met.”

“The

Holiday Trap”

(Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2022)

is LGBTQ romcom from Roan Parrish features two separate couples who nd love after swapping homes for the holidays. Meet Truman Belvedere, whose heart was broken by his boyfriend’s secret life, and Greta Russako , who’s grappling with being LGBTQ in a small town. ey give one another a chance to experience a new life, “but all holidays must come to an end, and eventually these two transplants will have to decide whether the love (and found family) they each discovered so far from home is worth ghting for.”

Photo courtesy Harper Design

Photo courtesy Sourcebooks Casablanca

Holiday Events

The holiday season can be a busy and chaotic time for a lot of us. There always seems like too much to do in such a short amount of time, and we end up juts stressing ourselves out.

Well, we here at Watermark want you to take some time this season and do something for yourself, whether it is taking in a show, hitting up a theme park or listening to some tunes — whatever helps you f nd that holiday cheer! We gathered together some local, seasonal events we think might interest you.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Festival of Trees, through Nov. 20, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando. 407896-4231; OMArt.org

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select nights through Dec. 22, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World. 407939-5277; DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com

Holidays at Universal Orlando, through Jan. 1, Universal Resort, Orlando. 407-224-4233; UniversalOrlando.com

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, select days through Jan. 3, SeaWorld, Orlando. 407-545-5550; SeaWorld.com/ Orlando

“Steppin’ Out with Irving Berlin,” Nov. 11-20 & Dec. 1-17, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayHouse.org

“Miracle on 34th Street,” Nov. 25Dec. 11, e Heneger Center, Melbourne. 321-723-8698; Heneger.org

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional, Nov. 25-Dec. 30, Epcot, Walt Disney World. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld. Disney.Go.com

“Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker,” Nov. 26, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

“Scrooge e Musical,” Nov. 26-Dec. 18, Athens eatre, DeLand. 386-7361500; AthensDeLand.com

Dave Koz and Friends: 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour, Nov. 29, King Center, Melbourne. 321-2422219; KingCenter.org

“A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 30-Dec. 24, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

City of Orlando’s 2022 Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 2, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-246-2728; Orlando.

gov/Events

Light Up Sanford, Dec. 2, Dowtown, Sanford. 407-688-5000; SanfordFL.gov

“ e Nutcracker,” presented by the Orlando Ballet, Dec. 2-18, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org

e Santa Paws Experience, Dec. 3, Happy Trails Animal Rescue, Orlando. 407-270-7074; HappyTrailsAnimalRescue. com

Krampusfest, Dec. 4, e Milk District, Orlando. 407-401-3003; eMilkDistrict. org

Outdoor Christmas Market, Dec. 10, Audubon Park Church, Orlando. 407-8946351; AudubonParkChurch.com

Orlando Gay Chorus presents A HoliGAY Spectacular, Dec. 14, e Ritz at Wayne Densch, Sanford. 407-3218111; WDPAC.com

Holiday Spectacular: “Season’s Greetings,” Dec. 15-18, e Heneger Center, Melbourne. 321-723-8698; Heneger.org

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: e Ghosts of Christmas Eve, Dec. 17, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7900; AmwayCenter.com

Florida Philharmonic presents “Home for the Holidays,” Dec. 17, Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont. 352-394-4800; ClermontPerformingArts.com

Vegan Holiday Celebration, Dec. 17, Persimmon Hollow Brewing, Orlando. 386-873-7350; Facebook.com/ OrlandoBeardedVegan

Orlando Big Band: Holiday Favorites, Dec. 18, e Ritz at Wayne Densch, Sanford. 407-321-8111; WDPAC.com

Opera Orlando presents “All is

Calm: e Christmas Truce of 1914,” Dec. 23-24, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-512-1900; OperaOrlando. org

Jim Brickamn’s A Very Merry Christmas LIVE!, Dec. 27, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

TAMPA BAY

893-7441; StPeteParksRec.org

Holiday Lights & Displays, Nov. 26-Jan .1, Downtown Waterfront Parks, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441; StPeteParksRec.org Lights in the Park, Dec. 1-26, Hyde Park Village, Tampa. 813-251-3500; HydeParkVillage.com

e Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show,” Nov. 11-12, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

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Holiday Market, Nov. 13, St. Petersburg College, Clearwater. 727-3414772; Facebook.com/SPCClearwater

Christmas Town, Nov. 14-Jan. 9, Busch Gardens, Tampa. 813-884-4386; Busch Gardens.com/Tampa

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, Nov. 18-Jan. 4, Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa. WinterVillageTampa.com

Tampa Bay Holiday Market, Nov. 20-21, e Coliseum, St. Petersburg. 727893-8523; TampaBayHolidayMarket.com

Holiday Lights & Rides, Nov. 24-Jan. 1, Largo Central Park, Largo. 727-5876720; PlayLargo.com

Enchant Christmas, Nov. 25-Jan. 1, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. EnchantChristmas.com

River of Lights Holiday Cruises, Nov. 25-26; Dec. 2-3, 9-11, 16, 18-24, Pirate Water Taxi Stop, Tampa. 813-2237999; PirateWaterTaxi.com

Christmas in the Wild, Nov. 25-Dec. 30, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa. 813395-8552; ZooTampa.org

Holiday Lights in e Gardens, Nov. 25-Jan. 1, Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo. 727-582-2117; FLBGFoundation. org

Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Nov. 26, North Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 727-

Victorian Christmas Stroll, Dec. 1-23, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa. 813-254-1891; PlantMuseum.com

St Pete Pride’s Red & Green, Dec. 3, Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg. 727-3420084; StPetePride.org

Snowfest, Dec. 3, North Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441; StPeteParksRec.org

Santa Fest & Tree Lighting, Dec. 3, Curtix Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa. 813-966-5505; Facebook.com/ FriendsOfTampaRec

Holiday Pops, Dec. 9-11, Straz Center, Maha ey eater, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Tampa Bay. 727-892-3331; FloridaOrchestra.org

Jingle Bell Bazaar, Dec. 11, Centennial Park, Ybor. 888-991-2502; JingleBellBazaar.com

Santa in the Park, Dec. 10-11; 16-23, North Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 727893-7441; StPeteParksRec.org

“Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker,” Dec. 16-18, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Lighted Boat Parade, Dec. 17, Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa. 813-221-1539; eTampaRiverWalk.com

“A Drag Queen Christmas,” Dec. 29, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-7917400; RuthEckerdHall.com

New Years Eve Cruises, Dec. 31, Convention Center, Tampa. 813-223-7999; PirateWaterTaxi.com

Business Directory

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CFC Arts 407-937-1800 CFCArts.com/Events

Orlando Ballet 407-426-1733 OrlandoBallet.org

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra 407-770-0071 OrlandoPhil.org

Orlando Shakes 407-447-1700 OrlandoShakes.org

Ruth Eckerd Hall 727-791-7400 RuthEckerdHall.com

St Pete Opera Co. 727-823-2040 StPeteOpera.org

The Florida Orchestra 727-892-3331 FloridaOrchestra.org

Winter Park Playhouse 407-645-0145 WinterParkPlayhouse.org

Zubrick Magic 866-Zubrick ZubrickMagic.com

COUNSELOR + THERAPISTS

A Zupka Counseling 407-986-2888

AZupkaCounseling.com

CUSTOM FRAMING

Artistic Expressions Custom

Picture Framing 407-365-0760

ArtisticExpressionsFraming.com

EVENTS

Orlando Fringe’s Winter Mini-Fest 407-648-0077 OrlandoFringe.org

FOOD + DRINK Zoie’s 727-855-6990 ZoiesFL.com

HOME FURNISHINGS

City Furniture CityFurniture.com

Phil Kean Design Group/ Kitchens 407-599-3922 PhilKeanKitchens.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY Avita AvitaPharmacy.com

Beautiful You MediSpa 407-702-9179 BeautifulYouMediSpa.com

Boutiq Medical Clinic 407-777-2449 BoutiqClinic.com

Empath Partners in Care – EPIC 727-328-3260 MyEpic.org

Nemours Children’s Health Nemour.org

Orange Blossom Family Health 407-428-5751 OBFH.org

Tobacco Free Florida TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/ QuitYourWay

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

Dylan Todd Photography 727-310-1212 DylanToddPhotography.com

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

First Baptist Church Orlando 407-425-2555 FirstOrlando.com

Saint Andrew United Church of Christ 941-922-7595 SarasotaUCC.org

St. Lukes United Methodist Church 407-876-4981 St.Lukes.org

SHOPPING & RETAIL

Fairvilla MegaStore 407-425-6005 Fairvilla.com

Gold and Diamond Source 727-573-9351 GoldAndDiamond.com

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Central Florida Expressway Authority CFXWay.com/uni

Downtown Development Board DowntownOrlando.com/Holidays

MIM Travel 954-735-8108 Gay-Travel-By-MIM.com

WEDDING & PARTY VENUE

The Capen House at the Polasek 407-636-9317 CapenHouse.com

Raymond James Pops

Bob Bernhardt conducts

Fri, Dec 9, 8 pm, Straz Center

Sat, Dec 10, 2 pm & 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun, Dec 11, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Classical Christmas Carols

Michael Francis evokes a traditional English Christmas, with sing-alongs Michael Francis conducts Master Chorale of Tampa Bay

Sat, Dec 17, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun, Dec 18, 2 pm, Straz Center

Fri, Jan 13, 8 pm, Straz Center, Ferguson Sat, Jan 14, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater