Watermark's Holiday Guide 2018 by Watermark Publishing Group

watermark's

HOLIDAY GUIDE

presents

Sat, Nov 24 Ruth Eckerd Hall

Wed, Dec 5 Ruth Eckerd Hall

KELLY DODD

Wed, Dec 12 Capitol Theatre

Sun, Dec 9 Ruth Eckerd Hall

TERESA GIUDICE DORINDA MEDLEY

Fri, Dec 14 Capitol Theatre

Christmas

Sat, Dec 15 Ruth Eckerd Hall

PILOBOLUS 2

with

Fri, Dec 21 Capitol Theatre

Mon, Dec 31 Ruth Eckerd Hall

Thu, Jan 17 Ruth Eckerd Hall

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR

Fri, Jan 18 Capitol Theatre

“

Thu, Feb 14 Ruth Eckerd Hall

$18 TIX

Thu, Feb 21 Ruth Eckerd Hall

FA R A ND AWAY THE

BE S T MUS IC A L

OF T H E Y E A R ! ” N PR

JIM BRICKMAN Share the Love

Sat, Feb 23

Sun, Feb 24

Sat, Mar 17

Sat, Mar 30

Ruth Eckerd Hall

Capitol Theatre

Sun, Mar 10 Ruth Eckerd Hall

Tue, Apr 9

Ruth Eckerd Hall

RuthEckerdHall.com 727.791.7400 Artists, days, dates and times subject to change. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

G E N E R O U S LY SUPPORTED BY

Sponsored by

DEC 7-16 DrPhillipsCenter.org

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TICKETS STARTING AT

OrlandoBallet.org

Dancer: Kate-Lynn Robichaux (USA) Photography by Michael Cairns 2018

$50

per child

Saturday, December 15, 2018 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 5th Floor, Kessler Tier

$75

per adult

$1,500

table sponsorship (includes 8 guests)

TICKETS:

OrlandoBallet.org 407.418.9812 Arts & Cultural Affairs

Sunday January 13 7 pm

Sunday February 17 4 pm

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Tuesday March 12, 7:30 pm

GAY UP THE HOLIDAYS

13 IN OUR BOX, IN OUR SOCKS

HOLIDAY EATS, FAT AND FIT

MAP TO THE HOLIDAYS

NOV JAN

WED

ORCHESTRA OF VOICES

TOSCA

JAN FEB

A PUCCINI OPERA

SHANGHAI OPERA

27 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 3

MUSIC CAN TAKE YOU CIRQUE MUSICA PLACES CRESCENDO

SUN

JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY

SUN

FEB

TRADITION WITH A TWIST

28 CHANTICLEER SAT

SIHENG SONG, PIANO

ACADEMY OF

MARTIN 22 ST IN THE FIELDS FRI

JEREMY DENK, PIANO MAR

7 22

2018 2019

Gift Certificates Available

1 FRI

MAR

Contents

SEASON

SWAN LAKE RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET

31 BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC SUN

ORCHESTRA

FABIO BIDINI, PIANO

Music Can Take You Places Gala January 19, 2019 at Hark Rock Hotel $100/pp

PEABODY AUDITORIUM

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 386.253.2901 OR VISIT DBSS.ORG

BUSINESS LISTINGS

WATERMARK’S 2018 HOLIDAY GUIDE IS PUBLISHED BY WATERMARK PUBLISHING GROUP OWNER, PUBLISHER & EDITOR • Rick Claggett BUSINESS MANAGER • Kathleen Sadler CENTRAL FLORIDA BUREAU CHIEF • Jeremy Williams TAMPA BAY BUREAU CHIEF • Ryan Williams-Jent MULTIMEDIA ASSISTANT • Meghan Sweeney ART DIRECTOR • Jake Stevens CREATIVE ASSISTANT/PHOTOGRAPHER • Dylan Todd SALES DIRECTOR • Danny Garcia SENIOR ORLANDO AD SALES • Sam Callahan ORLANDO AD SALES • Brianna Rockmore SENIOR TAMPA BAY AD SALES • Russ Martin

CENTRAL FLORIDA: 407-481-2243 • 414 N. FERNCREEK AVE., ORLANDO, FL 32803 TAMPA BAY: 813-655-9890 • 2529 CENTRAL AVE., ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33713 PUBLISHER@WATERMARKONLINE.COM • WATERMARKONLINE.COM 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.

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Tradition with a Twist

WATERM ARK’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY GUIDE HELPS YOU BLEND TRADITIONS BOTH OLD AND NEW JEREMY WILLIAMS

he temperatures outside have fallen to a crisp 82 degrees, the snowbirds have started their New England migration and we are near the end of hurricane season. That’s right; it’s time for the holidays in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. As the great Bill Murray once put it: This is that magical time of year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier and we share a little more.

The holidays have always been a huge deal in my family, starting with Thanksgiving and finishing on Three Kings Day. On Thanksgiving, the house was filled with the aromas of the holiday’s traditional foods and Italian dishes blending together to create what would become the smell that is most familiar to me as home. The early morning sounds of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on the television would eventually give way to the sounds of relatives trying to talk over each other. That led into Dec. 6, a big one every season in our family as it was dad’s birthday and the day we would put up the Christmas tree. Each year, us kids would gather with mom in the living room as dad brought in a real tree. Then he would tell us a Christmas story. His stories were usually holiday classics with a personal twist added to them. Then mom would decorate the tree. On Christmas Eve we were allowed to open one gift, which was usually pajamas, then off to bed before Santa

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came. Our parents were as excited to see us open our gifts as we were. They would burst into our rooms around 4 a.m. shouting “Santa came!” Christmas was a lot like Thanksgiving. It had the same aromas of traditional and Italian foods, and the same sounds of relatives trying to talk over each other. Three Kings Day was the day mom took down the tree and dad took down the lights. That was my traditional holiday season, and that is what we have tried to do this year in Watermark’s annual Holiday Guide. In these pages, we add a little flair to some common holiday traditions. We asked local chefs to share traditional holiday recipes and offer a few tips on how to make it healthier for those watching their waistline. We also gathered up holiday events to help you make this the best holiday season ever and maybe start a few traditions of your own. We hope you have a happy holiday season.

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THIS YEAR WE MAKE EVERYTHING GLOW.

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Gay Up the Holidays JEREMY WILLIAMS

here are a lot of holiday traditions out there. Some are religious in nature and date back thousands of years, like nativity scenes and menorahs. Some are relatively new and annoy sane people like Elf on the Shelf and FOX News declaring there’s a “War on Christmas.”

Regardless of the traditions you follow I think we can all agree that, for the most part, they basic. Don’t you worry though! We are here to help by offering a few tips on taking those same ol’ drab traditions and getting them fab-u-lous. Holidays are supposed to be fun. So whatever you are doing this yuletide season remember what Mel Brooks said, “Keep it light, keep it bright, keep it gay!”

RAINBOWS

If you want to pump up a holiday tradition, the best way to do that is to merge it with lots of color. There’s a reason the rainbow is the symbol of our people. Think Pride flag when you are decorating your tree. Instead of buying Christmas balls in one or two colors, buy them in smaller quantities of the six rainbow colors. Top it off with a drag queen instead of the traditional star or angel. If you celebrate Hanukkah, bring the Pride flag into the menorah with the colors of your candles. In the yard, throw a rainbow flag in the hand of Frosty or Santa and let your neighbors know you holiday with Pride.

SAME-SEX COUPLING

Speaking of getting your lawn holiday ready, why stick to the traditional seasonal pairing? Show your

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neighbors how progressive you are and instead of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, get two Santa’s or two Mrs. Claus’. Show that ultra-conservative neighbor love is love. If you have a nativity scene on your mantel, swap out Joseph for two Mary’s. Bring the same idea to making a gingerbread house. Fill it with gingerbread men and hang a disco ball on it to make a gingerbread gay bar, or build an all-gender bathroom inside to show your gingerbread house is for everyone. The possibilities are endless.

ENTERTAINMENT

Over the years a lot of movies and books have become holiday traditions in many homes. Unfortunately, not many of them feature LGBTQ characters. Until the Hallmark Channel starts to diversify its holiday movie line-up, you may need to turn to one of your streaming services for help. Instead of settling in and watching “A Christmas Carol,” try “The Family Stone.” Seeing Diane Keaton gush over her gay son is more fun than seeing Scrooge visited by three ghosts. When you grab a holiday classic to read to the kids before bedtime, try grabbing “Santa’s Husband” by Daniel Kibblesmith instead of “The Night Before Christmas.” Instead of dealing with questions about what a kerchief is, you can tell your kids the tale of how Santa and his husband love each other very much. Oh, and Santa is black in this story, take that Megyn Kelly.

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In Our Box, In Our Socks

very year, the staff at Watermark thinks long and hard about what we want for Christmas and we put it in the Holiday Guide in hopes that Santa will read it and get us what our little hearts desire. Well, this year we have been extra good so we are asking Jolly Saint Nick for two gifts. One big, pricey gift that can be put in a box, wrapped up and placed under the tree. The other gift is nothing expensive at all. It’s just a little something to fill our stocking that we have hung by the chimney with care.

RICK CLAGGETT OWNER/PUBLISHER/EDITOR

For my box I want Diggs’ Innovative Revol Dog Crate. With a new puppy and different places to live in different cities, this crate is easily portable and sleek. Crates start at $224.99 at DIGGS.pet. For my socks I want Lifesavers Hard Candy Christmas Sweet Storybook, available at CandyWarehouse.com for $5.95. My mom used to pack these in our stockings every year for Christmas.

KATHLEEN SADLER BUSINESS MANAGER

This year for Christmas, I would like a BLACK+DECKER Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer under the tree in a colorfully wrapped box. Amazon has them on sale for $81.99, and it’s free 2-day shipping if you have Prime. I’m trying to do my part and help the environment, so I am trying to eliminate plastic straws in my Wa t e r m a r k ’ s

house. I would like a set of KISSWILL Stainless Steel Straws with Cleaning Brush, also on Amazon, for $8.79 in my socks.

JEREMY WILLIAMS

CENTRAL FLORIDA BUREAU CHIEF

As I approach 40 years old, I am trying to be fit, healthy and get back in shape ... and I too would like to help the environment out. I’m planning to take up biking. So Santa, if you could bring me a new Nishiki Men’s Anasazi Hybrid Bike—a Dick’s Sporting Goods exclusive, only $399.99—for my box, I would be so happy. In my socks, to quench my nerdy thirst for films and maps, I want Andrew DeGraff’s “Cinemaps: An Atlas of 35 Great Movies.” This hardcover book, which lays out maps from some of Hollywood’s greatest movies, is only $20.39 on Amazon.

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CONTINUED ON PG. 16 |  |

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orange

County

regional

Histo ry Ce nter

yOur hiStOry began beFOre yOu Were bOrn

learn all about your genome in this fascinating interactive exhibition where history meets science. On exhibit thrOugh January 6 DevelOpeD & prODuceD by Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Presented locally by

Florida HigHwaymen meet & greet

SunDay, December 9 now Florida legends, a group of 26 african americans found success as landscape painters in the segregated south of the 1950s. Meet some of these remarkable artists and hear their stories on december 9 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. you’ll have an opportunity to purchase their uniquely Florida artwork. Free admission.

wacky, tacky Holiday Party

SunDay, December 16 Join us for a fun-filled time trip back to ’80s orlando with a screening of “ernest saves christmas,” plus holiday trivia, crafts, tacky sweaters, and more. thehistorycenter.org • 407-836-8500 downtown orlando, Florida

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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|  | Watermark Staff Picks FROM PG.13

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT TAMPA BAY BUREAU CHIEF

In my box l want the Deluxe Limited Edition of “Batman: The Complete Animated Series” on Blu-ray, $112.95 at WBShop. com, because the animated Dark Knight has never looked so bright. In my socks I want RuPaul’s lifestyle book “GuRu.” Because reading is what? Fundamental. It’s on sale for $20.79 at HarperCollins.com.

MEGHAN SWEENEY MULTIMEDIA ASSISTANT

I have a growing list of records I want on vinyl but nothing to play them on, so I want an Audio-Technica ATLP60BK-BT Fully Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Bluetooth and Analog, in black in my box this year. You can pick one up on Amazon for $149.00. In my socks? Since I will now have something to play it on, I want “Rumors” by Fleetwood Mac on vinyl. It’s only $24.98 at UrbanOutfitters.com.

JAKE STEVENS ART DIRECTOR

For my box I want a Nintendo Switch. It’s $299.99 at BestBuy. com. I have been a very good boy this year and I deserve to

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be able to play “Breath of the Wild” whenever and wherever I please. In my socks I would like to find a Modern Innovations Glass Salt Server with Lid and Stainless Steel Spoon for $23.95 on Amazon. This year has been all about upgrading my life ... and by life, I mean my kitchen supplies. No longer shall I be content to store my table salt in a shaker or some piece of Gladware.

DYLAN TODD PHOTOGRAPHER/ CREATIVE ASSISTANT

For my box gift this year I want a Cricut Explore Air 2 Special Edition Wisteria Machine Bundle. It’s only $279.99 at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores and includes everything you need to start projects right away. In my socks I would like a coffee mug shaped like a camera lens. The Protocol Focus on Coffee Camera Lens Travel Mug is only $11.99 at Kohls. com and looks just like the real thing.

DANNY GARCIA SALES DIRECTOR

It’s been a while since I played games on a home system, so I would love to get one under my tree this year. I’m not picky about which one; either a 1TB Xbox One X (going for $499.99 at Best Buy) or a 1TB PlayStation 4 (available at Best Buy as well, for $299.99).

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CONTINUED ON PG. 19 |  |

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THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA

Live. Really live.

for the Holidays

Kris Kesling-Hays

Bri Hays

We can show you where. Preferred People. Preferred Places.

PREFERRED PROPERTIES

Raymond James Pops

Holiday Pops Pure holiday magic you can’t buy at the mall, featuring the velvet voice of American Idol star and St. Pete native Michael Lynche. Jeff Tyzik conducts. A perfect gift for the whole family. Fri, Dec 14, 8 pm, Straz Center Sat, Dec 15, 2 pm & 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater - Matinee Sun, Dec 16, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall - Matinee

Special Film Concert

Home Alone in Concert The orchestra performs John Williams’ charming score live as the comedy classic starring Macaulay Culkin plays on the big screen. Featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Daniel Black conducts. Fri, Dec 21, 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall One night only!

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|  | Watermark Staff Picks FROM PG.16

I tend to shop a lot on Amazon, so how about a $25 gift card in my socks this year. Plus having a gift card would make whatever shopping I do guilt free.

RUSS MARTIN

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

I would love a handheld wireless document scanner in my box for the holidays. You can pick up the Epson WorkForce DS-40 Wireless Portable Color Sheet-fed Scanner at Best Buy for only $179.99. How about, in my socks, something to satisfy my sweet tooth. I would love some peanut butter brittle. You can buy a full pound of that stuff for $5.99 at Nuts.com.

SAM CALLAHAN SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

For my box present, I am asking Santa for a replacement .50 ct diamond earring (just one, not a pair) to replace the one I lost while traveling in September. A pair runs for $849 at Kay Jewelers, so you’d only have to spend half of that, Santa. In my socks I want $25 worth of scratch-off tickets. Who knows, maybe I’ll be the lucky winner!

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BRIANNA ROCKMORE ACCOUNT MANAGER

My initial thought was surgery, but it would cost more than Santa’s gift limit and that wouldn’t get boxed, so my second choice is a Fitbit Versa. I bought one earlier this year and had an unfortunate incident causing the face to shatter. No one can fix it, including Fitbit, and now my arm feels naked. So Santa, if a new Fitbit Versa—which is only $199.95 at FitBit.com—could end up under my tree, I would be most grateful. For my socks, I would like a $25 gift card to Kohl’s or Wawa, it really depends on how Santa is feeling. Does he want me to shop for shoes or fuel my morning with coffee? I guess I will find out when I get my Fitbit!

TOM DYER

FOUNDER AND GUIDING LIGHT

In my box, I want an Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, only $499.99 at KitchenAid.com. It’s a 10-speed mixer that will thoroughly mix, knead and whip ingredients quickly and easily. I also want to do my part to save the planet, so in my socks I want some cloth shopping bags. BagzDepot.com has 100 percent cotton twill, over-the-shoulder grocery totes for $6.26 each.

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Holiday Eats, fat and fit

ood and the holidays are synonymous with each other. Whether attending a work party, a family gathering or a Friendsgiving, there is definitely going to be food present that is loaded with extra calories, carbs and regrets. For those with speedy metabolisms and/or live in a gym, it’s not a big deal. For others, every calorie counts.

Have no fear! We asked local chefs to share their favorite fat-filled holiday recipes, and give us a few helpful swap outs that will cut some of the calories.

TRINA’S GRAMMIES SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE Trina Gregory-Propst, owner of Se7enBites, offers up her Grammies indulgent sweet potato casserole.

INGREDIENTS BASE: 3 ½ CuPs Cooked masHed sWeet Potatoes (For a HealtHier take, deCrease sWeet Potatoes to 3 CuPs aNd do Not masH. Peel aNd diCe Potatoes iNto ½ iNCH CuBes)

for the topping and sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. For healthier sweet potatoes, mix all ingredients minus the potatoes and pecans into a bowl. Then add sweet potatoes and toss until potatoes are glazed with the mixture. Place on cookie sheet and sprinkle with pecans. Bake on 350 for 25-35 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.

JEFFREY JEW’S TRADITIONAL OYSTER STUFFING

2 eGGs

Jeffrey Jew, owner of two of St. Petersburg’s most trendy restaurants — BellaBrava and Stillwaters Tavern, offered up this classic New England dish straight out of his family’s kitchen.

½ CuP HeaVy WHiP Cream

INGREDIENTS

1 tsP VaNilla

-5 CuPs Bread, FreNCH Bread PreFeraBly, But you CaN use sourdouGH or sometHiNG FuN like CorNBread, Cut iNto ½ iNCH CuBes aNd toasted

3/4 CuP GraNulated suGar

4 oZ Butter (For tHe HealtHier oPtioN rePlaCe remaiNiNG iNGredieNts WitH 1/3 oliVe oil, 1/2 CuP BroWN suGar, 1tsP kosHer salt, 1 tsP GraNulated GarliC PoWder aNd 1/2 CuP PeCaNs. No toPPiNG Needed For tHese Potatoes)

-½ CuP BaCoN, CuBed or sliCed (suBstitute a VeGetariaN sausaGe or VeGetariaN BaCoN iF WatCHiNG tHe Fat) -3 tBsP oF Butter (to Cut some Calories use oliVe oil iNstead oF Butter)

TOPPING:

-3 ea. sHallots, medium diCed

1 ½ CuP BroWN suGar

-2 ea. riBs oF Celery, medium diCed

1 ½ CuP sHredded CoCoNut 1 ½ CuP PeCaNs

-1 ea. 8 oZ. CoNtaiNer oF sHuCked oysters WitH tHe liQuor

½ CuP aP Flour

-1 CuP CHiCkeN stoCk

6 oZ melted Butter

-½ CuP dry VermoutH

Place all ingredients for base of casserole in bowl and use hand mixer to combine while potatoes are warm, place in a 9x13 casserole dish. In a separate bowl, mix all the ingredients

-¼ CuP FresH Parsley, CHoPPed -2 tBsP FresH tHyme -1 tBsP FresH saGe, CHoPPed -1 tsP CHolula Hot sauCe CONTINUED ON PG. 24 |  |

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|  | Holiday Eats, Fat and Fit FROM PG.22

POM POM’S EASY CROISSANT BREAD PUDDING

-1 tBsP salt

Pom Moongauklang, owner of Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria in Orlando, shares one of her favorites.

-½ tBsP PePPer

INGREDIENTS

-2 tBsP Butter

-4 eXtra lG. eGGs

-6 tBsP melted Butter

-10 eXtra lG. eGG yolks

Toast bread at 200 degrees so it doesn’t burn. Transfer into a large bowl and preheat oven to 400. In a sauté pan, over medium heat, add bacon and render fat out, about 5 minutes. Add butter and melt. Add shallots and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add Oysters with liquor, chicken stock, vermouth and hot sauce. Bring to a boil. Simmer for a minute, then remove from heat and fold in parsley, thyme and sage. Pour over toasted bread let soak for 10 minutes. Toss with salt and pepper. Butter a casserole dish and add bread mixture, pressing down into the dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover, pour over melted butter and bake another 10 minutes.

-6 CuPs oF HeaVy Cream (For a lot less Calories use 7 CuPs HalF N HalF Cream) -2 CuPs oF suGar -1 ½ tsP Pure VaNilla eXtraCt -10-12 CroissaNts, stale is PreFerred -1 ½ CuPs dark CHoColate CHiPs

Pre-heat the oven to 340. Whisk together cream, whole eggs, yolks, sugar and vanilla in bowl. Set aside. Break croissants into small pieces and place in pan. Sprinkle dark chocolate chips over top evenly. Pour mixture over the top, slightly tossing the croissants to make sure they are all evenly coated. Cover with foil, making sure it does not touch the top of the croissants, and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes.

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Map to the Holidays CENTRAL FLORIDA Holidays at Walt Disney World, Nov. 8-Jan. 6, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com

“A Christmas Story: The Musical,” Nov. 16-Dec. 2, Cocoa Village Playhouse,Cocoa.321-636-5050; CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com Holidays at Universal, Select days Nov. 17-Jan. 6, Universal Resort, Orlando. 407-363-8000; UniversalOrlando.com

ach year we get so focused on buying the right gifts and making sure that everyone on our contact lists get a “thinking of you” holiday card, email or, at the very least, a “Happy Holidays” Facebook post. Well in the hustle and bustle of the holiday craziness, we want you to take a little time and enjoy yourself. Whether it’s a day at the park, a night at the theater or decking the halls at a local pub; we have gathered many, many holiday-themed events from Central Florida and Tampa Bay that will get the job done. Cheers! Songs of the Holidays, Dec. 1, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipCenter.org

Sea World Christmas Celebration, Select days Nov. 17-Dec. 31, Sea World, Orlando. 407-545-5550; SeaWorld.com/Orlando

City of Orlando Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, Dec. 1, Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-246-2121; CityOfOrlando.net

Candlelight Processional, Select nights Nov. 22-Dec. 30, Epcot, Lake Buena Vista. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com

A Very Taffy Christmas!, Dec. 1 and 8, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

“A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 28-Dec. 30, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

Orlando Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 7-16, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org

God is a Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special, Nov. 29-Dec. 4, The Starlite Room at Savoy, Orlando. 407-270-4685; SavoyOrlando.com

Sanford’s Annual Illuminated Christmas Parade, Dec. 8, Downtown, Sanford. 407-688-5120; SanfordFL.gov

Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn,” Nov. 29-Dec. 23, Athens Theatre, Deland. 386-736-1500; AthensDeland.com

AMOR presents Holiday Talent Contest, Dec. 8, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

Parliament House Light Up the Courtyard, Dec. 1, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

ChristmaSING!, Dec. 9, The Starlite Room at Savoy, Orlando. 407-270-4685; SavoyOrlando.com

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6th Annual Violectric Holiday Show, Dec. 14, Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-434-1261; Violectric.net Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas, Dec. 14-16, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipCenter.org Ginger Minj’s Crossdresser for Christ-mas, Dec. 15, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Orlando Gay Chorus presents Tinsel in Technicolor, Dec. 15-16, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; OrlandoGayChorus.org

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A John Waters Christmas, Dec. 17, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; ThePLazaLive.org “White Christmas,” Dec. 18-23, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipCenter.org 2 0 1 8

Phantasmagoria’s “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 19, Athens Theatre, Deland. 386-736-1500; AthensDeland.com & Dec. 22, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Sanford. 407-321-8111; WDPAC.com

TAMPA BAY Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Nov. 15, The Lakeland Center, Lakeland. 863-834-8100; RPFundingCenter.com & Nov. 17, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org Downtown Tampa on Ice, Nov. 16-Jan. 5, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa. 813-274-8211; TampaGov.net Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, Nov. 17-Dec. 31, Busch Gardens,Tampa.813-844-4386; BuschGardens.com Holidays in the Sunshine City - Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Nov. 24, Downtown Waterfront, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441; StPeteParksRec.org

“Elf The Musical,” Nov. 29-Dec. 16, Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton. 941-748-5875; ManateePerforming ArtsCenter.com

Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas, Dec. 8-9, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa. 813-274-8211; TampaGov.net

Snow on 7th Holiday Parade, Dec. 9, Ybor City, Tampa. 813-248-3712; Ybor.org

The Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade, Dec. 1, Downtown, Sarasota. 941-365-2200; SarasotaFL.gov

“An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas” starring Evan Tyrone Martin, Dec. 13-16, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

2018 Red & Green Party, Dec. 1, Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg. 727-342-0084; StPetePride.com

Holiday Pops, Dec. 14-16, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-3337; FloridaOrchestra.org

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some),” Dec. 1-30, freefall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freefallThetare.com

Holiday of the Arts, Dec. 15-16, South Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 941-487-8061; ParagonArtEvents.com

Happy Holidays at LEGOLAND, Dec. 1-31, LEGOLAND, Winter Haven. 877-350-5346; LEGOLAND.com

Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker,” Dec. 20, The Lakeland Center, Lakeland. 863-834-8100; RPFundingCenter.com & Dec. 21, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org & Dec. 26-27, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-898-2100; TheMahaffey

A Well Strung Christmas, Dec. 2, Tarpon Arts, Tarpon Springs. 727-937-0686; TarponArts.org

Christmas in the Wild, Select days Nov. 24-Dec. 30, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa. 813-935-8552; ZooTampa.org

“A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 1-23, Carrollwood Players, Tampa. 813-265-4000; CarrollwoodPlayers.org

Ybor Tree Lighting & Holiday Market, Nov. 28, Ybor City, Tampa. 813-248-3712; Ybor.org

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

Tree Lighting Downtown Sarasota, Nov. 29, Selby Five Points Park, Sarasota. 941-365-2200; SarasotaFL.gov

8th Annual Party 4 Presents, Dec. 8, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; BalanceTampaBay.org

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Rockapella Christmas, Dec. 21, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com The Sounds of Christmas, Dec. 21-22, Venice Theater, Venice. 941-488-1115; VeniceStage.com

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Business Listings ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Orlando International Fringe Festival

Amalie Arena

OrlandoFringe.org

813-301-2500 AmalieArena.com Athens Theatre in DeLand 386-736-1500 AthensDeLand.com

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Scottish American Society Central FL Scottish Highland Games FlaScot.com Sixthman – Music Festivals at Sea SixthMan.net

Daytona Beach Symphony

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

386-253-2901 DBSS.org

TooJay’s

Florida Studio Theatre 941-366-9000 FloridaStudioTheatre.org

TooJays.com

HEALTH AND BEAUTY European Wax Center

Maxwell C. King Center

727-220-4612 WaxCenter.com/FL-St-Petersburg

321-242-2219 KingCenter.com

Pinero Preventive Medical Care 407-426-9693 PineroMedical.com

Murray and Peter Present DragFans.com Orlando Ballet OrlandoBallet.org

HOTEL AND LODGING DoubleTree by Hilton Sea World 407-354-5074 DTResortOrlando.com

Opera Orlando 407-512-1900 OperaOrlando.og

Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown St. Petersburg

Osceola Arts

727-892-9900 HamptonInn.com

407-846-6257 OsceolaArts.org

Plantation on Crystal River

Ruth Eckerd Hall

800-632-6262 PlantationOnCrystalRiver.com

727-791-7400 RuthEckerdhall.com

MUSEUMS

The David A Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Henry B. Plant Museum

800-955-1045 StrazCenter.org

813-254-1891 PlantMuseum.com

The Florida Orchestra

Imagine Museum

727-892-3331 FloridaOrchestra.org

727-300-1700 ImagineMuseum.com

Winter Park Playhouse

Museum of Fine Arts

407-645-0145 WinterParkPlayhouse.org

Wa t e r m a r k ’ s

727-896-2667 Fine-Arts.org

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Orange County Regional History Center

in association with music theatre international

the athens theatre

407-836-8500 TheHistoryCenter.org

presents

REAL ESTATE Preferred Properties of Sarasota 941-321-7772 PrefHomes.net Based on the 1942 Film “Holiday INN”

RETAIL

Holiday INN

Avalon Beyond 407-895-7439 AvelonBeyond.com Blue Cottage 727-685-1006 TheBlueCottage.net Collage Home 407-843-0040 CollageHome.com

Libretto by gordon greenberg and chad hodge

Nov. 29-Dec. 22

Color Me Mine 813-258-8368 Tampa.ColorMeMine.com 407-644-8464 WinterPark.TenThousandVillages.com

386.736.1500 www.athensdeland.com box office:

Ten Thousand Villages in Winter Park

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida.

Tyrone Frame and Mirror 727-344-1000 TyroneFrame.com

SENIOR CARE Savannah Court 407-645-3990 SavannahCourtMaitland.com Savannah Grand 407-628-0123 SavannahGrandMaitland.com

TRAVEL AND TOURISM Old Town Kissimmee 407-396-4888 MyOldTownUSA.com Downtown Development Board DowntownOrlando.com/Holidays

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

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