WINTER PARK — The city of Winter Park may be much smaller than neighboring Orlando, but it’s always been a popular tourist draw with attractions that include the shopping and dining along Park Avenue, the boutique hotel Alfond Inn, and the historic Hannibal Square.
Like Orlando, Winter Park also takes the holidays quite seriously, and has some family fun coming up to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
For those unfamiliar with the events that Winter Park hosts, now is a great time to learn more!
What Does Winter Park do for the Holidays?
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is bringing back one of the city’s most popular holiday events, their Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. It’s an event that’s actually far more than just a parade.
“Celebrate the magic of the holidays at the 73rd Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade,” the Chamber notes. This perennial favorite is on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9-10:30 a.m.
“Watch as Park Avenue comes alive with floats, music, and holiday cheer in Central Florida’s oldest continuous Christmas parade, complete with Santa and plenty of hometown spirit,” the Chamber adds.
The fun actually starts earlier that morning with another treat: the annual Pancake Breakfast, which serves the duel purpose of being a fundraiser for local scholarships. The breakfast runs from 7-10 a.m. at the Central Park stage.
“Enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and beverages, plus toppings from The Glass Knife,” the Winter Park restaurant known for its scrumptious desserts.
Tickets are $7, “with proceeds benefiting Youth Leaders and Leadership Winter Park scholarships,” the Chamber notes.
What is Winter On The Avenue?
Another popular tradition is Winter On The Avenue, when Park Avenue “is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a tree lighting, carolers, and a visit from Santa,” the Chamber notes. This event is held on the first Friday in December.
“Be part of this tradition as Park Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland for a holiday street party,” the Chamber notes. “Come experience the best of downtown Winter Park this holiday season! Park Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic in order to transform downtown into a pedestrian plaza, beginning at 2 p.m.”
Another well attended event happens on Wednesday, Dec. 3, when the public is invited to enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship at the Belltower lighting ceremony at St John Lutheran Church .
Visitors can enjoy free food, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas carols, a photo booth and more as the historic Belltower is lit up for the holidays. The food service begins at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting ceremony at 7.
Bring your family and friends, and enjoy all that Winter Park has to offer to holiday revelers.
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
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