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Local Love Letter
After a disappointing Orlando vacation in 1993, British journalist Simon Veness turned frustration into inspiration...
Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!
This is the Orlando Signal, the local newsletter that appreciates a holiday miracle, like snagging the last parallel spot on E Central Ave, finding a hidden bench at Lake Eola during the holiday drone show, or scoring the last mortadella hot honey croissant at Buttermilk Bakery before they sell out for the day.
Now onto today’s Orlando Signal (weekend fun) issue:
Local Love Letter
Jingle Jam
Feliz Navidad Mercado
+ lots of weekend recs
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Let’s roll!
- Philip
3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Five Minutes of Joy: Orlando Students Learn Art of Giving
In a heartwarming holiday makeover, Orlando nonprofit A Gift for Teaching turned its educational supply store into a festive playground for its annual Grant A Wish celebration.
Three beaming students got the chance of a lifetime: a magical five-minute shopping spree for toys and games. Sweet-hearted third-grader Tamsin stole the show by picking out gifts for everyone but herself, from classmates to family members. Her teacher Ms. Ankerson couldn't help but marvel at her student's generous spirit.
As children zipped through aisles grabbing dolls and board games, their joy filled the room. Best of all? All donations made before December 31, 2024, will be matched by caring benefactors.
(Learn more about this holiday shopping spree with Angie Quezada, right here)
From Tourist Guide to Local Love Letter: A British Couple's Orlando Evolution
After a disappointing Orlando vacation in 1993, British journalist Simon Veness turned frustration into inspiration, creating the beloved "Brit Guide to Orlando." Now, after 29 editions, he and wife Susan are sharing their local expertise in the delightfully quirky "111 Places in Orlando That You Must Not Miss."
The guide sparkles with hidden gems, from the Science Center's former "Poozeum," to Maxine's cosmic bathroom and the mysterious Babyland cemetery.
While researching secret spots and uncovering treasures like vintage Disney World blueprints, the couple fell even deeper in love with Orlando during their recent RV adventures across America.
Catch these charming storytellers at Lake Eola's Merry Market on December 20th - they'd love to share more Orlando secrets and sign copies for you!
(Learn more about Simon and Susan Veness’ new book with Seth Kubersky, right here)
Health Coverage That Keeps Up: Orlando's Free Expert Help
Health insurance experts across Central Florida are delivering a crucial message: as your life evolves, so should your coverage. In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, staying current isn't just smart—it's essential.
The Primary Care Access Network (PCAN) in Orlando leads a team of certified navigators ready to guide residents through coverage updates, free of charge. Their federally-backed program helps Floridians navigate life's major transitions, from new babies to career changes, ensuring insurance coverage keeps pace with changing needs.
Armed with a $13.7 million CMS grant, these experts assist with everything from marketplace applications to enrollment finalization. For Central Floridians seeking to align their healthcare coverage with current circumstances, professional guidance awaits at Covering Central Florida during this open enrollment period!
See an expanded version of this article published by our partner, Covering Central Florida.
🛑 Lets hear it! Where do you stand on making News Year's resolutions??Click or tap your answer below 👇 |
WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Holiday Drone Show At Lake Eola
📍Lake Eola. 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, December 21st, 6:30 or 8 p.m.
Orlando's Night Sky Spectacular Returns!
This Saturday (Dec 21st), Lake Eola Park transforms into a high-tech winter wonderland as AdventHealth presents a dazzling drone light show.
Catch identical 13-minute performances at 6:30 PM or 8:00 PM, featuring hundreds of synchronized drones painting festive designs with LED lights.
Bring blankets and settle in for this free entertainment, complete with hot cocoa, holiday market treats, and the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show.
After last year's success, this aerial ballet promises pure holiday magic above downtown Orlando.
TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Jingle Jam at Baldwin Park
📍Baldwin Park. 4982 New Broad St, Orlando 32814. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, December 21st, 5:30 p.m.
Get ready for a festive takeover at Baldwin Park's Jingle Jam!
Under twinkling lights, this enchanting Community Market transforms into a holiday wonderland where local vendors and neighborhood restaurants come together for an unforgettable evening.
Indulge at their whimsical milk and cookie bar while exploring this free, family-friendly celebration.
Bring your four-legged friends and join us for a night of shopping, dining, and seasonal joy that proves the North Pole doesn't have a monopoly on Christmas magic!
📍Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company. 1300 Alden Rd, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, December 21st, 12 p.m.
¡Spice Up Your Season at Ivanhoe Park's Holiday Fiesta!
Experience holiday magic reimagined at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company's Feliz Navidad Mercado! Where craft beer meets festive cheer, this lively marketplace brings together local artisans, live music, and mouthwatering treats.
Hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting your community's creators, or simply soak in the merry atmosphere with friends and family.
From dedicated shoppers to seasonal revelers, this mercado promises to be your holiday highlight. Come make some memories!
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland (Click the PLAY button below 👇)
📍Wekiva Island. 1014 Miami Springs Dr. Longwood, FL 32779. Map to this location.
🕐 Through December 25th, various times
Experience a slice of the North Pole at Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland, where Florida's favorite riverside retreat transforms into a magical holiday escape.
A towering 30-foot Christmas tree anchors this Longwood destination, surrounded by twinkling lights and snow flurries dancing over the Wekiva River.
Peek inside Santa's Workshop, where elves bustle about, Mrs. Claus bakes holiday treats, and the jolly man himself welcomes visitors for photos and festive memories.
MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁
Multi-day:
Krampus Haunt | Fri & Sat 5 p.m. | Kissimmee | More
1940's Radio Christmas Carol | Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat & Sun 2 p.m. | Kissimmee | More
One Man Christmas Carol | Fri & Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. | UCF | More
Phantasmagoria's An Even More Haunted Victorian Christmas | Fri & Sat 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Friday:
Untold Holiday Tales | 8 p.m. | Milk District | More
Luscious Lisa | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
Sugar Slut / Malverde | 6:30 p.m. | Winter Park | More
Holiday Movie - Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More
Default Friends, Jagg, Kitty Kitty Meow Meow, Arcsine | 7 p.m. | Audubon Park | More
Lavell Crawford | Fri, Sat, Sun | I-Drive | More
Barclay Crenshaw | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Distant Stations, Mange, Elliott Countess LIVE at Barley and Vine! | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Saturday:
Santa Hustle Race | 8:30 & 9 a.m. | Kissimmee | More
Kakes with Krampus | 10 a.m. | Kissimmee | More
Special Program: Rare Exports | 12 p.m. | Maitland | More
UCF Knights Womens Basketball vs. TCU Lady Horned Frogs Womens Basketball | 2 p.m. | UCF | More
Idiot Time Machine | 4:30 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
UCF Knights Mens Basketball vs. Jacksonville Dolphins Mens Basketball | 6 p.m. | UCF | More
Feliz Navidad Mercado! | 12 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | More
Orlando Magic v Miami Heat | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More
Ivypaint | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
United Groove | 9 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
Sunday:
Special Program: It’s A Wonderful Life | 11 a.m. | Maitland | More
Holiday Milk Mart | 12 p.m. | Milk District | More
Holiday Market at Quantum Leap Winery | 1 p.m. | College Park | More
A Very Conduit Punkmas w/ Petty Thefts, Virginity, Stiletto, Caustic Bats, and Trashworld | 6 p.m. | Winter Park Area | More
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings | 8:45 p.m. | Downtown | More
THANKS!
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We’ll see you on Monday.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal