Welcome back to Thursday Morning, Orlando!

Confession time. I’ve been a Christmas Eve shopper all my life! Why? Well, I’m not the best at keeping gifts. If I buy something early, I can’t wait to give it to someone. I just want them to enjoy their gift right away! Have you started shopping yet? Let me know in the poll a little further down.

Now onto today’s Orlando Signal (weekend fun) issue:

• Breaking Bread & Breaking Records

• The Lost Christmas Eve

• Fit Dog Jingle Jog

• + lots of weekend recs

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Let’s roll!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Beyond the Bench: Central Florida's Compassionate Court for Veterans

A pioneering program in Central Florida is offering hope to veterans through its compassionate Veterans Treatment Court, serving both Orange and Osceola counties.

With Florida home to 1.4 million veterans - the nation's third-largest military community - this caring initiative helps former service members wrestling with PTSD and substance abuse find their footing after legal missteps.

Judge Alicia L. Latimore warmly guides 50 current participants toward recovery, while success stories like Emil Caron - who transformed from participant to certified recovery specialist - inspire others.

The program has brightened hundreds of lives since 2013, welcoming veterans with service-related challenges while maintaining appropriate eligibility standards.

(Learn more about VA treatment court with Maria Serrano, right here)

Living in Orlando: The Cost Behind the Growth

While Orlando shines as a vibrant foodie paradise and culturally diverse destination, it faces growing pains as the nation's fourth most strained metro area in terms of housing costs.

Throughout the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford region, 61% of renters now invest over 30% of their income in housing, with 28% spending more than half their earnings on a place to call home.

Since 2019, one-bedroom rents have jumped 30%, outpacing the modest 20% rise in median household income to $77,378.

The challenge touches all ages, but seniors have been hit especially hard – a recent count found half of 191 homeless elderly on a specific day this past January were without any form of safe and habitable shelter. Though voters backed rent control in 2022, legal hurdles have stalled relief efforts.

(Learn more about strained housing costs with McKenna Schueler, right here)

Breaking Bread, Breaking Records as Orlando Dining Program Raises $352K for Charity

Central Florida's heart for giving shined through this year's Magical Dining, which raised an inspiring (record) $352,218 for local charities—a hearty 30% jump from last year.

The beloved 19-year tradition turned typically quiet dining months into a vibrant celebration of food and community, uniting 150 restaurants including nine prestigious Michelin Guide honorees.

The Mustard Seed of Central Florida leads this year's beneficiaries with its vital work in family assistance and sustainability, while six grassroots organizations each received $3,000 grants.

Local favorite Seasons 52 led the restaurant rankings, followed by newcomers Summer House on the Lake and Chayote Barrio Kitchen. Since 2019, this cherished program has generated over $2.9 million for local nonprofits.

(Learn more about Magical Dining’s record fundraise with Amy Drew Thompson, right here)

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Lost Christmas Eve

📍Kia Center. 400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, December 14th, 2:30 p.m.

Experience the holiday spectacle of the year as Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings "The Lost Christmas Eve" to Kia Center.

Set in New York City, this revolutionary rock opera melds cherished Christmas classics with TSO's signature symphonic metal sound, creating an unforgettable musical journey. Every moment dazzles with precision-choreographed pyrotechnics, cutting-edge laser displays, and virtuosic performances that transcend traditional holiday entertainment.

Don't miss this chance to witness an immersive narrative where seasonal spirit ignites through both intimate moments and grandiose musical explosions.

[Get more info, right here]

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Light Up The Lake Pig Roast

📍Quantum Leap Winery. 4404 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, December 14th, 4 p.m.

Join the enchanting 21st annual Lake Fairview holiday boat parade on Saturday, December 14th (4-10 PM).

This year features a sumptuous feast by Roast On Wheels, starring a Berkshire-Meshian pig from Shady Oaks Farms.

Enjoy live music by Hannah Pawlak as the sun sets over the water.

Your ticket includes dinner, wine, and front-row views of the dazzling boat parade. Advance tickets required for dining; walk-ins welcome to watch.

[Get more info, right here]

Fit Dog Jingle Jog Fundraiser

📍Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company. 1300 Alden Rd, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, December 15th, 10:30 a.m.

Ready to make tails wag and spirits soar?

Join this holiday fun run where every step supports vital first responder Therapy K-9 programs. Complete the AKC Fit Dog course with your furry friend while immersing yourself in festive cheer.

From local vendors to exciting raffles, this event brings together dog lovers with purpose.

Whether you're sprinting, strolling, or cheering from the sidelines, you'll help provide essential mental health support to our hometown heroes.

[Get more info, right here]

Silent Knights: A Jolly Holiday Concert featuring the UCF Symphony Orchestra and the Singing Knights

📍Apopka Amphitheater. 3710 Jason Dwelley Pkwy, Apopka, FL 32712. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, December 14th, 5-7 p.m.

This Saturday, the UCF Symphony Orchestra and Singing Knights fill the Apopka Amphitheater with enchanting holiday melodies.

This free concert, presented by the City of Apopka and UCF's School of Performing Arts, promises an evening of musical magic that will delight audiences of all ages.

Let the harmonious blend of orchestral and vocal performances transport you into a world of seasonal splendor, creating memories that will last long after the final note fades away.

[Get more info, right here]

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Multi-day:

Sleigh: It's Christmas Actually! | Dec 13-15 & 20-22 | Downtown | More

The Sugarplum Ball in Concert |Fri & Sat  8 p.m. | Downtown | More

A Christmas Carol | Fri & Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 5 p.m. | UCF | More

Steven Ho | Sat 6 & 9 p.m. and Sun 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. | I-Drive | More

Orlando Renaissance Festival | Sat & Sun 10 a.m. | Southport Community Park | More

Friday:

Celebrate the Season | 6 p.m. | Longwood | More

Blue Bamboo: Chris Cortez | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More

Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park - Elf | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More

Blast From The Past Party | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Michael Andrew with the John DePaola Quintet | 7 & 9 p.m. | Downtown | More

Nashville South No.6 Lo-Fi Acoustic Music Showcase | 8 p.m. | Audubon Park | More

Midnight Movie: Inside | 11:59 p.m. | Maitland | More

Saturday:

Ocoee’s Jolly Jamboree and Holiday Tree Lighting | 3 p.m. | Ocoee | More

Winter Market at Harry P. Leu Gardens | 10 a.m. | Audubon Park | More

Orlando Outdoor Christmas Market | 9 a.m | Audubon Park | More

Approximately 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl | 7:30 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Orlando Zine Fest | 8 p.m. | Maitland | More

SNOW in the Courtyard | 4 p.m. | Downtown | More

Saturday Matinee Classics: Blade Runner The Final Cut | 11 a.m. | Maitland | More

Christmas Ball | 5:30 p.m. | Casselberry | More

Sunday:

CRJ Chanukkah Festival | 10:30 a.m. | Eatonville | More

Sensory Night at Merry Market | 11 a.m. | Downtown | More

Market of the Beast | 11 a.m. | Winter Park | More

Black Christmas (1974) | 12 p.m. | Maitland | More

Christmas Toy Giveaway | 12 p.m. | Mens Closet | More

Spirit Of The Season | 1:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

68th Season Miracle at Mead | 2 p.m. | Winter Park | More

The Ukulaliens Holiday Uke Jam | 2 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | More

Orlando Gay Chorus: Merry Everything, The Gayest Time of Year | 3:30 p.m. | Milk District | More

THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal