Welcome back to Thursday Morning, Orlando!

Hey now! We’re definitively in the holiday season. LOTS of Christmas events and celebrations all over Central Florida. I even threw in a Korea Festival for those who want to mix things up a bit and branch out from holiday festivities.

ALSO, a little further down, I’m making a special announcement. 👇

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

• Orlando's Tree Lighting Celebration

• Oh, What Fun!

• Krampus

• + lots of weekend recs

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On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Holiday Magic Awaits: Orlando's Tree Lighting Celebration

Join Mayor Buddy Dyer this Friday, December 6, for Orlando's beloved Christmas tree lighting at Lake Eola Park's Washington Plaza. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m., filling the evening with holiday cheer before the magical tree illumination at 8 p.m.

Bring the whole family to enjoy artificial snowfall, food trucks, and delightful performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheate.

Then, the charming Merry Market features over 30 local vendors through December 22. Come gather with city commissioners and neighbors for the heartwarming countdown at Washington Plaza, and don't forget to visit Santa during this enchanting celebration.

🔥 Here’s an interactive map showing parking garages and lots.

Safety First: I-4's Slimming Shoulders During Expansion

Central Florida's busiest highway is getting an upgrade with a $2.5 billion expansion project.

While this promises smoother drives ahead, there's a temporary challenge: shoulders will slim down to just two feet in some spots during the decade-long work. Veteran road ranger Vernon Stewart has seen it all and suggests extra caution ahead.

Safety experts back him up, noting that narrow shoulders can boost accident risks by 13%.

The good news? Officials are taking steps to help, including an expanded "move over" law and fast-tracked new lanes.

For now, a little extra attention behind the wheel will go a long way in keeping everyone safe during these improvements.

(Learn more about I-4’s narrowing shoulders with Natalia Jaramillo, right here)

Sneak Peek: Winter Park Library's Future as Arts Destination

An exciting arts transformation is coming to Winter Park's former library, thanks to Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts' innovative vision that won city approval.

The makeover, showcased in fresh architectural plans, will bring multiple performance spaces to life throughout 2025.

Music lovers can look forward to the main 200-seat Encore Stage, the cozy Bravo Stage, and a charming outdoor Jazz Garden.

There's even a welcoming Groove Café for refreshments and vinyl browsing, while upstairs, Central Florida Vocal Arts and the community-focused Harmony Hall will make this beloved building buzz with creativity once again.

🛑 You can check out these outstanding renderings, right here.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
10th Annual Light Up SoDo

📍Kimco's SoDo Shopping Center. 120 W Grant St. Orlando, FL 32806. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, December 8th, 2-6 p.m.

Join for the dazzling 10th anniversary of Light Up SoDo.

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in their transformed winter wonderland, where stilt walkers soar and face painters create holiday magic.

Browse local makers' wares, savor food truck delights, and unwind in the beverage garden featuring Tito's Handmade Vodka.

This pet-friendly celebration supports the non-profit SoDo Main Street District while showcasing the community's finest entertainers and businesses.

Illuminate the heart of SoDo together!

[Get more info, right here]

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Lake Nona's Oh, What Fun!

📍Lake Nona Town Center. 6955 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. Orlando FL, 32827. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s kicking off December 6th - Sunday, December 22nd

A Winter Wonderland Beckons at Lake Nona!

The 7th annual Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival transforms the Town Center into the enchanting Peppermint Square this December 6th - 22st.

Every Friday through Sunday evening, visitors will discover a magical realm where snow falls in Orlando and festivities abound.

From Santa's Cottage and the Holiday Market to the sophisticated Fa La La La Bar at Lake Nona Wave Hotel, the festival offers delights for all ages.

Catch breathtaking acrobatic shows on Fridays, revel in "Lake Snow-na" on Saturdays, and enjoy family entertainment with local school performances on Sundays.

[Get more info, right here]

2024 Orlando Korea Festival

📍Orlando Korea Cultural Center. 7000 Winegard Rd, Orlando, FL 32809. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, December 7th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dive into an enchanting celebration of Korean culture this Saturday.

From the irresistible aroma of authentic cuisine to the pulsating rhythms of K-pop performances, this free festival promises an unforgettable cultural journey.

Browse unique vendor collections, try your hand at traditional games, and experience the elegance of wearing a Hanbok.

Bring your family and friends to this vibrant celebration where timeless traditions meet contemporary Korean flair.

[Get more info, right here]

Krampus Fest 2024

📍The Plaza Live. 425 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, December 8th, 2 - 9 p.m.

Step aside, Santa – Krampus is reclaiming his throne at The Milk District's signature holiday event.

The Plaza Live grounds will transform into an Alpine wonderland for this free, one-night festival celebrating Europe's legendary Christmas demon. As one of America's largest Krampus celebrations, visitors can expect live music, festive vendors, costume contests, and plenty of seasonal mischief.

Family-friendly by day, delightfully dark by night – join The Milk District Main Street organization for a uniquely twisted holiday tradition unlike any other.

[Get more info, right here]

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Multi-day:

Four Lost Santas - Amahl and the Night Visitors | Fri, Sat, Sun 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m | Downtown | More

Florida Underground Fest 5 | Fri, Sat, Sun | Mills 50 | More

The Nutcracker - Orlando Ballet | Dec 6-22 | Downtown | More

Holiday Open House | Fri & Sat 6 p.m. | Orlando | More

Orlando Empanada Festival | Sat & Sun 12 p.m. | Festival Park | More

Friday:

🔥 Author Salon: Suzanne Allain | 3:30 p.m. | Edith Bush Theater - Winter Park Library | More

Holiday Studio Show | 6:30 p.m. | Maitland | More

Christmas in the Garden Big Band Extravaganza | 6:30 p.m. | Winter Garden | More

Popcorn Flicks in the Park: Home Alone | 7 p.m. | Winter Park | More

Winter on the Avenue | 5 p.m. | Winter Park Area | More

Movie Night - Home Alone 1 | 6 p.m. | Thornton Park | More

9th Annual Edgewood Santa Fly In | 6 p.m. | Edgewater District | More

Sweet Spine and More in Orlando | 7 p.m. | Winter Park | More

David Dondero w/ special guest Stephen Rock | 8 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | More

Saturday:

🔥 AdVintage Fair & Flea Market | 8 a.m. | 12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando | More

Birds & Brews | 1 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Baldwin Park Winter Wonderland Extravaganza | 4 p.m. | Baldwin Park | More

13th Annual Christmas Light Ride | 7 p.m. | College Park | More

Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour! | 8 p.m. | I-Drive | More

Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast | 7 a.m. | Winter Park | More

Breakfast with Santa | 9 a.m. | I-Drive | More

71st Annual Winter Park "Ye Olde Hometown" Christmas Parade | 9 a.m. | Winter Park | More

Family Day: Mr. Harley | 10 a.m. | Kissimmee | More

History Alive: Domestic Dwellings | 11 a.m. | Downtown | More

Sunday:

🔥 Improv Comedy! Holiday Town USA by The Agreeables | 7 p.m. | Sanford | More

12 Beers of Christmas | 11:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

Great American Big Band: Christmas Show | 6 p.m. | Clermont | More

Wild Florida 5K | 9 a.m. | Baldwin Park | More

Toy Drive Car and Truck Show | 11 a.m. | Kissimmee | More

Letters to Santa featuring: Frozen | 11 a.m. | Winter Park | More

Holiday Market: The Indoor Marketplace | 12 p.m. | D'Space Orlando | More

UCF Knights Mens Basketball vs. Tarleton State Texans Mens Basketball | 1 p.m. | UCF | More

THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal