subject: Celebrate The Holiday Season With Central Florida Attractions [print this page] When looking to take a Central Florida vacation this holiday season, remember that you're not limited to visiting just the theme parks. Winter break means long lines and huge crowds at the Disney parks and Universal Studios -- it's better to visit these parks in the off-season. Instead, consider one of the many seasonally appropriate events going on all across the region. With so many holiday things to do, the area offers something for everyone.
Holiday Shows
Visitors to the area during the holidays have the opportunity to attend a variety of theater productions. Lakeland Community Theater is putting on The Sanders Family Christmas by members of the surrounding Lakeland community. The show features the family from the hit musical Smoke on the Mountain on Christmas Eve, 1941. With more than two dozen Christmas carols and a hilarious script, everyone -- especially those familiar with the characters -- will be greatly entertained.
Another highlight of a Central Florida vacation during the holidays, The Lakeland Center is putting on Jingle Bell Rock, a fun-filled, energetic show. This production features a live band, talented singers, and Santa Claus! Classic songs like "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" will put everyone in the family in a cheerful, merry mood for the holidays.
If you're looking for more of a classic to see on your Central Florida vacation during the holidays, you can't miss the Great Russian Nutcracker put on performed by the Moscow Ballet. For one afternoon only, be enamored by the exquisite dancing and spectacular costumes and sets that leave critics raving. The production has been called "flawless," "breathtaking," and "dazzling," and stars a gold medalist ballerina from a prestigious international ballet competition. With such beautiful dancers and a classic holiday story, this is one of the Central Florida attractions you can't afford to miss. shows you will want to see.
Holiday Tours, Villages, and More
There are many more Central Florida attractions to attend during the holidays. The Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour lets you see the Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales transformed into a glittering, beautiful holiday paradise. The 20-room, Mediterranean-style mansion from the 1930s will leave you breathless. If mansions aren't your style, bring a can of food and a new toy and tour Flywheelers Village in Ft. Meade. At the 19th century village decorated for the holidays, you can ride a tram, see the Christmas lights, and tell Santa what's on your list.
One of the other can't-miss Central Florida attractions during the holidays is the public ice skating at The Lakeland Center. The rink will be open for about two weeks during the holiday break, allowing you plenty of time to skate your holiday stress away.
For the chefs and food aficionados planning a Central Florida vacation for after the holidays, Anthony Bourdain is coming to the Lakeland Center in early January. The chef, author of the bestselling Kitchen Confidential, and host of the Travel Channel's No Reservations will entertain audiences with his comedic stories about life as a chef and his experiences as the "bad boy of cuisine."
With so many holiday-themed things to do, the area offers so much more than the traditional theme parks. If you're planning a Central Florida vacation, consider these ideas for holiday fun the whole family can enjoy!
