The holidays seem to come and go so quickly. For most of us, it is the busiest time of the year. With so many great events going on, it is easy to lose track and miss out.
We’ve put together a list of the top 5 events in our area that you won’t want to miss. You may find your next holiday tradition.
Nov. 18-Jan. 31: Nights of Lights Festival and Celebration, St. Augustine. This inspiring display of more than two million tiny white lights adorning the palm trees and buildings throughout the city’s historic district is based on a custom by the town’s original Spanish colonists, who placed a white candle in their windows to brighten the nights during the Christmas holidays. Special events include tours of ancient buildings and inns led by storytellers in period clothing, rollicking train and trolley tours through the narrow brick streets, art walks and more. 800-653-2489. floridashistoriccoast.com
Nov. 21-Jan. 7: ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando. With more than two million pounds of carved ice, ICE! is back. Kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll see hand-carved ice sculptures, ice slides, live ice carving and a celebration of holidays from various cultures. Check website for prices. Gaylord Palms, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway. 407-586-4423. ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com
Dec. 1: Downtown DeLand Merchant Holiday Open House, DeLand. Downtown DeLand restaurants and shops will offer holiday discounts and discounts. Santa will be available for pictures in Pioneer Park and carolers will be singing holiday tunes along Woodland Boulevard. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. mainstreetdeland.org
Dec. 2: Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Daytona Beach. Starts at the Seabreeze Bridge at 6 p.m. and travels south past Main Street, International Speedway Boulevard, past City Island Park and Silver Beach Bridge before passing by judging grandstands at Halifax River Yacht Club. Several viewing locations are along the Halifax River, but the north side of the yacht club channel, the fishing pier on the channel leading to Halifax River Marina, and dockside of the Chart House Restaurant at the entrance to the Daytona Marina and Boat Works are the best. Free. daytonabeach.com
Dec. 2: 69th Annual Downtown DeLand Christmas Parade, DeLand. Bringing Christmas to Deland Since 1948, the parade draws as many as 20,000 people annually. 5:30 p.m. Free. Runs along Woodland Boulevard North to South. delandchristmasparade.org
Dec. 21-24: The Nutcracker, Orlando. The Orlando Ballet rings in the holiday season with visions of sugarplum fairies, the Mouse King and more during its annual presentation of The Nutcracker. Hosted at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, The Nutcracker is a favorite among ballet patrons and newcomers alike. Show times vary. Tickets start at $19. 445 S Magnolia Avenue. 844-513-2014. orlandoballet.org