It's the weekend and there's SO MUCH to do around our city! Get out there and enjoy some of these Holiday events!

AND if you want to check out a new local spot... check out our Instagram and the "local love" Highlight to get some ideas on where to shop, drink, and eat!

All Weekend- Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens! a magical holiday experience for everyone. Over a million lights will immerse you into the wonder of the holidays.

Friday- 6p-9p- Join us to welcome the holiday season at our 35th annual Light Up Winter Garden to kick off downtown's 38 days of Tis the Season. The lighting will take place at 6:15 pm at City Hall followed by various activities for all to enjoy. The lighting will be followed by various activities for all to enjoy throughout downtown, including sledding and snow hills at the Main Street Wonderland (on South Main Street) and on South Lakeview Avenue (adjacent to the Downtown Interactive Fountain) -- featuring a sledding snow slide and a snow play area with 22 tons of snow!

Friday- 5p-9pm- Winter on Park Ave- Join us in Central Park along Park Avenue for our festive holiday kickoff celebration -- Winter on the Avenue. This year will feature: * Winter Park Christmas Tree lighting * Chanukah Menorah lighting ceremony * A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus * Strolling Christmas carolers from The Caroling. Co. * Children's Holiday Art Contest Winners * Snow Slides from the City's Parks & Recreation Departmen * S'mores from the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department* Holiday Popcorn Flicks in the Park from the Enzian Theater featuring "Mickey's Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful Life" starting at 7 p.m.

Friday- 7pm- The Nutcracker* Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Bring the entire family for the adventures of young Clara as she explores the fantasy world of the Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger. The enchantment of Orlando Ballet’s annual favorite makes The Nutcracker a not-to-be-missed holiday tradition.

Saturday 3-9pm- Avalon Aglow - This free community event is open to the public and will begin at 3 PM with East Orlando’s premier Holiday Parade. I will conclude with a Firework Show over Avalon Lake at 9 PM. The day will feature community performances, pictures with Santa, a bounce park, a real snow slide, vendors, train rides & more!

Saturday- 5p-9pm- Light up Cranes Roost Park- lighting up Cranes Roost Park with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and garland.

Sondra Rae