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Orlando Events and Festivals Attract Fall & Winter Travelers
ORLANDO, Fla. – Fall and winter
travelers flock to Orlando to enjoy the perfect temperatures and exciting
lineup of events and festivals. The following list highlights some of the
best of what Central Florida has to offer this fall and winter.* Information
about additional events is available on Orlando's online calendar at
orlandoinfo.com.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Sept. 5 – Oct. 31
Each fall, guests are
invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat through the Magic Kingdom
from 7 p.m. to midnight (after regular park closing).
Epcot International
Food & Wine Festival Sept. 26 – Nov. 9
From the seasoned
connoisseur to the knowledge-seeking amateur, this popular event attracts
a diverse audience to sip, sample and savor treasures from some of the
world’s most famous wineries and celebrated chefs. Guests can boost their
wine IQ at any of the hundreds of wine and beer seminars and polish their
culinary skills at the numerous demonstrations and tastings. Admission:
Included in regular park admission. Adults $75, Children ages 3-9 $63,
Children ages 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Halloween Horror
Nights at Universal Orlando Sept. 26-27, Oct. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19,
22-26, 29-31, Nov. 1
In its 18th year, the
event is considered one of the world’s largest, most elaborate Halloween
celebrations. Universal enlists a “scream team” of designers to research
the human psyche and its deepest fears so that Halloween Horror Nights’
guests can confront their most terrifying nightmares. Admission: $69.99
halloweenhorrornights.com 407-363-8000
Howl-O-Scream
Sept. 26-27, Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-21, Nov. 1
For 17 select nights,
Howl-O-Scream transforms Busch Gardens Africa into a nightmare of
inescapable fear that will overwhelm the senses with a new spin of horror.
The devious creatures that infest six haunted houses, five scare zones and
three thrilling shows have plenty of psychotic surprises in store and
bone-chilling roller coasters to keep the screams coming all night long.
Admission: $64.95.
buschgardens.com 813-987-5280
OCTOBER
35th Annual Winter
Park Autumn Art Festival Oct. 11-12
A juried art show with a
30-year tradition. More than 40,000 people attend this free event held in
Central Park that features work by outstanding Florida artists. The event
features live entertainment and food provided by local restaurants.
Children’s art workshops are also offered. Admission: Free.
wpsaf.org 407-644-8281
Biketoberfest
Oct. 16-19
Biketoberfest in Daytona
Beach is a rousing, fun-filled weekend that attracts more than 125,000
motorcycle enthusiasts from near and far. Activities include rides,
concerts, food and much more. Admission: Free.
biketoberfest.org 386-255-0415
2008 AST Dew Tour
Oct. 16-19
The AST Dew Tour is the
season-long professional multi-sport tour featuring top professional
athletes competing in skateboarding, BMX and freestyle motocross. The
season culminates in Orlando with the PlayStationPro® at the Amway Arena.
Concerts, new product demonstrations and prize giveaways round out the
event. Admission: Adults $15, Children ages 12 and under $7.50.
astdewtour.com 407-849-2020
Oktoberfest at Silver
Springs Oct. 17-19, 24-26
This three-weekend event
features live Bavarian and polka music, dancing, authentic German food and
a wide selection of imported and domestic beers. Menu items will include a
choice of bratwurst, knackwurst, sliced roast pork or foot-long hot dogs,
plus sauerkraut, German potato salad and red cabbage. Admission: Included
in regular park admission. Adults $33.99, Children ages 3-10 $24.99,
Children ages 2 and under free. silversprings.com
352-236-2121
Zoo Boo Bash
Oct. 18-19, 25-26
Trick-or-treat in the
wildest neighborhood in town at the Central Florida Zoo. This event is a
fun and not-too-scary event for young and old alike. Children can wear
costumes for trick-or-treat stations and face painting. Visitors can take
a haunted hayride, visit the pumpkin patch for a fun photo and learn about
the myths and realities of some misunderstood animals. Admission: Included
in regular park admission. Adults $10.95, Children ages 3-12 $6.95,
Children ages 2 and under free.
centralfloridazoo.org 407-323-4450
SeaWorld’s Halloween
Spooktacular Oct. 19-20, 26-27
SeaWorld’s Halloween
Spooktacular is a swashbuckling good time for kids of all ages. Friendly
pirates haunt the park as little goblins trick-or-treat for troves of
treasures, participate in ghostly activities and enjoy Halloween-themed
entertainment. Admission: Included in daily park admission. Adults
$69.95, Children ages 3-9 $59.95, Children ages 2 and under free.
SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259
Mount Dora Craft Fair Oct. 25-26
This nationally ranked,
juried event continues to attract more than 250,000 visitors and more than
350 of the best crafters in the country. Admission: Free.
mountdora.com/festivals.php 352-735-1191
Orlando Calle Orange Festival Latino Oct. 26
Central Florida’s
largest Hispanic festival brings together people of many nationalities,
religions and backgrounds to enjoy food, music and dancing in the streets
of downtown Orlando. The 10th annual festival began as a primarily Puerto
Rican gathering but now encompasses a myriad of Latin cultures – from
Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Admission:
Adults $15, Children ages 12 and under free.
rmpromotions.net/quepasa.html 407-381-5310
NOVEMBER
Fall Fiesta in the
Park Nov. 1-2
This two-day event held
at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando features more than 600 juried
artisans in all media, including ceramics, glassware, jewelry,
photography, wood and clothing to name a few. In addition to a fabulous
lineup of art and live entertainment, the fiesta offers an array of tasty
fare. Admission: Free.
cityoforlando.net 407-649-3152
22nd Annual Lake
Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts Nov. 1-2
This popular outdoor
event features live entertainment, fine food and outstanding art
exhibits. It is designed to inspire an appreciation for quality art forms
as well as to award scholarships to local students desiring higher
education. The festival is situated in lovely Colonial Town Park, just a
short drive from downtown Orlando. Admission: Free.
lakemaryheathrowarts.com 407-444-0484
7th Annual Winter
Park Concours d’Elegance Nov. 2
More than 200 exotic and
rare automobiles representing numerous international marques are on
display on elegant Park Avenue. Guests won’t want to miss the Tour
d’Elegance, an exotic car parade. Automobiles will compete for class
awards and 10 major awards including “Best in Show.” Admission: Free.
winterparkconcours.com 352-383-1181
Children’s Miracle
Network Classic Nov. 6-9
Formerly the Disney Golf
Classic, this newly renamed tournament brings together nearly 150 top PGA
Tour players in a quest for a multi-million dollar purse. The 72-hole
event is played on Disney's Magnolia and Palm courses. Admission: $20
general admission, $30 weekly badge.
disneyworldsports.com 407-824-4321
Jack Hanna Weekend at
SeaWorld Orlando Nov. 7-8
Jack Hanna, renowned
animal expert and host of TV's “Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures," showcases
some of his furry and feathered animal friends from all parts of the
world. Hanna introduces unique and exotic animals, shares amazing animal
stories and shows hilarious bloopers. Admission: Included in regular park
admission. Adults $69.95, Children ages 3-9 $59.95, Children ages 2 and
under free.
SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259
10th Annual Folk Art
Festival Nov. 7-9
The House of Blues at
Downtown Disney West Side really rocks as it showcases a wide variety of
local and regional folk artists and their works. Guests can enjoy live
music, hands-on kids activities, guided tours of the House of Blues folk
art collection and Southern-inspired cuisine. Admission: Free. hob.com/orlando
407-934-2583
33rd Annual Festival
of the Masters Nov. 7-9
Held at Downtown Disney
West Side, the event is a nationally recognized art show that year after
year ranks among the top 50 outdoor art festivals in the world. More than
200 award-winning artists display their diverse creations for all to see.
Live entertainment, hands-on children’s activities, pin trading and chalk
art displays are also on tap at the three-day event. Admission: Free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Park Avenue Fashion
Week Nov. 8-13
Park Avenue's Second
Annual Fashion Week will kick-off on Nov. 8 with a luxurious evening of
runway shows and a swanky VIP Lounge on Lyman Avenue in front of the
Winter Park Welcome Center. Stores will host trunk shows and welcome the
designers for meet-and-greets throughout the week. Admission for Fashion
Show: $45 general admission, $100 VIP and $200 Exclusive Platinum VIP.
parkavenuefashionweek.com; 843-478-0396
Mickey’s Very Merry
Christmas Party Nov. 10 - Dec. 19
The Magic Kingdom plays
host to this series of nighttime holiday fun events for the little ones
including holiday shows, fireworks and magic treats with Minnie and
Mickey. Admission: Adults $55.95, Children ages 3-9 $49.95, Children ages
2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Native American
Festival at Silver Springs Nov. 13-16
Members of tribes from
North and South America will perform ancient ceremonial dances in
traditional regalia, tell century-old stories and demonstrate their
ancient arts and crafts. Other activities include a Seminole hunting
camp, geo dig, art contest, displays of Native American artifacts and war
paddles and more. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults
$33.99, Children ages 3-10 $24.99. Children ages 2 and under free. silversprings.com
352-236-2121
Festival of Trees at
Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 14-23
For nine magical days,
the Orlando Museum of Art is transformed into a glittering holiday
wonderland where trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses ignite holiday
spirit. The Winter Bark Village also allows dogs to enjoy a special
pet-friendly village. Admission: Adults $10, Children $8. councilof101.net
407-896-4231, ext. 254
ABC Super Soap
Weekend Nov. 15-16
A bevy of stars from the
most celebrated daytime soap operas visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios for
the world’s biggest soap fan event. Parades, autographs and photo
opportunities allow guests to get up-close-and-personal with their
favorite characters. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults
$75, Children ages 3-9 $63, Children 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Fall Jazz Stroll
Nov. 15
With a full moon as a
backdrop, guests enjoy a leisurely evening of live jazz music in a
beautiful garden setting at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. Visitors can
bring their own dinner picnic basket or purchase beverages and pastries
on-site. Lawn seating only. Admission: $17, $13 for members of the
gardens.
leugardens.org 407-246-2620
The Chocolate
Nutcracker Nov. 21-23
A modern spin will be
incorporated in the production as a variety of dance genres—including
ballet, tap, modern, swing, jazz, African, American pop and hip hop—are
highlighted in the performance. Admission: $47 VIP, $37 Orchestra, $27
Balcony.
orlandochocolatenutcracker.com 407-522-9230
Christmas at SeaWorld
Orlando Nov. 24 – Jan. 1
Create yuletide memories
and celebrate the season during “Christmas at SeaWorld.” This holiday
event features festive decorations, snowfalls at The Waterfront and live
holiday music from classical musicians and carolers. Admission: Included
in daily admission. Adult $69.95, Children ages 3-9 $59.95, Children ages
2 and under free. SeaWorld.com
407-363-225
Leu’s Holiday House
Nov. 27 - Jan. 1
The beautifully restored
late 19th century Leu House Museum is decked out for the holidays by some
of Orlando’s best interior designers. Guests can stroll along the garden’s
meandering paths shaded by ancient oaks, forests of camellias and giant
camphor trees. Admission: Adults $7, Children K-12th grades $2.
leugardens.org 407-246-2620
The Osborne Family
Spectacle of Dancing Lights Nov. 28 – Jan. 4
This dazzling holiday
extravaganza electrifies Disney’s Hollywood Studios with millions of
sparkling lights. With Jennings Osborne’s lights and a little Disney
magic, the big city comes alive in glowing color as snow falls overhead.
Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $75, Children ages
3-9 $63, Children ages 2 and under free. disneyworld.com
407-824-4321
16th Annual Festival
of Lights at Silver Springs Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6,
12-23, 26-30
Silver Springs’ biggest
special event of the year, the Festival of Lights, will feature more than
1 million twinkling lights and dozens of neon displays throughout the park
from dusk until 8:30 p.m. Nightly activities will include local choirs
singing songs of the season, strolling carolers and musicians, a lighted
boat parade, shopping in Silver Springs’ specialty stores, special stage
shows on Fridays and Saturdays, plus visits from Santa Claus (through
December 24). Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults
$33.99, Children ages 3-10 $24.99. Children ages 2 and under free.
silversprings.com 352-236-2121
Holidays Around the
World Nov. 28 – Dec. 30
This Epcot tradition
features storytellers, a daily character tree-lighting ceremony and a
stunning display of snow-white lights. The moving Candlelight
Processional, a favorite of all ages, includes celebrity guest narrators,
accompanied by a massed choir and orchestra for a retelling of the
Christmas story. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults
$75, Children ages 3-9 $63, Children ages 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
DECEMBER
2008 Del Webb
Father/Son Challenge Dec. 4-7
A golf tournament to
benefit Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women, the event features an
impressive list of golf stars paired with their sons and provides a forum
to determine the best father/son team in golf. Held at ChampionsGate Golf
Club, the nationally televised tournament is a family affair and is sure
to entertain golf enthusiasts of all ages. Admission: TBD
delwebbfatherson.com 407-787-4653
The OUC Half Marathon
and 5K Dec. 6
One of the Southeast’s
top road race events, the OUC Half Marathon and 5K winds through scenic
downtown Orlando and around beautiful Lake Eola alongside live local
entertainment. Participants join more than 3,000 runners for this
charitable Orlando tradition and enjoy sunny Florida skies, moderate
temperatures and the Finish Line Fiesta for post-race festivities.
Admission: $30 for 5K, $50 for Half Marathon.
OUChalfmarathonand5k.com 407-423-2476
Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Dec. 7 –
Jan. 1
The world’s most famous
parade has become a holiday experience for park guests at Universal
Studios, featuring some of the most popular balloons and floats from the
famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The excitement
and pageantry of the parade, complete with a festive tree lighting
ceremony by Santa Claus himself, is exhibited each day of the holiday
season through the New Year. Admission: Included in regular park
admission. Adults $75, Children ages 3-9 $63, Children ages 2 and under
free.
universalorlando.com 407-363-8000
Grinchmas at
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Dec. 7 – Jan. 1
This annual holiday
celebration is based on the beloved Dr. Seuss tale and Universal Pictures’
and Imagine Entertainment’s Academy Award-winning blockbuster hit, “Dr.
Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Seuss Landing at Islands of
Adventure is transformed into a bah-humbug haven by the Grinch. The entire
Seussian-themed island is colorfully decorated for the season and guests
are invited to meet the Grinch in his lair, which is outfitted with
authentic movie props and gadgets. Grinch fans enjoy a live, musical
stage show that re-tells the world-famous story of the grumpy Grinch.
Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adult $75, Children ages
3-9 $63, Children ages 2 and under free.
universalorlando.com 407-363-8000
Pop Warner Super Bowl
Dec. 7-13
Now in its 79th year of
providing an organizational structure for youth football, Pop Warner
Little Scholars, Inc. brings its Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer
& Dance Championships to Walt Disney World Resort. Sixty-four teams from
across the country compete in four age groups from 8 to 14 on the fields
of the 220-acre (80-hectare) Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.
Admission: TBD.
popwarnersuperbowl.com 407-824-4321
Orlando Christmas
Parade Dec. 14
Thousands of spectators
start their holiday season each year in the historic district of downtown
Orlando to the sounds of prancing ponies, motors rumbling and southern
breezes teasing the tinsels shimmering from the festive floats. Admission:
Free.
orlandochristmasparade.com 407-898-3130
Bowl-a-Palooza Dec.
26-31
All eyes will be on
Orlando during the last week of December as Florida Citrus Sports presents
its annual bowl week festival. Incorporating the Champs Sports Bowl and
the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day, this week will feature more than
100,000 fans flocking to Central Florida for football, festivities and
fun. In addition to outstanding action on the field, the festival includes
the Orlando Citrus Parade, a concert in Lake Eola Park and more than 20
events in seven days. bowlapalooza.com
407-423-2476
Champs Sports Bowl
Dec. 27
The Champs Sports Bowl,
featuring teams from the ACC & Big Ten conferences, has existed in name
since 2004, but the game's history extends for more than 15 years.
Attendance to the game has increased steadily every year since, hitting
40,168 last year. It is played in the Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando.
Admission: $60.
fcsports.com 407-423-2476
Spherion Orlando
Citrus Parade presented by Delta Airlines
Dec. 30
The Orlando Citrus
Parade, held in downtown Orlando, features signature citrus floats made
from more than 100,000 grapefruit, oranges and tangerines. There are more
than 50 entries, including marching bands from across the country. The
parade attracts more than 60,000 spectators and an international audience
of millions through its television syndication in the United States and
Canada in 150 markets. Admission: $25 general admission, $50 VIP
admission, curb seating free. fcsports.com
407-423-2476
New Year’s Eve at
SeaWorld Orlando Dec. 31
SeaWorld Orlando is
throwing a big New Year’s Eve party complete with live music and
fireworks. Dance to the beat of a live DJ as the countdown to 2009 begins
at The Waterfront, where guests can also enjoy shopping, dining and
entertainment venues. At the stroke of midnight, witness the Orlando sky
radiate during a brilliant fireworks show that will light up the night.
Admission: Included in daily admission. Adults $69.95, Children ages 3-9
$59.95, Children ages 2 and under free.
SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259
New Year’s Eve 2008
at Universal CityWalk Dec. 31
CityWalk, a 30-acre
entertainment complex with themed restaurants, nightclubs and shops, will
host one of Orlando’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties. The evening will
feature live performances by national acts, an expansive gourmet buffet, a
champagne toast and live entertainment at its nightclubs, including the
groove, an electrifying dance club, CityWalk’s Rising Star, featuring
karaoke with a live band, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and others.
Admission: TBD.
universalorlando.com 407-363-8000
New Year’s Eve at the
Walt Disney World Resort Dec. 31
The parks come alive to
say farewell to 2008. Epcot celebrates the New Year "around the world"
with DJs and evening dance parties located throughout World Showcase and
lasting late into the evening, as well as a special presentation of the
"Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" lights, lasers and fireworks
display. Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates New Year's Eve not only
with multiple presentations of "Fantasmic!" a spectacular of Disney movies
and music, but also with a special "Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!"
fireworks spectacular, as well as a DJ dance party around the Sorcerer Hat
Stage. Magic Kingdom features special presentations of the "SpectroMagic"
parade and multiple nighttime fireworks displays. "Holiday Wishes" lights
up the sky early in the evening and guests who make it to midnight can see
"Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks, which begins just before the New Year
kicks off. Admission: Theme park events are included in regular park
admission. Adults $75, Children ages 3-9 $63, Children ages 2 and under
free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Grande Masque
Dec. 31
Orlando rings in the New
Year in the midst of a winter fantasy at the Grande Masque, a black-tie
masked ball held at the Gaylord Palms Resort to support Orlando’s arts
community. Grande Masque offers gourmet dining; performances by the
Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra; and a
silent and live auction offering unique prizes. Admission: $400-500 per
person or $4,000-5,000 for a table of 10.
grandemasque.org
407-426-1700
*Details related to
festivals and special events are subject to change.
For more information
about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation
planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Vacation Guide and
Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard™ or to purchase discount attraction
tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official Web site at
orlandoinfo.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181
(United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. While in Orlando, visitors
may stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International
Drive, at the southeast corner of International Drive and Austrian Row.
The Official Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
(closes at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and is closed Dec.
25).
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