After the Blizzard of 2009, I’m sure more people than ever are considering traveling to Florida for Christmas. I prefer Hawaii myself, but I digress.
Sunny Florida is a hotspot for snowbirds looking to escape Old Man Winter’s blast. However, some shy away from flying south because they don’t think the sand and surf make for a traditional Christmas backdrop. Little do they know that Florida is filled with festive displays and attractions this time of year, including:
ORLANDO
The House of Mouse goes all out for the holidays. If you are planning to travel to Orlando this month, don’t miss Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World. The event requires purchasing a separate ticket in addition to regular admission at Magic Kingdom. However, you won’t regret spending the extra dough. This year the party includes a new stage show, “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas!” Plus, now through the New Year, Cinderella’s Castle is adorned with 200,000 sparkling crystals as part of the Castle Dreamlights holiday display. Also on tap this month is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which is a gigantic animated light display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Meanwhile, bakers have been busy at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. That’s where a 16-foot-high gingerbread house is on display in the resort’s lobby. At Epcot, you and your kids can learn about international Christmas traditions at the “Holidays Around the World” attraction. Finally, you don’t want to miss the moving Candlelight Processional, which includes a choir, live orchestra and the retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators like Whoopi Goldberg and Abigail Breslin.
Also in Orlando this month, those massive balloons and floats that graced the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City are now being used during a daily Christmas parade at Universal Studios, through January 1, 2010. In addition, Universal is hosting a holiday concert series with big name acts, including Chris Isaak and Natalie Cole. And if you have Grinch lovers in your family, then you must check out Universal’s Islands of Adventure where Seuss Landing has turned into Grinchmas, with live performances of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” The merriment continues through January 1st.
DELRAY BEACH
In Delray Beach, you can snap your family’s annual holiday photo in front of a 100-foot-tall artificial tree, lit with 15,000 lights. It is the holiday centerpiece at Old School Square this year.
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