Central Florida's winter wonderland Light Up UCF returns for its 12th annual season

ORLANDO, Fla. — Get swept up in holiday cheer at Addition Financial Arena (formerly CFE Arena) and the University of Central Florida with the annual holiday festival, Light Up UCF.

Produced by UCF Convocation Corporation and Spectra, managers of Addition Financial Arena, Light Up UCF will open Friday, November 22 and run through Sunday, January 5. This year's festival offers 45 nights of ice skating, a world-class choreographed light show with NEW music, free holiday movies, live entertainment, rides like the Ferris Wheel and Light Up Express kids train, and NEW this year, a Carousel!

Light Up UCF offers complimentary fun for all ages. Our Holiday Light Show (powered by Duke Energy) features more than 200,000 pulsing, strobing lights throughout the night in perfect synchronization to holiday songs under snowfall. On select nights, the Holiday Film Festival (presented by AdventHealth for Children) encourages families to gather together and view their favorite holiday films on a 2-story movie screen, including titles like "Polar Express", "The Santa Clause", "Elf", "Home Alone", and more. Also on select nights, Santa will visit the Barnes & Noble next to Addition Financial Arena to hear all your Christmas wishes. Check www.LightUpUCF.com for times and dates.

The Light Up UCF Ice Rink, an ultimate fan favorite, returns yet again as a centerpiece for the festivities. The ice rink invites guests to glide along to their favorite Top 40 hits and holiday tunes, played by a live DJ.

There's no shortage of fun-filled attractions for guests of all ages at Light Up UCF. The Ferris Wheel offers a sky-high panoramic view of UCF's beautiful campus – with sights as far as Downtown Orlando. The family-oriented atmosphere also boasts the Light Up Express Train, taking little passengers for an excitingly merry train ride; the Artic Glide Ice Slide (sponsored by E-Pass) where lovers of thrill can slide across 100 feet of ice; and the Winter Whirl, taking guests on an adrenaline filled swing. Inspired by nostalgic childhood memories, the debut of our newest attraction, the Carousel, will be sure to take you on a spin of delight. The festivities continue on the AdventHealth Community Stage, where local talent is invited to showcase their skills.

Keep the holiday cheer going on Friday, December 6, when Light Up UCF welcomes back its Holiday Market 'Under The Stars'! Guests are encouraged to take a stroll through the market where they can marvel at the crafts of talented local artisans, all while finalizing their holiday gift shopping. Visit www.LightUpUCF.com for more information on merchants that will be at this year's event. Vendors can apply for booth space at www.ucfholidaymarket.com.

Tickets for ice skating and rides can be purchased at the Addition Financial Arena Box Office. Select tickets are also available for purchase by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. More information for all Light Up UCF events can be found at www.LightUpUCF.com.

Cox Media Group