Kick off the holiday season in Winter Park with Winter on the Avenue

ORLANDO, Fla. — Winter Park’s historic Park Avenue will transform into a festive holiday plaza on Friday, December 6th, for Winter on the Avenue, an evening of fun and celebration to help kick off the season at Central Park that sets the stage for the 67th annual Winter Park Christmas Parade the next morning.

Park Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic in order to transform downtown into a pedestrian plaza, beginning at 2 p.m. while New England Avenue will remain open to thru traffic in preparation for Winter on the Avenue, which begins at 5 p.m. and includes a tree-lighting ceremony, live entertainment, two popcorn flicks under the stars, and – of course – a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Two new features for guests to enjoy this year include Snow in the Park with snow slides and a S’Mores Roasting Station that is hosted by the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department.

Here is a look at the full schedule of Winter on the Avenue events:

∙    5:30 p.m. – Tree-Lighting Ceremony with youth choir performances, followed by the announcement of the winners of the student Holiday Art Competition
∙    6:30–8 p.m. – Santa and Mrs. Claus in Central Park for visits and photos
∙    6:30–8:30 p.m. – Central Florida Community Arts Caroling along Park Avenue
∙    7 p.m. – The Enzian presents "How The Grinch Stole Christmas," followed by "Elf."
∙    7–10 p.m. – Holiday jazz along Park Avenue
∙    4-8 p.m. – Admission is free to the Morse Museum as part of its Holiday Friday Nights series. 4-8, live music.

Then the 67th Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade steps off at 9 am on Saturday, December 7th, and will travel southbound on Park Avenue, from Cole Avenue to Lyman Avenue. More than 80 organizations participate including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus.

Cox Media Group