Date: 11/14/18
By Melody Larson
This is a list of my favorite annual holiday events, prices and website links
Light Up UCF at CFE Arena November 16, 2018-January 1, 2019. This event features ice skating, light show, film festival, Santa photos, kiddie train, ice slide and carriage rides. The prices are free parking. The Holiday Film Festival, Light Show, Light Up Lane and parking are all free to Light Up UCF guests. The Ferris wheel is $4.25 each. Ice skating is $12each. Photos with Santa are $15-48. There are combo and season pass tickets available. There are discounted pricing for UCF students and military.

Winter Fest & Snow Mountain in Oviedo on December 8, 2018. The City of Oviedo is doing 12 days of Christmas events. The Winter Fest & Snow Mountain event features snow for the kids to play in, slides, bounce houses and a gigantic snow globe you can get inside. The parking is free and $20 pre-sale and $25 day of event. Tips:Dress your child in pants and closed toe shoes if playing in the snow and bring winter hats and gloves. My son complained “my hands are cold” on the year I forgot to bring gloves .


Image credit: Oviedo Photo Club
Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village at Waterford Lakes from December 7, 2018-Jan 8, 2019. This event features a winter carnival, character photos,Santa photos and entertainment. The prices are free parking and free admission. It is $3+ per ride or $25 daily unlimited ride wristband. Hours: open only on the weekends from Dec 7th-Jan 6th. Open every day from Dec 22-Jan 6th.

Image credit: Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center ICE! From November 16, 2018 –January 6, 2019. This is the most expensive out of the events listed here but it’s a fun annual event.This year’s theme is A Christmas Story. You spend 30 minutes-1 hour in an ice sculpture exhibit kept at 9 degrees. Long pants and closed toe shoes are required. A winter parka is provided to everyone entering the exhibit. You must bring your own hat, gloves and scarves. The ice slides for adults and kids inside the exhibit are included. You can buy hot chocolate after the exhibit or purchase other holiday activities there. The parking is $22 and admission if purchased online is $29 each adults and $15 child. There are Florida resident promo codes and other codes on their website.
