Celebrate Dogs! – Poodles, mastiffs, Chihuahuas, labs — dog lovers will love this two-day AKC show event devoted to all types of breeds. Bring your dog to go shopping for treats and toys, and learn about training, breeding and show dogs.
When: Dec. 14-15
Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
Web: http://www.celebratedogsorlando.com/
Wine & Chocolate Festival – Indulge in flavor (and bonus: antioxidants!) by attending Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard’s outdoor celebration of award-winning wines, Godiva chocolates, live music and arts & crafts.
When: Dec. 14-15
Where: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard, Clermont
Web: www.lakeridgewinery.com
Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade – Set against the elegant backdrop of Lake Virginia and Lake Osceola, this holiday-themed water parade features a water ski show, lighted boats, face painting for kids and other family activities.
When: Dec. 14
Where: The Polasek Museum, Winter Park
Web: http://www.polasek.org/events-classes/2012-winter-park-boat-parade/
Space Coast Lightfest/Stroll Among the Lights – Open to visitors every night in December, the mile-long Wickham Park is bedazzled in lights and animated displays, including a 200-foot light tunnel. Musicians, food trucks and other vendors line the walk during the annual Stroll Among the Lights event.
When: Dec. 14
Where: Wickham Park, Melbourne
Web: http://www.spacecoastlightfest.com/stroll.html
Ocala Christmas Parade – This 80-year-old parade is a favorite in Marion County, with a new theme chosen every year by way of a children’s essay contest. This year’s “Frosty White Christmas” theme will adorn horse carriages, convertibles, floats and other vehicles in the procession on Silver Springs Boulevard.
Where: Ocala
When: Dec. 14
Web: http://www.ocalamarionchristmasparade.com/
ICE! At Gaylord Palms – With two million pounds of ice sculptures, four ice slides and 54-foot Christmas tree, this dazzling display is a great backdrop for holiday photos, marriage proposals or just a day of chilly fun.
Where: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee
When: All of December
Web: http://www.marriott.com/hotel-info/mcogp-gaylord-palms-resort-and-convention-center/christmas-at-gaylord-palms/csyr9pd/home-page.mi
St. Petersburg Illuminated Boat Parade – A light show and a boat show combine into one, the Illuminated Boat Parade returns for its 27th year in St. Pete, along with live music, children’s activities and food vendors.
When: Dec. 14
Where: Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg
Web: http://www.stpeteboatparade.org/event/
Celebration of Lights – This quirky and fun synchronized light and sound show takes place in a Homosassa Springs wildlife park for six straight nights, plus an “after-party” on the 26th for those who didn’t get enough Christmas.
Where: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa
When: Dec. 19-24 & 26
Web: http://www.crystalriver.com/event/celebration-of-lights-at-ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park/
Aqua Eve – Spend your New Year’s Even with seahorses, sharks and sea turtles as you enjoy a dinner buffet, live music and a champagne toast.
Where: Florida Aquarium, Tampa
When: Dec. 31
Web: http://www.flaquarium.org/event-calendar/aqua-eve.aspx
Wild Wonderland – Lowry Park Zoo decks the halls – or animal habitat displays – with lights and decorations in this special exhibit with real reindeer, a sparkly magic forest, a light show and a 100-foot ice slide.
Where: Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa
When: Dec. 7, 13-15, 17-23 & 26-30
Web: http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/WildWonderland/
Last Night-First Day at the Beach – A very Florida way to kick off the New Year as New Smyrna Beach says farewell to 2013 with a “dine-out” event and fireworks show, followed by a special “Unlock the Ocean” ceremony, 5K Beach Run and a warmer version of the polar bear plunge the next day.
Where: New Smyrna Beach
When: Dec. 31-Jan. 1
Web: http://nsbfla.com/calendar.cfm/mode/details/id/18716/recurringId/75882/last-night-first-day-at-the-beach
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