Christmas Fun

There is a small neighborhood on the outskirts of Winter Park. It's right near the corner of Howell Branch and Tangerine/Dike Road. You can see the tall, lit up spire from Howell Branch when you get close to it. That one house in the corner of that small neighborhood goes all out (bring change or some bills for their wishing well to help offset the cost of their electric bill). The whole neighborhood gets into it and it's a nice walk around their little neighborhood, especially the closer you get to Christmas-- some houses will hand out candy canes. Last year there was a house where they took your photo with Santa and emailed it to you.

There is a small neighborhood just off of Lakemont in between Aloma and Howell Branch (much closer to Aloma). It's on the opposite side of the street from the YMCA. They all REALLY get into it. I just learned of it last year and really enjoyed it, but I guess they have been doing it for a while.

Take a tour of the Disney hotels. They are all beautifully decorated and many have gingerbread houses and chocotate creations on display. You could spend an afternoon walking around Disney's Boardwalk (or take the free boat ride) and stop for an ice cream cone or hot chocolate at the ice cream shop. Parking is free; just tell the guard you are going in for ice cream. The hotels around the boardwalk include the Boardwalk Hotel, The Beach and Yacht Club and the Swan & Dolphin. But don't miss the Grand Floridian which is on the monorail line. Then ride the monorail around the lagoon and check out the Polynesian Hotel and the Contemporary. The Fort Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are also beautiful and great for kids. Your kids will love the animal viewing at the Animal Kingdon Lodge. Downtown Disney has Santa and lots of fun shops, plus you can take the boat ride from one end (by the Rainforest Cafe) to the other (by House of Blues). Another fun hotel is the Gaylord Palms. You can spend a day inside just exploring and they often have singing performances during the holidays. There baby alligators in the atrium. You may have to pay to park at that hotel.