Christmas Things I'm Most Looking Forward to in Central Florida

Halloween has come and gone, and it is time to start thinking ahead about the Christmas season (hello November!). This will be my second Christmas here in central Florida and there are many things that I am looking forward to doing again this year. While there are many wonderful things that I could name, I have tried to narrow it down to my absolute favorites. Come along with me to hear all about the things that there are to do in Orlando and the surrounding areas.

1. Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed night event at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The classic old Hollywood aesthetic is overtaken by vintage Christmas decorations with lightly falling snoap as you walk through, that's 'soap snow' for those that aren't too familiar with the concept. There are tons of delicious treats, like the Christmas Gertie cookie that resembles the larger-than-life dinosaur with her Santa hat, as well as seasonal treats that can be purchased at the food stands found around the park. The entertainment is some of my favorite at this event. This theme park is home to the Hollywood Tower Hotel, which is home to the absolutely perfect Tower of Terror elevator drop ride set in the 1920s. Outside the hotel lobby, or gift shop if you prefer to call it that, is a jazz band and an amazingly talented female singer that has perfected the transatlantic accent. Dancers are non-dancers alike couldn't help but move their feet as they held their loved ones close.

2. Brunch at Rosalie le French Cafe

Rosalie le French Cafe is also an establishment that I have talked about on more than one occasion. With at least three different layovers throughout the yar, the Christmas spirit is served up in such a way that I can only presume that it is Santa's elves themselves cooking it up in the kitchen. Not to be dramatic, but it looks like Father Christmas himself threw up the decor. Delicious peppermint mochas, fig and nut Danishes, and even gingerbread men are the highlights of this seasonal menu. Rosalie is a very popular breakfast place, and the space just isn't quite big enough the handle the foot traffic. Especially during their seasonal theming, you may find yourself waiting just to get inside the building. Located in Winter Garden, it is a cool 30-40-minute drive from the central tourist hub of the Disney/Universal area. This is a great way to try something exquisitely delicious, while also jumping outside of that tourist bubble and having a little slice of local life.

3. Dinner at Jock Lindsey's

If you've ever had the chance to talk with me, you know how much I love Jock Linsey's. This restaurant is year-round themed as a plane hangar turned restaurant that is owned by, you guessed it, Jock Lindsey. Jock is the pilot from the Indiana Jones franchise, and many of his treasures and nods to Doctor Jones can be seen through his hangar, I mean, restaurant. Jock Lindsey's receives two decorative layovers throughout the year, one for Halloween and one for Christmas. Halloween has been my favorite holiday for arguably my entire life, but there is something about the 1940s music and decorations, along with the themed menu, that certainly has a leg up on their Halloween specials. This is the one time of year where Orlando starts to cool down a bit, where you may actually find yourself reaching for your jacket. Jocks has both indoor and outdoor seating, so if you're brave enough to handle the outdoors, there are heat lamps hanging from the ceiling that will still keep you nice and comfortable. The menu is not only completely overtaken by Christmas dishes, both sweet and savory, but the serving trays and plates have also received a festive feel. Unfortunately, this means that it made it difficult for me to order food that was served in anything other than Santa's sleigh for quite some time.

4. Christmas Lights Around Lake Eola

Lake Eola in downtown Orlando has a wonderful farmers market every Sunday throughout the year, but things are especially beautiful in December. There is a walking path that loops around the lake and come Christmas time, is completely taken over by lights. There are archways covered in lights, words made out of lights, animals made out of lights. Walking around the lake and seeing a baby polar bear made out of Christmas lights? Fantastic. It's not a very long walk around the lake, but if you're there for the market, or any other downtown activity, it is certainly worth checking out.

5. Epcot's Festival of the Holidays

There are very few days throughout the year that Epcot does not have a festival. It almost takes a special skill to go to plan a trip to Disney World when there isn't a festival. While the festival of the arts will always be my favorite festival, the festival of the holidays holds a special place in my heart. You can celebrate Christmas around the countries and take in authentic holiday traditions, all while eating some of the most spectacular food you'll ever eat in your life. If Epcot can do anything, it's make a good meal. The Epcot festivals also bring around one of my favorite activities; the scavenger hunts. You purchase a scavenger hunt map and try to locate Olaf hidden throughout the countries. At the end of your scavenger hunt, bring your completed map back to one of the retail locations and collect your prize! You can also redeem your prize before you start if you're only in it for the reward (lame!). There is also a 'treat hunt' that can be completed within the festival passport. Certain treats from the food booths will earn you a stamp. Collecting all the stamps earns you a completer treat, not for purchase, that can only be gotten after presenting your completed passport.

I'm sad the Halloween season is over (no, seriously, I promise I am), but I am so excited for the lights and the treats and the feelings of warmth and togetherness that can only be brought upon by the Christmas spirit. Have you done any of my holiday favorites? What are you looking forward to this year? I can't wait to hear from you, thank you for being here.