As Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas draw closer, it is time to launch the holiday season and get into the spirit with some great Orlando holiday attractions. And though the Orlando theme parks are definitely one way to get into the holiday mood, we can’t forget about all the other attractions that this fantastic city has to offer. We especially recommend the Orlando Museum of Art, which transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Festival of Trees celebration from November 15th through November 23rd. Featuring a locally-designed collection of trees, full-scale holiday displays, and gingerbread creations, the Festival of Trees is a fun and spirit-warming holiday exhibition.

At the exhibit, you’ll enjoy various holiday-themed display sections, including specially decorated trees and wreaths in the Deck the Halls area, gingerbread masterpieces by local chefs of well-known hotels and restaurants in the Gingerbread Village, and art by Central Florida artists in the Art on the Wall area. Some of the trees and wreaths have been decorated by art students at The Geneva School in Winter Park, who have created colorful, non-traditional ornaments from plastic water and soda bottles.

This year, the 22nd annual festival’s theme is “Celebrate!” The festival is the largest annual special event fundraiser for the Orlando Museum of Art. Every tree, wreath, and gingerbread house is available for purchase and can be enjoyed in your own home or donated to a charity.

There’s also lots of fun for children with the Toyland Town area, where children can play games, hear stories, decorate a tree, make ornaments to take home, or send an e-mail to Santa. And while the kids are busy, adults can find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts in the Holiday Boutique or enjoy snacks and beverages from Panera Bread at the Festival Cafe.

The nine day festival is also packed with a full schedule of events. One of the highlights includes the Reindeer Romp, an event on November 19th for children with WonderWorks magician Tony Brent and Bonzo the MagiClown balloon artists, as well as Santa, photographs, food, crafts, and more. The Holiday Jazz Stroll on November 21st is also a yearly favorite; it’s an evening party with delicious local cuisine and smooth jazz tunes sponsored by 103.1 FM. Jazz Stroll Friday also includes a day full of entertainment from Pinewood Elementary, UCF, and pianists Barbara Huber and Dr. Jay Hughes. And finally, don’t miss the Finale of the event on November 23rd, which will include appearances by Santa, pianist Dr. Jay Hughes, the Caroling Company, the Orlando Ballet, and more.

The Festival of Trees is a widely anticipated yearly event, so be sure to take a break from the theme parks to enjoy this Orlando gem. Who knows? You may even find the perfect Christmas tree to take back home with you.

Labels: Holidays in Orlando, Orlando Events, Orlando Museum of Art