A visit to the Orlando Museum of Art’s 22nd Annual Festival of Trees has become a family tradition for many. The glittering transformation of the museum this year centers on the theme “Celebrate”. The Festival of Trees is presented by the Council of 101 to benefit the Orlando Museum of Art. Over 170 exhibits fill the rooms that include beautiful Christmas trees, gingerbread houses and Christmas wreaths, some of which include a Gator theme! Your decorating imagination will go crazy. Children can enjoy Toyland where they will get to meet Santa in person. They can help decorate a giant craft tree, play games, email Santa, shop for gifts, enjoy storytelling and create a memory for future holidays.

Another family favorite spectacular event in the Orlando area is ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort. The hotel convention area is turned into a winter wonderland. Guests are handed hooded parkas as it’s a blustery 9 degrees Fahrenheit inside. Kids will enjoy the ice slides and other carvings that include the attraction’s signature scene, a life-size Nativity carved completely of crystalclear ice by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China. Now here is a new opportunity for visitors. The Orlando Polar Bear Club will name guests official members of the club to those that are brave enough to go through the exhibit in just their bathing suit! There is a lot going on at this resort during this festive time so check out their website for more information.

If you are visiting the St Augustine area then check out the St. Johns County Festival of Trees.

Now in its fourth year, it showcases between 50 and 75 decorated trees and wreaths throughout the St. Johns County Convention Center, adjacent to the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village.

When touring the display of decorated trees and wreaths, visitors are encouraged to fill out a ballot indicating the number of votes (in minimum $1 bids) they would like to cast for their favorite trees. Additionally, all trees and wreaths in the event are part of a silent auction and available for guests to purchase for their home or business. All proceeds from the event will go directly to two St. Johns County-based charities - the St. Augustine Record’s Empty Stocking Fund and the United Way of St. Johns County. The Festival of Trees is free and open to the public and will begin Friday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. with special opening night activities including a ribbon cutting, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s cookie decorating, performances by local choirs and more. The Festival of Trees will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day, Sunday, Dec. 14.

Orlando Museum of Art 22nd Annual Festival of Trees
Mon, Nov 15-23, Daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm $10 adults, $6 children
General Admission Group Discount (groups of 25 or more)
$2 off adult and $1 off child admission
Reindeer Romp - $12 per ticket
Holiday Jazz Stroll - $35 per ticket
Call 407-896-4231, ext. 254 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

ICE! At Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando
Overnight packages from $199 per night. Admission to ICE $9.99 - $24.99
call (407) 586-4423 or www.gaylordpalms.com/ice

St. Johns County Festival of Trees at World Golf Village
Fri, Dec. 5- Dec. 14, Daily 9 am-9 pm
Sun, Dec 13, til 3 pm (final day)
Call 904-940-4118 or www.wgv.com.