Florida Culture for the ‘Holidaze – and Beyond’ By Josh Garrick 

Orlando Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Final Performance -- December 24 
The Orlando Ballet’s journey to a fantasy world promises the kind of performance that makes little girls wish to become ballerinas. The on-stage Christmas party shows how a magical gift helps Clara grow in courage, poise, and perhaps – ‘first love.’ As this is most people’s introduction to ballet, the music, dancing, and elaborate costumes often come together to spark a lifelong love of ballet. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

CHRISTMAS EVE at the Morse Museum 
TODAY - Dec 24 from 1 pm to 4 pm 
In celebration of the Holidays, the Morse Museum in Winter Park offers FREE admission for “Christmas Eve at the Morse.” The event is a FREE Open House from 1 pm to 4 pm with live music by the Raintree Chamber Players. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org  

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of a One-Man “A Christmas Carol” 
Final Performance -- Dec 24 at 2 pm
David McElroy is celebrating his 20th year of performing a ONE-MAN “A Christmas Carol.” Not only is this a performance record, but McElroy is a theatrical tour-de-force taking on 37 different characters with little more than a change of vocal inflection to define a character. This actor’s ‘marathon’ works for adults and children and dazzles in the process. Presented at Blue Bamboo Center in Winter Park, call 407.636.9951 or visit bluebambooartcenter.com 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s NEW “School of Rock” -- The Musical
December 26 to 31 
Decades after Andrew Lloyd Webber’s elegantly romantic “Phantom of the Opera,” his NEW musical is based on the scruffy hit movie – “School of Rock.” Like the movie, this very laugh-out-loud musical follows a ‘wannabe’ rock star (posing as a substitute teacher) who turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band. With 14 new songs from Lloyd Webber, ALL the songs from the movie; and a real ‘Kids Rock Band’ playing their instruments LIVE on-stage at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Michael Carbonaro LIVE! Comedy/Magic
Dec 28 at 8 pm 
Michael Carbonaro has performed over five hundred comically perplexing and improbable feats of magic on his TV series, “The Carbonaro Effect on truTV.” On December 28 you can feel the effect of Michael Carbonaro – Live! Packed with audience interaction, video clips, and a stage full of mind-blowing magic performed LIVE, see for yourself why Carbonaro was named “Magician of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts. Call 407.445.ROCK or visit hardrock.com 

… and Continuing 

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever -- The Musical’ 
NOW to Dec 30 
At the Orlando Rep, where they understand musicals-with-a-message, we are told to “Beware the Herdmans”– a family of kids who lie, steal, swear, fight, and light things on fire. As the delinquents demand parts in the Christmas pageant, there is no chance for a silent night, but sometimes a little joyful noise can be just the ticket. Call 407.896.7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com. 

“Now Snowing” at the Celebration Town Center 
NOW to Dec 31 
There IS Snowfall in Florida – EVERY night through Dec 31, (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Snow falls nightly at 6, 7, 8 and 9 pm at the Celebration Town Center as the “Dickens Carolers” perform. Highlights include photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, Ice Skating, and the ‘Celebration Express Train.’ Parking and admission is FREE. Visit celebrationtowncenter.com 

“Shamu Christmas Miracles”
NOW to Dec 31 
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is “where holiday memories are made.” As “Shamu’s Christmas Miracles” sends killer whales soaring into the air, Holiday music rings out, and a story of friendship is told. Even the hardest heart, inspired by Shamu’s family, is enhanced during this Holiday Season. Visit seaworld.com/Orlando/events 

“Gingerbread Lane” at the Orlando Science Center 
NOW to Jan 7 
At the new “Gingerbread Lane” at the Orlando Science Center, families gaze in wonder at dozens of ‘gingerbread structures’ created entirely from edible (cookie) materials. The creator of “Gingerbread Lane” is New York chef Jon Lovitch, who spends his entire year baking and decorating to bring this wintry wonderland to life. Call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org 

Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens 
NOW to Jan 7 
The Holiday Season is a special time to visit the natural beauty of the Bok Tower Gardens. The ‘Home Tour’ at the Pinewood mansion is a highlight, along with poinsettia, bromeliad and amaryllis displays; walking tours; and educational programs. The ‘event of the day’ takes place at 1 pm and 3 pm every Thursday through Sunday as Christmas music peels out from the beautiful, 60-bell Singing Tower carillon. Visit boktowergardens.org/Christmas 

Downton Abbey in Saint Augustine 
NOW to Jan 7
Downton Abbey is one of the most honored series on television, having received 12 Emmys, 3 Golden Globes and countless other awards. Now 36 costumes from the TV show are ‘posed’ in vignettes among the art and furniture at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine. As the costumes reflect fashions from 1912 to the mid-1920’s, the Lightner Museum, renowned for its collection of Victorian Era fine and decorative art, is particularly suited to ‘welcome’ this unique exhibit. Call 904.824.2874 or visit lightnermuseum.org/dressing-downton 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators