travel

DECK THE PARKS

Florida theme parks turn on the holiday cheer even with Each holiday season I look forward to embracing holiday traditions coupled with the sights and sounds of Christmas. From the local neighborhood lights, to the sparkling delights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, to the exceptional and over-the-top North Pole decorations on Cinderella’s Castle. SWFL Parent & Child brought you the details on Disney last month. This month, we look at the other parks’ plans. Favorites for my family include Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. We have also stayed multiple times at the Gaylord Palms resort in the Orlando social distancing. | BY JENNIFER THOMAS at the theme parks. Our celebrations might be a bit different this area to experience ICE!, a walk-through carved ice display at 9 season, but the theme parks and resorts are stepping up to the degrees, and its Cirque du Soleil Christmas show. While ICE! is challenge acting as our own personal elves. canceled, its replacement is bigger than life. Universal Orlando

I’ve had the pleasure of attending Mickey’s Very Merry Resort also pulls out all the stops for festive cheer and is known Christmas Party at Walt Disney World Resorts nearly every to showcase balloons and floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving year I’ve lived in Southwest Florida; and although it’s canceled Day Parade. this year, Disney has surprised guests with character cavalcades Florida’s theme parks are embracing changes because of the that include a visit from Santa and a new holiday light display pandemic, but they still aim to thrill. Here’s what’s happening:

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO SW FL PARENT & CHILD

SeaWorld Orlando

When we traveled to SeaWorld for Christmas last year, we were in awe of the Sea of Trees, which change colors as the lights dance to holiday music. SeaWorld Orlando boasts 3 million sparkling lights this year and festivities every night in its Christmas Celebration, which runs through December 31.

“With 360-degree views from around the park, there is plenty of space to enjoy with safe physical distancing,” the park says of the Sea of Trees in a recent news release. “Your heart will soar with wonder and delight at this truly awe-inspiring Christmas treat. Plus, a magnificent centerpiece towers 70 feet above the water.”

SeaWorld added some new treats to its holiday lineup this season including outdoor ice skating at Bayside Stadium.

“You and your family can skate alongside the water of SeaWorld’s central lagoon throughout the day in our beautiful winter wonderland,” the release says. Capacity is limited and skaters must wear crew-length socks and gloves. An additional charge covers skate rentals, and socks and gloves can be purchased there.

The new musical sensation “It’s a Wonderful Night: A New Story to Tell” features more than 30 favorite Christmas carols and takes place in the Nautilus Theater with limited capacity.

Guests can also visit with Santa in SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic for a slightly different traditional photo opportunity. “One party at a time will greet Santa in the expansive family room and have the opportunity to sit (physically distant) in Santa’s sleigh with Santa seated above and behind, separated by a plexiglass partition,” the release describes.

Plus, there are new holiday celebrations in the park’s Sesame Street Land.

SeaWorld also expanded its holiday celebration with tributes to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. From December 10-18, view the traditional lighting of the menorah throughout Hanukkah. Then December 26 through January 1, celebrate African heritage with the nightly lighting of the Kinara for Kwanzaa.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Another holiday favorite for my family is Busch Garden’s Christmas Town. This year, through January 3, the park touts millions of twinkling lights, a new holiday fireworks display on select nights and the first outdoor production of “Christmas on Ice.”

“For the first time ever, park guests can enjoy Busch Gardens’ longestrunning holiday show at a new outdoor location on the Festival Stage. This fan-favorite skating production will perform awe-inspiring delights on real ice for physically distant audiences every Friday through Sunday and additional holidays like Christmas Eve,” states the park’s holiday news release.

Contact-free, physically distant photo opportunities are also available with Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Clarice, original Christmas Town characters and Sesame Street friends.

Don’t forget to board the Holly Jolly Express, with limited capacity but no shortage of cheer. The Busch Garden’s train celebrates with favorite songs of the season.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are not letting The Grinch steel Christmas this year. They’re celebrating with him. Through January 3, guests at the parks can catch the spirit of the season with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a new holiday experience that features Macy’s balloons and the mean, green one himself, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.

For Harry Potter fans, the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are adorned with themed decorations and lights as the sounds of special holiday performances fill the air.

“Guests can hear both magical and Muggle Christmas carols from The Frog Choir comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, as well as the unique holiday hits of one of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees,” Universal says in its holiday news release. “There will also be seasonal treats, holiday eats and beverages — including the highly-anticipated return of the fan-favorite, hot Butterbeer.”

For guests visiting Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventures, The Grinch will make appearances.

New this year at Universal Studios is a walk-through experience called Universal’s Holiday Experience Featuring Macy’s Balloons. Guests can get up close to the larger-than-life parade balloons and floats that we’ve seen in past Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades.

“Guests will stroll along a picturesque pathway where they’ll encounter elaborate floats and stunning balloons inspired by everything from iconic holiday staples like reindeers and the Nutcracker, to characters from popular animated films, including the mischievous Minions from Illumination’s ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Minions’ films, Gingy the Gingerbread Man from DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Shrek’ movies and the penguins from DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Madagascar’ franchise,” the release describes. “And it all culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus and the opportunity to take a socially distanced portrait with the big man himself.”

Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay is closed for the season until March.

Gaylord Palms

Christmas magic isn’t just for parks. Complete your holiday agenda with a stay at the Gaylord Palms, which features the new I Love Christmas Movies pop-up experience. This walkthrough event takes the place of its traditional ICE! spectacular and is at room temperature. The pop-up experience spans 17,000 square feet and features 13 interactive scenes from some of the most beloved holiday movies, including “The Polar Express,” “A Christmas Story,” “Elf,” “National Lampoon’s PHOTOS SPECIAL TO SW FL PARENT & CHILD Christmas Vacation” and “The Year Without a Santa Claus.”

The resort boasts that it makes participants feel as if they’ve stepped right into the movie.

The resort also has an all-new, mechanized snowy play place with multiple attractions, including Snow Flow Mountain. Guests can slide on tubes down a plummet slide or hilly ice coaster. The Snowball Build and Blast allows guests to build and toss real snowballs.

The Cirque Dreams Unwrapped stage show at the resort is a must-do. You can purchase advance seating or complimentary stand-by. We were fortunate last year that our balcony overlooked the stage and we watched from there.

“More than ever this winter, friends and families will be seeking places they can go to experience the joy and magic of the holiday season together in a safe setting, and we are looking forward to providing an amazing selection of unique and memorable experiences for them at our (open) resorts in a safe and secure manner,” says Mike Stengel, senior vice president of Gaylord Hotels at Marriott International.

Cheers to making new holiday memories and socially distanced holiday traditions.

Night Lights in the Garden returns

This outing can be a romantic date night or a holiday tradition for the whole family. Thousands of lights illuminate the Naples Botanical Garden during the holidays, the onsite Foggy Café sells special holiday items, and festive music fills the air during Night Lights in the Garden, November 27 through January 3 with extended hours (except December 24, 25 and 31). Timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance. Through December 17, cost for adults is $12 for members, $25 for nonmembers; for ages 4-14, it’s $6 for members and $12 for nonmembers. Afterward, it’s $15 and $30 for adults and $7 and $15 for children. Ages 3 and younger are admitted free but a ticket is required.

BRICKLIVE ANIMALS JOIN THE NAPLES ZOO

Some rather unusual animals are loose in the zoo. Made with more than 1.2 million interlocking toy bricks, the BrickLive Animal Paradise exhibit brings more than 30 life-size animal statues to the Naples Zoo. Among them are a 4-foottall lion, 12-foot giraffe, 10-foot alligator, a 4-foot giant panda, 7-foot long elephant and an 8-foot long rhino. At each statue, you’ll also find information about their real-life counterparts. The exhibit is on display through April 4 and is included with regular zoo admission. Get details at napleszoo.org. Woodcarvers hold free demonstrations Watching someone carve something out of a plain piece of wood can be mesmerizing. At the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach, the Calusa Carvers have begun to hold free woodcarving demonstrations, and all ages are invited. They’re held 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, December 1 and 15. The demonstrations will also feature several Calusa culture replica artifacts.

TUESDAY, DEC. 1

75th Refuge Anniversary & “Ding”

Darling Day » Celebrate the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife Drive is free, plus socially distanced activities for families outdoors along the drive and trails. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. at J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. dingdarling.fws.gov.

SATURDAY, DEC. 5

Family Adventures » Explore everything fun at the Mound House in this outdoor activity led by staff. Mask required. $2, free for members. 11 a.m. December 5 and 19 and 1 p.m. December 22 and 29. Mound House, 451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers beach. For ages 5 and older. 239-7650865. moundhouse.org Family Fun Kayak Tour » See birds, dolphins, manatee and other wildlife while paddling through the Estero Bay mangroves. Each family must have a child between ages 6 and 11. Masks required. $25 for ages 13 and older, $15 for ages 6-12; equipment and Mound House admission included. 9:30 a.m. December 5, 1 p.m. December 19 and 23, 9 a.m. December 26 at the Mound House, 451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers beach. Registration required. 239-765-0865. moundhouse.org

Naples Christmas Glow Run 5K

» Run or walk paths lined with thousands of lights and dozens of lighted characters. Glowing attire welcome. Snowfall at the finish. Remote option available. $39 in advance, $45 race day; family discounts. First wave at 5:30 p.m. Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. runeliteevents.com/ naples-christmas-glow-run-5k.html “The Nutcracker” » A holiday tradition with Gulfshore Ballet and the Gulf Coast Symphony. 7 p.m. December 5 and 3 p.m. December 6. Tickets are $39 and $49. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. bbmannpah.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 6

Rookery Bay Road Rally »

Participants start in their own vehicles at 10 a.m. at the Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, and follow a route that takes them along the Rookery Bay boundary

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where various stops have fun activities. Awards and activities at the end. $40 per vehicle ($10 per person for groups in commercial vans or buses). rookerybay.org/rally

THURSDAY, DEC. 10

Home School at Edison Ford »

Grades 4-8 explore Earth Science at 11 a.m. at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Cost is $10 per session or $60 for the series for members, $15 and $95 for nonmembers. edisonford.org

SATURDAY, DEC. 12

Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club

Christmas Tree Festival » Two days of silent bidding on custom Christmas Trees and holiday wreaths. Friday night is a cocktail event. Saturday, the festivities begin at 1 p.m. and feature a holiday vendor market, bake sale and Santa. Chili cook-off at 4:30 p.m.; purchase tastes and votes for $5. Woman’s Clubhouse, 175 Sterling Ave., Fort Myers Beach. Free admission.

Endless Trails Holiday Mini Horses

» Look for mini-equines around the mall, 11a.m.-1p.m. December 12 and 19 at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Free.

Families Unplugged: Gingerbread

Houses » Decorate a gingerbread house for the holidays, 10 a.m. at the Bayfront Center YMCA, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. skyymca.org

Jingle Slam & Home Run Derby

» Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free games and a raffle table, 2-8 p.m. Then a Christmas-themed Home Run Derby open to all players ages 6-18. $10 to register for the derby. North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Fort Myers.

SUNDAY, DEC. 13

for King & Country’s “A Drummer Boy Drive-In: The Christmas

Tour” » Recording artists for King & Country bring their Christmas tour to Hertz Arena. 6-9 p.m. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everglades Parkway, Estero. $100-$350 per car.

THURSDAY, DEC. 17

“Ebenezer Junior” » A stage show by Gulfshore Playhouse’s after-school theater group STAR Academy. The cast are students ages 8-18. Tickets are $20. Shows at 7 p.m. December 17-19 with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Gulfshore Playhouse, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 19

Family Activity Day — The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs invites families to see the exhibit “Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints” and participate in an art project. 10 a.m.noon at the Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. artcenterbonita.org

MONDAY, DEC. 21

CFABS Holiday Youth Camps

— The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs hosts art camps while school is out. Full-day and half-day sessions. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. December 21-23, December 28-31 and January 4. Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989. artcenterbonita.org

MONDAY, DEC. 28

Backyard Botany Camp in a Box

School Break Camp — When School is out, the “Wild Wizard” is in. At the Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ camps, students explore topics in STEAM, history and nature. This new “Camp in a Box” brings the experiments and activities home. Supplies and support from staff are provided. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. For grades 1-6, December 2831. edisonford.org

FRIDAY, JAN. 1

First Day Hike — Start the new year with a hike along Black Island Trail. 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Reservations required. 239-463-4588. Regular entrance fees apply.