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Travel & Experiences

Pictures: Holiday events in Florida

Universal expanded its holiday celebrations last year to more days than ever before. Experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which will feature themed decorations and lighting, holiday-themed food and performances by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. At night, projection mapping and lighting will wrap Hogwarts castle. Back for 2018 is the Holiday Parade featuring Macy's 15 new floats that include lighting displays featuring the likes of the Minions, Shrek, Madagascar‘s cast, as well as Santa Claus. Also returning is Grinchmas at Seuss Landing with the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” and extra-close breakfast with the Grinch and friends. Back in concert will be Mannheim Steamroller on select dates. On-site hotels will each have holiday-themed activities as well. Check website for park times and prices. 407-363-8000. universalorlando.com

Universal expanded its holiday celebrations last year to more days than ever before. Experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which will feature themed decorations and lighting, holiday-themed food and performances by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. At night, projection mapping and lighting will wrap Hogwarts castle. Back for 2018 is the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s 15 new floats that include lighting displays featuring the likes of the Minions, Shrek, Madagascar‘s cast, as well as Santa Claus. Also returning is Grinchmas at Seuss Landing with the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” and extra-close breakfast with the Grinch and friends. Back in concert will be Mannheim Steamroller on select dates. On-site hotels will each have holiday-themed activities as well. Check website for park times and prices. 407-363-8000. universalorlando.com

  (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel)

Orlando Sentinel
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Check out photos from different holiday events throughout Florida this season.

Nov-Dec: Christmas in the Wild at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa

On 19 select nights in November and December, you can meet Santa and his merry mammals including real reindeer. Animated displays, a million twinkling lights, free zoo rides and traditional holiday treats. Begins at 4 p.m. daily. $22.95. 1101 W. Sligh Ave. 813-935-8552. lowryparkzoo.org

  (Tom Benitez / Orlando Sentinel)

Nov. 21-Jan. 7: ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee

With more than two million pounds of carved ice, ICE! is back. Kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll see hand-carved ice sculptures, ice slides, live ice carving and a celebration of holidays from various cultures. Check website for prices. Gaylord Palms, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway. 407-586-4423. christmasatgaylordpalms.com

  (Charles King / Orlando Sentinel)

Dec. 1: Snowfest, Naples

More than 100 tons of snow is the star of this annual community event in southwest Florida. There will be snow mountains to climb, tobaggan and snow skiing hills as well as an ice skating rink, full-scale carnival, arts and crafts, petting zoo, pony rides and more. More than 15,000 people attend the event each year. Snow is cold, so remember to bring gloves or mittens, even if it’s 80 degrees out. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. $2 per person. 3 and under are free. At the Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway. 239-252-4180. colliercountyparks.com

  (Julie Fletcher / Orlando Sentinel)

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