Mayor Dyer Rings in Holiday Season Downtown Orlando

WHAT: Mayor Buddy Dyer invites Orlando residents to join him as he puts the finishing touches on Downtown’s holiday decorations.  Holiday Lights Orlando has become a tradition for many families, Downtown businesses and residents. The highlight of the evening will be the lighting of the majestic 31-foot blue spruce Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of holiday lights and decorations.  This tree lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 15th at 6:15 pm. (See below for more details)

In addition to the spectacular tree lighting ceremony, festivities will include a variety of musical entertainment, the lighting of a menorah, outdoor viewing of “Polar Express” in 3-D, and a free sampling of holiday treats.  Plus, the Central Florida Zoo with have some of their animals on hand for kids to see up close.

Admission to Holiday Lights Orlando is free.

TOY DRIVE:        In the spirit of holiday giving, the City has teamed up with Johnny and Jayde of XL106.7 FM to support the Baby DJ Fund. Unwrapped toys collected at the event will be distributed by XL 106.7 to local families who are unable to provide their children with toys for the holidays.

As an extra incentive, the first 1,000 guests to donate a new and unwrapped toy to the XL 106.7 FM tent on the night of the event will receive a free pair of 3-D glasses to view “Polar Express” in 3-D (while supplies last).

ENTERTAINMENT:        This year’s entertainment lineup is packed with a diverse group of local acts that are sure to appeal to attendees of all ages, including:
·        The Westridge Middle School Choir will perform a holiday medley courtesy of the Dr. P. Phillips Performing Arts Center (DPAC).
·        The Gospel Acapella Ensemble, Lane and Company, will also sing a few tunes courtesy of DPAC.
·        A youth group from the City of Orlando’s Rosemont Community Center will sing-along to traditional holiday songs.
·        The Congregation of Reform Judaism Cantor and Choir will perform a musical history of Hanukkah.
·        Dr. Nina Frazier will be on hand sharing the history and traditions of Kwanza.
·        Performers from Theatre Downtown will perform a holiday medley.
·        Walt Disney World Carolers will sing a cappella while strolling throughout the park.
·        Santa will be present to hear children’s Christmas wishes.  Parents can bring their camera to capture the special moment.

DOWNTOWN
DINING
DEALS: The following locations will offer a special deal for anyone that comes in wearing their Holiday Lights Orlando sticker the night of December 15:

·        The Black Olive
Dining Deal:
One complimentary appetizer w/ purchase of a full priced entree. (not to be used in combination with any other deal).

·        HUE
Dining Deal:
20% off entire purchase (not to be used in combination with any other deal).

·        Cityfish
Dining Deal:
20% off entire purchase (not to be used in combination with any other deal).

·        Roho Art and Coffee
Dining Deal:
20% off entire purchase (not to be used in combination with any other deal).

Holiday Lights Orlando stickers can be picked up at the event from the City of Orlando table.

WHO:         Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Orlando City Commissioners
City of Orlando employees
Downtown businesses, workers and residents
Central Florida families and neighbors

WHEN:        Tuesday, December 15, 2009
5:00 p.m. – Holiday Lights Orlando begins
6:00 p.m. – Mayor Dyer and Santa arrive on the back of a fire truck
6:15 p.m. – Tree lighting ceremony
7:00 p.m. – “Polar Express” outdoor movie begins

WHERE: Lake Eola Park Amphitheatre
195 North Rosalind Ave.

Recommended Parking and Transportation Information:
·        FREE event parking will be available at the City of Orlando’s Administration Garage located at 300 Liberty Street beginning at 4 p.m. until full. Guests that park in this lot need to pick up a special Holiday Lights Orlando event parking permit at the Parking Services table located near the Walt Disney World Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park between 4-7 p.m. Parking Operations will validate all parking fees at the Administration Garage when presented with the permit up until 10 p.m.

·        Downtown workers are encouraged to use the free LYMMO Circulator. For information on LYMMO stops, please visit http://www.golynx.com.

·        Library Garage, 112 E. Central Blvd., 112 E. Pine St (located between Rosalind & Magnolia), this location requires a fee.

EVENT
SPONSORS:        City of Orlando, Downtown Development Board, WKMG Local 6, XL 106.7 FM, Walt Disney World, Publix, Central Florida Zoo, Urban Life Management and Dr. P. Phillips Performing Arts Center

TREE &
DECORATING
SPONSORS:        Real Radio 104.1 FM, AirTran Airways, WFTV Channel 9, Orlando Magic
and Greenery Productions