Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!
Yesterday, Luna the cat got a mani & pedi. Or maybe it’s just a pedi for a cat? Then we brushed out her loose undercoat, and she’s looking quite suave once again!
Now, in today’s issue:
- No Man's Land
- ‘Twas Christmas at Lukas
- Holiday Pops
- + lots of weekend recs
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Let’s roll!
- Philip
P.S. Want some hawt community sourced foodie recommendations? Check out the Orlando Signal Restaurant Guide, right here.
3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Orlando Snags Silver in America's Fun City Showdown
When it comes to fun, we're all over the map, some crave new restaurants and nightlife, others live for sports or late-night gaming sessions.
Well, the fine folks over at WalletHub crunched numbers from 180+ U.S. cities using 65 metrics to crown the ultimate fun-to-cost champions.
Aaaaaand…..Orlando scored second place, and here's the plot twist: it's surprisingly wallet-friendly, ranking 11th-lowest for hotel rates and 19th-lowest for pizza prices. Soccer fans get the 5th-best scene nationwide, plus tons of stadiums and fitness centers per capita.
The city absolutely delivers with its abundance of spas, performing arts theaters, arcades, pool halls, and killer lounges that keep the good times rolling.
No Man's Land, No Admission Fee: WWI Musical Back in Orlando
Here's a story Orlando can't get enough of: In 1914, German and British soldiers ditched their trenches on Christmas Eve to celebrate together in no man's land. Yes, really.
"All is Calm," the musical-documentary that brings this incredible true story to life, is back for its third run, and this time, it's completely free. Opera Orlando is celebrating its 10th season by gifting the community these performances, hosted by Orlando Family Stage on Friday, December 12th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 13th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The cast delivers actual soldiers' letters set to beloved carols like "Silent Night" and popular early 1900s tunes. It's living history with heart, showing how music can bridge even the deepest divides.
🔥 Learn more about this incredible show, and grab tix, right here.
Rolling Relief as UCF's Mobile Clinic Serves Uninsured Residents
The University of Central Florida hit the road last week with a 38-foot mobile health clinic designed to reach residents who need care most.
In Orange and Osceola counties, where 11.7% of residents lack health insurance, above Florida's state average of 10.9%, access to healthcare remains a persistent challenge.
The rolling clinic comes equipped with diagnostic equipment and private exam rooms, offering free screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and hearing.
Beyond delivering preventative care to underserved communities, the bus doubles as a hands-on teaching lab where medical students gain real-world experience alongside healthcare professionals.
(Learn lots more about UCF’s clinic on wheels with Joe Mario Pedersen, right here)
WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
‘Twas Christmas at Lukas
Source: Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter
📍Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter. 1909 Slavia Road, Oviedo, FL 32765. Map to this location.
🕐 Sunday, December 14th, 3 p.m.
Lukas Nursery in Oviedo hosts its second annual Christmas festival this Sunday.
Families can enjoy actual snowflakes drifting down, s'mores over crackling fire pits, and live carolers filling the air with holiday melodies. Kids craft ornaments, bounce in play areas, and ride scenic hayrides.
At 5:00 pm, Santa arrives for storytime in the tree tent, followed by photos with stilt-walking reindeer.
Local vendors Simply Sweet Obsession, Bubbakoos, and Pinto's Cafe provide treats, dinners, and warm beverages throughout the afternoon.
👉 Check It Out
TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Pops
Source: Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
📍Della Phillips Pavilion. 2002 Packing District Wy, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.
🕐 Friday, December 12th, 6 p.m.
Picture a cool December evening at the Della Phillips Pavilion, where the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra transforms an open-air setting into something magical.
Under Music Director Eric Jacobsen's baton, seasonal favorites drift across the grounds as audiences settle onto blankets and lawn chairs. The Holiday Market opens at 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m..
It's classical music without velvet seats, just community, starlight, and melodies that belong to everyone.
👉 Get more info, right here
Orlando Korea Festival
Source: Orlando Korean Culture Center
📍Orlando Korea Culture Center. 7000 Winegard Rd, Orlando, FL 32809. Map to this location.
🕐 Friday, December 12th (3 p.m.) & Saturday, December 13th (10 a.m.)
The 2025 Orlando Korea Festival is officially here. This year's celebration expands to two days of cultural immersion, authentic cuisine, and live performances.
The K-Pop Contest finals take center stage on Saturday, with semi-finals happening at the K-Wave Festival in November.
Admission is free for everyone. Parking costs $10 at the main venue, with complimentary spots available at nearby Winegard Elementary School and Church of God.
👉 Get the full details
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park presents A Classic Christmas
Source: The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park
📍Knowles Memorial Chapel. 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, December 13th, 1 p.m.
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park presents A Classic Christmas, a concert that's become as essential to December as twinkling lights.
Broadcast nationally each year, this beloved performance moves from jubilant fanfares to tender lullabies, featuring timeless carols and festive favorites brought to life by extraordinary voices.
Whether it's your first visit or a cherished tradition, the evening promises music that lifts, moments that linger, and the warmth of celebrating together as a community.
👉 Check it out, right here
MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁
Multi-Day
🔥Yule Be Sorry You Asked | Sat & Sun | Winter Park | More
Friday - 12th
Glass Fever, Catch it | 5 p.m. | Casselberry | More
Berry Bazaar, a Holiday Makers Market | 5 p.m. | Casselberry | More
The Dish Rack Comedy Show | 7 p.m. | Clermont | More
Damon Fowler | 7 & 9 p.m. | Downtown | More
Vicious Dreams, RMBLR, Petty Thefts, Mercy Mercy, Sick Dogs, Double Bubble | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
Chris McDermott Quartet | 7:30 p.m. | Wadeview Park | More
An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Saturday - 13th
🔥Santa's Coming To Kelly's! | 1 p.m. | Oviedo | More
🔥Christmas Ball Dinner Dance with Live Music | 6 p.m. | Casselberry | More
🔥Cookies with Mrs. Claus | 11 a.m. | OBT | More
Elf Market | 1 p.m. | Oviedo | More
Thriftcon | 10 a.m. | I-Drive | More
Festival of Lights Parade | 4 p.m. | Kissimmee | More
Jane Austen Yuletide Ball | 7 p.m. | Winter Park | More
Wellness Wonderland | 9 a.m. | Lake Nona | More
4k Restoration: Daisies | 11 a.m. | Maitland | More
Trans-Siberian Orchestra | 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | More
Lea Salonga | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Sunday - 14th
Pop Swap Holiday Market | 11 a.m. | Audubon Park | More
Junior Reading Club: Hanukkah Bear | 12 p.m. | Maitland | More
Christmas Toy Giveaway | 12 p.m. | West Colonial | More
69th Season's Greetings from the Garden | 2 p.m. | Winter Park | More
UCF Knights Womens Basketball vs. Morgan State Bears Womens Basketball | 2 p.m. | UCF | More
Winter WonderHaus | 3 p.m. | SoDo | More
Holiday Swing with Svetlana | 5 & 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | More
Car Menorah Parade | 5:30 p.m. | Maitland | More
Vienna Light Orchestra: The Light of Christmas | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More
Trivium: Ascend Above The Ashes Tour | 7:30 p.m. | I-Drive | More
Christmas Ugly Sweater Free Yourself Artist Showcase | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Santa’s Toy Drive and Car & Truck Show | 11 p.m. | Kissimmee | More
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THANKS!
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We’ll see you on Monday.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
