The holiday light show, which is held outside the Addition Financial Arena, will feature more than 200,000 pulsing lights in sync to holiday songs.

As the weather starts to cool down, a faux snowfall adds a festive vibe to the outing.

You can also take rides on the carousel, Ferris wheel, Light Up Express and Winter Whirl for $4.25 each attraction.

Or you can buy an Ultimate Pass for unlimited rides and access to the skating rink. Monday through Thursday the pass is $20 and Friday through Sunday it is $17. 麻豆原创 students and military members can purchase passes for $17.

Arctic Glide Ice Slide rides are also included in the Ultimate Pass.

If rides aren’t your thing, just stick to the rink. General public attendees can skate along to Top 40 hits for $12.

But 麻豆原创 students can skate Monday through Thursday for $5 and Friday through Sunday for $10.

On special nights at Light Up, attendees can watch holiday films for free in the Addition Financial Arena lobby. On Dec. 6,听Home Alone听will play at 7 p.m. and The Santa Claus听at 9:30 p.m. On Dec. 23,听The Polar Express will show from 7 p.m. and听贰濒蹿听at 9:30 p.m.

Returning for its fifth year, the Holiday Market “Under the Stars” takes place Dec. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. Here you can pick up some special gifts from local artisans and craft makers.

You can also take selfies with Santa inside the nearby Barnes and Nobles during the following dates and times:

• Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Dec. 8 and 22, from noon to 4 p.m.
• Dec. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m.

This year鈥檚 festival offers 45 nights of activities for all ages, including rides such as a Ferris wheel, the Light Up Express kids train and for the first time a carousel.

The holiday light show will feature more than 200,000 pulsing lights throughout the night in synchronization to holiday songs under snowfall. On select nights, the Holiday Film Festival will show movies on a two-story movie screen, including titles such as The Polar Express, The Santa Clause, Elf, Home Alone and others. Also on scheduled nights, Santa will visit the Barnes & Noble next to Addition Financial Arena to hear children鈥檚 Christmas wishes. Check LightUp麻豆原创.com for times and dates.

The Light Up 麻豆原创 Ice Rink, returns as a centerpiece for the festivities. The ice rink is open for guests to glide along to their favorite Top 40 hits and holiday tunes played by a DJ.

On Dec. 6, the festival鈥檚 Holiday Market 鈥楿nder the Stars鈥�! will begin for guests to take a stroll through the market, where they can view the crafts of talented local artisans, all while finalizing their holiday gift shopping. Visit www.LightUp麻豆原创.com for more information on merchants that will be at this year鈥檚 event. Vendors can apply for booth space at www.ucfholidaymarket.com.

Most of the activities are free. Tickets for ice skating and rides can be purchased at the Addition Financial Arena Box Office. Select tickets are also available for purchase by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. More information for all Light Up 麻豆原创 events can be found at www.LightUp麻豆原创.com. The holiday festival is produced by 麻豆原创 Convocation Corp. and Spectra, manager of Addition Financial Arena.

While Orlando鈥檚 theme parks get an A+ for their effort in going all out for the holidays, we rounded up 15 other events that deserve a shoutout, too.

If you鈥檙e a 麻豆原创 student, faculty or staff member who is planning to visit the parks, you would be wise to stop at the SGA Ticket Center at the Student Union before you go to score a discount on your park admission ticket.

Happy Holidays.

Light Up 麻豆原创

Knights Plaza outside of CFE Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd.)

Now in its 11th year on 麻豆原创鈥檚 campus, Light Up 麻豆原创 provides the perfect setting for holiday cheer, featuring outdoor films, an outdoor skating rink, rides and free nightly light shows. This year, Light Up 麻豆原创 will also host two holiday markets on Dec. 15 and 21 from 6鈥�10 p.m.

Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2019
Time: Hours vary
Price: Free to attend but there is a cost to use most of the attractions. (Note: On Tuesdays, you can score a two-for-one discount on ice skating tickets)

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail

1486 Buena Vista Drive

Get a taste of Disney at the holidays without having to pay theme park admission prices. This Christmas tree trail features 27 holiday trees each inspired by a Disney character or theme 鈥� and they鈥檙e all equally picture perfect for an Instagram selfie. Plus, while you鈥檙e at Disney Springs, you can check out the shops, restaurants and musical performances.

Dates: Now through Jan. 6, 2019
Time: 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. (Times are subject to change without notice)
Price: Free
More information: disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/disney-springs/christmas-tree-trail

The Holidays at Dr. Phillips Center

445 S. Magnolia Ave.

For the first time since opening in 2014, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has curated four weeks of holiday-themed fare. In addition to 30 holiday performances ranging from hit Broadway musicals to concerts to a variety show, the center is also adding some seasonal cheer to its offerings. A peppermint-infused specialty cocktail and adult versions of hot chocolate will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

More information: drphillipscenter.org

Space Coast Lightfest

Wickham Park (2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne)

This holiday themed, 1-mile car ride features 3 million twinkling lights and draws more than 15,000 vehicles annually.

Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2019 (including Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year鈥檚 Eve and New Year鈥檚 Day)

Time: 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Price: $15 per car (maximum of 10 people)
More information: spacecoastlightfest.com

ICE! At Gaylord Palms Resort

6000 W Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee

This annual display at Gaylord Palms Resort features more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, and this year鈥檚 theme is based on the 1983 film A Christmas Story. In order to keep the ice from melting, the resort keeps the room temperature at 9 degrees, but don鈥檛 worry, all guests are provided calf-length, hooded winter coats to keep them warm. The resort also offers opportunities for snow tubing, gingerbread decorating and even a Jack Frost-themed escape room.

Dates: Now through Jan. 6, 2019
Time: 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Price: $29 when purchased online
More information: christmasatgaylordpalms.com

Dinos in Lights

Orlando Science Center (777 E. Princeton St.)

A light show involving dinosaur fossils? Sign us up. In addition to the Dinos in Lights show, the Science Center has cooked up special winter-themed activities such as gingerbread engineering workshops and holiday experiments.

Dates: Now through Jan. 6, 2019
Time: Shows begin every 30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Price: Included with general admission ($20.95 for adults)
More information:

Holiday on the Drive

Edgewater Drive, between Smith and Clayton streets

This section of Edgewater drive will be shut down to vehicular traffic and transformed into a winter wonderland. All shops, restaurants and businesses will be open to help you get a jump start on holiday shopping.

Date: Dec. 6
Time: 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Price: Free
More information: collegeparkmainstreet.com

Winter Fest and Snow Mountain

Central Lake Park (299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo)

A free parade along Oviedo Boulevard kicks off this annual event, which features 70 tons of white snow just begging for a sled ride. There鈥檚 also a 30-foot snowman bounce house, a 31-foot slide, holiday train, swan boats and more. And for those 21 and older, candy cane martinis will be available for purchase.

Date: Dec. 8
Time: 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Price: Presale tickets are $20. Tickets on site are $25.

Watch It鈥檚 A Wonderful Life

Is it really the holidays if you don鈥檛 watch the 1946 classic film It鈥檚 A Wonderful Life? Amazon Prime members can stream this at home, but if you want the full experience, some local theaters are showing it on the big screen.

Enzian Theater
1300 Orlando Ave., Maitland

Date: Dec. 8
Time: Noon
Price: $9 with a student ID, $11 regular admission
enzian.org

Epic Theaters at Lee Visa
5901 Hazeltine National Dr.

Dates: Dec. 23 and Dec. 26
Time: Three showings each day
Price: $12.50
epictheatres.com/location/lee-vista

Chanukah on the Park

Central Park (intersection of Park Avenue and Garfield Avenue in Winter Park)

Chabad of Greater Orlando will present Chanukah on the Park. The event will include singing performances, live music, dancers, face painting, jugglers, food and grand menorah lighting.

Date: Dec. 9
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Price: Free
More information: cityofwinterpark.org/event/chanukah-on-the-park-3

Wacky, Tacky Holiday Party

Orange County Regional History Center (65 E. Central Blvd.)

This event will take you back to 1980s Orlando with a screening of Ernest Saves Christmas, which was filmed almost entirely in The City Beautiful at the then-unfinished Disney鈥檚 Hollywood Studios. Show up in your favorite tacky sweater or holiday pajamas to enjoy the movie, a trivia contest, holiday crafts and refreshments.

Date: Dec. 16
Time: 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Price: Regular museum admission ($8 adults, $7 for students with valid ID, $6 children); free for members of the museum

Grandma Party Bazaar

Stardust Video and Coffee (1842 Winter Park Rd.)

If you enjoy the weird and eclectic, then the 16th annual Grandma Party Bazaar is for you. The event will feature vendors, interactive booths and live bands.

Dates: Dec. 16
Time: 10 a.m. until sundown
Price: Free
More information: facebook.com/grandmaparty

Cirque Musica Holiday presents Wonderland

Amway Center (400 W Church St.)

Cirque Musica Holiday presents Wonderland听is a fun-filled and high-flying concert experience for the entire family. The show blends the athleticism and grace of circus performers with a full sensory showcase of a live symphony orchestra performing all-time favorite holiday classics.

Dates: Dec. 18
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Price: Tickets start at $35
More information: cirquemusica.com/holiday-wonderland

Holiday Movies at Lake Eola Park

Walt Disney Amphitheater (195 N. Rosalind Ave.)

Every week during the holiday season, a free movie will be played at Lake Eola Park. Check the Lake Eola Park Facebook page for updated information about the event, including cancellations.

While you鈥檙e there, make sure you time it right to watch the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree鈥檚 synchronized light and music show on its 72-foot tree, which runs daily at 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

Dates: The Polar Express (Dec. 7); The Santa Clause (Dec. 15); National Lampoon鈥檚 Christmas Vacation (Dec. 21)
Time: 7 p.m.
Price: Free
More information: cityoforlando.net/holiday

Elf the Musical

Orlando Repertory Theater (1001 E. Princeton Ave.)

The modern holiday classic film featuring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is now a musical, and you won鈥檛 be able to resist its charm. Hurry, tickets are going fast.

Dates: Various throughout December
Time: 1:30 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Price: $30
More information: orlandorep.com/show/elf-the-musical

Festivities begin Friday, Nov. 18, and include a new light show featuring more than 30,000 lights and music. The nightly activities run through Jan. 7.

At Light Up 麻豆原创, families can enjoy a number of complimentary activities including the new immersive holiday light show, the holiday film festival, Light Up Lane, and free parking.

The light show, presented by Orlando Sanford International Airport, is made up of thousands of individual lights that pulse and strobe across the arena fa莽ade, palm trees, ice rink and newly renovated plaza in synchronization set to holiday songs.

The falling 鈥渟now鈥� will create a magical effect during light shows. The film festival allows families to gather under the stars to view their favorite holiday films on a two-story-tall movie screen each Friday and Saturday night.

Light Up Lane, presented by Coca-Cola, makes its return after last year鈥檚 popular debut. This fan favorite is a hands-on celebration of the holiday, set in a lighted Christmas tree forest that features large decorations. On select nights, Santa will be in Light Up Lane to receive Christmas wishes, and photos will be available for purchase.

The Light Up 麻豆原创 ice rink, presented by Central Florida Expressway Authority, has become another favorite through the years. The ice rink in front of the CFE Arena serves as the centerpiece for the event. Guests are invited to enjoy Central Florida鈥檚 largest outdoor ice skating rink while gliding along to their favorite holiday tunes spun by a live disc jockey.

Produced by 麻豆原创 Convocation Corp. and Spectra, managers of CFE Arena, Light听Up 麻豆原创 features some other new attractions suitable for the entire family. Rides range from an upgraded Ferris wheel, on which guests can enjoy a panoramic view of Light Up 麻豆原创 and the 麻豆原创 campus, to the Light Up Express Train, great for children of all ages. Visitors can also check out the Arctic Glide Ice Slide, where they can climb to the top of the towerand glide on disc sleds across the 100-foot ice way. Making its first appearance this year is the Winter Whirl. Climb aboard听 with all of your friends to experience this swinging sensation. The Duke Energy Community Stage will present local talent to watch.

Light Up 麻豆原创 will also feature a great way to complete your holiday gift shopping this year. The Light Up 麻豆原创 holiday market Under the Stars on Saturday, Dec. 10, will host local businesses and craftsmen showcasing gifts for family and friends. This holiday market is a perfect way for attendees to wrap up holiday shopping, while supporting small, local businesses.

Tickets for ice skating, rides and photos with Santa can be purchased at the CFE Arena box office.听Select tickets are also available for purchase through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

More information and scheduling for all Light Up 麻豆原创 events can be found at www.LightUp麻豆原创.com.

Events for the month:

麻豆原创 Veterans Wall of Honor: Their Stories are Our Stories

On display in the John C.听 Hitt Library during November, the Wall of Honor salutes 麻豆原创 student, faculty and staff veterans with 鈥淭heir Stories are Our Stories.鈥� The exhibit features individual profiles honoring the military experiences of our Knights. The display is presented by the 麻豆原创 Community Veterans History Project, the Veterans Academic Resource Center and the Student Veterans of America, 麻豆原创 chapter.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

A Veterans Career and Resource Fair will be open to all Central Florida veterans. More than 20 employers will be at the The Venue behind the CFE Arena from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information on local veteran鈥檚 organizations and resources also will be available. This event is sponsored by 麻豆原创 Career Services, Mission United, and the Orlando VA at Baldwin Park.

Thursday, Nov. 3

What鈥檚 your story? The Veterans Literary Workshop is a free session offering tools and creative ideas to help veterans put their experiences and thoughts into words. Morgridge International Reading Center, 麻豆原创 Main Campus, noon-2:30 p.m. Limited space is available. Contact Tiffany.Rivera@ucf.edu for more information.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Veterans are invited to take part in a kayaking trip. Hosted by 麻豆原创 Outdoor Adventure through the 麻豆原创 Recreation and Wellness Center, there are limited slots available for the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. trip. The fee is $15 and includes equipment, instruction, transportation, and a T-shirt. Contact outdoor@ucf.edu for more information.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

To honor 麻豆原创 student veterans, the Veterans Academic Resource Center will display American flags on Memory Mall. Each flag will represents a student veteran enrolled at 麻豆原创 this semester.

The 麻豆原创 Community Veterans History Project will interview local World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans to capture their experiences using oral history. The interviews will be at Westminster Towers in downtown Orlando from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 10

The Veterans Commemoration Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the听. The ceremony will feature the Air Force ROTC Color Guard, Army ROTC, 麻豆原创 Music Department and guest speakers. The event is open to the public. Come a few minutes early and write a thank you note that will be delivered to local veterans.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Several 麻豆原创 organizations and departments will participate in the Orlando Veterans Day Parade. Hosted by Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council each year, the parade honors the courageous men and women of the armed forces. This year鈥檚 parade salutes post-9/11 veterans. The parade will start at the corner of Orange Avenue and Robinson Street in downtown Orlando at 11 a.m. For parking details and more information visit .

Wednesday, Nov. 16

The Office of Student Involvement will host a Veterans Game Night at the Veterans Academic Resource Center complete with food, refreshments, and door prizes. Come for the entire time or just a quick visit, 2-4 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 17

The 麻豆原创 Community Veterans History Project will interview local World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans to capture their experiences using oral history. The interviews will be at Watercrest Senior Living at Lake Nona from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Veterans who are 麻豆原创 students, faculty or staff are invited guests for Light Up 麻豆原创鈥檚 Veterans Night, 5-10 p.m. 听The holiday event offers an 8,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink, rides, and holiday attractions. Interested attendees must contact Joshua.Johnson@ucf.edu to receive free admission that night.

Monday, Nov, 28 鈥� Friday, Dec. 2

Veterans Academic Resource Center Late Nights. VARC study rooms and lounge will be open until 7 p.m. for student veterans. Provided will be food, refreshments and a quiet place to study and relax before finals.

At Light Up 麻豆原创, families can enjoy a number of free activities, including the Holiday Light Show and the Holiday Film Festival presented by SeaWorld.

The Holiday Light Show is made up of thousands of individual lights that pulse and strobe across the arena fa莽ade, palm trees, and ice rink pavilion in perfect synchronization and choreographed to various holiday songs. The falling simulated snow creates a magical effect during every light show.

The Holiday Film Festival combines a 鈥渓iving room鈥� setting with the feel of a drive-in movie, allowing families to gather under the stars to view their favorite holiday films on a two-story movie screen.

The Light Up 麻豆原创 Ice Rink Pavilion in front of the arena has become a popular activity through the years. Guests are invited to enjoy Central Florida鈥檚 largest outdoor ice skating rink while gliding along to their favorite holiday tunes played by a DJ.

Produced by Global Spectrum, operators of CFE Arena, Light听Up 麻豆原创 features rides suitable for the entire family, ranging from the CFE Federal Credit Union Ferris Wheel, where riders can enjoy a panoramic view of the 麻豆原创 Campus, to the Santa Train, great for children of all ages.

Visitors can also check out the Arctic Glide Ice Slide, presented by Orlando Sanford International Airport, where they can climb to the top of the tower and glide on disc sleds across the 100-foot ice way. Making its second appearance, the Blizzard offers a whirling and twirling thrill ride, where patrons can twist, tilt, and spin.

A charity 5K race has been added to the list of events. Supporting Second Harvest Food Bank and Children鈥檚 Miracle Network Hospitals with 麻豆原创鈥檚 Knight-thon, the Light Up 麻豆原创 Knight Run is open to people of all ages and activity levels. Wear your most creative holiday costume and join the fun on Saturday, Nov. 23. Groups are encouraged to participate and are eligible for best group costume. Visit www.CFEArena.com for registration.

And bring non-perishable food items to donate during the weekend鈥檚 Stuff-A-Truck campaign for those in need.

Visitors can also stop by the Coca-Cola Santa鈥檚 Workshop, where they can share their Christmas wishes and have a photo taken with Santa. The Fun Spot Community Stage will offer visitors local talent to watch and enjoy.

Pricing, hours of operation, and Light Show and Holiday Film Festival schedules can be found at www.LightUp麻豆原创.com.听

Light Up 麻豆原创 is presented by Carl Black of Orlando and CFE Federal Credit Union.

Tickets for ice skating ($12), rides ($4.25-$6.50), and photos with Santa ($12-$25) can be purchased at the CFE Arena Box Office now.听There are also a number of free elements to Light Up 麻豆原创, including the Holiday Light Show, Holiday Film Festival, and parking. Select tickets are also available for purchase through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

听

鈥楾is the season for stories about Santa and other gift-giving legends, and the tale of the origin of those myths, a boy named Kris from 16th- century Norway, will be shared at the 麻豆原创.

J.J. Ruscella, a former assistant professor in the 麻豆原创 Theatre Department, will present his version of the legend of Santa at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center, located across the street from the 麻豆原创 Arena.

Ruscella authored the novel 鈥淜ris: The Legend Begins.鈥� He will guide the audience through the story of the young boy who become the legendary Santa Claus during his presentation.

After the story-telling, attendees are encouraged to celebrate the spirit of the holidays by joining in the fun at Light Up 麻豆原创. Ice skating tickets will be offered at a discounted rate of $9 for attendees of Ruscella鈥檚 talk.

To learn more about 鈥淜ris: The Legend Begins,鈥� go to . For more information about Light Up 麻豆原创, visit http://lightupucf.com.

Light Up 麻豆原创 provides students and families an affordable way to celebrate the holidays. The event features an outdoor skating rink, Ferris wheel, carousel and many other holiday attractions.

Antonie Eugene, a sophomore nursing major, went to Light Up 麻豆原创 last year for the first time.

“I had so much fun. It was my first time ice skating and I went with a group of friends and skated the whole night,” she said.

According to the website, “The Rinkmaster” DJ will play holiday favorites and top 40 hits.

Another main attraction at Light Up 麻豆原创 is the Ferris wheel. From the top of the Ferris wheel you see a bird’s eye view of the campus.

On the arctic glide ice slide, you can climb to the top of the tower and glide on disc sleds across the 100-foot-long ice way.

Amanda Frasier brought her 5-year-old daughter.

“My daughter is having so much fun at Light Up 麻豆原创, and her favorite ride by far has been the ice slide,” Frasier said.

A holiday train is also a new addition to Light Up 麻豆原创 this year. For those looking for a unique experience, a Christmas Around the World living tour will be housed in Cypress Room Dec. 19-26.

Live music will also be available on select nights, with 麻豆原创 Marching Knights, local musicians and area high school choirs and bands scheduled to perform free concerts on the community stage.

At Santa’s workshop, you can meet with Santa on select nights and have a holiday keepsake picture with Santa. Visitors can also decorate Christmas cookies in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen.

Kissimmee resident Andrew Sullivan came out with his wife Brenda and his 3-year-old daughter, Delaney. He said his daughter really enjoyed herself.

“She had a blast and was so excited to meet Santa and take a picture with him,” Sullivan said.

The holiday film festival will take place on certain nights and will feature classic holiday films on a giant two-story movie screen. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, The Polar Express and The Santa Clause are among the movies that will be shown.

During the night, there are multiple holiday light shows. The light show uses advanced smart-life technology, with more than 75,000 individual lights, according to the website. The light show will illuminate the arena for 50 straight nights.

“Light Up 麻豆原创 is a great experience, everything from the ice slide, to the Ferris wheel and the ice rink,” Robert Ponsonby, freshmen aerospace and engineering major said. “It’s all just a blast and I’m glad they put it on this year.”

Times, Dates and Prices

Single Tickets

Combo Tickets

Season Tickets

Miscellaneous Tickets

For groups of 10 or more

*Group prices listed are the cost per person.

Holiday film festival

Select movie nights begin at 7 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. Free.

Nov. 17, 20, 23, 26, 27; Dec. 3, 4,10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 23, 26; Jan. 2

Source: Central Florida Future, Annual winter tradition brings lights, ice to 麻豆原创, by Joni Fletcher,听 Contributing Writer. Published: Sunday, November 14, 2010; Updated: Sunday, November 14, 2010 17:11