Unwrap the Magic: Our Christmas Advent Calendar is Here!

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and we’re thrilled to bring you our White Rose Villas Christmas Advent Calendar – a special way to celebrate the season with our owners and guests!

This is a new promotion for 2024. Every day leading up to Christmas, we’ll unveil something new and delightful.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

🎁 Exclusive Holiday Offers: From discounts on services to festive surprises, don’t miss out on these treats!

🎄 Festive Inspiration: Holiday decor ideas, heartwarming recipes, and fun tips to make your home and holidays sparkle.

✨ Behind-the-Scenes Magic: Meet the team members who make the season special and get an inside look at what we’re doing to spread holiday cheer.

🌟 Daily Surprises: Each day brings a little something extra to brighten your holiday season!

How to Join the Fun

Stay tuned for daily updates!

You can:

• Check your inbox for your daily advent surprise.
• Follow us on our socials for bonus content, festive updates, and more holiday fun!

We can’t wait to count down to Christmas with you and make this holiday season unforgettable. Let the festivities begin!

Deck the halls: Christmas tree service now available!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

And we’re here to help your guests feel the magic of the season. Starting next week, our team will begin putting up Christmas trees in properties for the holidays!

If your guests are expecting a tree, let us know right away to ensure we can make their stay extra special.

Here’s how it works:

• Cost: A small fee will apply, which goes directly to our hardworking housekeeping team for their time and effort.
• Booking: Email admin@whiterosevillas.com to reserve this service.
• Deadline: Slots are filling up fast, and bookings will close on November 30th.
• Don’t wait—secure your tree today!

Let’s bring festive cheer to your home and delight your guests this Holiday Season.

• Evolving Together
• Exciting Update: Introducing Our New Digital Welcome Book with Breezeway
• Something to scream about this Halloween!
• Introducing our new Grocery Provisioning service via Bellhopt.com
• White Rose Villas is proud to sponsor Bayside Football Club team

We’ve got exciting news and we need your support!

White Rose Villas has been nominated for the Best of Florida

The Best of Florida is an annual list of the best-loved businesses in Florida. It includes bars and restaurants, small businesses, shops and services, including travel companies.

As well as potentially winning recognition, the Best of Florida list will be published online and in a Best of Florida directory, helping the included nominees to reach a wider audience.

This is a great marketing opportunity for all of our homeowners. A listing will help direct visitors to our site and help us to fill your calendars.

We need your help!

The winners are decided by pubic vote. So we need your help! Please vote for us.

You can vote here: https://guidetoflorida.com/kissimmee/hotel-travel/white-rose-villas

You can vote every day until July 31st when this year’s competition closes.

So please bookmark the page above and vote for us every day this month!

This might seem last minute, but the organisers tell us 90 percent of voting happens in the last month of voting! So your vote will make a difference!

Spread the word: Vote for us every day until July 31

Please return to the page https://guidetoflorida.com/kissimmee/hotel-travel/white-rose-villas and add your vote to the White Rose Villas total.

Please share with your contacts and ask them to vote too!

The more recognition we receive, the better placed we are to market your property, so please do join the effort to get White Rose Villas and all of our homes rated as the Best of Florida!

Results are published online at the end of August and the print directory is published in October. We will keep you informed of the result.

Your support is appreciated. Thank you.

Universal Studios Florida Halloween Horror Nights 2024

We might be enjoying the height of summer right now but the most ardent fans are already looking ahead to the fall, when one of the Orlando theme parks’ most popular events of the year is staged.

As the leaves begin to turn and the nights grow longer, thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts know it’s time for one of the most anticipated events of the year: Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN).

In 2024, this iconic event promises to be more terrifying and exhilarating than ever before! Here’s what you can expect from this year’s fright fest.

Event Dates

Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will run on select nights from September 6th through November 2nd.

Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for nights filled with frights and fun!

Unveiling the horrors: New mazes and scare zones

Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will feature an array of brand-new mazes and scare zones, each designed to immerse guests in their worst nightmares.

This year, Universal Studios has collaborated with top horror filmmakers and studios to create some of the most innovative and spine-tingling attractions to date.

2024 Halloween Horror Nights haunting mazes

Get ready to navigate through meticulously designed mazes that bring popular horror films and original stories to life.

The House of Shadows

Enter a Victorian mansion where the shadows themselves come alive, preying on the unsuspecting.

Zombie Apocalypse

A gritty, post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead, where survival is the only option.

Carnival of Carnage

A twisted carnival where the clowns are anything but funny, and every turn could be your last.

Legends Collide

Face off against classic horror icons in a maze where Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Wolfman battle it out.

Wicked Growth

Realm of the Pumpkin Lord! Venture into the domain of the Pumpkin Lord, where evil pumpkins grow and terrorize the land.

2024 Halloween Horror Nights scare zones

The streets of Universal Studios Florida will transform into eerie landscapes filled with roaming monsters and sinister scenes.

The Cursed Forest

Wander through a dark, enchanted forest where malevolent spirits and mystical creatures lurk.

Urban Legends

Encounter the terrifying tales you’ve heard around the campfire, from the Hookman to Bloody Mary.

Alien Invasion

An extraterrestrial takeover where the invaders aren’t just looking to abduct—they’re looking to annihilate.

Vampire’s Lair

Enter a gothic vampire den where bloodthirsty creatures of the night await their next victims.

2024 Halloween Horror Nights Live Entertainment and Immersive Experiences

Beyond the mazes and scare zones, Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will feature an array of live entertainment and immersive experiences that push the boundaries of horror.

Stage Shows

Enjoy high-energy performances that combine horror with theatrical artistry. The Freak Show will dazzle and terrify with its blend of acrobatics and macabre acts.

Interactive Experiences

Participate in interactive horror adventures that put you at the centre of the story. Whether you’re solving puzzles to escape a haunted house or surviving a live-action role-playing scenario, these experiences are designed to keep your adrenaline pumping.

Exclusive HHN merchandise

No Halloween Horror Nights experience is complete without some exclusive memorabilia. This year’s event features limited-edition merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and collectibles inspired by the 2024 themes.

Themed food and drink

Additionally, food and beverage offerings will be tailored to the spooky atmosphere. Sink your teeth into devilishly delicious treats like the “Vampire’s Blood Sundae” or enjoy a “Witch’s Brew” cocktail as you explore the park.

Tips for making the most of HHN 2024

Here are a few ideas for getting more from your 2024 Halloween Horror Nights experience.

Plan ahead

HHN is a popular event, so purchasing tickets and booking accommodations early is essential.

Arrive early

Beat the crowds and maximize your time by arriving before the event starts.

Stay hydrated and comfortable

Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated throughout the night to keep up with the scares.

Use Express Passes

For an additional fee, Express Passes allow you to skip the regular lines, giving you more time to experience the attractions.

See you there!

Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event filled with new thrills, chills, and heart-pounding excitement. For older audiences, it’s a seriously spooky thrill.

Why not share this preview with your guests to promote your home for the event run? It’s a great way to boost bookings from September 6th through November 2nd.

Whether your guests are horror aficionados or just looking for a night of fun, HHN 2024 promises to deliver an unparalleled Halloween experience. Guests can expect to make spine-tingling memories that will haunt them for years to come!

Fancy going?

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It’s no secret that our founder’s favourite park is Epcot at Walt Disney World.

Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida has always been a favourite destination for those seeking a blend of future-forward innovation, cultural experiences, and thrilling attractions.

The park is constantly evolving. 2024 and 2025 are no exceptions, bringing a host of new updates and events that will delight visitors of all ages.

Here’s a rundown of what’s new at Epcot and a schedule of exciting events you won’t want to miss.

New Epcot attractions and experiences

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Prepare for an intergalactic adventure with Epcot’s newest roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This thrilling ride features a reverse launch and 360-degree rotation, taking you on a high-speed journey through space with your favourite Guardians characters. The storytelling, combined with cutting-edge technology, makes this a must-visit attraction.

2. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Shrink down to the size of Chef Remy and scurry through Gusteau’s famous Parisian restaurant in this 4D experience. Located in the expanded France Pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure offers a family-friendly ride that combines stunning visuals and fun surprises.

3. Luminous: the Symphony of Us

Feast your eyes on an all-new nighttime spectacular as it lights up the sky over World Showcase Lagoon. This new night-time spectacular is one of the largest ever created for a Disney park. It features massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, and lasers. The show celebrates how Disney music inspires people worldwide, with reimagined classic songs in various languages performed by a diverse group of artists.

4. Space 220

Dine among the stars at Space 220, Epcot’s newest out-of-this-world restaurant. Located adjacent to Mission: SPACE, this dining experience simulates a journey 220 miles above Earth, offering breathtaking views of space and a delicious menu inspired by futuristic cuisine.

Exciting Epcot events in 2024

Here’s our pick of the events coming this year.

1. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Dates: March 6 – July 1, 2024.

Spring comes alive at Epcot during the International Flower & Garden Festival with stunning topiaries, vibrant gardens, and live entertainment. The festival also includes outdoor kitchens offering fresh, seasonal dishes and beverages. Our personal favourite event!

2. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Dates: July 15 – November 20, 2024.

This fan-favourite event brings global cuisine, fine wines, craft beers, and spirits to Epcot. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

3. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Dates: November 25 – December 30, 2024.

Experience holiday traditions from around the globe. The International Festival of the Holidays features holiday kitchens, the Candlelight Processional, and festive decorations throughout the park.

Exciting Epcot events in 2025

Epcot is already looking forward to next year!

1. Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Dates: January 10 – February 18, 2025. Returning with more art, music, and culinary experiences, this festival continues to showcase the best of the arts with new workshops and performances.

2. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Dates: March 5 – June 30, 2025. Expect more vibrant gardens and creative topiaries, along with new outdoor kitchens and entertainment options that celebrate the beauty of spring.

3. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Dates: July 17 – November 22, 2025. Expanding its culinary offerings, the festival will introduce new global marketplaces, enhanced beverage seminars, and an extended Eat to the Beat Concert Series line up.

4. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Dates: November 24 – December 29, 2025. The 2025 edition will feature even more international holiday traditions, new festive entertainment, and expanded holiday kitchens for a truly global holiday celebration.

Our visit to the Flower & Garden festival

Our team recently visited the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and were blown away by the stunning flower displays. The intricate designs and vibrant colours made for a truly spectacular experience.

The food offerings were equally impressive, with a variety of fresh and delicious dishes to try. Epcot remains a firm favourite with our team, and we highly recommend visiting during this beautiful festival.

Your visit to Orlando

Epcot’s ongoing transformation promises to enhance the guest experience with new attractions, dining options and entertainment that celebrate innovation, culture, and storytelling.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or someone who loves immersive cultural experiences, Epcot has something for everyone in 2024 and 2025. Plan your visit today and be part of the magic as Epcot continues to evolve and inspire.

Stay tuned for more updates and insider tips on making the most of your trip to Epcot. It’s these exciting new experiences and events that will make your visit to Florida truly unforgettable.

Ready to book?

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A homeowner’s culinary journey

We’re delighted to share our first guest blog post since we launched our initiative asking our wonderful home owners to share their Florida adventures and travel tips.

Many thanks to Liz Prowse who shares her recommendations for steakhouses in Orlando here.

Exploring Brazilian steakhouses in Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its theme parks and tourist attractions. For food enthusiasts, it also boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene.

Among the many dining options, Brazilian steakhouses, or “churrascarias,” stand out as a must-try experience. Two of the most notable churrascarias in Orlando are Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão.

These restaurants offer more than just a meal. They provide a unique dining adventure that combines rich flavours, cultural heritage and impeccable service.

The Churrascaria experience

What makes a Brazilian steakhouse special? The concept of “rodízio” is central to the churrascaria experience.

It is all-you-can-eat style dining. Your waiters, known as “gauchos,” roam the dining area with skewers of various meats, carving portions directly onto diners’ plates.

The meats are seasoned and cooked over an open flame, a technique which references the style of the Brazilian gauchos of the Pampas region.

In addition to the endless meat offerings, Brazilian steakhouses typically feature an extensive salad bar with a variety of fresh vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and traditional Brazilian dishes such as feijoada (black bean stew) and pão de queijo (cheese bread which is actually gluten free!).

Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil seamlessly blends the cuisines of Brazil and Texas, offering a unique twist on the traditional churrascaria. Located on International Drive, this restaurant is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Upon entering Texas de Brazil, guests are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is elegantly decorated, with dark wood accents, soft lighting and a spacious dining area that can accommodate large groups, making it perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.

The star of the show at Texas de Brazil is, of course, the meat. The gauchos serve a wide variety of cuts, including filet mignon, lamb chops, picanha (top sirloin – my favourite!) and Brazilian sausage. Each cut is expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive salad area with over 50 items, from fresh vegetables to international cheeses and specialty salads.

You will get a table token either red / green and you use this to attract the servers to bring you the meats. When you have had enough… turn it over to red side. You will get the same type of token in Fogo. If you are anything like my kiddos…. they will wave the token in the air to get them to come quicker!

Texas de Brazil has an extensive wine cellar, offering a diverse selection of wines from around the world to complement the meal.

Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão is another top-notch Brazilian steakhouse. It has established itself as a premier dining destination in Orlando. Situated on International Drive as well, it offers an authentic and luxurious churrascaria experience.

Fogo de Chão exudes sophistication with its modern yet comfortable design. The restaurant’s interior features sleek lines, high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light to flood the dining area. The ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and larger social gatherings.

Fogo de Chão prides itself on the quality and variety of its meats.

Guests can indulge in premium cuts like ribeye, fraldinha (bottom sirloin), and Cordeiro (lamb). The restaurant also offers a “Market Table” and “Feijoada Bar” which include a selection of fresh salads, imported cheeses, cured meats and traditional Brazilian dishes.

They currently have a special offer at $44 for dinner. My tip is to sign up online for their special offers so you are first to receive notifications about their discounts for Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.

Fogo de Chão differentiates itself with its commitment to authenticity. The restaurant imports many of its ingredients directly from Brazil, ensuring a true Brazilian dining experience.

Fogo de Chão also offers seasonal menu items and specialty cocktails, providing a fresh take on traditional flavours.

Why visit a Brazilian steakhouse in Orlando?

Orlando’s Brazilian steakhouses offer more than just a meal; they provide an immersive cultural experience.

The combination of high-quality meats, exceptional service and inviting atmospheres makes places like Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão stand-out dining destinations.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a unique and delicious meal, these churrascarias deliver an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Brazilian hospitality and culinary excellence.

Pricing varies and it can be expensive, but for a special occasion it is a unique experience. Lunch options offer a better value dining experience but they do have a more limited selection of meats.

Next time you’re in Orlando, I recommend that you venture beyond the theme parks to explore the rich flavours and vibrant cultures of Brazil at Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão.

Your taste buds will thank you!

About our guest contributor Liz

Liz was lucky enough to be born and bred in Devon, UK, and then moved to Iowa, USA, in 1999. This history is the inspiration for the name of her vacation rentals “Pilgrims Paradise Florida Villas”.

Liz is mum to two boys and has a wonderful husband who supports her in her holiday lettings venture. As a family, they have enjoyed many happy vacations in the USA. They have stayed in hotels, motels and villas but, following a horrible stay in 2014, Liz decided she could do better!

The family secured their first vacation rental villa in 2014, choosing the lovely community of West Haven. They added a second villa to their portfolio in 2019, this time in the fabulous gated resort of Solterra.

Liz says the experience of becoming a short-term rental owner has a sharp learning curve but she takes pride in creating an excellent experience for her guests. Both villas meet high standards for cleanliness and are professionally decorated.

She says of her guests, “We have been blessed to be able to share our lovely villas with our guests from all over the world and excited to welcome them return back each year….. So we must be doing something right!”

View Liz’s homes

You can view Liz’s homes on the White Rose Villas property management website.

The White Rose Villas team works so well together because of our exceptional people. Here, we share how we celebrated Sue’s birthday in Celebration.

A special day for a special team member

The White Rose Villas team is bursting with incredible people who help to make our guests’ and homeowners’ experiences wonderful.

Sue is one such member of our close-knit team. She’s been with us for an impressive five years and last month we treated her to a birthday brunch to celebrate her special day.

Sue’s journey with White Rose Villas

Sue started her journey with White Rose Villas as an inspector, diligently ensuring that every property met our high standards. Her exceptional attention to detail and dedication to her work quickly made her an invaluable part of our team.

Over the years, Sue transitioned into the office, where she now assists with the day-to-day running and manages reservations. Her versatility, commitment, and cheerful disposition have made her a beloved member of our team.

A birthday celebration at Celebration Hotel

To celebrate Sue’s birthday, we decided to make the day truly special with a gathering at the beautiful Celebration Hotel in Celebration, Florida. The hotel’s charming atmosphere and welcoming staff set the perfect backdrop for our festivities.

With its charming location, tempting food and great service, the Celebration Hotel is a great place for a celebration when you are visiting the Disney World area.

A delicious Celebration breakfast

We kicked off Sue’s birthday celebration with a delightful breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.

The breakfast menu at Celebration Hotel is nothing short of spectacular, offering a variety of delicious options.

Here are some of our team’s favourites:

• Breakfast Tacos: A flavourful and satisfying option, these tacos were a hit.
• Waffles: Light, fluffy, and served with an array of toppings, the waffles were a sweet treat enjoyed by everyone who ordered them.
• American Breakfast: A classic choice, the American breakfast treats guests to a hearty start to our day.

Sue had a lovely time and we highly recommend this breakfast spot to our owners and guests. Whether you’re looking for a treat to start your day or a special occasion breakfast, Celebration Hotel offers a menu that won’t disappoint.

A stroll around Celebration

After a delicious breakfast, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll around Celebration and its picturesque lake.

The serene environment and beautiful scenery around downtown provided the perfect setting for reflection and relaxation. It was a wonderful way to spend time together and appreciate the lovely community of which we’re a part.

Why we love Celebration

Celebration is more than just a beautiful town; it’s a place that embodies community spirit and charm. With its quaint streets, scenic views, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that our team love spending time here.

The combination of great food, beautiful surroundings and good company made Sue’s birthday celebration truly memorable.

Looking ahead

Celebrating Sue’s birthday was a wonderful reminder of the importance of taking time to appreciate and honour the people who make our team so special.

Whether you’re an owner, a guest, or a team member, it’s important to make time for these moments when we celebrate the special people in our lives.

As we look forward to many more years with Sue on our team, we also want to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work, dedication and the positive energy she brings to White Rose Villas. We’re grateful for her contributions and excited to see what the future holds.

Your own Celebration

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from White Rose Villas.

Maybe the next time you’re in Celebration, you can also check out the delicious breakfast at Celebration Hotel. It’s a team favourite and comes highly recommended!

Happy Birthday, Sue! Here’s to many more years of success and joy with White Rose Villas.

Want to get in touch? Email us at: admin@whiterosevillas.com

Universal is set to open a new park in Orlando in 2025. Interest in Epic Universe should boost tourism and benefit vacation-home owners.

Universal is delivering its most Epic park yet in 2025. And it has kicked off 2024 by releasing exciting new glimpses of what we can expect from the forthcoming Universal Epic Universe.

What can homeowners expect from Epic Universe?

A new park opening is great news for vacation homeowners in Florida, especially an epic park of this scale and ambition.

Universal is set to open its doors to Epic Universe in 2025. Owners should expect to see an uptick in bookings during 2025 and beyond. The excitement generated about Epic Universe is already reaching epic proportions – so we are confident that, even allowing for the extra hotel rooms Universal is building in the park, we’re going to see a surge in bookings from guests visiting Epic in 2025.

What can park visitors expect from Epic Universe?

Epic Universe is Universal’s most ambitious park yet. It nearly doubles the size of the Universal resort in Florida with five Epic worlds and more than 50 fabulous attractions.

Visitors can look forward to five different amazing and immersive worlds. They include:

• Celestial Park
• Super Nintendo World
• Dark Universe
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
• How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

With incredible rides and some of the most immersive experiences Universal Orlando has created, we cannot wait for the doors to open to Epic Universe.

What details has Universal released about Epic Universe?

Universal is building excitement by feeding information out slowly to its excited guests and fans. The trailer on the Universal website is a great introduction to what we can expect.

Universal says that when creating Epic Universe, it asked its audiences what they wanted. Guests told them that they want to see more of what Universal already does well.

It’s not a surprise, then, that one of Epic Universe’s new worlds is a new horror-themed world. Dark Universe will bring together characters from Universal’s classic horror films. It builds on the success of one of Universal’s most eagerly awaited annual events, its Halloween Horror Nights.

The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter world is themed on the Ministry of Magic and will bring together elements and characters from both the original Harry Potter stories and the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

We can’t wait to see more of the new world based on the How to Train Your Dragon films. Together with the Nintendo world, it is going to be a big draw for kids of all ages. 

Looking forward to an Epic 2025

This news is great for the local economy in Florida and especially for vacation homeowners. The increased capacity at the parks and the interest this exciting new launch will generate will help to boost bookings through 2025 and 2026.

We cannot wait to find out more about what we can expect from the park. If you are eagerly awaiting news, you can sign up for updates direct from Universal here: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/things-to-do/whats-new

We are certain it is going to be an Epic adventure!

Ready to book for 2025?

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Imagine our surprise when the White Rose Villas team stumbled into Florida’s premier snowing event in downtown Celebration. Our tips on enjoying the holiday festivities!

As we sat down for breakfast at the cozy Downtown Diner in Celebration, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. Little did we know that our ordinary breakfast outing would soon transform into a magical experience, complete with unexpected surprises and the enchantment of a winter wonderland.

Amidst the chatter of fellow diners and the clinking of cutlery, we noticed an unusual commotion outside. TV cameras were capturing the excitement and a buzz of anticipation hung in the air. Intrigued, we couldn’t resist the urge to investigate, stepping out into the crisp Florida morning sunshine.

To our great surprise, we weren’t imagining things! Snowflakes gently drifted from the sky, creating a surreal scene in the heart of sunny Celebration. It turns out, our visit coincided with an extraordinary holiday tradition — the town’s nightly snowfall extravaganza which starts on the 25th of November.

We were lucky enough to get a preview – along with the film cameras – because the town was testing its snow-making equipment.

As we strolled through the charming streets adorned with festive decorations, the town revealed its winter makeover. Celebration, known for its picturesque setting, had transformed into a snow-kissed paradise, the snowfall adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting atmosphere.

But the surprises didn’t end there. In the heart of Celebration, where ice is a rarity, an ice-skating rink had been set up. Families and friends twirled and glided, laughter echoing through the air as they embraced the joy of ice skating in the heart of Florida. It was a testament to Celebration’s commitment to creating a holiday experience like no other.

You too can delve into the delightful winter festivities that unfold in Celebration during the Christmas season! From the nightly snowfall that captivates visitors to the whimsical ice-skating rink that brings a touch of northern charm to this southern town, Celebration proves that, even in Florida dreams of a white Christmas can come true!

Explore the unique and magical Christmas celebrations that make Celebration a destination unlike any other during the most wonderful time of the year.

Calendar of Events: Christmas in Kissimmee 2023

As you plan your visit to Kissimmee this Christmas season, it’s essential to mark your calendar for the exciting events happening around the city.

Here’s some useful information about the festive calendar to help you make the most of your holiday experience:

EVENT DETAILS

Join Celebration Town Center for their 25th Anniversary of Now Snowing Nightly, November 25th through December 31st.

Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season.

Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens-style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating, a snow village, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM.

It’s a true throwback to the traditional family-style holiday.

In addition to the everyday fun at Now Snowing Nightly, the event will feature a special holiday-themed Art Festival (Celebration Art Walk) on December 16th.

The event is brought to you by Lexin Capital, and sponsored in part by the Celebration Town Tavern, and Experience Kissimmee. Now Snowing Nightly parking and admission are free.

Celebration is conveniently located between Highway 192 and Interstate 4 near Walt Disney World. For more information on Celebration Town Center and Special Events visit us on the web at www.celebrationtowncenter.com or call (407) 566-4007.

Enjoy breakfast and holiday fun in Celebration 2023

We loved our breakfast at Downtown Diner in Celebration. The Downtown Diner is bringing back a place in the wonderful town of Celebration where sitting at the counter or meeting family and friends for breakfast and lunch becomes part of a daily routine.

This being Florida, even at Christmas you can sit inside or out. The service is fantastic. John, our waiter, was amazing.

The menu includes all our breakfast favourites – French toast, waffles, pancakes, muffins, omelettes and skillets of traditional breakfast fare: eggs, bacon, fries, sausage patties, corned beef hash, peppers, onions, etc. There are also healthier options, like oatmeal and avocado toast, and sharables, such as sliders and loaded fries.

Amongst our delicious breakfast choices, we tried – and loved – the “Dutch Baby”.  For the Brits amongst you, it looks like a big Yorkshire pudding, but it’s sweet. And oh-so-delicious!

After breakfast, we went for a stroll around the lake. 

It’s gorgeous, with views across to the lakeshore hotels and the pretty streets of Celebration.

Kids will love spotting wildlife, we saw a whole variety of different water birds and even an alligator! It’s a beautiful place to take a gentle stroll in the Florida sunshine.

We enjoyed a really special, fantastic day.

Embrace the Kissimmee magic!

Kissimmee at Christmas is a truly magical experience, blending the charm of the season with the city’s unique flair. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor planning a holiday getaway, the festive atmosphere, dazzling decorations, and a plethora of activities make Kissimmee a top destination for creating cherished holiday memories.

Embrace the magic of Christmas in Kissimmee and let the enchantment of the season fill your heart with joy and wonder.

We’re so pleased to bring you a new blog post from one of our homeowners. They have written a fantastic guide to cycling in Central Florida for us. Over to them…

On the trail in Florida: a cyclist’s paradise

One of the joys of spending time in Florida is going outside at pretty much any time of year without having to put on layers of clothing.

For those among you who love nothing more than feeling the wind in your helmet, there are now so many places to get out on your bike in safety. And they offer some pretty good scenery to enjoy as well. 

Cycling local

I started off local while just getting used to a new bike bought from Epic Cycles in Clermont.  I started getting back to more regular cycling after a few long, cold and dark months in the UK.

Initially, I just pedalled round our sub-division, Orange Tree, where the roads are quiet. It’s possible to do a circuit of 7.2km/4.5miles – route here.

I then went further afield, following the route of the SR27 cycle lane.  Insider tip: cycle on the sidewalk not the SR27 cycle lane itself, as that looked pretty dirty – a puncture waiting to happen, as well as being very close to a lot of fast-moving traffic.

If you would like to check out this route, you can find it here.

Branching out

These local routes are great, but for the best scenery, you need to stow your bike in/on your car and drive to the truly quiet, safe and beautiful Trails. You’ll find there are plenty of places to park at the trailheads, which are about every 10 miles along the trail. 

There are over 100 trails in Florida,  and you can find them all on this website grouped into 9 Regions, all with Regional overview maps.  They’ve recently added reports on (fat-tyre) “eco-biking” and hiking trails.

South Lake Trail and the West Orange Trail

Some of the best trails in the Central Florida region include the South Lake Trail and the West Orange Trail. These intersect to create a route of 36 miles of continuous Central Florida biking through Lake and Orange Counties.

This was the route I took.

Portions of the 13-mile-long South Lake Trail near Clermont are particularly scenic, with views along Lake Minneola and other lakes.

West Orange Trail is a world-class rail trail through urban and suburban sections of Orange County. It is popular for all types of biking, in-line skating, running and walking. “Outposts” and “Stations” along the trail provide parking and facilities. There are toilets along the way.

A spur at Killarney Station connects to the South Lake Trail. Both of these trails are part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail.  You can see the route I took here.

One of the glorious towns on the route is Oakland. Here, venerable old trees around the town are draped in Spanish moss. There are several historic buildings to admire and you can cycle down side streets to view Lake Apopka.

The next stop is the little town of Winter Garden. This gets busy at weekends. Nevertheless, the trail goes right through its centre. The bike trail has completely revitalized downtown, which now features at least two bike shops and numerous restaurants. The trail runs through the Clock Tower and past the Pavilion.

The Hancock Trail

Another of my favourite routes is the Hancock Trail.

This starts near the National Training Center at South Lake Hospital. It hosts Olympic athletes and provides Triathlon Training for athletes from around the country.

The Hancock Trail even boasts a hilly area (well, hilly by Floridian standards!). People come from a long way away to ride this trail.  Sugarloaf Mountain Rd is the highest point in the area. One possible start/finish point for the route is Killarney Station, Clermont. 

More information about the routes can be found here. Alternatively, this can be a continuation from the north end of Hancock Trail.

I cycled pretty much every day when we were in Florida during January and February and I can’t wait until we are able to come back and discover more.

If you don’t have your own bicycle…

If you don’t have a bike, there’s no reason to miss out!

Our home is about 14 miles south of the beautiful town of Clermont, which is situated on Lake Minneola and has lovely places to shop, walk and yes, cycle.  I recommend the Epic Cycles bike shop, right on the waterfront, with a very pleasant café and bike sales aplenty, (as we discovered!) and extremely helpful staff.

If you need to rent a bike, try Clermont Bicycles.  They have high-quality road bike and comfort bike rentals by the half day, day and week.

Thank you!

We’d like to thank our home owner for this fantastic cycling guest blog post.