 December 2021
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Holiday Office Closure
& Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule:CHRISTMAS (Observed)- All City Government Offices will be closed on Friday, December 24.
- There will be Regular Collection Services of Garbage/Recycling/Yard Waste on Friday, December 24.
- There will not be a Farmers Market on Saturday, December 25.
NEW YEAR’S DAY (Observed)- All City Government Offices will be closed on Friday, December 31.
- There will be Regular Collection Services of Garbage/Recycling/Yard Waste on Friday, December 31.
- There will not be a Farmers Market on Saturday, January 1.
Click here for a yearly Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule. If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256. |
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Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Winter Garden Fire Rescue’s annual “SANTA RUN” brings Santa and his sleigh through city neighborhoods! This moving parade takes place between 5:45-9:00 pm each night as Santa, along with his firefighter, police, and city helpers spread holiday cheer, music, and treats along
The Santa Run schedule is as follows:
Monday, December 13 North West Winter Garden
Tuesday, December 14 North East Winter Garden
Wednesday, December 15 South Winter Garden: West CR 545 Corridor (West Side)
Thursday, December 16 South Winter Garden: East CR 545 Corridor (East Side)
Friday, December 17 South Winter Garden: CR 535 / Daniel’s Road Corridor
Saturday, December 18 South Winter Garden: Beulah / Windermere Road Corridor
Click links above to view Santa Route Maps.
An alternate date is scheduled for December 20 if weather interrupts one of Santa’s visits.
Please check Santa's nightly route map to see the estimated time of Santa’s arrival and/or to find a location near you to watch Santa’s parade. (Due to significant growth of Winter Garden, not all neighborhoods or streets can be accommodated.)
Due to safety concerns, please refrain from parking on the street during your neighborhood’s Santa Run. Street parking, especially parking on both sides of street, may prohibit the parade from going down a street.
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De-light-Ful Decorations ContestDrag out the lights, hang up the garland, put up the glowing Santa, and enter your home to win! Festive presentations of outdoor decorations could win up to $100!
Judging takes place on Tuesday, December 14, and Wednesday, December 15, starting at 5:30 pm. Winners will be notified by phone on December 16.
Hosted by Winter Garden Parks & Recreation, the contest is free to enter and all homes must be within city limits.
Click here for entry form and instructions on how to submit.
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School Holiday CampWinter Garden Recreation Holiday Camp is an awesome experience for your school-aged child to attend during the holiday break. Campers will enjoy various outdoor activities, themed related craft projects, and explore the many parks of Winter Garden! Qualified, well trained Parks & Recreation staff will provide a safe and outstanding break for your child. Camp is open to all children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to camp every day. December 20 – 23, 27 – 31, & January 3 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Camp is open to children kindergarten through 8th grade. $21 per day City Resident; $26 per day Nonresident Click here to register. |
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Downtown Winter Garden is merry all month long! To download a Tis the Season event flier, click here |
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Light Up Winter GardenJoin us at Light Up Winter Garden to welcome the holiday season with this annual event to kick off our 38 days of Tis the Season. The lighting will take place at 6:15 pm at City Hall, followed by various activities for all to enjoy.
Friday, December 3
6:00 – 9:00 pm
300 W. Plant Street/Downtown Winter Garden
Sponsored by Duke Energy and the City of Winter Garden
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 Copyright 2018 by the Observer Media Group. Used with permission.
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Winter Garden Christmas ParadeBring a lawn chair or blanket and head to your favorite viewing spot for this annual event. The Winter Garden Christmas Parade is a long-standing Winter Garden holiday tradition that delights spectators and brings in holiday cheer! Don't forget to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade!
Saturday, December 4
Starts at 10:00 am
Downtown Winter Garden
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A Merry Winter Garden Light Show
This annual animated holiday light show has become a holiday tradition to so many households. Do not miss this spectacular show synchronized to music projected onto the front façade of Winter Garden City Hall.
December 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23
6:00 – 9:00 pm
300 W. Plant St., Downtown Winter Garden
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Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours
Right out of a Hallmark movie, Soul Haven Ranch is offering a 20-minute horse drawn carriage tour experience through festive downtown Winter Garden on select nights through December 30. December 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 5:30 – 9:30 pm Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue Fee and reservations required. Click here to reserve your spot. |
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Holiday Boutique StrollStroll from shop-to-shop in a winter wonderland for an evening of holiday shopping and fun. Invite your friends and family and create a festive memory. Participating shops will host light refreshments, in-store raffles, and outdoor and indoor specials. Thursday, December 9 5:00 – 8:00 pm Downtown Winter Garden Click here for more for details. |
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Recycle your Real Christmas Tree
Follow these steps to get your real Christmas Tree recycled:
• Remove all ornaments, lights and garland
• Remove it from the stand
• Place the tree at the curb on your yard waste collection day
Your Christmas Tree will be taken to a yard waste facility where it will be transformed into mulch and used in landscapes in our area.
Questions? 407.877.5193
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A Very Merry Farmers MarketVisit the festive Winter Garden Farmers Market for unique gifts; holiday décor, as well as meats, seafood, dips, sauces, appetizers, and desserts to make your holiday gatherings special. The market is a fun outing for the whole family with 100+ vendors, family fun games on the lawn, and a Kidz Zone. Visit with Santa at the market on December 11 and 18 from 9 am – 12:30 pm.
Saturdays, December 4, 11, 18
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue
Please note that there will NOT be a Farmers Market on December 25 and January 1 due to the holidays.
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Holiday Music at Fridays on the Plaza Fridays on the Plaza will feature special holiday performances this month: - December 10 - Roots & Rosin (Christmas, Holiday)
- December 17 - The Caroling Company (Christmas, Holiday)
7:00-9:00 pm Centennial Plaza in the center of Downtown |
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Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Begins in December
The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department will begin fire hydrant flow testing the first week of December and will continue through mid-February.
This important preventative maintenance activity serves several purposes. This process ensures all the city’s fire hydrants are functioning properly and identifies any needed repairs. It also helps maintain the City’s water quality by flushing all of the lines and removing sediments from the system.
Residents may notice a brief reduction in water pressure and some discoloration of the drinking water. Discolored water poses no threat to the public’s health. If you notice discolored water coming from your fixtures, please allow the water to flow from your cold water side for several minutes.
If you experience continued loss of pressure or water discoloration, please contact the Public Services Department at 407-656-2256.
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DOWNLOAD THE NEW MOBILE CITIZEN APPAnytime you have a question or discover an issue such as a leaky hydrant, a broken streetlight or sidewalk, a pothole, a damaged street sign or even a code enforcement concern, you can now use the Mobile Citizen app to submit a service request to the City of Winter Garden to have it resolved.
Download the “Mobile Citizen” app today via the Apple Store or Google Play. Please look for this icon. Click here for more information.
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Winter Fun with Winter Garden
PARKS & RECREATION!
Find dates, details, and fees at: Parks and Recreation or call 407.656.4155.
Tai Chi, Yoga, Martial Arts, Tennis, Softball, 50+ Activities, Special Olympics Activities, Trips, Horticulture Lectures, Guitar Lessons, Art Classes, Kickball, Preschool Activities, Cooking Classes, Belly Dancing, and more! Advance reservations required.
Boot Camp with Brad
Looking for aerobics and strength training exercises that utilizes both weights as well as body weights? Join this bi-weekly boot camp to learn how to develop a more physically healthy body, and the mental well-being that comes with exercise.
Mondays and Thursdays | 5:00 – 5:50 pm
16 years and older
$16 City Residents; $18 Nonresidents per class;
$55 City Residents; $65 Nonresidents per month (8 classes)
Gentle Yoga
Great for beginners or anyone that wants to learn the basics of yoga. Yoga involves stretching and strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxing meditation.
Tuesdays | 7:15 – 8:15 pm
16 years and older
$9 City Resident; $10 Nonresident per class
$32 City Residents; $36 Nonresident per month
SystemaThis Russian Martial Art focuses on self-defense methods, greater strength and endurance, patience, and working with others. Winter Garden is the only place in Central Florida to practice this art used by Russian Special Forces!
Mondays | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
18 years and older
$15 per class; $45 City Resident;
$55 Nonresident per 4-week session
Tai Chi
An ancient Chinese exercise that emphasizes relaxation, breath control, correct posture, balance, and flexibility to develop the mind and body. One free introductory lesson in Tai Chi is offered for all first timers. For more information, please click here.
Tuesdays and Thursdays | 9:00 – 10:00 am
$50 City Resident; $55 Nonresident
per month
Youth Soccer - Spring League
Cheer on your child while they have a great time with friends! This recreational program emphasizes an environment that is fun for all ages. We focus on each child through positive coaching, teamwork, sportsmanship, skill development, and more! Fee includes an 8-week season, an end of season award, and a team jersey.
We want you! Coaches pay only $10 for one child’s registration.
Paid officials are also needed.
City residents’ registration:
December 6 – December 31
Nonresidents’ registration:
December 20 – December 31
Registration may close early due to limited availability in each age division.
Practices begin the week of January 24
Games begin February 12
3 – 12 years old (age as of September 1, 2021)
$100 City Resident; $120 Nonresident
Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Boulevard
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New Art in Public Places Exhibit Premieres TodayThe City of Winter Garden is pleased to premiere the Art in Public Places exhibit, There’s a Map for That! Find Your Way Home: A Cartographic Survey of West Orange County.
Curated by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, the exhibit presents a cartographic survey of Winter Garden, West Orange County, and Florida, with reproductions dating back to the 1850s. See how maps across the decades defined a growing city, documented the rapid expansion of orange groves through aerial photography, promoted tourism, and much more. Donated by businesses and residents, this comprehensive exhibit will give viewers a new perspective of our region.
December 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022
Monday-Friday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Art in Public Places Gallery in City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
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Garden Theatre160 W. Plant Street 407.877.4736 gardentheatre.org
LIVE THEATRE
Big, the Musical
Book by John Weidman | Music by David Shire | Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr
Directed by Joseph C. Walsh
Presenting Sponsor: AdventHealth | Producing Sponsor: Duke Energy
When you’re young, you can’t wait to be grown-up… But being big and tall doe not make you a grown-up. Thirteen-year-old Josh Baskin knows one thing: being a kid is no fun! So when a rusty arcade machine magically transforms him into a 30-year-old man, Josh knows this is his chance to have the time of his life! Still a kid at heart, Josh navigates a grown-up world and reminds his new colleagues and himself of the joys of childhood in this fun-filled musical based on the beloved 1980s film. Everyone grows old, but you don’t have to grow up!
Now - December 19 | Matinee and Evening Performances
ASL-Interpreted and Sensory-Friendly Performances
Tickets start at $25 | Discounts available for youth, seniors, groups, and military members
Click here to purchase tickets.
INTERACTIVE MOVIES
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992, G)
Bah humbug! This Dickens classic comes to life on the big screen as Kermit, Gonzo, Fozzie, and the rest of the Muppets attempt to change the fate of grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge.
Sunday, December 5 | 7:00 pm | Tickets $15
Click here to purchase tickets.
HOLIDAY CONCERTNoel! A Christmas Concert Orlando Choral Society presents: The Winter Garden Community Choir & Voci del Cuore (Voices of the Heart) December 12 | 7:30 pm Reservation Required/Free, $5 Donation Suggested EDUCATION
Talent is blooming at the Garden! At every age level, our students are encouraged to try something new, develop their theatre skills, and become more confident in everything they do. Camps and classes are tailored to fit the needs of each grade or skill level and are taught by experienced local theatre professionals.
Click here to learn about health and safety protocols and educational programs.
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Heritage Museum PremieresWest Orange County at Work ExhibitIn West Orange County, work has taken many forms through the years: from picking oranges, running a railroad, working a cash register, or managing a business or hospital. All this labor has come together to create the town that we know and love today.
The West Orange County at Work exhibit tells the stories of the original pioneers; the citrus workers; and the people occupied in our modern, diversified economy; paying homage to all who worked in West Orange County.
Through February 15, 2022
Tuesdays through Saturdays | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main Street
Free Admission
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Winter Garden Art AssociationSOBO Art Gallery127 S. Boyd Street407.347.7996 wgart.org
Open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
FREE Admission
EXHIBITION
Fun and Functional
2D & 3D works that depict both the FUN and the FUNCTIONAL dimensions of art. It will make for a fun holiday season show, and an entertaining shopping experience since a one-of-kind creation by a local artist makes a great gift.
Now – January 29, 2022
Tuesday - Saturday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Opening Reception: December 2 | 5:30 – 8:00 pm
CALL TO ARTISTSSubmissions from artists are accepted between the FIRST and the EIGHTH of the month prior to the exhibition.
Call to Artists: December 1 – 8, Details at Call to Artists
WORKSHOPS
Artist Night Studio: Life Drawing
A model is available to draw every Wednesday night.
Wednesdays | 6:30 – 9:00 pm
18 years and older only | $10 members; $15 non-members
Click here to register.
KID'S ART CLASSES Click here for more information or to register.
Home School Classes
SOBO is excited to offer Standards Based Art classes for small groups of Home School artists led by Lenore Eastham, Certified Art Educator.
$15 per child per 55-minute session
Initial classes will be available in time blocks between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Wednesday Art Club
2nd grade – 5th grade: 2:30- 3:30 PM
Middle and High School 3:45-4:45PM
$15 each session, (members $12) includes all materials
Offsite Art Classes Yes, we can come to your location. Custom classes with Lenore Eastham, certified art educator, starting at $75 per hour are available. Call 407-347-7996 for more information.
VOLUNTEER
Currently accepting applications for volunteer opportunities at SOBO for Saturdays!
Sign up at wgart.org/volunteer
PROGRAMS FOR ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA
*Due to current restrictions for those at risk, please check the website for more information.
Musical Minds
With Central Florida Community Arts
Visit cfcarts.com/musicalminds or call 407.937.1800, Ext. 719
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Holiday Crime Prevention TipsThis is such a joyous time of year; however, it is also a prosperous time for burglars and
thieves. Below are some tips to avoid theft this holiday season. - Purchase “big ticket” items at the end of your shopping trip so they are not left unattended in your vehicle.
- Break up boxes and packaging of large ticket items and dispose in appropriate waste bins instead of displaying your purchases on your curb. Also, place your bins curbside on the morning of trash pick-up days instead of the night prior.
- Keep your vehicles and residences locked at all times.
- To prevent “Porch Pirates” Holiday Package Theft:
- Request packages be sent to a secure location, such as an Amazon Locker or your work.
- Complete the delivery instructions box during your online checkout to indicate an out-of-sight location for your package delivery.
- Retrieve packages immediately, and if you cannot be home for a delivery, ask a family member or neighbor to pick up for you.
- Use tracking services provided by carriers. If you know when your packages arrive, it will be easier to retrieve packages quickly. Also, use tracking to notify gift recipients of expected deliveries so they can be on the lookout.
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Reminder: FireworksRecreational use of fireworks is legal only on Independence Day, New Year’s Eve,
and New Year’s Day, per Florida Statute 791.08.
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Participate in Your City
There are many different ways you can participate in your City government. Here are some options for you to consider:
VOLUNTEER
The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking volunteers for ALL Boards and Committees. There are open seats on a number of advisory boards and committees that welcome your participation. Most have monthly meetings and require only a few hours of volunteer time per month. For those interested in serving, please complete the Board Interest Form.
To find out more, contact the City Clerk’s office at 407-656-4111, ext. 2297, or stop by City Hall at 300 W. Plant St.
JOIN A CLASS OR LEAGUE
Sign up for one of the many classes or leagues offered by the City of Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department.
ATTEND A MEETING
Open to the public, attend a City meeting to find out firsthand what is happening in your community.
DECEMBER MEETING SCHEDULE
City Commission Meeting* -- Thursday, December 9, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
There will be ONE City Commission Meeting in the month of December due to the holidays.
Planning and Zoning Board Meeting – Monday, December 6, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
Code Enforcement Board Meeting – Tuesday, December 7, 6:15 pm
City Hall Chambers
Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board – December 21, 6:30 pm
Visit the City of Winter Garden calendar for additional dates of upcoming meetings & events.
The City has resumed in-person meetings. In light of current pandemic conditions and trends in the State of Florida as well as due to low participation, we are discontinuing the “Listen only” option for attending City meetings after the December 9 City Commission Meeting. Please join us in person for all City meetings beginning January 2022.
*City Commission Meeting recordings are available the next business day following the meeting, Click here to listen.
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Local Vaccination Sites
There are a number of local options to get a COVID-19 vaccine. All vaccines are free. For a detailed list of vaccination sites, click here.
COVID-19 information for both residents and businesses can be found on the COVID-19 Resources page of the City website.
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