COMEDY
Fortune Feimster: Fortune Feimster made her way onto the comedic scene as a member of the prestigious Groundlings Sunday Company. Dec. 29; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; drphillipscenter.org
Matt Mathews: Be advised this show contains mature content. Per the artist’s request, only those ages 18 and older will be permitted to attend. 8 p.m.; Dec. 30; Hard Rock Cafe, 6050 Universal Blvd. in Orlando; $29-$89; hardrock.com
Paul Mecurio’s Permission to Speak: Starring Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian from “The Late Show w/Stephen Colbert,” “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report,” the Permission to Speak tour was met on Broadway with rave reviews. 7 p.m.; Dec. 29; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; drphillipscenter.org
Brody Love: L.E.O. Comedy Jam: By day, he’s a real hero, an award-winning, life-saving cop, and by night, he’s a national-touring, joke-slaying, non-stop laughter, action-packed and high-energy comedian. 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 4; Orlando Improv Comedy Club, 9101 International Drive, Suite 2310, in Orlando; $20-$50; 407-480-5233; theimprovorlando.com
Jeff Wright: Jeff Wright is a comedian, actor and writer originally from Orlando. He is currently a writer and performer for NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” 8 p.m.; Dec. 31; Orlando Improv Comedy Club, 9101 International Drive, Suite 2310, in Orlando; $32-$92; theimprovorlando.com
Tony Baker: Tony Baker’s comedy has taken on a movement of its own, and his many fans can attest to that by easily quoting a few of his popular “Bakerisms.” 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 29-30; Orlando Improv Comedy Club, 9101 International Drive, Suite 2310, in Orlando; $32-$92; theimprovorlando.com
FOOD
2024 Disney Marathon Appreciation Luncheon: 2024 Marathon appreciation luncheon for our Kellsie’s Krew and their guests. 12 p.m.; Jan. 4; Splitsville Luxury Lanes, 1494 E. Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista; eventbrite.com
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Sushi Saint: Ring in the new year with sushi and champagne. 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 31; Sushi Saint, 400 Pittman St. #Suite A in Orlando; eventbrite.com
Festive Holiday Dinner Show: Join the wise guys and beautiful dames this holiday season for an evening of fun, food, and frivolity at Capone’s Dinner & Show. 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 29, Dec. 30; Capone’s Dinner & Show, 4740 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee; 407-397-2378; alcapones-shop.com
New Year’s Day Grand Brunch Buffet: Kick off the first day of 2024 with a bountiful Grand Brunch Buffet. 11:30 a.m.; Jan. 1; Mission Resort + Club in Mount Dora; $28-$65; mountdora.com
New Year’s Eve Celebration: Saturday is New Year’s Eve, and Mount Dora is ready. DJ John & thevoodoogypsies will help you dance the night away. Street bars, local food trucks and street games. Dec. 31; Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Ave. in Mount Dora; mountdora.com
New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration: On New Year’s Eve, join us for a five-course dinner and dancing gala in El Nuevo Mundo Ballroom. Dec. 31; Mission Resort + Club in Mount Dora; $179-$199; mountdora.com
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar’s New Year’s Eve Celebration: Ring in the new year with us at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Elevate your experience further with our VIP package. 8 p.m.; Dec. 31; Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, 6300 Hollywood Way in Orlando; eventbrite.com
Santa’s Dessert Bar: The Mount Dora Bistro presents Santa’s Dessert Bar. Enjoy holiday desserts, warm beverages and holiday cocktails. 12 p.m.; Dec. 29-31; The Mount Dora Bistro, 142 W. 4th Ave. in Mount Dora; mountdora.com
Flamenco Fridays: Enjoy Spanish tapas and shareable pans of paella while our flamenco dancers entertain you with their mesmerizing moves. 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 29; Jaleo Disney Springs, 1482 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando; free; jaleo.com
Weekend Brunch Fiesta: Enjoy Mexican brunch specialties, handcrafted margaritas, fresh OJ mimosas and live music. 11 a.m.; Dec. 31; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; free; 520-440-4916; eventvesta.com
FESTIVALS & FAIRS
Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild: 6 p.m.; Dec. 29-Jan. 4; 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. in
Sanford; centralfloridazoo.org
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: 9 a.m.; Dec. 29-30; Epcot, 200 Epcot Center Drive in Orlando; disneyworld.disney.go.com
New Year’s Eve at the Zoo: Asian Lantern Festival: The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will host limited time slots to enjoy Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. 5:30 p.m.; Dec. 31; Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford; centralfloridazoo.org
Avalon Park Orlando New Year’s Eve Celebration: Presenting live music, restaurant specials and fireworks at midnight. 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 31; Avalon Park Orlando, 3801Avalon Park East Blvd., Suite 100, in Orlando; free; 407-658-6565; avalonparkorlando.com
FUNDRAISERS
Donate GameNFT: Get ready to level up your generosity at Donate GameNFT, an in-person event where gamers come together to donate their prized NFTs. 1 p.m.; Dec. 30; 11503 Camden Park Drive in Windermere; eventbrite.com
Making Waves Charity Gala – Beauties for a Cause: In partnership with Miss Earth USA, the 30th Charity Gala supports Marine Life & Water Conservation, plus scholarships and grants. 8 p.m.; Dec. 30; Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando; eventbrite.com
FILM
2023 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour: The 2023 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour presented by Shutterstock is a 90-minute theatrical program of seven short films curated from the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. 6:30 p.m.; Jan. 2; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org
LITERARY ARTS
WEE Story Time: Stories, finger plays, books, bubbles and toys. 11 a.m.; Jan. 2; Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks in Clermont; mylakelibrary.evanced.info
Christmas Carols & Their Stories: The Sunday after Christmas is celebrated by singing carols and hearing how they came to us. Stay for coffee and share holiday treats following the service. 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Dec. 31; First Presbyterian Church of Mount Dora, 222 W. Sixth Ave. in Mount Dora; mountdora.com
Writers of Central Florida or Thereabouts: 8 p.m.; Jan. 3; Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road in Orlando; stardustvideoandcoffee.wordpress.com
FAMILY
2023 Dazzling Nights: Experience a seasonal display of lights and color that make evenings in Leu Gardens truly holiday magical, featuring lanterns hanging from grand camphor trees, interactive lights and a tunnel of lights. 2 p.m.; Dec. 29-Jan. 4; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando; orlando.gov
Family Highlights Tours: This docent-led tour provides opportunities for meaningful conversations with your entire family. Follow along with a docent as they take you from gallery to gallery, highlighting various works. 2 p.m.; Dec. 30; Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando; 407-896-4231; omart.org
Fired-Up Fridays: A free car and truck show event with all makes, models and years welcome of show car quality. 5 p.m.; Dec. 29; The Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; free; 407-338-4811; sunsetwalk.com
Holiday Nights: Each evening, Island H2O Water Park will transform into a holiday wonderland, adorned with twinkling island-themed lights that’ll rival the brightest North Star. 6 p.m.; Dec. 29-31; Island H20 Water Park, 3230 Inspiration Drive in Kissimmee; $29.99-$34.99; 407-910-1401; IslandH2OWaterPark.com
Lake Mary Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Dec. 30; Lake Mary Central Park at City Hall, 100 N. Country Club Road in Lake Mary; free; 407-585-1460
New Years Celebration – Early: There’s only one way to end the year and start another — with FUN. 4 p.m.; Dec. 31; Dave & Buster’s Orlando, 8986 International Drive Orlando; $49; 214-904-2532; daveandbusters.com
NYE Celebrations at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa: 6 p.m.; Dec. 31; Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, 9500 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando; $10-$250; 407-345-0000 ext. 8842; westgateresorts.com
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Holiday Dinner Show: ‘Tis the season for MAGIC. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Holiday Dinner Show returns this holiday season. 6 p.m.; Dec. 29-31; WonderWorks Orlando, 9067 International Drive in Orlando; $25.99-$63.99; 407-351-8800; wonderworksonline.com
School Out Days: When OCPS schools are closed, parents can drop off kids for a day of fun and games. School Out Days are Jan. 3-5 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando; 407-387-5330; rosenjcc.org
KIDS
2023 Holiday Gnome Hunt: Delight in finding our special holiday gnome friends throughout Leu Gardens for kids from one to 92. 7 p.m.; Dec. 29-Jan. 4; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando; orlando.gov
Kids Adventure Club: Join in for fun after-school activities. 3 p.m.; Jan. 3; Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks in Clermont; mylakelibrary.evanced.info
After School Program: The Rosen JCC After School Program offers one convenient location for all your child’s after-school needs. Kids get homework help and tutors to help them complete school assignments before they get home. 3 p.m.; Dec. 29, Jan. 1-4; Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando; 407-387-5330; rosenjcc.org
Mindful Play Learning: Yoga for Preschoolers: Each session is themed and playfully uses yoga and imagination to teach early learners social-emotional skills, support cognitive development and enhance creativity. Recommended for ages 3–5. 10:15 a.m.; Jan. 2; Eatonville Branch, 200 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Eatonville; free; 407-835-7323; ocls.info
PARKS & GARDENS
2023 Holiday Blooms: Explore live plant displays throughout Leu Gardens featuring poinsettias, amaryllis, bromeliads, orchids, annuals and handcrafted horticulture designs. 7 p.m.; Dec. 29-Jan. 4; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando; orlando.gov
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Audubon Park Community Market: 5 p.m.; Jan. 1; Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road in Orlando; stardustvideoandcoffee.wordpress.com
Mid-Florida Milers: Our walks are for all ages and fitness levels. Choose from a 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles) walk that explores the area in and around Universal Parks & Resorts. 8:30 a.m.; Jan. 1; Miller’s Ale House Parking Lot (behind the restaurant), 5573 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando; $4; 801-554-7132; midfloridamilers.org
PURSUITS & HOBBIES
Bowl Turning with Carbide Tools: If you’ve ever admired wooden bowls and wondered how to make them, here is your opportunity. 10 a.m.; Dec. 30; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018, in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com
Cooper Crafter’s Group: Bring your current project (be it yarn, thread, bead, fiber or paper) and craft with us. 2 p.m.; Jan. 4; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; 352-253-6180; mylakelibrary.evanced.info
Cooper Quilters Group: Calling all quilters. Bring your current project and quilt with us. 9 a.m.; Jan. 2, Jan. 4; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; 352-253-6180; mylakelibrary.evanced.info
Curry Ford West’s Picture Perfect Holidays: Curry Ford West’s award-winning Picture Perfect Holiday is returning this year with their holiday market. 2-5 p.m. Dec. 29-Jan. 4; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando; orlando.gov
Drunk Drewelry: This is way better than happy hour. Invite your friends to an amazing time in downtown Mount Dora. 6 p.m.; Dec. 29; Jewelry by TFC, Mount Dora; free; mountdora.com
Friday Night Muscle Car Show & Cruise: Old Town celebrates true muscle power during the 12th Anniversary of the Friday Night Muscle Car Show & Cruise at Old Town. 3 p.m.; Dec. 29; Old Town, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee; carsandcoffeeevents.com
History Repeating: A New Years Party Through The Decades: Step into the time machine and party with your favorite Orlando performers as we celebrate New Year’s Eve with a blast from the past. 9 p.m.; Dec. 31; The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Suite 100, in Orlando
Knitting & Crochet Group for Adults: Come along with your latest project and create, connect and chat. All skill levels are welcome. 3 p.m.; Jan. 4; Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks in Clermont; mylakelibrary.evanced.info
Magic and Mingling: Reserve the Shop for girls’ night, mother-and-daughter outings, bridal parties or jewelry styling. Enjoy a glass of wine from The Nest, a sweet or savory crepe by Claire’s Creperie & the TFC. 5:30 p.m.; Jan. 4; 439 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora; $10; mountdora.com
Mount Dora Village Market: 10 a.m.; Dec. 31; Mount Dora; mountdora.com
Orlando Farmers Market: 10 a.m.; Dec. 31; Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; downtownorlando.com
Renningers Flea and Farmers Market: Two large buildings and several open-air shopping areas house a wide variety of dealers, from produce stands, clothing shops and oddity vendors to high-quality antiques and collectibles. 8 a.m.; Dec. 30-31; 20651 US-441 in Mount Dora; renningers.net
Show Car Saturday Nights: All makes and models are welcome and displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard. Dec. 30; Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; stungbykia.com
Taproom Game Night & Live Music: Bring your own games and friends, or just enjoy ours. 6:30 p.m.; Jan. 4; Eden Abbey Brewing Community, 405 S. Highland St. in Mount Dora; mountdora.com
Taproom Trivia With Pete: Free to play; individuals or teams welcome. Multiple categories every week, including a picture round. Win free beer and gift cards. Get here early; it’s popular. 6:30 p.m.; Jan. 3; Eden Abbey Brewing Community, 405 S. Highland St. in Mount Dora; mountdora.com
Trivia Tuesday: 7 p.m.; Jan. 2; The Corner Pizza Bar, 150 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com
Winter Garden Farmers Market: 8 a.m.; Dec. 30; Additional Dates, Orlando
Clermont Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Dec. 31; Downtown Clermont, Montrose St. in Clermont; free
Cornhole Tournament: $20 to play with a guarantee of six games. 6 p.m.; Dec. 29; Orlando Elk Lodge, 12 N. Primrose Drive in Orlando; 407-894-1079;
Trivia Tuesday: Trivia Knights are coming to Orlando. Our first major out-of-market expansion couldn’t be at a nicer place. 7 p.m.; Jan. 2; Gravity Taproom, 777 N. Orange Ave., Suite D, in Orlando; free; 352-246-2306
Happy Noon Year: Make some noise and ring in the noon year with your little ones. Join us for fun and games with an exciting countdown at noon. Ages 3-5. Dec. 30; South Creek Branch, 1702 Deerfield Blvd. in Orlando; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info
Maitland Farmer’s Market: Shop fresh produce and fruit, plants and flowers, crafts, food and more. 9 a.m.; Dec. 31; Independence Square, 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland; free; 407-539-6223; itsmymaitland.com
Sit n’ Stitch: Sit n’ Stitch is a group of Fiber Arts crafters who will meet monthly to knit, crochet, embroider, cross-stitch or quilt. 7 p.m.; Jan. 4; Maitland Public Library, 501 Maitland Ave. South in Maitland; free; 407-647-7700; maitlandpubliclibrary.org
Ring in the New Year: Bottles popping. People cheering. Power Cards tapping. New Year’s Eve at Dave & Buster’s is more than just a good time — it’s the ultimate way to kick off a year of fun. 9 p.m.; Dec. 31; Dave & Buster’s Orlando, 8986 International Drive in Orlando