By Heidi Hess
The glow coming from the street ahead was pulling me forward. My pace quickened, not because I felt I was in trouble but because I knew what awaited me. Christmas lights. Millions of them. Sure enough, as I stepped out onto the corner of Fifth Avenue and Donnelly Street, the warmth of the season took over and enveloped me in pure holiday rapture.
The breeze coming off of the lake kicked up and I jammed my hands deep into the pockets of my jacket. Every storefront on this main street was filled with wonderful gift ideas. Holiday smells spilled out of eateries and bakeries. No, this is not a Hallmark movie. There’s nothing like the holidays and seeing the wonder in our kids eyes. I think everyone’s a kid during the holiday season. We’re all suckers for bright, sparkly things.
Unfortunately, “bright and sparkly” sometimes comes with a hefty price tag, but it doesn’t have to if you know where to go. Now, you probably think I’m going to mention Sandi the Christmas tree – the sandcastle Christmas tree in down town West Palm Beach but you are wrong (Although, it really is quite nice.) Here are three places where you and your little ones (or in my case, grown ones) can get your holiday cheer absolutely free.
St. Augustine. It’s called Nights of Lights and the oldest city in the country does not disappoint – Flager College, the Lightner Museum, even St. George Street are covered in lights. From Palm Beach County it’s about a three and a half hour drive and totally worth it. If you plan it right, you can find inexpensive food options or get your Bucee’s fix. Everything lights up starting November 23rd.
Walt Disney World – Say what? That’s right. You can get your holiday cheer without ever stepping into one of the Disney parks. I recommend making it a real adventure and parking at Disney Springs (it’s free). Hop on a Disney bus headed to Wilderness Lodge (my personal favorite). Every hotel is decorated different and the warmth and ambiance lends itself to the holidays. After sitting a spell by the fire at Wilderness Lodge, head out to the docks and pick up the boat to go to the Contemporary. There you can pick up the Monorail and visit all of the resorts on the Monorail line. My second favorite is the Grand Floridian. You will “ohh and ahh” over the life size gingerbread house.
While you are in the Orlando area, travel a bit west to Mount Dora. This is a new location for me and it’s absolutely charming. It’s that small town out of the Hallmark movie. Light Up Mount Dora starts November 26th and should not be missed. Donnelly Park and all of downtown Mount Dora will be lit up with holiday cheer.
So there you have it, three places in the state to help you get your holiday on, but whatever you do, make it fun, make it memorable. Our time with our kids is fleeting. My wish for you is that you are filled with the joy and wonder of the holiday season and that you savor every moment.
