Downtown Orlando is getting a new holiday tradition. Starting December 4, Dr. Phillips Center will turn its entire Frontyard and Seneff Arts Plaza into a winter wonderland for the first Frontyard Holiday Festival. It is completely free to walk in and explore.
For 28 days, the three-acre lawn will fill with more than 80 performances, nightly snowfalls, fire pits, light displays and a giant illuminated tree with a nightly lighting ceremony. Expect s’mores, hot cocoa, decorative waffles, BBQ, gelato and festive cocktails. Santa will also be popping in for visits throughout the month. The festival lines up with the Downtown Holiday Stroll, making it a good first stop before exploring the rest of downtown’s lights.
Programming leans heavily on local talent. Weeknight caroling will feature groups like the Dr. Phillips Center Quarter Notes and Four Counts, Opera Orlando, CFCArts, Orlando Gay Chorus, Brass Band of Central Florida, Central Florida Vocal Arts and a mix of high school ensembles.
The main stage will host classic holiday movies including The Grinch, The Polar Express, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Live performances throughout the month include Tymisha Harris, Ericka Dunlap, April Brown and After 5, Orchestra Fuego, Jarred Armstrong, Will Patrick, 3 and a Half Men, Chase Shellee and the Underground Retro, Derrick Harris and the Eighth Note Collective and The Yuletide Treasures…