Holiday Lights & Fresh Snow in Celebration, Florida

I had the chance to experience a unique holiday atmosphere at the town of Celebration's annual holiday light display. It is absolutely breathtaking, especially if it is your first time visiting the town -- which was the case for me. The town of Celebration is a Disney planned-community property that contains many fine homes with an average home value of about $500,000.

I came across the annual holiday festivities during an online search of holiday events in the Orlando, Florida area. It is held every year from the end of November through New Years Eve beginning at 6pm. The town of Celebration is not a gated community and you can enjoy the festivities free of charge along with free street parking. You can find more details at www.celebrationtowncenter.com .

While making your way to the town center, the large homes along the main streets of Celebration are adorned with holiday lights and décor adding to the excitement of the festivities. Finding parking may take a while as this event is very popular. You will have to drive around to find an empty spot, but you will find a friendly, courteous atmosphere.

Among the many different kinds of festivities held are: nightly snow fall, walking carolers, free samples and free drink coupons from Starbucks, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and more! The nightly snow fall takes place on the hour at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. Sample coffees, cakes and cookies are located at the Starbucks tent across from the restaurants. Celebration also has an array of quaint boutiques which are great for window shopping or for purchasing one of a kind decorations and trinkets. The town also has upscale restaurants and cafes to have dinner, dessert or a nightcap while you people watch during the festivities. Celebration also boasts their own AMC movie theater with two full screens! You can also talk a nice stroll along the many streets of Celebration to view all of the beautiful homes. The architecture varies from northern colonial to southern style models with wrap-around porches. The streets are quiet and extraordinarily clean.

If you are visiting from out of town you can book accommodations at The Celebration Hotel. It is located in town center right off the boardwalk. The hotel has 115 guest rooms and it offers complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World, the Celebration Golf Course and free shoe shine service. For more info visit www.celebrationhotel.com