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Holiday shows and events

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Now that we're stuffed with stuffing, the holidays are officially underway. If cranberry sauce wasn't enough to fill you with cheer, here are a few events that can load you up on winter spirit.

1. Christmas at the Leu House

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Harry P. and Mary Jane Leu's residence gets its halls fully decked by local interior designers. Each of the 11 rooms is given a jolly makeover in differing yuletide styles. Docent-led tours are available every 30 minutes, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily. Admission to Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Road, Orlando, is $10 adults, $3 children. Details: 407-246-2620; leugardens.org

2. Holiday Craft Fair

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The Osceola Crafters Guild offers up the 35th edition of this annual showcase. Local artisans exhibit jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, cards, candles, food and more unique gift ideas for friends, family or yourself. There's also a weekly raffle, in case you like to win your gifts. The fair runs 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-4:30 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 18 at Osceola Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. Admission is free. Details: 407-846-6257; osceolaarts.org

3. Light Up UCF

Trying to cram the entirety of the holiday experience into one visit? Light Up UCF returns this year with ice skating, a light show, carnival attractions, a gift market and screenings of holiday movies. You can also get photos with the North Pole's big man on campus himself and take a two-or-ten-seat carriage ride. Festivities are in front of CFE Arena, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando. Admission is free but activity prices vary. Festival hours are 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 5 p.m.-midnight Fridays, noon-midnight Saturdays and noon-10 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 7. Details: lightupucf.com

4. Stetson Mansion Christmas Tours

The Victorian Stetson Mansion (pictured), built by wealthy haberdasher and Thomas Edison pal John B. Stetson in 1886, had one of the first Christmas trees in the world to be illuminated with electric light. In honor of its high-class history, the house gets gussied up and organizers offer tours of the holiday explosion. The mansion is at 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand. Tours run at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday mornings. through Jan. 15. Admission is $26.63 adults, $15.98 ages 6-22, free ages 5 and younger. Reservations required. Details: stetsonmansion.com

5. Winter in the Park

Winter Park's Central Park's West Meadow once again puts up an ice rink for Northerners who miss it and Southerners who like to fall down. All-day admission is $12, which includes skates. The rink is open 3-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and noon-8 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 8. Details: 407-599-3203; cityofwinterpark.org

Trevor Fraser

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Trevor Fraser


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