Tickets are now on sale for the 11th annual Orlando Whiskey Festival, happening Friday, Feb. 6. Expect pours from 100+ whiskey brands, cigar samples, live entertainment, and plenty of toasting.
Kids
There’s a new spot for creative kiddos in Curry Ford West. Alona’s Food Affair’s Kids Cooking and Craft Studio is officially open, offering hands-on cooking classes, craft workshops, birthday parties, winter camps, and parents’ nights out. (Bungalower)
Film
If “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is on your watchlist this December, you’re in good company. The 1989 film is the most popular holiday film in Florida, per a new PixlParade report. Pro tip: Fuel your movie night with takeout from a new local restaurant.
Eat
It’s the most bun-derful time of the year. Google Trends data shows that December typically brings about an increased interest in baking at home. If you prefer your baked goodies made by an expert, there’s an abundance of excellent loaves around O-Town.
Travel
The approaching New Year is befitting a time as any for a healthy dose of wanderlust. That’s what we’re doing with Condé Nast Traveler’s 26 hottest travel destinations for 2026. Whether you’re after natural wonder, buzzy cities, or a vibrant food scene, you’ll get there quicker by starting at Orlando International Airport.
Try This
Looking to spruce up your Christmas tree this year? Here’s one idea: You could recreate some classic styles from the 1950s and 1960s to add some vintage flair to your living room. It could be tough to find some of this stuff — Orlando’s thrift stores might be able to help. (Country Living + Orlando Weekly)
Finance
You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. These are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
Jobs
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.
City Guide
🎄 ‘Tis the season to lend a hand
Deck the halls with acts of kindness. | Photo via Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
$398,307. That’s how much money was raised for Orange County charities during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Program this year — a record-high number.
Looks like giving back is kind of your thing, Orlando. Here are 25 ways to keep serving your local community year-round.
The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida | Serve meals, conduct one-on-one interviews with clients, help with laundry, sort donations, and take part in other efforts toward ending homelessness in Orlando.
Orlando Health | Answer patient call bells, restock materials, play an instrument, and more at one of the system’s 10+ health centers.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida | Join 48,500+ volunteers with meal packing, sorting donations, and handing out meals and food to your fellow Orlando residents.
Stand Up Survivor Inc. | Make a difference in the lives of women and kids by donating food or clothes or leading a skills workshop.
Fresh, small-batch coffee from Trade. Take the quiz + get matched with coffee blends that align with your tastes and preferences. Bonus: Our readers get an exclusive 50% off their first month subscription — no code necessary.
Which of these holiday movies was filmed in Orlando?
Last week’s quiz put your local cinema smarts to the test by asking which film was shot right here in The City Beautiful — and half of you nailed it with “Ernest Saves Christmas.”
Now, the fun part: Want to spot which Orlando landmarks made it onto the big screen? Dive into the stills.
The Wrap
The Wrap
Aerosmith’s Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is headed for its final curtain call at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you don’t want to miss a thing, ride it one more time before it closes on Sunday, March 1.
