Warmest wishes, Orlando. We’re taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes three times per week at 6 a.m., starting Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. In the meantime, peruse our archives here.
Culture
🎄 Yule be the judge
The holidays are full of traditions we love — and a few we love to argue about. | Graphic by 6AM City
Holiday traditions evoke warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and togetherness. But for all the joy that traditions inspire, they also tend to spark something else: very strong opinions.
This year, we’re stepping in to settle classic holiday hot takes. After all, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a few friendly debates.
Real tree or fake tree?
Is cutting down a fresh spruce part of the magic, or does an artificial tree make more sense? Psst — for those on team real tree, Ciro & Sons Christmas Trees still has inventory.
Big night out or stay home on New Year’s Eve?
Can a couch countdown by the television beat a sequin–filled night on the town? Don’t make your decision before checking out what’s happening around O-Town on NYE.
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
When is it time to say goodbye to the garland? Whenever you’re ready to un-deck the halls, The Mustard Seed of Central Florida accepts used holiday gear and decorations.
Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?
Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold. Editor’s Pick: The eggnog martini at The Reindeer Room in Thornton Park is one of our favorites, plus it pairs well with a rainbow sugar cookie.
Do you still send and receive holiday cards?
Is this tradition fading or holding strong in your household? Snail mail isn’t dead yet: It’s not too late to pick up some seasonal stationery from Lure Paper Goods.
Take the poll to put in your two cents — then stay tuned for the final results in an upcoming newsletter.
Oricle Hearing aids can be charged wirelessly. | Photo courtesy of Oricle Hearing
Incredible advancements in hearing aid technology are now more accessible than ever.
Oricle Hearing offers the Rolls-Royce Of hearing aids, designed for comfort and discretion so users can hear clearly without the bulk of traditional models.
Users rave about the sound quality, which rivals that of more expensive models, helping them regain confidence and reconnect with loved ones.
Discover how Oricle is redefining hearing aid accessibility without the hassle of appointments or extensive fittings.
O-Town’s first official drone delivery? Check. Operated through a partnership between Walmart and Wing, a drone delivered hot cocoa and chocolate to Mayor Buddy Dyer at City Hall on Tuesday. A full drone delivery service is set to launch in Orlando early next year. (FOX 35)
Open
Artificial intelligence-based security company SoundThinking Inc. has opened a new operations hub in downtown Orlando. About 30 employees will staff the center to monitor live weapons detection at high-traffic sites nationwide, including hospitals and casinos. (FOX 35)
Eat
All-you-can-eat restaurant Ocean Buffet has opened its doors on East Colonial Drive. Promising “a world of flavor in every dish,” the new eatery’s menu includes dim sum, hibachi, sashimi, grilled seafood, and sushi. (Orlando Weekly)
Shop
A new high-end furniture shop is now open on Alden Road in Ivanhoe Village. Located inside the former Tiger Lily warehouse, Ivanhoe Furniture Marketplace sells designer furnishings sourced from showrooms and model homes at discounted prices. (Bungalower)
Closing
Family-focused social club The Bunny Hive Orlando will permanently close after hosting its final classes today. In an Instagram post announcing the closure, the owners wrote, “If you feel called to continue what we’ve started, The Bunny Hive franchising team would love to hear from you.”
Parks
The Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass is back with new perks. Adults can purchase the pass for $89, which allows multiple visits compared to a $74 single-day ticket. New perks include 20% off same-day cabana rentals and one round of mini golf. (FOX 35)
Pets
Your dog’s wagging tail hides more than love — it hides a world of genetic information. Uncover their ancestry, genetic traits, and potential health risks with 50% off Basepaws Dog DNA Test, now on sale for the holidays.*
Shop
Nirvana awaits with this multi-shape vibrator that hits all the right spots. Reignite the fire of your most electrifying encounters with sublime sensations that intensify arousal. Get 35% off this award-winner today + an extra 15% off with code H4PPY15.*
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? We’re talking deals on everything from travel to tires.*
The Buy
The Buy team here. We’ve recommended a lot of items this year, from home organization staples to wardrobe must-haves. Here are the top-shopped products:
Reader’s Digest released a list of the most popular chain restaurants in each state, and Dave’s Hot Chicken took the No. 1 spot in Florida. I’m always down for a box of sliders and fries, but Orlando is also home to a strong lineup of locally owned spots worth supporting.
