HOLIDAY GREETINGS from the new website home of HOLIDAY IN THE PARK. The welcome mat is out in Downtown Orlando this holiday season to all residents and visitors looking for affordable holiday activities in December. Lake Eola Park will be bustling with guests of all ages experiencing everything from strapping on ice skates for the first time to chasing snowflakes in the Florida Sun.

The traditional Orlando Christmas Parade will have a more whimsical look this year along with its new name, The TOYOTA'S HOLIDAY SASHAY. The procession will feature many of the past parade participants like marching bands, celebrities and twirlers but has down-sized the parade floats to decorated golf carts and peddle-powered pedicabs on the 10ft. wide sidewalk. Swan crossing signs will be posted along the one mile route. The Sashay date is set for Saturday afternoon December 12th from 3:30pm to 5pm. The sashay fun will come to you “live” via the Internet at www.orlandochristmasparade.com for the folks unable to attend.

Since 1991, SANTA SALUTES THE STARS Holiday TV Special has aired in homes across the country as an hour television show produced from the brick streets of Downtown Orlando. This year, the outdoor Lake Eola Amphitheater stage will sparkle in holiday lights during the nighttime show taping featuring celebrity singers & dancers from the world of entertainment. Santa and his merry gang of helpers will have a crowd of thousands dancing in their seats from 5:30pm to 8pm on Saturday night after the Sashay.

ICE SKATING RINK: This main attraction brought to you in part by the Downtown Development Board will be located in the Park’s Southeast corner over water on the International Bridge. The synthetic ice rink measuring 32ft. x 78ft. long presented by Southwest Airlines will feature nightly snowfalls to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Retail & food vendors will be featured on both weekends to include the Farmers Market on Sundays. Ice-skating will be open to the public daily December 11th thru December 20th from 11am to 8pm Sunday through Thursday and Weekends from 10am to 10pm. The cost to skate on the ice rink is $5.00 per child, $8.00 per adult and $15.00 per couple (includes all skate rental fees).