W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 91, NO. 52
FREE • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2024
MERRY CHRISTMAS The Observer staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday season filled with friends and family.
YOUR TOWN OBSERVER CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS The Observer Media Group offices will be closed starting Monday, Dec. 23. The offices will reopen Jan. 6, 2025. We wish you a joyous holiday season!
CHABAD TO HOST CHANUKAH BASH IN WINTER GARDEN Chabad of South Orlando once again will host its Chanukah Celebration and Menorah Lighting in Winter Garden at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at the Butterfly Sculpture Park, downtown Winter Garden. For more, visit jewishorlando.com.
RING IN 2025 AT PILARS Pilars Martini & Loft will host its New Year’s Eve Party beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. For tickets to this year’s event, visit pilarsmartini.ticketleap.com.
Joyful, joyful! Classic lines and fun candy canes make a stunning combination at this home at 22 E. Henschen Ave., Oakland.
Amy Quesinberry Price
Residents in Winter Garden, Horizon West, Ocoee and Oakland have plenty of places to see some amazing decorations. From classic displays to high-tech scenes choreographed to music, the holiday spirit is alive and well in West Orange.
Flex Lanes activated on S.R. 429 Central Florida Expressway Authority officials said the system will help move traffic more smoothly during an incident on the road. SEE PAGE 2A.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Amy Quesinberry Price
Santa Claus kicks up his feet and relaxes on the Christmasy porch at 212 N. Boyd St., Winter Garden.
Michael Eng
This Roxboro Road home in Berkshire Park features some “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” decorations near the curb.
Sam Albuquerque
This Christmas wonderland in Ocoee’s Forest Brooke Estates neighborhood has everything, from Santa on his sleigh to a light-up snowman.
Rosen JCC invited the community to its 2024 Hanukkah Fest. SEE PAGE 6A.