Is it already Christmas in July? Well, not quite yet but for the Park Avenue District (PAD) in Winter Park is already in the spirit!

At the June 12 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board meeting, an additional $50,000 was approved for the PAD to develop and design “Christmas on Park 2024: Bringing the Magic of the Holidays to Downtown Winter Park,” a more robust and festive holiday experience in the Park Avenue District. An initial $50,000 was previously approved at the May 22 City Commission meeting bringing the city’s total holiday matching funds capped at $100,000.

“The holidays are such a magical time of year for our residents and guests. When the city was approached by the Park Avenue District to enhance and improve holiday decorations along Park Avenue, we were very supportive of their plans. The PAD has already successfully raised thousands of dollars. Therefore, our matching funds seemed like the perfect holiday gift to our residents and merchants.”

– Mayor Sheila DeCiccio

The PAD is excited to partner with the City of Winter Park – Government and community friends, businesses, and nonprofits like AdventHealth Central Florida Health Parks to bring the magic of the season to the Avenue.

Related Post: Celebrate the Holidays in Orlando: Christmas Events, Lights, and More!

The Park Avenue District is developing an elevated, multi-sensory holiday experience that includes music, scents of the season, the addition of a tremendous amount of lights to the décor, the incorporation of oranges and magnolia flowers to celebrate Florida’s heritage, and the development of immersive experiences.

These new décor elements will surround the city’s traditional globes of light along:

  • Park Avenue [between Fairbanks & Webster avenues]
  • Morse Boulevard [between Interlachen & New York avenues]
  • New England Avenue [between Interlachen & Capen avenues]

In 2022, the city helped the Park Avenue District become a Main Street America® Affiliate. As an affiliate, the PAD uses a 4-point approach to strengthen historic downtowns. Design is a cornerstone in creating an environment for economic vitality, especially during the holidays.

“We want to create a downtown holiday décor that embraces Winter Park’s rich history. Our vision is to honor our agricultural legacy and embrace our natural charm. Our design team is excited to create a beautiful, inviting, and magical downtown district for our community to enjoy,” expressed PAD Design Chair Tracy Brand-Liffey.