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9 things to do this weekend: A Christmas Carol, Dazzling Nights, and a Santa Workshop Experience

ORLANDO, Fla. — Are you looking for something to do this weekend?

Here’s a list of nine things happening in Central Florida.

1. A Christmas Carol presented by Orlando Shakes

The Christmas classic comes to life in an all-new adaptation by Orlando Shakes Artistic Director Jim Helsinger.

With your favorite carols and amazing special effects witness the the iconic tale of one man’s chance to change.

Information on tickets and showtimes can be found here.

2. Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat

The Orlando Magic go head-to-head with the Miami Heat.

Tipoff is 7 p.m. at the Amway Arena.

Click here to learn more.

3. Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park

Visit Old St. Nick at ICON Park.

Take a ride on the The Wheel while you’re there and enjoy ICON Park in all of its winter wonderland glory now through Dec. 24.

A list of holiday festivities at ICON park can be found here.

READ: 9 things to do around Central Florida to get in the holiday spirit

4. Dazzling Nights : An immersive holiday light experience

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the holidays at Orlando’s historic Leu Gardens.

Dazzling Nights will shine Friday through January 9.

For details and ticket information, click here.

READ: Interactive holiday display ‘Dazzling Nights’ returns to Leu Gardens

5. Downtown for the Holidays Presented By: Downtown Orlando

Experience the sights and sounds of the season when visiting Downtown for the Holidays.

Throughout the month of December, downtown Orlando is offering free holiday events for all ages.

Take a stroll around Eola Wonderland to see the dazzling holiday décor and lights.

6. Immersive Van Gogh Orlando

From sunny landscapes and night scenes to portraits and still life paintings immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s works.

This ultimate art exhibit is perfect for the whole family.

Click here to learn more.

7. The Nutcracker presented by Orlando Ballet

Orlando Ballet’s annual holiday tradition favorite, The Nutcracker, comes to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Join Clara on her magical journey to a world of fantasy and fun complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy and Mother Ginger.

To learn more about tickets and showtimes, click here.

8. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Guests can visit EPCOT for its International Festival of the Holidays.

Guests will be surrounded by the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season.

READ: Candlelight Processional returns to EPCOT this holiday season

The “Candlelight Processional” will once again grace the America Gardens Theatre with a live orchestra, cast choir and celebrity narrator retelling the traditional Christmas story in spectacular and heartwarming fashion.

To learn more about the festival, click here.

9. Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has opened a dazzling nighttime event, “Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild.”

The display features more than 100 larger-than-life lanterns spread throughout the zoo.

The event runs at night, outside normal zoo operation hours, until Jan. 16.

READ: Central Florida Zoo opens ‘Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild’

Tickets for the event must be purchased online.

More information on tickets can be found here.

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Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.