The snow will fall, literally, in Orlando this winter, as part of Light Up UCF, the annual family winter wonderland featuring ice skating, rides, and holiday attractions. The activities will be held at the CFE Arena through Jan. 5.
At Light Up UCF, families can enjoy a number of free activities, including the Holiday Light Show and the Holiday Film Festival presented by SeaWorld.
The Holiday Light Show is made up of thousands of individual lights that pulse and strobe across the arena façade, palm trees, and ice rink pavilion in perfect synchronization and choreographed to various holiday songs. The falling simulated snow creates a magical effect during every light show.
The Holiday Film Festival combines a “living room” setting with the feel of a drive-in movie, allowing families to gather under the stars to view their favorite holiday films on a two-story movie screen.
The Light Up UCF Ice Rink Pavilion in front of the arena has become a popular activity through the years. Guests are invited to enjoy Central Florida’s largest outdoor ice skating rink while gliding along to their favorite holiday tunes played by a DJ.
Produced by Global Spectrum, operators of CFE Arena, Light Up UCF features rides suitable for the entire family, ranging from the CFE Federal Credit Union Ferris Wheel, where riders can enjoy a panoramic view of the UCF Campus, to the Santa Train, great for children of all ages.
Visitors can also check out the Arctic Glide Ice Slide, presented by Orlando Sanford International Airport, where they can climb to the top of the tower and glide on disc sleds across the 100-foot ice way. Making its second appearance, the Blizzard offers a whirling and twirling thrill ride, where patrons can twist, tilt, and spin.
A charity 5K race has been added to the list of events. Supporting Second Harvest Food Bank and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with UCF’s Knight-thon, the Light Up UCF Knight Run is open to people of all ages and activity levels. Wear your most creative holiday costume and join the fun on Saturday, Nov. 23. Groups are encouraged to participate and are eligible for best group costume. Visit www.CFEArena.com for registration.
And bring non-perishable food items to donate during the weekend’s Stuff-A-Truck campaign for those in need.
Visitors can also stop by the Coca-Cola Santa’s Workshop, where they can share their Christmas wishes and have a photo taken with Santa. The Fun Spot Community Stage will offer visitors local talent to watch and enjoy.
Pricing, hours of operation, and Light Show and Holiday Film Festival schedules can be found at www.LightUpUCF.com.
Light Up UCF is presented by Carl Black of Orlando and CFE Federal Credit Union.
Tickets for ice skating ($12), rides ($4.25-$6.50), and photos with Santa ($12-$25) can be purchased at the CFE Arena Box Office now. There are also a number of free elements to Light Up UCF, including the Holiday Light Show, Holiday Film Festival, and parking. Select tickets are also available for purchase through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.