WEATHER ALERT
After scary ladder-related injury, Ocala Santa Claus spreads cheer at hospital
Read full article: After scary ladder-related injury, Ocala Santa Claus spreads cheer at hospitalA popular local Santa Claus is thanking doctors and nurses who helped him get back on his feet after a fall from a ladder nearly left him paralyzed.
Santa braves the sticky heat of the Amazon jungle to bring gifts to children in Brazilian village
Read full article: Santa braves the sticky heat of the Amazon jungle to bring gifts to children in Brazilian villageSanta Claus has braved the sticky heat of the Amazon rainforest this weekend, taking two boats to bring gifts to the children of a small village near the Brazilian city of Manaus.
Brazilian Santa swaps sleigh for Jet Ski to deliver toys — and joy — to disabled children in Rio
Read full article: Brazilian Santa swaps sleigh for Jet Ski to deliver toys — and joy — to disabled children in RioDozens of children with disability gathered on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach on Tuesday to receive presents — and joy — from the white-bearded man, a joint effort by the city’s firefighters and nonprofit associations.
Brazil’s President Lula to undergo a new procedure after initial surgery for brain bleed
Read full article: Brazil’s President Lula to undergo a new procedure after initial surgery for brain bleedBrazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will undergo a new procedure on Thursday following up on an unplanned surgery earlier this week for a brain bleed.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY GUIDE: Central Florida holiday events to get in the spirit this 2024 season
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY GUIDE: Central Florida holiday events to get in the spirit this 2024 seasonFrom markets to festivals to drive-through displays, the options are endless when it comes to holiday fun.
Veteran promotes Christmas cheer with holiday display in Winter Garden
Read full article: Veteran promotes Christmas cheer with holiday display in Winter GardenDuring the holiday season, seeing a festive display is nothing new — but for one combat veteran, he is looking to get results for mental health while spreading a bit of Christmas cheer.
Balloons, bands and Santa: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushers in holiday season in New York
Read full article: Balloons, bands and Santa: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushers in holiday season in New YorkBeloved cartoon characters like Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants are taking to the skies above New York City in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Spend this holiday TV season with Paddington, Melissa McCarthy, Lori Loughlin and more
Read full article: Spend this holiday TV season with Paddington, Melissa McCarthy, Lori Loughlin and moreAs the temperature drops (in many places), the holiday TV calendar is heating up with a variety of festive options.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Central Florida holiday lights, festivals to get in the spirit this season
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Central Florida holiday lights, festivals to get in the spirit this seasonThere are so many options this holiday season, from markets to festivals to drive-through displays.
Santa visit brings joy to a frosty Alaska Inupiaq village
Read full article: Santa visit brings joy to a frosty Alaska Inupiaq villageSanta and Mrs. Claus left Rudolph at home to catch a ride recently on an Alaska Air National Guard cargo plane to visit the Inupiac village of Nuiqsut, about 30 miles south of the Arctic Ocean.
Krampusnacht: Where to find Krampus events in the Orlando area
Read full article: Krampusnacht: Where to find Krampus events in the Orlando areaThis weekend there are several events in the Orlando area celebrating Krampusnacht, which typically takes place on Dec. 5, the day before the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, in parts of Germany, Austria and other Central European counties.
Nonprofit delivers holiday cheer to children’s hospitals. Here’s how to donate in Florida
Read full article: Nonprofit delivers holiday cheer to children’s hospitals. Here’s how to donate in FloridaThe Greyson Project is giving Santa Claus a run for his money by helping to deliver bags of holiday decorations to children’s hospitals across the country.
Spain to drop masks outdoors as omicron surge decelerates
Read full article: Spain to drop masks outdoors as omicron surge deceleratesSpain will end a mandate to wear masks outdoors next week, reversing a late December order against an unprecedented surge of coronavirus infections fueled by a highly contagious mutation.
‘Happiest day on Earth:’ Surfing Santas make waves at Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve
Read full article: ‘Happiest day on Earth:’ Surfing Santas make waves at Cocoa Beach on Christmas EveCrowds of people gathered at Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve to watch as surfers donning their best Santa attire made waves on the Space Coast.
South Africa to give J&J vaccines to other African nations
Read full article: South Africa to give J&J vaccines to other African nationsSouth Africa's government says the country will donate just over 2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to other African countries to boost the continent’s vaccine drive.
A bunch of Santas skied and snowboarded down a mountain for charity
Read full article: A bunch of Santas skied and snowboarded down a mountain for charityWe’re used to seeing Santa at the mall, or better yet, on his sleigh delivering toys to children around the world, but you don’t see Santa (let alone hundreds of him) skiing or snowboarding down a mountain.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to pre-pandemic shape
Read full article: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to pre-pandemic shapeThe Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to its pre-pandemic form this year, with its route restored through Manhattan, high-flying helium balloons once again pulled by handlers and crowds welcomed back to cheer them on.
Asia Today: Beijing tells residents to stay put for holidays
Read full article: Asia Today: Beijing tells residents to stay put for holidaysVisitors to a mall with a monster themed festival wears masks to protect from the coronavirus in Beijing Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. Beijing is conducting testing on a limited scale in the neighborhoods and workplaces where the cases were found. Japan had 3,823 new cases Friday for a national total of 213,547, with 3,155 deaths, the health ministry said. — South Korea has reported another 1,132 coronavirus cases as the resurgence worsened over the Christmas week, putting pressure on the government to enforce stricter social distancing controls. On Saturday morning, 110 new coronavirus cases were reported, bringing Thailand’s total to 6,020.
Christmas in Florida: Chilly forecast, falling iguanas
Read full article: Christmas in Florida: Chilly forecast, falling iguanasThe National Weather Service earlier this week warned that South Florida could experience the coldest Christmas Day in 21 years. Morning lows on Saturday could drop into the low 30s and 40s degrees Fahrenheit, the weather service said. Much colder temps expected for Christmas,” the National Weather Service in Miami tweeted earlier this week. A squall line with severe storms and fast-moving winds also was headed for north Florida on Christmas Eve. The pandemic also was impacting a Space Coast tradition — Surfing Santa Day, which takes place the day before Christmas.
Man dressed as Santa rescued from power lines in California
Read full article: Man dressed as Santa rescued from power lines in CaliforniaIn this photo provided by the California Highway Patrol, a man dressed as Santa Claus who was flying on a powered parachute on his way to deliver candy canes to children is seen stuck on power lines in Rio Linda, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. The incident happened shortly after the man took off near a school in Rio Linda and then hit and became suspended in power lines, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman told KCRA-TV. (California Highway Patrol via AP)RIO LINDA, Calif. – Santa found himself a little more tied up than usual this time of year. A Northern California man impersonating Santa Claus and flying on a powered parachute was rescued Sunday after he became entangled in power lines, authorities said. He flew into a maze of power lines and wound up suspended in them, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman told KCRA-TV.
Mailbox for Santa: Mother-daughter duo keeping the spirit of Christmas alive
Read full article: Mailbox for Santa: Mother-daughter duo keeping the spirit of Christmas aliveSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Located in a neighborhood of Fern Park in Seminole County is a special mailbox but not just any mailbox, it’s for the jolly man in red: Santa Claus. “We really wanted to provide hope for the kids in our community and central Florida as a whole,” Yolonda Tyler, creator of the mailbox said. As they go through the letters that have already been dropped into the mailbox, Yolonda says some are heartfelt. So that struck Amaya and I, you know, in our hearts.”And after Santa has received the letters, the elves get to work--with words of encouragement. You can follow the Little Free Library/ Santa mailbox on FB and Instagram @littlefreelibrary105142.
Have a socially distanced Christmas with these Central Florida events
Read full article: Have a socially distanced Christmas with these Central Florida eventsFlorida may be socially distancing from the North Pole, but that hasn’t stopped it from bringing the Christmas cheer. Now, the family favorite that’s relocated to Kissimmee, boasts five Light-O-Ramas and around 40,000 Christmas lights. For more details, go to the Wekiva website to view their full December schedule. West Volusia Drive-In939 Hollywood Boulevard, Deltona, FL 32725Love Christmas movies? Gaylord Palms' holiday event will let you step into 5 holiday classicsGaylord Palms “I Love Christmas Movies” DisplaySpeaking of holiday movies, this year, you get to live them.
Maybe it’s magic? ✨
Read full article: Maybe it’s magic? ✨Man, I’m convinced dogs really are made of magic. And while we’re on the topic of magic, we’re going to take a few minutes today to explore where magic is, and where it isn’t. 😉OK, now...Here’s what’s trending on ClickOrlando.com:🧬 COVID-19 vaccine: Not magic, just scienceIt might seem like it took magic to get a vaccine developed and rolled out within months but health officials say that wasn’t the case. Is the coronavirus going to disappear once the vaccine arrives in Florida (hint: this one would actually require some magic)? 🎅 Zoom into the holiday spiritI promised you magic so magic you’ll get.
Turn your living room into the North Pole by booking a virtual visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Read full article: Turn your living room into the North Pole by booking a virtual visit with Santa and Mrs. ClausIt's Mrs. Claus from the North Pole! (WKMG)Here’s one from Santa and Mrs. Claus that made me chuckle:Santa: “How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?”Mrs. Claus: “Well, I don’t know. AND MRS. CLAUS 24/7 ANSWERED! Proof that MRS. CLAUS 24/7 pumps her own gas, ;) ... even in a Holiday. In the meantime, you can keep up with their adventures or book your visit on Mrs. Claus’ Facebook page.
In Greece, political spat over lockdown turns personal
Read full article: In Greece, political spat over lockdown turns personalA spat has erupted over competing claims that the prime minister and his main rival broke the spirit of pandemic restrictions that have renewed financial hardship for many voters. Conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was photographed last weekend posing with his mountain bike, without a mask, alongside five motocross riders on a hillside trail outside Athens. Greece's lockdown rules exempt people who've gone outdoors for exercise, including cycling, from the obligation to wear a mask. Greece’s pandemic death toll reached close to 3,100 on Monday, with most deaths occurring after Nov. 1. The current lockdown was launched on Nov. 7 and initially planned to last for three weeks.
Ho, ho — Whoa! Coronavirus keeping most Santas at a distance
Read full article: Ho, ho — Whoa! Coronavirus keeping most Santas at a distanceThis is Santa Claus in the Coronavirus Age, where visits are conducted with layers of protection or online. Santas conducting in-person visits are using some combination of masks, the outdoors, barriers and distance for safety. The virus has many Santas and parents turning to virtual visits, which are booked through each Santa's personal website or agencies like Allen's. “You get a different energy,” Saunders said of the virtual visits. That's gone, so he's doing virtual visits and five days with a historic railroad in Pennsylvania.
The Latest: Washington state sees record hospitalizations
Read full article: The Latest: Washington state sees record hospitalizations(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)SEATTLE — Health officials in Washington state said the number of people who were hospitalized to receive treatment for the coronavirus has reached a record high. The director of the state health department urged residents to cancel indoor Thanksgiving plans and those that involve large groups of family and friends. Authorities are strictly enforcing a lockdown and nightly curfew after a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Health authorities announced 1,498 new coronavirus cases Sunday, along with 103 deaths, five less than the daily record set Saturday. Italy added 28,337 confirmed cases, raising to 1,408,868, the country’s total in the pandemic.
LIVE SANTA TRACKER: Sorry, Grinch, but coronavirus won’t stop NORAD from tracking Santa
Read full article: LIVE SANTA TRACKER: Sorry, Grinch, but coronavirus won’t stop NORAD from tracking SantaThe global pandemic won't stop them from tracking Santa Claus' progress as he delivers gifts around the globe on Christmas Eve. The North American Aerospace Defense Command has announced that NORAD will track Santa on Dec. 24, just as it has done for 65 years. “We understand this is a time-honored tradition, and we know undoubtedly there is going to be some disappointment,” said NORAD spokesman Preston Schlachter. Schlachter said NORAD will largely be limiting volunteers to people who already work there and their immediate families. The tracking Santa apps will soon be available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Rudolph, Santa figures soar to sale of $368,000 at auction
Read full article: Rudolph, Santa figures soar to sale of $368,000 at auctionA buyer shouted out with glee that they would pay $368,000 for the Rudolph and Santa Claus figures used in the perennially beloved Christmas special “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”Bidding for the figures soared past the projected sale price of between $150,000 and $200,000 on Friday at the Icons & Legends of Hollywood Auction held in Los Angeles by Profiles in History. The 6-inch-tall Rudolph and 11-inch-tall Santa were made in Tokyo of wood, wire, cloth and leather, and are still malleable. Other highlights from the two-day auction include Marilyn Monroe's tiger-striped gown from “The Seven Year Itch,” which sold for a whopping $593,750. Another Monroe gown that she wore when she met Queen Elizabeth II at a London film premiere went for $294,400. A Scarlett O'Hara dress that Vivien Leigh wore in “Gone With the Wind” and Gene Kelly's rain suit from “Singin' in the Rain” sold for $150,000 apiece.
Here comes Santa Claus - with face masks and plexiglass
Read full article: Here comes Santa Claus - with face masks and plexiglassSanta Claus is coming to the mall just don't try to sit on his lap. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)NEW YORK – Santa Claus is coming to the mall — just don’t try to sit on his lap. Kids will instead tell Santa what they want for Christmas from six feet away, and sometimes from behind a sheet of plexiglass. Santa and his visitors may need to wear a face mask, even while posing for photos. And Brookfield teamed up with virtual Santa company JingleRing, giving people a way to chat with Santa from home.
SANTA-tized: Here is where you can get Santa photos this Christmas
Read full article: SANTA-tized: Here is where you can get Santa photos this ChristmasWith a little bit of Christmas magic, some social distancing and hand sanitizer, this year’s photo with Santa is possible. SeaWorld:SeaWorld Photos With Santa 2020Take a visit to the top of the world to meet the Arctic’s most famous resident, Santa Claus at SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic for a safe alternative to family photos with everyone’s favorite jolly guy! Icon Park Orlando:The breathtaking Christmas photos that you’ve enjoyed at the mall since 2002 have relocated to ICON Park. The Florida Mall:Florida Mall Photos With Santa 2020Lights. Face masks are required in all indoor areas of the resort and Christmas attractions and should not be removed for pictures with Santa.
Santa Claus won't be coming to Macy's this year
Read full article: Santa Claus won't be coming to Macy's this yearFILE - Santa Claus waves during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 28, 2019, in New York. Macy's said Santa Claus won't be greeting kids at its flagship New York store this year due to the coronavirus, interrupting a holiday tradition started nearly 160 years ago. However, Macy's said the jolly old man will still appear at the end of the televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. But he will still appear at the end of the televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, the company said. Macy's has been using Santa Claus to draw crowds to its New York store since the early 1860s, calling itself “The Home of Santa Claus" for decades.
What will meeting Santa Claus be like during coronavirus pandemic?
Read full article: What will meeting Santa Claus be like during coronavirus pandemic?Santa Claus will be practicing social distancing this holiday season. For those families who don’t want to go to the mall, Brookfield is offering virtual visits with Santa starting Nov. 1. Social distancing visits with Santa Claus (Copyright 2020 by CNN Newsource - All rights reserved.) Mall operator Preit is also offering zoom visits with Santa and in its malls, Santa will sit behind a plexiglass barrier. The largest mall operator in the U.S., Simon Properties, said Santa will be visiting their malls this year but declined to offer details.
Disney saying goodbye to Osborne family holiday light display to make way for 'Star Wars' Land
Read full article: Disney saying goodbye to Osborne family holiday light display to make way for 'Star Wars' LandWalt Disney World on Friday announced that its massive holiday light display -- The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights -- will not continue after this year. The finale for the Osborne lights will run from November 6 to January 3. It will be the 20th season for the display, which first appeared on Residential Street, a row of home facades in the park's original backlot. In the blog, Disney said, "Our heartfelt thanks go out to the family of Jennings Osborne for letting us share their family tradition year after year." Soon after that in 1995 Walt Disney world brought the dazzling display to Central Florida.