Do you remember that opening sequence in Raiders of the Lost Ark where Indiana Jones hikes through a dense jungle, passes a bunch of gruesome booby traps, enters a secret temple chamber and tries to swap a bag of sand for a golden idol?
That, in turn, triggers a self-destruct mechanism that causes the temple to start collapsing. Indy must try to outrun a massive boulder and barely manages to squeeze under a door just before it slams shut on him.
Thankfully, you won’t have to endure anything truly perilous to find the right holiday treasures for the people on your gift list—or for yourself.
Local museums, galleries, specialty shops and artsy entrepreneurs have all the gorgeous beads, baubles, jewelry, artwork, stationery, favors, flavors and stocking stuffers that you’ll need.
Indeed, there’s a veritable treasure trove of goodies out there. No golden idols, perhaps, but shopping can still be an adventure. So grab your felt fedora and let’s go!
Artsy Artifacts & Accessories
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Every gift list could use a little Art Nouveau. During a visit to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, you’ll find the Dragonfly Night Light ($120), made locally by Antietam Art Glass in Altamonte Springs. It’s handcrafted of high-quality materials with meticulous diligence. Each lamp has its own distinctive color, shape and form.
For art you can wear or take with you, consider the Winged Nymph Pendant/Brooch ($76), a reproduction of a circa-1900 piece by Eugène Feuillâtre (1870–1916) that will add glamour to any outfit you wear.
Made of pewter with a gold finish and Swarovski crystals, this particular treasure comes with an 18-inch snake chain but can be worn as a necklace or brooch. It’s made exclusively for the Morse and a gift box is included.
Another wearable is the Tiffany Dragonfly Brooch ($64), which adds a touch of the iconic artist’s aesthetic to a denim jacket, tote bag or other favorite accessories. It, too, is made exclusively for the Morse and inspired by the museum’s world-famous collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
The Four Seasons Neckerchief ($30) is a 21.5-inch polysilk square that evokes the beauty of Tiffany’s circa-1913 “Four Seasons” jewel box (1913–14). And the 5-by-8-inch beaded Club Bag ($38), inspired Tiffany’s circa-1905 “Parrots” transom, features two pockets, one with a zipper, and a convenient shoulder strap. All are exclusive to the Morse.
Communicate in style with Louis Comfort Tiffany Window Notecards ($16), which feature details from the stunning leaded-glass windows in the Morse collection. Snare a set of 10 notecards with envelopes—five each of two designs.
445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park
morsemuseum.org
Orlando Science Center
At Orlando Science Center, some treasures are out of this world. Others are, shall we say, “vintage.” Amethyst Cathedrals, for example, are striking crystal formations that feature rich purple interiors. Each one is unique—which makes it both an impressive geological specimen and a dramatic décor item for the home ($600–$925).
More décor? How about a replica of a triceratops skull ($400) cast in high-grade resin and displayed on a metal stand. In fact, you’ll uncover several other items at the center that will prompt grateful giftees to follow their “thank you” with a “what is it?”
Among those curiosities is a genuine sample of 20,000-year-old woolly mammoth hair ($39.99) recovered from Siberian permafrost and displayed in a capsule with information about the animal from the Ice Age. Also historic—but less ancient—is authentic volcanic ash from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens ($24.99) displayed in a capsule with an information card.
Turning our eyes to the skies, Landscapes of the Solar System ($24.99) is a beautifully illustrated coffee-table book suitable for gifting or keeping. The Authentic NASA Space Shuttle Blueprint Fragment ($69.99) is an individually numbered piece of the original engineering blueprint used during development of a critical component for Space Shuttle Columbia—and there’s a certificate of authenticity included.
Speaking of space, perhaps you’ll opt for the NASA Apollo 11 Beta Cloth Insignia ($59.99). This genuine Apollo 11-era insignia was printed in 1969 on fire-resistant Beta cloth—the same material developed for use on NASA spacesuits. Each is presented in an acrylic display.
Finally, get the kiddos started off right with Mousetronaut ($19.99), a charming children’s book written by retired NASA astronaut (and current U.S. Senator) Mark Kelly and inspired by the mice that were aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor.
Or perhaps the Einstein Science & Activity Kit ($7.99-$29.99). It’s filled with hands-on experiments that kids can do themselves to learn about glowing light, fluorescence, bubbles, foam and other scientific concepts.
777 East Princeton Street, Loch Haven Cultural Park, Orlando
osc.org
Gallery on First
Looking for a gift to delight someone who adores the odd, the unusual or the eccentric? Swing by Gallery on First, a folk-art mecca in Sanford, where a steampunk-style sculpture called Dalmatian ($130) will scare the boring things away. It’s by Orlando-area artist Sion Dana from reclaimed relics.
Passion Bloom ($750) is an acrylic-on-wood painting by Michael Banks, a self-taught creator whose work appeals to lovers of both folk art and contemporary art.
The Pink Butterfly Muse necklace ($180) is wearable art made by Joyce Eaton Brady, a specialist in beaded art jewelry based in Mount Dora.
211 East First Street, Sanford
galleryonfirstsanford.com
Rollins Museum of Art
Décor is in the spotlight this season at Rollins Museum of Art. Kristin Rucker’s Dandelion Vase ($375), for example, is creative and quirky and deserving of a special place on any shelf. Other sizes and styles of the Winter Park artist’s creations are also available with prices starting at $25.
So, with eye-level taken care of, how about something for the floor? Flow OG and Dot Dot Dot floormats by Trish Andersen bring art and durability to entryways, kitchens, porches, offices, living rooms, playrooms and any place else that needs a pop of color.
Consisting of digitally printed polyester tops and skid-resistant rubber backing, the mats are priced from $98 (23-by-35 inches) to $218 (47-by-71 inches).
1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park, on the campus of Rollins College
rollins.edu/rma
Orlando Museum of Art
Animals are apparently in charge in the gift shop at Orlando Museum of Art. First, there’s the (somewhat) domesticated species: Who wouldn’t love the Pink Frida Cat Tote from Naked Décor ($25)? Felines (and canines) of the art world also get their due in the Art Cat and Art Dog books from Smith Street Books ($16.95 each).
Where things really get wild is on 100% silk scarves from local designer Floridian Design. Pick the gator, bear, manatee or egret in one of three sizes: 16-by-16 inches ($28), 26-by-26-inches ($40); and 46-by-36 inches ($66). The scarves complement a pair of Florida-themed exhibitions currently on view.
2416 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, Loch Haven Cultural Park
omart.org
Almut Belote Jewelry
Do you know any authentic goldsmiths? No? Well, you’re in luck—because we do. At Almut Belote Jewelry, all pieces are original designs handcrafted in the artist’s Winter Park studio and retail shop.
The Austrian-born Belote—who works in 18-karat gold, 14-karat gold, platinum and fine gemstones—says she’s “proud to keep the ancient craft of goldsmithing alive.”
Try the cushion rings on for size, fabricated in solid gold with green tourmaline and imperial zircon ($2,990 to $4,980). Ear adornment includes silver-gray Tahitian pearl drops in 14-karat gold ($2,850) and disc drop earrings available in 14- or 18-karat gold ($3,365–$4,950).
Or dazzle someone special with a peridot pendant with a diamond in 18-karat gold ($3,540). And remember these words of wisdom from fashion design icon Diane von Furstenberg: “Jewelry is like the perfect spice—it always complements what’s already there.”
222 North Park Avenue, Winter Park
almutbelotejewelry.com
Cami Monet
The cutest stationary shop in town has to be Cami Monet. It’s chock full of all sorts of delightful items—from art prints to placemats, from tea towels to candles, from stickers to garlands—many of which are based on watercolor illustrations by artist and owner Cami Monet Miller.
One such offering is the Making Spirits Bright holiday tea towel ($24). Made of 100 percent heavy cotton flower sack material, it features fun images of holiday cocktails on a striped background.
If you’re interested in a Monet print—Cami, that is, not the French guy—consider Christmas in the Canal ($25), a popular image of a dog and a lighted Christmas tree in a red boat. It’s printed on 120-lb. watercolor-textured paper using archival inks. The same image is also available as a greeting card ($6).
Say “cheers” to your tree with a martini ornament ($24), also based on Cami Monet work. It’s double-side printed, comes with a red ribbon and is an ideal size—4.5-by-3 inches—to be a stocking stuffer.
If you’re Instagramming your Hanukkah festivities, stand out from the crowd with the popular Miracle Hanukkah Party Pennant ($28). Measuring about 10-by-5 inches on a 12-inch dowel, it’s painted by Cami Monet on 120-lb. watercolor-textured paper.
1801 Oglesby Avenue, Winter Park
camimonet.com
Adjectives Market
Some things just fly off the shelves at Adjectives Market in Winter Park. Case in point: these Cranky Cat Holiday Cards ($4) that would bring a smile to even the grumpiest recipient.
Designed and crafted by New York artist Cindy Schmidt, the cards share the store’s boutique-vibe interior with one-of-a-kind items ranging from locally created gifts to high design.
For the home, consider Handmade Tealight Luminaries ($45). Or for more portable art, choose the Handmade Beaded Holiday Bag by San Francisco-based accessory designer Mary Frances ($425) or a Beaudin Bag ($435–$520) handcrafted from reclaimed luxury leathers. The shop also has reclaimed jewelry.
1200 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, and four other locations in Colonial Plaza, Winter Garden and the Adjectives Outlet at Millenia Plaza
shopadj.com
Holly, Jolly Happenings
Save some funds for tickets—and time in your schedule—for holiday events and shows. Everything is listed in our comprehensive calendar of events (see page 50), but here are a few highlights to get you started.
The Festival of Trees
First up is The Festival of Trees. Organized by the Council of 101 at Orlando Museum of Art, the festival is a perennial favorite for scoping out elaborate trees and wreaths and discerning décor trends. The event—which begins with an opening-night party on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m.—is celebrating its 40th year and marking the occasion with a special gemstone: the ruby.
“The ruby will play prominently in our decor because ruby is the 40th anniversary gemstone,” says Council of 101 President Elizabeth Benoist. “Rubies convey celebration and legacy. They honor longevity, commitment and heart.” The council is an organization of women who promote the visual arts through fundraising, education and special events that benefit OMA.
Visitors will find the crimson dots in the grand gallery, on the main tree in the rotunda and throughout the event space. In addition, the council has commissioned a limited-edition, hand-blown and -painted glass ornament. Priced at $60 each, only 100 will be available. They will be sold while supplies last at the Festival of Trees.
Attendees can enjoy more than 50 designer-decorated trees, as well as wreaths, gingerbread creations, tabletop displays, silent auctions, entertainment and a holiday boutique. Special events, classes and workshops—many of which have separate fees—are also on the agenda. Visit councilof101.org for more information.
Handel’s Messiah
First, is it really the holiday season around here without a performance of arguably the most famous work in the classical music canon by the Messiah Choral Society? We mean, of course, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.
The oratorio will be performed on Sunday, November 15, at 3 p.m., in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center. A standing ovation will be assured, in part because the soaring work always brings listeners to their feet through the sheer force of its majesty.
In addition, standing up during the “Hallelujah Chorus” has become a tradition because King George II is said to have leapt to his feet during the work’s London premiere in 1743. Scholars, though, aren’t convinced that this really happened.
What isn’t in doubt is that Handel’s magnum opus is a masterpiece of the first order. We can hear that for ourselves when the society presents its 54th annual local performance of the immortal oratorio. And what a performance it will be.
John V. Sinclair, professor of music at Rollins College and artistic director of the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, will again lead the 120-voice community choir with four professional soloists accompanied by a full orchestra. Admission will be free but get there early—seating is first-come, first-served. For more information, visit messiahchoralsociety.org.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of Central Florida Choir will also present Handel’s Messiah at First United Methodist Church of Orlando (Wednesday, December 16, at 7 p.m.) and Community Presbyterian Church (Thursday, December 17, at 7 p.m.).
Music director Eric Jacobsen will conduct the orchestra, and guest vocalists will include Ariadne Greif, soprano; Tivoli Treloar, alto; Michael Anthony Rodriguez, tenor; and Gabe Preisser, baritone. Although these performances are ticketed, they’ll likely sell out quickly. For more information, visit orlandophil.org.
The Frontyard Holiday Festival
Many of us remember when the annual hoisting of an illuminated star over the intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard marked the opening of the holiday season in Downtown Orlando.
But more than 50 years later, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has announced the return of a much more elaborate holiday kickoff tradition just blocks away on Seneff Arts Plaza—the three-acre outdoor plaza that fronts the iconic multivenue campus.
The Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center, supported by AdventHealth, is slated to run November 27 to December 31. The big event helped spread good tidings of comfort and joy to more than 154,000 visitors in its debut last year.
Attendees enjoyed such free activities as fire pits for making s’mores, nightly “snowfalls,” family games, light displays, Santa’s Story Nook and gift kiosks. Sunday nights featured holiday and sing-along movies, and food vendors sold seasonal bites and beverages.
All those experiences will be back in 2026, along with The Alpine Chalet, a cozy glass-walled structure dispensing food and drink that will also be available to rent for holiday parties, office celebrations and other festive occasions.
Another returnee: The only movable carillon in North America, with nearly four tons of bronze bells, which will ring out sounds of the season. The entire festival will be anchored by live entertainment on an outdoor stage, where last year, some 87 local performers were part of 168 shows.
“This festival is part of our vision to create more free experiences in the Front-yard,” says Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of the arts center. “These events are designed to bring our community together while creating new opportunities that attract visitors and contribute to Orlando’s vibrant tourism economy.”
And that’s just outside. As usual, inside the arts center’s venues there’ll also be celebrations of the holidays in every form you can imagine except, perhaps, for chestnuts roasting over open flames.
An eclectic assortment of holly jolly live performances of all types had already been slated at press time—but check drphillipscenter.org for the most up-to-date information.
The Violectric Holiday Show
Ready for some really over-the-top string music? You’ll hear it at the 14th annual Violectric Holiday Show, slated for Saturday, December 12 at Walt Disney Amphitheater in Downtown Orlando.
The pre-show will start at 6 p.m. and Violectric will take the stage at 7 p.m. in a concert with students joining from local school orchestras. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos. Admission is free and open to everyone.
Led by producer and recording artist Michelle Jones, Violectric is said to be the world’s first and only string ensemble to exclusively perform on custom-designed, illuminated LED electric violins, violas, cellos and harps.
Instead of traditional classical music, they arrange and perform live covers of classic and modern rock and pop hits. The show debuted in 2013 and subsequently became an annual presentation of the City of Orlando Department of Families, Parks and Recreation.
Violectric, in which the ensemble ranges in size from five to eight members, was named “Orlando’s Official House Band” in 2022 by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. For more information, visit violectric.net.
