Good morning, Kissimmee.

Give Kids The World Village will host Holiday Nights from 6–8 p.m. Saturday, Dec.

20 and 7–9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at its 89-acre resort in Kissimmee, where families can enjoy lights, live music + a festive movie screening while supporting cost-free vacations for critically ill children.

Attorney Charlie Draper — a longtime community advocate — served as Grand Marshal at the 62nd St. Cloud Christmas Parade held Saturday, Dec.

6 in Downtown St. Cloud where thousands of families gathered to honor his service.

Disney cast members & U.S. Marines began sorting thousands of donated toys Thursday at ESPN Wide World of Sports for an annual drive that supports families across the region, and volunteers will continue preparing gifts until Dec.

24.

Nonprofit Hope Partnership is nearing completion on its $6 million Thrive Studios project (supported by congressional, state, county, and donor funding) that will convert the former Crown Motel into 33 apartments to serve up to 66 residents facing homelessness and financial challenges in Kissimmee.

KUA announced winners of its 32nd annual student calendar art contest, selecting 12 local artworks for a conservation calendar set for January.

Osceola REALTORS honored industry contributors, and The Church of Jesus Christ provided emergency food funding to support 40,000 local residents, according to officials.

White Castle raised the castle walls on Tuesday at its new Kissimmee site to mark a key construction milestone.

The 3,430 sqft restaurant is set to open early spring 2026 along West U.S. 192 — adding 60 jobs and more Slider fans to the area.

The Osceola Library unveiled OLLie, a new mobile library van, at a Tuesday ribbon cutting at Buenaventura Lakes Library.

It will make regular bimonthly stops in neighborhoods (featuring books, Chromebooks, Wi-Fi, and solar power) to bring learning and library services directly to the community.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is training its first therapy dog at the 911 dispatch center.

Echo, a five-month-old Lagotto Romagnolo with a quiet temperament — key for clear communication — is learning basic obedience and will soon start therapy training to support staff.

Osceola County tourism officials reported that missing September tourism tax data, delayed due to a mailing issue, will be combined with October numbers as fiscal year 2025 collections rose 5%—helped by vacation home rentals.

The figures indicate a record year for local tourism.

2025 Winter Festival - FTC Kissimmee

10 AM - 12 PM — NUC University — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with crafts, free ice cream, and a photo with Santa.

Holiday Party: Osceola Magic vs. Memphis Hustle

7-8:30 p.m. — Osceola Heritage Park — From $22.95 — Enjoy the excitement of a basketball showdown this holiday season.

Kissimmee Senior Christmas Brunch

10 AM – 1 PM — Oak Street Park Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the season with a festive brunch and activities for seniors aged 55 and above.

2025 Knockout Christmas Classic - 2-Day Pass

7-8:30 p.m. — Osceola Heritage Park — Children under 6 free — Witness the fiercest high school wrestling tournament in the Southeast with teams from across the nation.

SR Family - Ni Santos Ni Perfectos

6-11 p.m. — Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively comedy event with the SR Family.

Holiday Festiball

2:00 p.m. — State Farm Field House — Price varies — Enjoy an exciting college basketball matchup between UCF Knights and FAU Owls for the festive season.

New Years Eve Dinner

5:00 p.m. — The Venetian Chop House — $50 and over — Celebrate the New Year with elegant dining and award-winning wines at this distinguished steakhouse.