UCF Lake Nona Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is inviting the community to kick off the holiday season at its festive Jingle Nights & Holiday Lights celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The family-friendly evening will feature a variety of holiday activities, entertainment and opportunities to give back.

Guests will enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, seasonal crafts, food trucks and fun for all ages. The highlight of the night will be the hospital’s annual Christmas tree lighting accompanied by a lineup of performances from Lake Nona-area student musicians and dancers. Students from Laureate Park Elementary School, Eagle Creek Elementary School, Lake Nona Middle School, Luminary Middle School, Tohopekaliga High School and Lake Nona High School will take the stage with jazz, dance and choral presentations.

Attendees can also take part in “hands-only” CPR demonstrations and meet members of the Orlando Fire Department’s fire and EMS teams. Food trucks will be on site with hot chocolate, espresso and a variety of sweet and savory treats available for purchase.

As part of the hospital’s commitment to supporting the community, visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support WXXL 106.7’s Baby DJ Toy Drive, which helps local children in need.

This year’s celebration also introduces a Holiday Tree Benefit. Participants may donate a decorated 2-foot tabletop tree and enter it into one of four themed categories:

• It’s a Wonderful Life (traditional décor)
  
• Operation Christmas (patriotic or military theme)
  
• Santa’s Workshop (children’s theme)
  
• Christmas Vacation (unique or creative theme)
  

Decorated trees must be delivered to the hospital’s front desk by 12 p.m. on Dec. 3. Entries will be judged by a panel from UCF Lake Nona Hospital, with all donated trees benefiting veterans staying at Fisher House, families of hospitalized children, and cancer patients receiving care at the hospital.

With live performances, festive activities and charitable giving opportunities, Jingle Nights & Holiday Lights aims to bring the community together in the spirit of the season.