🌱 Movies In The Park + 'Omicron' COVID-19 Variant + Eustis Christmas Trees

Happy Saturday, Orlando! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

In this issue, you'll learn about local movie screenings, how to cut down your own Christmas tree locally, how shoppers hit the stores for Black Friday, and more.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 70 Low: 54.

Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis allows guests to cut down their own tree. Christmas trees from 5 to 9 feet are $50 each and prices rise with height. First buyers pick a tree, a saw is provided to cut the tree, then workers will help you tie the tree to your car. (Click Orlando)

2. Black Friday shoppers were out early in Orlando, but stores were not as packed in the morning as in previous years. Only about two dozen people were lined up at a Best Buy on Colonial before the 5 a.m. opening. (Spectrum 13 News)

3. The World Health Organization (WHO) has named B.1.1.529 first detected in South Africa as "Omicron" and classified it as a highly transmissible COVID-19 variant of concern. The biggest concern is that Omicron has a large number of mutations. The variant has been detected so far in southern Africa, Belgium, Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel. (Fox 35 Orlando)

4. Holiday screening: Kissimmee Utility Authority and City of Kissimmee will host their monthly free "Movies in the Park" event on Friday, December 3rd at 7 p.m. at Veterans Lawn of Kissimmee Lakefront Park. This month's movie is holiday-classic Home Alone (1990). There will be closed captioning for hearing impaired guests. Guests can also enjoy an inflatable Kids Power Zone, craft station, photo booth, free popcorn, and more. (Osceola News-Gazette)

5. Enzian Theater in Maitland is screening hit anime Akira on Saturday, December 4th at 11 a.m. The film will be preceded by a presentation by Dr. Christine Simmonds-Moore of University of West Georgia via Zoom. Tickets are now available. (Bungalower)

Today in Orlando:

• City District Presents Brunch with Santa at Artisan's Table. (10:00 AM)
• Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando Adoption Event at PetSmart Lake Mary. (1:00 PM)
• Rollins College Women's Basketball vs Mercyhurst University. (2:00 PM)
• Shop Small Sip and Stroll. (2:00 PM)
• Washington Street Night Market. (5:00 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Pet Alliance Greater Orlando: "Hey there. I’m Baby Beige! I'm a six-year-old female tabby who looks quite a bit younger than my age. I am very shy! You can win me over with treats and pets, especially scratches under the chin. While I do like to have optimal hiding ..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: "Today is Small Business Saturday and it remains so important that we continue shopping small this holiday season and beyond. From Vitality Wellness Spa LLC, Orlando to Diversion.Orlando to Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria to R Salon ..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department: "Our museum transformed into the holiday spirit. Come visit us as we are open today!" (Facebook)
• City of Orlando - Government: "Get a head start on being on Santa's nice list - recycle all that leftover cooking oil from your Thanksgiving dinner. More info at orlando.gov/grease" (Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll see you around! If you're loving these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.