Orlando Unplugged: December News & Updates

Orlando is closing out 2025 with a mix of wonder, flavor, and surprises around every corner. From unique dining adventures and festive holiday experiences to exciting developments in arts, entertainment, and local attractions, the city has something for everyone. December invites residents and visitors alike to slow down, soak in the moments, and embrace the energy that makes Central Florida feel both familiar and full of surprises before 2026 begins.

Originally published on December 1st, 2025. Updated for accuracy.

Orlando Earns a Top-Three Spot on Privacy Journal’s “Coziest Cities” List

Privacy Journal ranked more than 100 U.S. cities to find where coziness actually thrives, and Orlando landed a warm third place. The city scored especially high for home-centered offerings like pottery and cooking classes plus plenty of comfort spots — think neighborhood coffee roasters, independent bookstores, and quiet lakeside strolls. Neighborhoods such as Thornton Park and Mills 50 helped push Orlando up the list, and local searches for candles, blankets, and seasonal decor show residents are serious about making home feel snug.

College Park Tree Lot Pops Up in Mills 50 & Every Fir Has a Name

The season officially arrives when the College Park Christmas Tree lot returns to Mills 50 at 1517 N. Mills Avenue. Open daily from 10AM to 7:30PM until the trees run out, the lot brings Fraser firs, wreaths, and that pine-scented holiday feeling. The fun twist this year is the named trees — from pop-culture nods to hilarious nicknames — turning tree shopping into a neighborhood tradition with personality.

SunRail Adds Two New Evening Trains Starting December 1st

Commuters who work late or love a night out will appreciate SunRail’s weekday service extension on December 1st. Two new evening trains, one northbound and one southbound, give riders more flexibility and slightly adjusted timetables designed to boost reliability. The changes are small but practical, and the updated schedule is posted at sunrail.com.

Orange County Film Incentives Aim to Bring Production Back to Central Florida

Orange County commissioners approved a new five-year, $25 million incentive program to attract movie and TV productions. Projects that spend at least $400,000 locally, use county locations on screen, and hire local crew or recent grads could qualify for a rebate up to $1 million. Local filmmakers and students hope this will create steady work, keep talent in the region, and bring real economic activity back to Orlando neighborhoods.

CityArts Café Opens in the Rogers Kiene Building: Art Meets Espresso

A new spot for coffee and culture opened November 12th at 37 S. Magnolia Avenue. CityArts Café, run by the Downtown Arts District, serves Lavazza coffee and light bites Tuesday through Sunday while showcasing rotating art exhibits. Partial proceeds support local artists, making it a quiet win for downtown’s creative scene.

Bright New Mural Colors the CVS Corner at Mills & Colonial

A striking mural by Johni Bleu is transforming the CVS wall at Mills and Colonial, with imagery that nods to Lake Eola, birds, koi, citrus, and tropical blooms. Commissioned in partnership with CVS, the large-scale work is already brightening the block and giving drivers something colorful to look at while waiting in the turn lane.

Orlando Celebrates 100 Years of Lake Eola Swan Boats with a Golden “Swantennial”

Lake Eola marked a century of its beloved swan boats this week, complete with a special gold-wrapped vessel honoring the first launch in 1925. What began with two pedal boats from a Maitland resident’s idea has become one of Orlando’s most recognizable traditions. The celebration came just after the lake’s real swans passed their annual health checks, with more than 50 birds — including trumpeter, whooper, royal mute, black neck, and Australian black — receiving clean bills of health. Visitors can ride the boats Tuesday through Sunday for $15 per half hour.

Little Saigon Says Goodbye After Nearly 40 Years in Mills 50

Little Saigon, a Mills 50 cornerstone since 1987, will serve its final bowls of pho and Hot & Sour Prawn Soup on December 28th. Siblings Vu Nguyen and Mai Huynh, who grew the restaurant from a tiny 1,000-square-foot space into a beloved neighborhood mainstay, are retiring as their lease ends. Known for four decades of family recipes, warm service, and cultural pride, the restaurant is inviting longtime patrons to visit before its final day. A new tenant has not yet been announced.

Waymo’s Driverless Taxis Set to Hit Orlando Streets Next Year

Waymo announced that its fully autonomous “robotaxi” service is coming to Orlando early next year, making the city one of the first 10 in the U.S. to roll out the AI-powered rides. The Alphabet-owned company says safety and community engagement lead its expansion, which already includes cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. Mayor Buddy Dyer called the service an exciting addition to Orlando’s transportation options. While supporters point to reduced congestion and consistent ride quality, critics warn about job impacts and safety concerns. Federal regulators cleared a previous investigation into Waymo vehicles, though a new review regarding school-bus stops is underway. The company maintains its self-driving tech is safer than human drivers, aligning with Orlando’s Vision Zero efforts, which have already cut serious crashes by 40 percent since 2019.

United Arts Launches $10M Campaign to Support Central Florida’s Creative Community

United Arts of Central Florida has kicked off its 2026 Collaborative Campaign for the Arts, a regional effort running December 1 through April 30 with 45 participating organizations. With last year’s campaign surpassing its goal by raising over $9 million, this year’s target jumps to $10 million to support local arts groups that rely on private fundraising for nearly 90% of their budgets. Contributions unlock up to $1.25 million in matching funds from United Arts and Orange County and directly support programs that fuel more than $500 million in economic impact, 9,400 local jobs, and arts education for over 600,000 children. Participating organizations include major institutions like Orlando Ballet, Orlando Fringe, and Orlando Museum of Art alongside community-focused groups across the region.

Buffalo Boss Brings Brooklyn Flavor—and Late-Night Wings—to Downtown Orlando

Downtown just scored a bold new addition with the opening of Buffalo Boss at 333 N Orange Avenue. Founded by Jamar White, Jay-Z’s first cousin, the Brooklyn-born wing spot is known for fresh, antibiotic-free chicken, signature sauces, and an unmistakable hip-hop vibe. The menu features classic wings, tenders, sweet potato fries, vegan “Possible Wings,” and crowd-favorites like fried Oreos. Heat levels run from mild to “N’Sinerator,” and the Orlando location stays open as late as 4AM Thursday through Saturday, giving the city a new go-to for late-night eats.

Orlando Earns a Perfect Score for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Policies

The Human Rights Campaign’s latest Municipal Equality Index once again recognized Orlando as one of Florida’s most LGBTQ-inclusive cities, awarding it a perfect 100. The report evaluates municipal laws, policies, and services across the country, highlighting local governments that champion equality even amid state-level challenges. Other Florida cities earning top marks include St. Petersburg, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. While state officials have criticized funding for Pride initiatives and LGBTQ+ youth services, local leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining inclusive communities that foster safety, creativity, and economic growth.

Craving a Vacation Without Leaving Orlando?

Evermore Resort’s Sophia’s Trattoria is offering Orlando locals a resort-style escape with its new seasonal Italian menu inside the Conrad Orlando. With waterfront views of the Evermore lagoon and dishes like razor clams alla plancha, saffron arancini, rotolo di zucca, wagyu beef cheeks, and grilled wahoo alla puttanesca, the restaurant blends comfort and sophistication without feeling over-the-top. It’s one of those rare local experiences where dinner feels like a getaway, no hotel booking required. Click here for reservations. 

International Drive is getting a brand-new animal encounter, and it’s all about slowing down. Sloth World, opening February 2026, will house more than 40 sloths in a calm, tropical habitat designed for quiet, close-up interactions. Capacity will be intentionally limited, and demand is already so high that the attraction is selling VIP presale access with early date selection and guaranteed reservations for a guided 60-minute tour with their “Sloth Ambassadors.” Construction is underway, and the team expects experiences to book out months in advance.

Is Epic Universe Already Planning its First Expansion? New Permits Say…Maybe

Universal Orlando’s newest theme park may be barely open, but new permits suggest more could be on the way. A recently filed application outlines utility and foundation work for a massive 150,000-square-foot structure tied to the official Epic Universe address. While Universal hasn’t commented, the timing aligns with CEO Mark Woodbury’s hints about future expansions across all three parks. With five fully immersive worlds — from Super Nintendo World to the Ministry of Magic — and a huge wave of fan praise since opening in May 2025, speculation is swirling that the next big addition may already be in motion.

Terra Brings a Modern All-Day Dining Destination to Downtown Orlando in 2026

A new neighborhood hangout is coming to Society Orlando. Terra, opening Spring 2026 at 410 N Orange Avenue, will serve as a hybrid lobby bar, lounge, café, and restaurant created by Thriving Hospitality — the team behind Lamp & Shade and Thrive Lounge. Led by chef Ryan Stewart, the menu will feature New American dishes served morning through evening inside an 8,000-square-foot social hub designed for everything from coffee meetups to pre-game drinks. Construction updates and sneak peeks are already rolling out on Terra's Instagram.

Potbelly Sandwich Works Heads to Winter Park

Winter Park is getting a new fast-casual addition as Potbelly Sandwich Works moves into 1003 S. Orlando Avenue, taking over the former Signs Now space. The beloved toasted-sandwich chain — not the FSU-adjacent bar many locals are thinking of — is slated to open Winter 2025. Once the doors open, expect classics like the Wreck, hand-dipped shakes, and another reliable lunch option for the busy Orlando Avenue corridor.

UCF Ranked Florida’s Most Efficient University in New Statewide Audit

A recent DOGE system audit found the University of Central Florida delivers the lowest cost per degree in the entire State University System, at $46,548 from enrollment to graduation. The report highlighted operating costs, job-placement outcomes, and financial trends across all Florida universities, noting systemwide expense increases tied largely to payroll and labor. While New College ranked as the most expensive per degree and had one of the lowest job-placement rates, Florida Polytechnic topped the list for graduate earnings. The findings prompted renewed conversations about financial transparency, metrics reporting, and long-term planning for state institutions.

Jeff’s Bagel Run Rolls Out Limited-Time Holiday Menu Through December

Jeff’s Bagel Run is making the season sweeter with a festive lineup available through December 31st, 2025. Guests can enjoy winter flavors like Peppermint Mocha Cold Foam Cold Brew, Honey Pistachio Latte, Cookie Butter Cream Cheese, and Espresso Cream Cheese across all 24 locations nationwide. Known for scratch-made bagels and craft coffee, the fast-growing brand — recently expanded through its acquisition of Otus Coffee — encourages guests to preorder through the app for quick morning pickup. With national recognition and a loyal following, Jeff’s Bagel Run continues to build momentum heading into the new year.

MCO Launches $253M Gate Link Replacement to Modernize Passenger Transport

Orlando International Airport is preparing for a major transformation as it replaces its aging Gate Link system with new Mitsubishi trams and upgraded infrastructure. Beginning December 3rd, 2025, the $253 million project will unfold in phases through Fall 2027, improving reliability, safety, and energy efficiency for travelers moving between Terminals A and B and Gates 70–129. While one tram will stay in service to minimize delays, some overnight periods will require shuttle buses. The upgrade is part of GOAA’s broader 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program — a $5.9 billion investment that includes expanded parking, modernized terminals, upgraded gate areas, and enhanced wayfinding throughout MCO.