Just two blocks away from the opulence of Camden Lake Eola is the local treasure named Lake Eola Park. Serving as the center focal point of the City of Orlando, this well-known man-made lake becomes the epicenter of social events, farmers’ markets, or just a fun little stroll petting the resident swans who call the lake home. However, during the holidays, Lake Eola transforms into a Winter Wonderland.

Photo Courtesy of Chris Colon

The decorations surrounding the mile-long circumference of Lake Eola are nothing short of impressive, and calling them decorations or simply “holiday lights” is an understatement. Some of my personal favorites are the ice thrones, the giant polar bears, candy canes made from holiday lights, and the beautiful, brightly lit arches along the lake's walkways. This, among many other holiday light features, creates memorable photo ops for the holiday season. The highlight of the Holiday Lights will have to be the Holiday Tree show right in front of the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Every half hour, the tree comes to life with a light show paired with holiday music, calling the attention of Lake Eola passersby. Those with little ones will enjoy photos with Santa on the eastern end of the lake in front of Eola House. We recommend getting there early to make sure the kids have their moment with Santa before Christmas.

Along with the lights, the music, the photo ops, and your moment with Santa. Lake Eola will feature a holiday market on Friday and Saturday evenings. The lake is flooded with vendor tents from local businesses selling their merchandise and food, making it a very unique and thoughtful place to go holiday shopping while at the same time shopping local. Some of these items are one of a kind, so definitely do some shopping there before they disappear at the end of the year.

Photo Courtesy of Chris Colon

Just outside this man-made Christmas Village stands the crowned jewel of apartment living, Camden Lake Eola. Featuring 12 floors plus a Penthouse floor, this apartment community is just two short blocks from the excitement of Lake Eola and its holiday festivities. Select apartment homes will feature premium lake views for you to enjoy year-round. Orlando residents come from far and wide to take in the experience of a Lake Eola Christmas. They will drive out to Downtown Orlando, hit traffic, pay for parking, and get caught in the traffic on the way out of the very busy area. Camden Lake Eola residents stroll over. No parking, no mess, no time wasted, just simply fun. That is a luxury in itself. Imagine leaving your beautiful apartment home, taking the elevator down to the luxurious lobby as you bid the Concierge adieu and head over to Bynx coffee for a hot chocolate before heading to the lake and to take in the lights and activities. Just the thought of such imagery will make your hair stand on end excitement.

Local treasures like the holiday lights at Lake Eola and the Christmas tree show really do bring a sense of community and comfort around this time of year. I have always compared the neighborhood of South Eola/Thornton Park to a little “Holiday Village” from a Hallmark movie, or even a little winter village in a snow globe. To be able to live every holiday as a Camden Lake Eola resident is truly a treat and a holiday gift that keeps on giving.

Need some holiday shopping tips? Here are great places to pick up a gift or two in Historic Thornton Park Village.