Orlando Kicks Off Holiday Season with Iconic Star Raising Ceremony
Orlando marked the official start of the holiday season this past Sunday with a cherished local tradition: the raising of the Jack Kazanzas Star on Orange Avenue. The 600-pound illuminated star was hoisted 50 feet in the air during a ceremonial event that has been a part of the city’s Christmas celebrations since the 1950s.
Historical Significance of the Star
The tradition began as a festive rivalry between two department stores, Ivey’s and Dickson and Ives. These stores would collaborate to hang the star between their buildings located at the intersection of Central and Orange, creating a spectacular display that attracted locals and visitors alike. However, by 1984, the star had fallen into neglect. In response, lifelong resident Jack Kazanzas took it upon himself to rally the community and the city to restore the beloved symbol of the holiday spirit. His efforts led to the creation of a new star equipped with 4,000 LED lights, ensuring that the festive beacon would continue to shine brightly for years to come.
Timing and Schedule
Traditionally, the star raising occurs right after Thanksgiving. For the past four years, however, the festivities have begun a bit earlier, as City Hall has taken the initiative to kick off the holiday cheer ahead of the traditional schedule. This year’s celebration was no different, showcasing the city’s eagerness to embrace the festive spirit.
Community Celebrations
In addition to the star raising, the city is bustling with holiday cheer as neighborhoods prepare for the season. Ivanhoe Village, for instance, illuminated its Happy Holiday Sign during the recent event “Jingle Eve” held at the historic OUC building. This celebration adds to the vibrant atmosphere, inviting community members to engage in festivities and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Looking Forward
As the holiday season unfolds, residents and visitors can look forward to numerous activities and events lined up throughout Orlando. The star serves as a symbol of hope and community spirit, reminding everyone of the importance of togetherness during this joyous time of year. The events encourage local involvement and foster a sense of unity among the people celebrating the season.
A Symbol of Tradition
As the star shines brightly over Orange Avenue, it embodies the enduring spirit of Orlando and its commitment to celebrating community traditions. With the successful raising of the star, the city has officially embraced the holiday season, offering a warm welcome to all who wish to partake in the joy and festivities that come with it.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
