On October 2, 2024, Garden Theatre, Inc. announced the closing of the Theatre. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that led to this decision, “the show must go on.” The City of Winter Garden staff have been diligently working to honor as many of the Garden Theatre, Inc. previous commitments. This includes five showings of The Little Mermaid children’s production and two private wedding ceremonies with approximately 50 and 130 guests, respectively. Additionally, the City has been tirelessly working to have the Garden Theatre operational during the Christmas season as a benefit to the community.
“We simply cannot allow the historic Garden Theatre to be dark during the busiest and festive time of year,” said Jon C. Willliams, Winter Garden City Manager. “For the Christmas season, and as a sentiment of goodwill for our community, the City is offering and presenting limited programming throughout December as a continued amenity to the festive downtown experience.”
The holiday programing will feature two Holiday Flix at the Garden movies for $5 a ticket. It’s a Wonderful Life will be shown on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Elf on Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Movie tickets can be purchased online at https://teachtix.com/cwgdn/holiday-flix-at-the-garden.
A special presentation of Holiday Opera at the Garden featuring renown world-class soprano Samar Salamé Hawat accompanied by pianist Liana Gheorghita will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at https://teachtix.com/cwgdn/holiday-opera-at-the-garden.
In addition, the Garden Theatre will serve as the venue for Playing Around the Christmas Tree children’s recital featuring a performance by pianist Liana Gheorghita on Sunday, Dec. 22, 1 – 4 p.m. Open to the public, there is no admission fee; however, a seat reservation is required, https://teachtix.com/cwgdn/pianist-performance-childrens-recital.
“As we move forward, the Garden Theatre will remain a performing arts fixture – a unique asset to our charming downtown,” Williams added. “The structure of the management of the Garden Theatre is being worked through carefully by City staff, in conjunction with key community stakeholders, and will be disclosed when final decisions have been made.”
To learn more about the schedule of holiday events in Winter Garden, go to: Winter Garden
