By Peter Covino

Entertainment Editor

Deck the halls and the theme parks — Universal Orlando and SeaWorld are ready for the holidays.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure kicked off their holiday celebrations last weekend with new versions of the Macy’s Parade, a return of Dr. Seuss’ Grinchmas and live weekend performances by Manheim Steamroller plus a new  Holiday Village.

SeaWorld also launched some new holiday festivities for 2010 with the Sea of Trees, a Christmas celebration featuring 74 large lighted trees around the theme park’s center lake. The trees are choreographed to classic holiday tunes.

Also new at SeaWorld is The Christmas Market, located on the park’s Bayside Pathway. The market features one-of-a-kind gifts as well as lots of holiday feasting opportunities.

“Our guests will be immersed in the wonderful sights, sounds, and tastes of a joyous holiday experience,” said Michael Fletcher, vice president of entertainment for SeaWorld Orlando. “The Sea of Trees is going to transform our holiday nights with a stunning symphony of lights and music on the water. Guests can even do their Christmas shopping in the new Christmas Market while they feast on delicious holiday favorites. We want SeaWorld to become a joyous holiday tradition for our guests, so this year we’re truly bringing the sea to the season.”

Meanwhile, guests at Universal’s Islands of Adventure can take in a new storybook musical version of Grinchmas, based on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The show features many of the songs from the holiday classic TV show, as well as some new songs as well. The show features the Grinch and the Whos from Whoville with an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Also, guests will have the opportunity to meet the Grinch and the strolling Whos, and on select dates, purchase a spot at a special character breakfast with the Grinch.

This year’s Macy’s Parade at Universal Studios features the same iconic balloons seen winding through New York City. The parade features colorful holiday characters, floats, balloons and a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus.

Mannheim Steamroller – the masters of Christmas music with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide – will play their memorable holiday music for guests on the Music Plaza stage Dec. 11 and 18.

Guests also can explore the Holiday Village, filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, caramel apples, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and a cupcake decorating location.

For more information on Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration and offers, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.

Other events at SeaWorld for the holiday’s include the return of The Polar Express Experience.

At the park’s Wild Arctic attraction, guests can jump aboard The Polar Express    and take a train ride to the North Pole. Classic scenes from The Polar Express  movie are recreated in a multi-sensory experience that immerses passengers in special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects. When they arrive at the North Pole, guests discover a winter wonderland surrounded by holiday cheer and  animal encounters.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is included with regular admission to the them park and also with  an annual pass. Now with the purchase of an annual pass, guests receive three months free to enjoy all the park’s benefits, including all the animal encounters, thrill rides and world-class shows.   For more information about SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration or to purchase an annual pass, visit SeaWorld Orlando.com.

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There will be free holiday fun when the city of Winter Park proudly hosts the 4th annual Champs Sports Bowl Parade of Bands on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 12:30 p.m. The prelude to the Champs Sports Bowl game, Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 6:30 p.m., at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, will feature the school bands and mascots West Virginia and North Carolina State. The parade will march through downtown Winter Park and perform a “Bandtastic Game Day Preview” in Central Park. The parade will start at 12:30 p.m. near the intersection of Park and Comstock avenues.  

For more information regarding Florida Citrus Sports and to purchase tickets to the bowl game, visit www.fcsports.com.