Tinsel Town

By TOM IACUZIO
STAFF WRITER

Ho, ho, holy mackerel, it's Christmas time already?
    
While most of us squandered away any time we may have had to prepare for the upcoming holidays, Florida's theme parks have been hard at work.
     
So since you're most likely already behind in your shopping, might as well take one more day to get in the spirit with Elmo, the Grinch or our favorite red suit-wearing dude, Mickey Mouse. Oh, and San­ta will be there, too.
     
If you need a little Christmas, right this very minute, here's what's happening at the parks:
 
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS & ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE

WHEN: Daily through Jan. 1
DON'T MISS: It's gonna be Christmas all over the Universal Grounds this month as both parks get in the fun. Universal Studios has two more holiday concerts planned for the season: Chris Isaak on Dec. 12 and Natalie Cole on Dec. 19. They'll also feature a daily running of the Macy's Holiday Parade. At Islands of Adventure, it's "Grinchmas" once again. The Mean One is back in live musical version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
COST: Included in admission: $73; $61 ages 3-9. Breakfast: $19.95; $13.95 ages 3-9
INFO: Universal Blvd.Boulevard, Orlando. 407-224-4243

DISNEY'S MAGIC KINGDOM VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY

WHEN: 7 p.m.-midnight today, Dec. 10-11, 13, 15, and 17-18
DON'T MISS: Christmas is a magical time on its own. When you throw a little Disney dust at it, it becomes even more spectacular. This after-hours party will delight kids of any age with an appearance by Santa, holiday fireworks, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate and a not-to-be-missed parade.
COST: Not included in park admission; party begins at regular park closing. $59; $53 ages 3-9
INFO: Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista; 407-934-7639

DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

WHEN: dusk-close today through Jan. 4
DON'T MISS: Who cares if it's Florida? It snows every night on the "Streets of America" thanks to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. The yearly event features over 5 million lights, 66 snow machines and requires more than 32 miles of extension cables. I would love to be handed have what Disney spends in one day on electricity.
COST: Included in admission: $79; $68 ages 3-9
INFO: Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista; 407-934-7639

SILVER SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

WHEN: dusk-8:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12, 18-24 26-31 and Jan. 2-3
DON'T MISS: The lighted boat parade is a great way to top off a night that includes strolling carolers, a visit with Santa and some holiday shopping..
COST: Included in admission: $29.99; $24.99 ages 3-10.
INFO: 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; Silver Springs; 352-236-2121

SEAWORLD'S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

WHEN: Daily through Jan. 3
DON'T MISS: New this year is the kid-approved "Sesame Street Christmas" show featuring Elmo and the gang. Join along with Abby Cadabby as she learns about the meaning of Christmas. When that's over don't forget about everyone's favorite whale, Shamu, in a special Christmas-themed water show as well at the Polar Express Experience.
COST: $78.95; $68.95 children ages 3-9
INFO: Sea World Drive, Orlando; 800-327-2424

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
WHEN: Daily through Jan. 3
DON'T MISS: New this year is the kid-approved "Sesame Street Christmas" show featuring Elmo and the gang. Join along with Abby Cadabby as she learns about the meaning of Christmas. When that's over don't forget about everyone's favorite whale, Shamu, in a special Christmas-themed water show as well at the Polar Express Experience.
COST: $78.95; $68.95 children ages 3-9
INFO: Sea World Drive, Orlando; 800-327-2424