{"id":53972,"date":"2025-11-20T11:41:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T11:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/53972\/"},"modified":"2025-11-20T11:41:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T11:41:10","slug":"jingle-eve-returns-to-orlandos-ivanhoe-village-nov-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/53972\/","title":{"rendered":"Jingle Eve returns to Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Nov. 22"},"content":{"rendered":"

For Chris Gentry, this year\u2019s Jingle Eve<\/a> event is a kind of homecoming.<\/p>\n

The annual event returns from 4:30-9 p.m.on Nov. 22, a district-wide celebration that kicks off the holiday season, welcoming upwards of 8,500 attendees who shop, stroll and sip their way around the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

\u201cJingle Eve has a pretty special place in my heart, because when I opened Gentry\u2019s BBQ<\/a> General Store on Ivanhoe Road years ago, [Jingle Eve]\u00a0 was when my store really got noticed and we took off. People knew who I was, where I was,\u201d Gentry says. \u201cWe had a fantastic night, not only financially, but we got to meet the neighborhood and then people started coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gentry closed the shop a couple of years ago, but it\u2019s enabled him to get back to his first love: cooking. He\u2019ll be bringing his spanky-new BBQ trailer and looks forward to seeing and feeding a lot of familiar faces.<\/p>\n

Ivanhoe Village<\/a> Main Street executive director Allex Englett is eager, too, to see area businesses reap the benefits of the neighborhood-wide celebration.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur local restaurants see some of their highest traffic of the year, and food trucks bring additional options for visitors who want to wander and enjoy the event outdoors,\u201d Englett says. \u201cJingle Eve\u2019s economic impact is felt most strongly in our small businesses, where many welcome new customers they might not otherwise reach.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"JingleJingle Eve is a free celebration, but those looking to feel even more merry and bright can opt for the “12 Wines of Christmas” Wine Walk. The $50 ticket includes a keepsake wine glass and access to a curated selection of red or white wine options at 20 locations throughout the Village. (Courtesy Ivanhoe Village)<\/p>\n

One of the best ways to bring in new faces is certainly the Wine Walk ($50), which Englett says traditionally sells out.<\/p>\n

While the larger event is free, participants in the \u201c12 Wines of Christmas\u201d<\/a> sip and stroll will receive a\u00a0keepsake wine glass and access to tastings amongst a Tim\u2019s Wine Market<\/a>-curated selection of red or white wine options at twenty locations throughout the Village.<\/p>\n

\"ShopShop small on Jingle Eve, supporting local makers while grabbing unique gifts for under the tree or inside the stocking. The popular event returns to Ivanhoe Village on Nov. 22. (Courtesy Ivanhoe Village)<\/p>\n

Beyond the liquid cheer, however, all ages will enjoy the local makers and shops, both those on the avenue and the many vendors whose tents twinkle with holiday cheer (and great, unique gift options). Some will be offering raffles. Entertainment and family activities, including crafts, bounce houses, a bubble bus, music, photo-ops and other seasonal programming, will be spread across Virginia Drive, Orange Avenue and Gaston Edwards Park.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Englett\u2019s favorite part of the celebration?<\/p>\n

\"PitmasterPitmaster Chris Gentry introduced the swanky new Gentry’s BBQ trailer at the College Park JazzFest. He’ll be back in the Ivanhood for Jingle Eve. (Courtesy Gentry’s BBQ)<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cheer!\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe entire district comes alive with lights, laughter and genuine community connection. Most businesses participate in some way, and there\u2019s this unmistakable sense of joy and togetherness that makes Ivanhoe Village feel like its own little holiday village for the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AsAs in years past, Jingle Eve concludes with a fireworks display over Lake Ivanhoe. (Courtesy Ivanhoe Village)<\/p>\n

Wrapping with holiday fireworks over Lake Ivanhoe, the event is a gateway to the season, reinforcing the district\u2019s cultural identity, showcasing its art and the creativity of its business owners \u2014 as well as its walkability, reminding folks from other parts of town that time spent in the Ivanhood is a one-stop playground, whether for shopping or brunch, date night or otherwise.<\/p>\n

For Gentry, whose new phase includes catering, popups and events (check out Gentry\u2019s website \u2014 gentrysbbq.com<\/a> \u2014 for the schedule), bringing his brand of southern barbecue back to the place that made him is a pleasure \u2014 and a prime place to make new friends as well as revisit the old.<\/p>\n

\"Gentry'sGentry’s $7 single smashburger will be among the menu hits come Jingle Eve. (Courtesy Gentry’s BBQ)<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s such an important event for all the small businesses, restaurants and bars here, because people come out in droves and they do support it. It\u2019s the spirit of the season. It\u2019s a fantastic event.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jingle Eve is a free event. For Wine Walk tickets, visit ivanhoevillage.org\/shop\/limited-time\/jingle-eve-12-wines-of-christmas-2025-wine-walk-tickets. <\/a>For parking, Englett encourages carpooling, rideshare, biking or the Lake Highland lot on Alden Road ($10).<\/p>\n

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram\u00a0@amydroo<\/a>\u00a0or on the OSFoodie Instagram account\u00a0@orlando.foodie<\/a>. Email:\u00a0amthompson@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. For more foodie fun, join the\u00a0Let\u2019s Eat, Orlando Facebook group<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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