9 fun things to do in Lake County this weekend
It's beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas in Lake County. Jewish residents are celebrating Hanukkah too, and there will be menorah lighting on Dec. 13.
This weekend in Lake also offers music, theater, comedy and art. Art in all genres bring civility to our civilization — even when it's written by the creators of "South Park." How is that true? If we can talk and laugh about it, share ideas, discover something new and stay off our phone more than a minute, then we've accomplished something.
Check out all the fun stuff going on this weekend for a mix of holiday, humor and live entertainment ...
FRIDAY
Lake County Museum of Art Members Exhibition
If you're into supporting the arts, which is a good thing, Lake County Museum of Art is exhibiting artwork by its members in their annual juried exhibit. It's an open-themed show that will run from Dec. 8, through Jan. 27. An opening reception will take place this Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Cash awards will be presented to first-place 2-dimensional, first place 3-dimensional and people's choice. If you can't make it to the reception, check out the exhibition. LCMA promotes art education to build culture and enrich our community. 213 W. Ruby St., Tavares. Details: lakeartmuseum.com.
SATURDAY
Christmas Tea with Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Mission Resort
Enjoy holiday fun in Howey-in-the-Hills at the town's iconic Mission Resort and Club. The Spanish-style resort hosts its first-ever Christmas Tea with Santa & Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The family friendly event offers delight for all ages with indulgent adult drinks like White Tea Sangria and kid-friendly options like a customizable Hot Cocoa Bar. Small bites like rosemary chicken salad and smoked salmon finger sandwiches will be available alongside assorted holiday-themed cakes. Kids can enjoy classics like Nutella and banana and PB&J sandwiches. Takes place in La Paloma meeting room on the first floor. Admission is $32 for adults, $22 for children plus a 21% service charge and tax. Details: missioninnresort.com.
Minneola's Moonlight Christmas Parade
The city of Minneola holiday parade heads south on Disston Avenue and winds around town to its starting point Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. A family-fun, free Santa's Workshop entertains the kids after the parade at Minneola City Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, email recreation@minneola.us.
Scots (and snow) in Mount Dora
Aye! The Mount Dora Sister Cities Association and city of Mount Dora Pipe Band revive their Plaid in the Park Celtic entertainment series with an array of vendors. The family-friendly event features Celtic entertainment, food and drink plus live music, Highlander dancing, bagpipes and more. Says the association,"Kilt not required by recommended." Takes place at 4 p.m. at Sunset Park. Details: mtdorapipeband@gmail.com or 904-334-4923.
You can also take the kids to play in snow in downtown Mount Dora on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 7 p.m., when frozen white fluff will descend on Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly St. The snow fest entertains with sledding, music, food, activities photos and other activities. Bring a toy donation for a community toy drive or non-perishable food to benefit Lake Cares Food Pantry. Details: mountdora.com.
Broadway's 'Book of Mormon' & 'Grumpy Old Men'
Regardless of your position on missionary work, "The Book of Mormon" is a laugh-out-loud, irreverent production that, contrary to disbelief, is more joyous than cynical in its satirical yuks. The script by "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the catchy tunes of Robert Lopez ("Avenue Q"), take audiences on a memorable adventure with two inexperienced Mormon missionaries tasked with converting the residents of a Ugandan village. See the Broadway touring production in The Villages at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $55, at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main St., The Villages. Details: villagesentertainment.com.
Billed as a fun-loving season, the IceHouse Theatre’s 76th year spikes our holiday spirits with the crotchety-with-a-heart-of-gold "Grumpy Old Men: The Musical," based on the hit 1993 film comedy starring the late-great Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau with Ann-Margret. The production runs Wednesdays through Sundays up until Dec. 10 at the IceHouse Theatre, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. Call 352-383-4616 or visit icehousetheatre.com.
Stand-up yuks with vocal yokel Ron Feingold
What can you say about a performer who can deliver the 1980s one hit wonder "867-5309" in the style of Kermit the Frog? Clermont-based performer Ron Feingold sings all of his own backup and lead vocals and even vocal percussion. The one-man vocal band is pretty adept at humor too in his a capella stand-up shows. See and hear for yourself from 8 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 U.S. 27, Clermont. Tickets are $25. Details: 352-394-4800.
SUNDAY
Strawberry pickin' holiday fun at Amber Brooke Farms
Nothing says red and green quite like a strawberry patch. Enjoy the sweetness of these Christmas colors at Amber Brooke Farms' Strawberry U-Pick holiday event, replete with Santa, amusements and more fun stuff. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17. Tickets are $15 online and $18 at the gate. Food Trucks include Grissel's Un Gusta Boricua, Caldonia's Kitchen, The Chicken Truck Fully Loaded, Gritz and Gravy and, of course, the Amber Brooke Farms food truck. No cash accepted on site, and no pets allowed. Tickets at amberbrookefarms.ticketspice.com/winter-fest.
Nature Art & Craft Fair in Eustis
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and shop for art at Trout Lake Nature Center. The center's Nature Art & Craft Fair provides a unique gifting alternative at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Browse a variety of nature-inspired pieces at a ll price points. Vendors will host interactive demonstrations at their stations for visitors to try their craft. Parking is $5. The nature center is at 520 East CR 44, Eustis. Email tlnc.info@gmail.com for details.
Celtic & contemporary Christmas concert
If you love Irish and holiday music, "Season of Joy" at GraceWay Church that combines Celtic musical traditions with the joy of Christmas at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Performances include "The Wexford Carol" and Celtic-inspired arrangements of Chris Tomlin’s “Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)," Dolly Parton’s "Once Upon a Christmas" and Celtic Woman's "Christmas Pipes." Featured soloists are Tim Filing, Gary Koerten, Stacey McFarland and Ali Dickson.
After the concert, the audience is invited to a pie social in the church’s Family Life Center. GraceWay is located at 10200 Morningside Drive, Leesburg. Admission is free, but there will be a freewill offering. Details: 352-728-1620.
A LOOK AHEAD
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Take part in the lighting of the menorah at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Veterans Memorial Park, 243 S. Lake Ave., Groveland. Doughnuts, music and more will be featured at the Hanukkah event. Details: 352-717-4119 or info@jewishsl.com.
For more holiday events, visit our 2023 holiday events guide on DailyCommercial.com.
Have something fun happening to share? Email news@dailycommercial.com at least two weeks in advance, please.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: This weekend in Lake: 'Book of Mormon,' snow, shows and farm fest fun
