Christmas events 2023 in Leesburg and Lake County: Your local guide to holiday fun
'Tis the season to drum up that ol' holiday spirit and participate in the festive spirit of giving — not give into road rage, cashier line rage and parking lot rage — though it's hard not to, at times. We know.
Here are some fun events to delight the kids and inner child this holiday season:
Hometown Christmas Holiday Card Contest
Lake County Museum of Art presents its annual Holiday Card Contest and Exhibit featuring designs from elementary through high school students in Lake County. Guest judges will award prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in elementary, middle and high school categories. There will also be a "People's Choice" where visitors "vote" for their favorite designs. Tickets to vote are $1, with half going back to the student's school. Exhibit up through Nov. 25 at Lake County Museum of Art, 213 W. Ruby St., Tavares. Visit lakeartmuseum.com for details.
Enchanted Tree Forest
The Enchanted Tree Forest returns at Victory Pointe, 938 Victory Way, Clermont. There are 50 trees available for viewing that were decorated by local organizations. They will be on display through Jan. 8. ClermontFL.gov
Mote-Morris House decorated for holidays
Visit Leesburg's favorite Victorian estate and historic landmark, which will be decorated for the holidays. The two-story home with a four-story turret was added to the National Register of Historic Places 49 years ago on Dec. 27, 1974. Tours take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec. 16, and open houses will take place on Nov. 11 & 25 and Dec. 9 at 1195 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg. For more information, email the Leesburg Heritage Society at Info@LeesburgMuseum.org or call 352-315-1800.
Lady Lake Festival of Trees
Ooh and ahh at imaginative and festive creations gracing the Lady Lake Library this holiday season, the ostensible first of an annual tradition. Patrons can walk around the library at 225 W. Guava St., Lady Lake, to visit decorative trees, provided by local businesses, schools and civic organizations and vote for their favorite tree. Votes will be tallied with an award given for best design. The trees will be showcased from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, available for viewing during regular library hours. Details: ladylake.org.
Light Up Eustis
Eustis will kick off its luminous, 36th annual festivities on Friday, Nov. 24, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ferran Park. Expect live entertainment, a snow slide, simulated snow fall in the park, free photos with Santa, vendors, carolers and more at Light Up Eustis. The tree lighting ceremony happens at 6 p.m. Details at eustis.org
Light Up Mount Dora, Christmas Walk & parade
Downtown Mount Dora will be illuminated for its annual Light Up Mount Dora event at Elizabeth Evans Park and Sunset Park from 3:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. Live music, fireworks and a pop-in from Jolly ‘Ol St. Nick add spirit to the event. Free shuttle service available from 1250 N. Highland Street and from the First Baptist Church (1000 E. First Ave.) from 3 to 9 p.m.
On Friday, Dec. 1, the the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Christmas Walk, from 6 to 9 p.m. Downtown shopping, face painting, street entertainment, live music and pictures with Santa near the 40-foot Christmas tree will be featured. Free shuttle service available from the First Baptist Church (1000 E. First Ave. from 5 to 9 p.m.
On Dec. 2, historic downtown Mount Dora — which looks like a town in a snow globe (without the snow) — is the backdrop for the 63rd annual Mount Dora Christmas Parade sponsored by the Mount Dora Lions Club at 10 a.m. The parade begins at 11th Avenue and Donnelly to the marina at Gilbert Park. . A lighted boat parade on Lake Dora adds to the enchantment. Details: mountdora.com.
Holidays on the Farm
Santa Claus is coming to the Lil’ Bit of Life Farm on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for its fourth annual Holidays on the Farm. Their friendly animals will also be available for photo ops, pony rides and more. Make smores over a fire pit, enjoy chocolate-y goodness from a hot cocoa bar and take the kiddies on barrel train rides. Admission is $10. Registration requested at facebook.com/lilbitoflifeminifarm
Tree lighting festival at Brownwood Paddock Square
Brownwood Paddock Square's final two tree lighting celebrations illuminate the night Wednesday, Nov. 29, and on Friday, Dec. 1, from 4 to 9 p.m. at 2705 W. Torch Lake Drive, Wildwood. The Leonard Brothers Band will entertain the crowd. Visit thevillagesentertainment.com/brownwood-paddock-square for more information.
Spanish Springs Tree Lighting Festival & Parade
Villagers and guests from surrounding areas are welcome to share in the holiday spirit and cheer on a Christmas parade from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, at 1181 Main St., The Villages. Visit thevillages.com for details.
Wildwood Winter Fest & Parade
The Winter Fest & Light Up Wildwood Christmas Parade takes to the streets on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m., followed by the Christmas tree lighting at City Hall, 100 N. Main St. A kid zone, snow slide, face painting and vendors will be on hand. Visit the event page on Facebook for details and updates.
Light Up Clermont annual tree lighting
Clermont's annual tree lighting illuminates City Hall Park and Downtown Clermont on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Live music, food trucks, DJ, music, carolers and a photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus make things festive. Details: ClermontFL.gov.
Mount Dora Christmas Stroll
The 30th Annual Christmas Walk, a celebration of lights, shopping and holiday fun takes over Downtown Mount Dora Friday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. and join the celebration. We're told that the streets of the historic district will close, ensuring safe and easy access to shopping, restaurants and the enjoyment of "a Christmas wonderland transformation."
Carolers, mime, stilt walking, juggling shows and live musical performances by renowned artists such as pianist Randy Frieling, the Salvation Army Brass Band and the City of Mount Dora Bag Pipe Band. Pose for pictures with Santa in Sunset Park near the Christmas Tree.
Bring the kids to enjoy a Lil Bit of Life Petting Zoo with farm animals dressed in Christmas attire, holiday goodie vendors, and other surprises for the kids. Details: mountdora.com.
Lady Lake 'Christmas in Space' parade
Join the city of Lady Lake for an extraterrestrial Christmas spectacle. The holiday cosmic journey should be out-of-this-world with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, classic cars, twirlers, clowns, candy, marching bands, horses and an array of floats gliding down Old Dixie Highway between Guava Street and Griffin View Drive. The fun starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Details: ladylake.org.
Clermont Hometown Parade
Festive floats will glide and bands will march through Downtown Clermont at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, from Waterfront Park through downtown Clermont, making a loop. Details: ClermontFL.gov.
Deck The Halls Family Christmas
Take the kids to paint ornaments at Artist with a Purpose, 411 W. Main St., in downtown Leesburg. The fun starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2, in tandem with downtown Leesburg's holiday festivities $8 fee includes ornament and supplies. Tickets available on EventBrite.
Leesburg's Christmas parade & festivities
Leesburg's mega holiday party kicks off with a Christmas fest at 1 p.m. in the Town Square, 501 W. Meadow St., amusing the crowd with ice skating, pony and camel rides and a petting zoo along with appearances from Santa from 2 to 5, the Grinch from 1 to 4 p.m. and live holiday music by Free Cadence.
Food, art and craft vendors and other activities will keep revelers all ages occupied along with a 360 photo booth. The holiday event will culminate with the city's 56th annual Christmas parade, themed "Christmas Cinema Spectacular."
The parade starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, and will travel down Main Street downtown, from 11th Street to Canal Street. Activities and food vendors will fill the festively lighted town square. Email city events manager Maggie.Lyden@LeesburgFlorida.gov for more details.
Christmas on the Water & Light Up Venetian Gardens
Check out lighted boats, food vendors, live entertainment and the dazzlingly festive, illuminated displays at Venetian Gardens on Sunday, Dec. 3. The fun starts around 5 p.m. in the park with boat parade bobbing around Lake Harris at 6:15 p.m. Venetian Gardens is at 109 E Dixie Ave., Leesburg. Call 352-728-9870 for more information.
Christmas ornaments glass blowing demonstration
Local glass artist Melody Louis will provide a glass blowing demonstration for ages 10 and older. Takes place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Umatilla Public Library, 412 Hatfield Drive. Details: umatillafl.org.
Umatilla Cracker Christmas Parade & Festival
The 48th annual Cracker Christmas Parade and Festival Saturday takes over the charming town of Umatilla on Saturday, Dec. 9, beginning with the annual Dog Jog at 9 a.m. Parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
According to the chamber, "Umatilla is one of the remaining few small towns in Central Florida with the heart of true Southern Hospitality. This is a place where neighbors know one another and our community works together for causes that will better our neighborhoods and the people who live here." Parade runs along State Road 19 from County Road 450A to Bulldog Lane. A craft vendor festival follows in Cadwell Park. For more information, visit umatillachamber.org.
Four Corners Holiday Festival
Enjoy a fun, family-friendly event while your child visits with Santa, enjoys a holiday movie on the lawn, cookies and milk station, bounce house, train, and more on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. It all happens at Cagan Crossings, 600 Cagan Oaks Drive, Clermont. Details at lakecountyfl.gov.
Snow ... in Mount Dora?
Ah, snow! The northerners are escaping it and your kids are insatiably curious about it. Take them on a one-horse open sleigh to dash through the snow to 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.
According to Life on Lake, "there will be music that’ll have you rocking around the Christmas tree, food to tickle your taste buds and a slew of activities that’ll make you feel like you’re in a holiday movie montage." Well said. Details: mountdora.com.
Minneola's sixth annual 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.
Cottom Farm's Christmas Village
Featured on the ABC program “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village imagines “Santa’s Southern Home.” The Christmas light display is open 6-9 p.m. through New Year’s Eve. Explore the Christmas Village and Hayrides from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 10-Dec. 24 and see Santa and Mrs. Claus on the weekends. 4650 Marion County Road, Weirsdale. VisitLakeFl.com.
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. Donuts, music and more will be featured at the Hanukkah event. Details: 352-717-4119.
Snooky’s Luminary Walk
Step into a winter wonderland as the city of Lady Lake lights up Snooky Park with thousands of luminaries, turning it into what city officials describe as "a shimmering world of holiday delight." The park at 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd. will be lighted Dec. 14-16 at dusk. Details: ladylake.org.
Ho-ho-ho with some hashbrowns in Leesburg
If the kids are still making their lists and want Santa to check them twice, you can take them to enjoy the bearded fella in a red suit for morning vittles at the scenic Venetian Center overlooking Lake Harris. The event features food and a family-friendly holiday movie. Take pictures next to Santa, participate in sing-a-longs and more!
The meal will include sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, biscuits, grits, cereal, fruits, juice, and coffee. Presale tickets are $7 per person. If available, tickets at the door are $10. Details: 352-728-9885.
Cookies with Santa
Meet Santa and decorate some cookies at a family friendly event where you can make some cheery cut-out Santa, Christmas tree and reindeer sugary treats. Participation is free. Takes place on Friday, Dec. 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood. Visit discoversumterfl.com for details.
Christmas concert feat. Chris Ruggiero
PBS-featured performer Chris Ruggiero’s new Christmas show features fan favorites from his hit Christmas album such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as well as songs from his 4 albums, all delivered in Chris’s own classic style. The artist has been touring the country, reviving vintage rock and roll tunes, working with the same arranger who created all the hits for Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons and selling out shows from New York to Vegas. His most recent tour hit 37 cities and this will be the second time his Christmas tour is making a stop at the Mount Dora Music Hall, 520 N. Baker St. Takes place 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15. Click here for tickets. Details; 352-735-7100.
Encounter Church hosts free Christmas dinner, treats & toy giveaway
Encounter Church volunteers will serve a free Christmas dinner, hot chocolate and dessert bar, and offer a wrapped toy giveaway under a massive festive tent. Also featured will be a living nativity, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and Santa's Elves, and even the Grinch. It all takes place on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m, at Encounter Church, 4698 E County Road 462, Wildwood. Call 352-399-2132.
'Let Heaven and Nature Swing' this Sunday in Leesburg
Central Florida’s LC Swing Band will perform their annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. in the GraceWay Presbyterian Church at 10200 Morningside Drive, Leesburg.
The show by the 17-piece jazz ensemble under the direction of Larry Lutte, is themed “Let Heaven and Nature Swing” and will feature various members of the band performing traditional Christmas selections. The concert will include the band’s traditional audience participation piece called "The 12 Days of Christmas” led by L C Swing’s big band singer Ali Dickson, who will also sing “White Christmas”, “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Audio visuals will be used throughout the concert. The performance is open to the public and a free will donation will be collected.
Lady Lake Farmers & Crafts Market
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus and their Lady Lake posse on Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex, 260 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake. Free photo opportunities will be available along with diverse array of handmade and handcrafted items for sale. Browse candles, bath bombs, lotions, essential oil products, jewelry, wood crafts, cheeses, candy, dips, cookies, breads and more if you're still seeking stocking stuffers.
A prize drawing will take place at the market at 2 p.m. Shoppers can enter until 1:55 p.m., and there is no need to be present to win. Also, the Florida Carriage Museum will be in traveling back in time in period costumes. The group will be selling works by local author Gloria Austin, founder of a local museum. Details: ladylake.org.
Christmas party with the Downhome Darlings
Eustis' State Theatre invites you to a Christmas Party with amusing song and dance. With what the theater calls "a mix of traditional and modern, simple and wacky, classic and fresh," the Downhome Darlings are bringing you a glamorous and hilarious Christmas Party! Join these funny ladies for a night of song, shenanigans, and side-splitting laughter on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. at the Bay Street Players' State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St. Eustis. Tickets are $20. Details: EustisStateTheatre.org.
The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Performance
Mark Raisch, Marcella Richardson, Norman Lee Schaffer, Sean Stork and Ali Molnar perform Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 18-19, at 7 p.m. at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main St., The Villages. Tickets are $25-$60. Visit thevillages.com for details.
Jingle Jam
The organizers of Jingle Jam sure do make it sound fun: "Sing songs, play exciting games, laugh until your sides hurt, and hear the Christmas story told in a way that engages every age." The event is in its third year, so you could say it's a hit. Admission is free. Takes place at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, May 20, at First Baptist Church of Mount Dora, 1000 E First Ave. Details: firstmtdora.org.
Winter Solstice Vigil Memorial for homeless lives lost
This Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, marks theofficial start of winter. For the unhoused, every night feels like the longest night, and the Mid Florida Homeless Coalition Inc. and The Salvation Army of Lake and Sumter Counties want to invite the community to a vigil dedicated to homeless lives lost and helping others transcend their plight at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 2605 South St. in Leesburg. Details: 352-697-0623 or by e-mail at execdirector@midflhc.org.
Cocoa with a Cop
Take the kids to meet badge-wearing officers decked out for Christmas at the mall on Friday. The Lake County Sheriff's Office is hosting Cocoa with a Cop at their substation, featuring, you guessed it, hot cocoa, Christmas movies and festive activities such as fingerprint art and cookie decorating. Takes place Friday, Dec. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lake Square Mall, 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg. Details: lakesquaremall.com.
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra holiday concert
Under the baton of conductor, Michael J. Garasi, the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra will open with "Silent Night" to set the mood with little angels and lights accompanying Aleksandra Vargas in song. This theme is followed with the "Nutcracker Suite" by Tchaikovsky.
The second part of the program features orchestral renderings by Philadelphia Orchestra arranger Arthur Harris, such as "Adeste Fidelis," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing."
Two arrangements by the FLSO's founder Guy Saint-Clair are included: "O Come Emmanuel," and "Aquarium" from Saint-Saens. Aleksandra Vargas will join Marco Romano for "Jesu Bambino" made famous by Pavarotti and Marco Romano will sing "Nessun Dorma and close with Leroy Anderson's evergreen hit, "Sleigh Ride".
The Thursday performances for the symphony's new season will start at 7:30 p.m. at the at Unitarian Universalist, located at 1235 Mount Homer Road in Eustis, right behind Publix. The Friday night South Lake concert will be performed at the Church of the Messiah, 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden, at 7:30 p.m. Details: floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com/concert-series.html.
Drink Up Grinches: Downtown Tavares Christmas Crawl
Downtown Tavares will be overtaken by revelers in ugly holiday sweaters, onesies and Santa suits during a bar crawl up and down Ruby Street from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday , Dec. 22. Meet at Nautilus Coffee Company, 130 W. Ruby St., Tavares. The Argonaut Bar & Lounge; Hemingway's Cigar, Beer and Wine Bar; The Dog House; Puddle Jumpers; Tiki West and Lake Dora Courtyard are participating. Drink specials will be featured at each location along with giveaways and live music. Details: Info@NautilusCoffee.com.
352 Holiday Market at Lake Square Mall
You don't have to live in the 352, but you'll find this festive holiday shopping event smack dab in the middle of the area code's territory. We're told the 352 Holiday Market will include "a wide variety of unique and handcrafted gifts, delicious treats and much more." It takes place on Saturday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Lake Square Mall, 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg. Details: lakesquaremall.com.
Light Up the Night holiday bike ride
Join Trek Bicycle Clermont for Light Up the Night, a family-friendly easy 5-mile, trail ride to celebrate the holidays at 5:30 p.m on Saturday, Dec. 23. Riders will dress up in holiday clothes, and the most festive wins a prize. After the ride, a gathering with cyclists at Suncreek Brewery, 790 W. Minneola Ave., will offer an opportunity for mingling, food and $1 off brews. Riders should wear helmet and bike lights. Details: facebook.com/TrekClermont.
Scooter's Christmas Pajama Bash in the Villages
DJ Scooter coordinated an epic Halloween party a couple of months ago, so his Christmas party shouldn't disappoint, either. Folks will be dancing. Food vendors will be vending. Before going, troll the clearance bins or the nether reaches of your drawers for the tackiest Christmas pajamas and wear them to Scooter's Pajama Bash. Proceeds will go to the Humane Society of Lake County. The festivities run from 4 to 9 p.m. at Brownwood Paddock Square, 2705 Brownwood Blvd.,The Villages. Details at thevillages.com/entertainment.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Christmas events 2023: What's scheduled in Leesburg and Lake County?
