Holiday calendar is aglow with Christmas season events for 2023

The race is on and it looks like Santa's on his way. Go ahead and string up the decorations, there are only so many weekends before Christmas.

Lights, jingle bells and holiday celebrations arrive faster than Donner and Blitzen. "The Nutcracker" is invited, Handel's "Messiah" will ring, Elf Night is on, Hanukkah starts on Dec. 8 and the Winter Solstice lands on Dec. 21.

Buckle up and catch the festive holiday spirit swirling all around us. Tallahassee kicks it off in a big way with the Winter Festival on Dec. 2. (The Winter Festival was canceled on Friday, Dec. 1, due to expected heavy rains).

Weather prompts cancellation: Winterfest cancelled as Tallahassee prepares for thunderstorms during the weekend

Twinkle town: Tour of Lights 2023: Merry and bright, who's got the best holiday lights in Tallahassee?

DEC. 1

38th Annual 'Almost Christmas Concerts'

The Almost Christmas Concerts will be presented by singer/songwriters Pierce Pettis and Del Suggs at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Road. Advance tickets are $22, available online at TheatreTallahassee.showare.com. Day of show tickets are $27. Bring a food donation to ECHO. Performing with Pettis and Suggs will be Pete Winter on bass, Mimi Hearn on vocals, Danica Winter on vocals, David Murphy on a variety of instruments, Michael Sautter on harmonica and Jerry Thigpen on electric guitar and special guest Warren Sutton.

Camellia Christmas

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, 3540 Thomasville Road, and the Friends of Maclay Gardens hold its 34th Annual Camellia Christmas from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 1. The evening is filled with music, hot cider, cookies and candlelight. The Historic Maclay House will be decorated, and there will be a silent auction. Bring your family to this old-fashioned introduction to the holiday season.

Deck the Halls

The Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 Monroe St., rings in the season with its "Deck the Halls" celebration at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. The TSC auditorium becomes a winter wonderland — with holiday music, delicious food, festive drinks, good cheer and great company and festive tunes, courtesy of Jazz Etcetera. Tickets are $60 and include valet parking. Visit tallahasseeseniorfoundation.org.

Christmas in Thomasville

Christmas in Thomasville takes over in Downtown Thomasville from 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, with a holiday style First Friday Sip & Shop filled with festive activities. Live entertainment, food trucks, Christmas tree lighting, sipping, shopping, and a free concert. Radio Incorporated will perform from 8–10 p.m. at The Ritz Amphitheater. The magic of the holidays will continue with Holiday Sip and Shop events held Dec. 9, during Holiday Family Movie Night, and again on Dec. 16. Visit thomasvillega.com/holidayevents.

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical!

Monticello Opera House, 185 W. Washington St. in Monticello, heads to warm and festive Armadillo Acres (America’s premier mobile-living community) for the holidays. Shows run Dec. 1-17 with evening performances at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at monticellooperahouse.org or at 850-997-4242. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the show. Note: Adult language, recommended for ages 16 and older.

Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride

The Tallahassee HOG Chapter together with the Tallahassee Harley-Davidson Dealership will conduct their annual Toys for Tots motorcycle ride at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Riders will gather with their donations at 9:30 a.m. at the Wal-Mart Store, 3535 Apalachee Parkway, to prepare to ride to the Tallahassee Harley-Davidson Dealership. Members of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots foundation will be waiting to collect donated toys from the motorcyclists. The ride will be led by Santa who will also be available for visits at the dealership. Lunch will be provided to everyone donating a new, unwrapped toy.

DEC. 2

Winter Festival (Now canceled, due to rainy weather)

The 37th annual Winter Festival - a Celebration of Lights, Music and the Arts will fill downtown Tallahassee with merriment on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3-10 p.m. Jingle Bell Run registration closes Dec. 1.

In addition to delicious food vendors, unique arts and crafts merchants and sparkling holiday displays, this year's Winter Festival will include: Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park - 3-10 p.m. on Dec. 2 and open nightly from 6-9 p.m. from Dec. 3-10. Children's Activity Area on Kleman Plaza - From 3-6 p.m., musical entertainment with grab-and-go crafts and family-friendly holiday movies. Four stages of live entertainment in downtown parks. Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. See the flip of the switch at South Monroe Street at Bloxham Park. Capital Health Plan Jingle Bell Run at 6:15 p.m. Registration closes Dec. 1. Festive runners who traverse a roughly 1.5-mile course through downtown. Nighttime Holiday Parade at 7:15 p.m. - Nearly 70 parade entries will fill Monroe Street with holiday cheer.

Market Days

One of the Southeast’s largest and best-juried arts and crafts shows, Market Days features the handmade creations of over 300 artists and top-quality artisans and craftspeople runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road. Market Days supports the Tallahassee Museum. Tickets are $10. Early Bird tickets, $30, (8-10 a.m. Dec. 2). Visit marketdays.org.

36th Annual Alternative Christmas Market

36th annual Alternative Christmas Market at John Wesley United Methodist Church,1689 Old St. Augustine Road, runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, and provides opportunity to support over 20 local (and international) nonprofit charitable organizations under one roof. Church and community members can learn about the mission of each organization and sample goods and services offered by charities.

Fifth Annual Gingerbread House Competition

Sugar and spice and all things nice are in store during the Leon County Public Library's fifth annual Community Gingerbread House Competition from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the LeRoy Collins Public Library. Put your design skills to the test in this family-friendly competition.

DEC. 6

The Prophecy Show

Scott Carswell Presents The Prophecy Show, The Music of Trans Siberian Orchestra on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at The Moon, 1105 E. Lafayette St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., showtime at 7:15 p.m. The tribute to the Christmas-themed rock band is based on TSO’s biggest hits including “Christmas Canon” and albums like "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" and "The Christmas Attic." Children 16 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Reserved tickets are $52 to $42. General admission tickets are $32. Visit moonevents.com.

DEC. 7

A Capital Chordsmen Christmas

The Capital Chordsmen will present their 2023 Holiday Show at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 12 at the Tallahassee Senior Center auditorium. All seats $10, with tickets at the door. You can also purchase tickets in advance at capitalchordsmen.com.

Santa Calling

Let the City of Tallahassee add some extra holiday magic to the season by registering for a call from Santa for your little one from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Registration opens Nov. 27, on Talgov.com.

MacMaster & Leahy Celtic Family Christmas

Just in time for the holidays, Florida State's Opening Nights features fiddle masters Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy with a Celtic Family Christmas at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Opperman Music Hall. Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music, tells stories almost as electrifying as hearing them play. Tickets $50. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu

DEC. 8

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah

The sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church, 120 W. Park Ave., will be filled with joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, in this performance of Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 10. Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra will be led by Music Director Darko Butorac with guest artist with Jessica Beebe, soprano; Sahoko Sato Timpone, mezzo; Eric Rieger, tenor; Corey McKern, baritone, in this holiday classic. Messiah chorus prepared by Dr. Michael Hanawalt, Director of Choral Ensembles, FSU. Tickets $44-28. Visit tallahasseesymphony.org.

Living Christmas Story

The 37th Annual presentation of the Living Christmas Story will take place Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8, 9, and 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m. each evening at Killearn United Methodist Church, 2800 Shamrock Street South in Killearn Estates. Visitors may drive through Bethlehem or park and ride on one of the hayrides. Since 1987, Killearn Methodist Church has presented the Living Christmas Story, transforming the church campus into the little town of Bethlehem, complete with angels, shepherds, wise men, fishermen, Mary and Joseph at the inn, King Herod’s court and the Nativity.

DEC. 9

Arts and Crafts in the Park

Handmade arts and crafts by local artisans from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Dorothy B Oven Park, 3205 Thomasville Road. Find great gifts for the holidays, including oil paintings, quilts, jewelry, stained glass, pine needle baskets and many otherwonderful and unique items. Canned foods will be collected for charity. This show has been held on the 2nd Saturday of December for over 20 years.

Just One More Holiday Market

Just One More is the last Downtown market of the year! Come for live music, food trucks, vendors and more from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Ponce De Leon Park and Bloxham. With over 60 local farmers, artists, bakers, and makers spread out between the two parks.

Holiday Magic! Cirque de Noel!

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra returns to the magic of Cirque de Noel from 3-5 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. From the jaw-dropping feats of aerialists soaring over the orchestra, to the comedy of the jester's antics, this show is the perfect marriage of acrobatics and music. Tickets $64-$30. Visit tallahasseesymphony.org

A very Lofty Christmas

The 13th community Lofty Pursuits Christmas and the 14th anniversary for the Lofty Pursuits Marching Band will kick off festivities from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Lofty Pursuits, 1355 Market St. The candy makers will be performing, and will be joined by A Tuba Christmas, an all low brass Christmas Musical group, The Capitol Bells, a hand bell choir playing holiday music, and The Lofty Pursuits Marching Band. Of course this is all joined with a proper Santa Claus. More information, visit at LoftyPursuits.com.

Blanket Days

Catholic Charities' Christmas Connection holds drop-off for new blankets and heaters from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, 309 S. Bronough St. A volunteer will help you unload your car. Visit thechristmasconnection.org.

Holiday Stroll through Cascades Park

Sing and dance to merry melodies as they fill the air of Cascades Park, 1001 S. Gadsden St., from 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the annual Holiday Stroll. About a dozen different acts will showcase their talents throughout the winding trails of Cascades Park, including within Althemese Pemberton Barnes Park at Smokey Hollow. Free hot cocoa and cookies, while supplies last. Check Talgov.com for details.

Breakfast with St. Nick

Kick off your holiday celebrations with a free breakfast and a visit with St. Nicholas from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Episcopal Church of the Advent, 815 Piedmont Drive.Lots of activities for the kids, a snow machine, a mini horse and live music. Bring the family to meet St. Nicholas and learn about his gift giving that led to our modern Santa Claus.

Holiday on the Harbor & Boat Parade

The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce has its Holiday on the Harbor & the Boat Parade of Lights from noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in Carrabelle. This fun event features music, food, holiday shopping with vendors and downtown merchants, children’s activities including visits with Santa, mini-train rides, and a bouncy house. Then as dark falls, enjoy the magical glow of the Boat Parade of Lights on the harbor followed by a holiday laser light show finale. For details, visit carrabelle.org.

Havana Winter Festival

Havana Winter Festival and Lawnmower Parade takes off from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, featuring horse and carriage rides, train rides, hay rides, petting zoo, and Santa. Vendors, food trucks and snow.

DEC. 12

Tallahassee Civic Chorale

Tallahassee Civic Chorale presents its holiday concert, "Through the Eyes of a Child," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, in Turner Auditorium, Tallahassee Community College. Tickets, $10-$32, can be purchased at civicchorale.org and at the door. The concert invokes memories of sleigh rides, hot chocolate and Christmases “long long ago.” A cookie reception will follow. The concert is presented in partnership with the Children’s Home Society of Florida and Sabal Palm Elementary School. Donations of toiletries will be accepted at the concert.

DEC. 13

Toys for Tots Christmas Party

Brookdale Hermitage Boulevard, a local senior living community, is hosting a “Toys for Tots” toy drive and Christmas party. The community is collecting unwrapped toys to distribute. There will light refreshments and a U.S. Marine on hand to pick up the toys from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Brookdale Hermitage Boulevard, 1780 Hermitage Blvd.

DEC. 14

Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park

Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and a host of elves will make an appearance at Dorothy B. Oven Park's annual Elf Night from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Over 250,000 lights will twinkle, transforming the park into a winter wonderland. Visitors are invited to take a stroll around the decorated grounds. If you'd like to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, check-in on the front lawn to be assigned a ticket number, which will allow you to enjoy the festivities until your number is called.

For safety reasons, vehicles will not be allowed to drive through Oven Park, 3205 Thomasville Road. Public parking will be available next to the park at Thomasville Road Baptist Church, 3131 Thomasville Road. Expect traffic delays. The holiday light display is open through Jan. 1 from 6-10 p.m. on weekdays and 5:30-11 p.m. on weekends.

Victorian Christmas

Thomasville will come alive in a magical way from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 with Victorian Christmas. Street performances, a live nativity, food vendors, horse and carriage rides, add to the celebration. The public can rent a Victorian outfit from the Thomasville Visitors Center. Costume rentals are $10 with a $25 refundable deposit and available through Dec. 6. Visit thomasvillega.com.

DEC. 15

Every Christmas Story Ever Told

Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Road, presents its holiday Mainstage Special Event "Every Christmas Story Ever Told," at 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16-17. Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. Take a madcap romp through the holiday season. Tickets are $15-$25, Visit theatretallahassee.org.

DEC 16

Tallahassee Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

The Tallahassee Ballet presents the holiday classic, "The Nutcracker," at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Generations of families mark the holiday season by dressing up and introducing youngsters to the ballet. Tickets range from $37-$75. Visit tallahasseeballet.org.

Soul Santa events

Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus are on a mission to make spirits bright this holiday season with free gifts for children. Soul Santa is for children up to age 10. Registration is required. Events take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Walker-Ford Community Center, 2301 Pasco St., and from 2:30-6 p.m. at the LeVerne Payne Community Center, 450 W Fourth Ave. Registration will begin Dec. 2 and be available via talgov.com.

Slapstick holiday concert

Scott Carswell presents Slapstick Christmas Reunion Concert at The Moon, 1105 E. Lafayette St. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Doors opens at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m.  Ages Allowed 13+ General admission is $20 and reserved seats are $40. Visit moonevents.com.

DEC. 20

Jingle and Mingle with the Tallahassee Links

The Tallahassee Chapter of the Links, Incorporated will host its annual Jingle and Mingle Holiday Soiree from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Parkview at Cascades, 414 East Bloxham St.

The public is invited to this fun scholarship event that features holiday music, food, arts vendors, an amazing auction, singing, dance and more!

Tickets for the event are $45 and available on Eventbrite: 13th Annual Links Jingle and Mingle Holiday Soiree Tickets. For additional information, you can also contact Chanta Haywood at 4chantahaywood@gmail.com

ONGOING

Lemoyne Arts: Holiday Show and Diamond Jubilee

Hoppy Holidays: Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11a.m.-1 p.m.: Dress in your favorite denim & diamonds while tasting a variety of local craft beers and mixed cocktails by Proof Brewing. Food by Chicken Salad Chick, and live music by Saylor Dollar Duo. Dazzling Diamonds Cocktail Party: Thursday, Dec. 7, 5:30-7 p.m. Shop and dance to live music while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by Il Lusso, as well as oysters on the half-sell by the Oyster Mom. Festive Family Fun Day: Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring the family to take care of holiday shopping while enjoying sweet & savory snacks. Through Dec. 24. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Friday- Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Christmas Eve. 125 N. Gadsden St.

Veterans Memorial Railroad's Polar Bear Express

A beautiful train ride bedecked with Christmas lights, sights, scenery, music. Presented by Veterans Memorial Railroad at Veterans Memorial Railroad, from 7-10 p.m. Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 27. 10561 N.W. Theo Jacobs Road - County Road 12 (Behind the Civic Center) in Bristol. Tickets are $15, $10 for kids.

Tour of Lights

Send in your nominations: The Tallahassee Democrat's annual Tour of Lights guide features an interactive, mobile-friendly map to showcase some of the best places to see holiday lights in the Big Bend. If you'd like to be listed, go to Tallahassee.com/lights and fill out the form. The deadline to be included in the print guide is Dec. 11, but we'll add houses to the online map up to Christmas.

Have a holiday event to include? Email details to news@tallahassee.com.

Update: This story has been updated to reflect Winter Festival being canceled as of Dec. 1 due to expected heavy rain.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee's holiday calendar shines bring with events in 2023