So many things to do in Lake County this weekend
If you are excited about the holiday season, there are fests galore this weekend. You'll find some highlights mentioned here and you can find more in our holiday events guide linked below.
That said, if you're in the mood for something mellower, we have some some more laid-back suggestions, too.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
Crabby Christmas favorite hits Mount Dora stage
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.
The Mount Dora musical stars Terry Thomas as John Gustafson, Michael Funaro as Max Goldman, E.B. Block as Ariel Truax, and Devin Clark and Alyssa Kent as the star-crossed offspring, Jacob Goldman and Melanie Gustafson Norton. Brian Allan Chambers plays the spunky 94-year old Grandpa Gustafson.
Thursday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. on Friday, and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. A Wednesday show 7:30 p.m. show is scheduled for Dec. 6. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 students 18 and older with college ID. The show is rated "PG-14" for mature themes humor and situations. Call 352-383-4616 or visit icehousetheatre.com.
Birder alert: North Shore Birding Festival & First Saturday Birding
If you're a birder or just love to photograph feathered friends, the North Shore Birding Festival, from Nov. 30 through Dec. 4, provides numerous opportunities to experience the splendor of our colorful, ingenious avian friends amid the splendor of numerous scenic backdrops. The festival offers field trips to the 20,000-acre Lake Apopka North Shore and other nearby sites. (Check out the schedule at northshorebirdingfestival.com/schedule.
Friday and Saturday night dinner events at Wekiwa Springs State Park come with the expertise of keynote speakers, followed by owl and woodcock walks. Luis Gles and Mariah Hryniewich, the Florida Keys Hawkwatchers, will be co-leading the festival's Trip 31, Saturday, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive with local birders/photographers Ed Maldonado, Rafael Gomez and Paula Duenas. The trip is bilingual and open to everyone, for both photographers and birders.
Although many of the fest's trips are full, there are a number of excursions with slots to be filled. Visit the North Shore Birding Festival page on Sign Up Genius to register.
If you can't find an event to attend in the festival, Bob Wexler leads his First Saturday Birding hike at the Trout Lake Nature Center. Meet in the center's parking area at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, and dress to be in the elements. The event is free, but TLNC charges a $5-per-vehicle entry fee. (TLNC members get in for free.) The nature center can be found at 520 E County Road 44, Eustis. Details: troutlakenaturecenter.com.
FRIDAY
Fresh fun at Fruitland Park Farmers Market
If you're retired or have Friday off, the Fruitland Park and Orange Blossom Market Co. are teaming up to host the Fruitland Park Farmers Market the First Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between September and May.
Browse giftable gourmet items and other goods from local businesses while picking up your produce from vendors such as The Villages Grown for the weekend. Takes place at Fruitland Park City Hall, 506 W. Berckman St. Details on Facebook event page or email sheena@orangeblossommarketco.com.
Snowflakes by the Lake
Coinciding with this month's First Friday in Eustis, the whole family can enjoy 10 minutes of snowfall every half hour, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Drive. Along with the faux flurries, Santa will also make an appearance every Friday night during the event and on every Friday through Dec. 22. Details: eustis.org.
Live tunes in a picturesque setting
The Mission Resort & Club in Howey in the Hills hosts a live music series on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. on the outside patio area of La Margarita and El Conquistador. Troubadour John Carter* helps you kick off the weekend (*the local-singer songwriter, not the time-traveling action hero).
A popular destination for weddings and big events, the Mission Inn Resort & Club at 10400 County Road 48 is an elegant, 500-plus-acre resort known for its rolling hills, orange groves and lakes. The area draws golf enthusiasts, fishermen and eco-tourists with its courses' 85-foot elevation changes. Details: missioninngolf.com.
Take a holiday stroll and see some lights
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.
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.
Also, 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.
SATURDAY
Holiday fun: Festivals galore, parades on streets & water
On Dec. 2, historic downtown Mount Dora hosts 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.
Clermont and Lady Lake are also hosting holiday parades Saturday morning. Read our holiday events guide at dailycommercial.com for details.
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.
Joy to the World! Three Dog Night headed to the Villages
Whether you've heard of them or not, you've most likely heard Three Dog Night.
Their tunes have become TV commercial jingles or have played in the background of many a movie montage. The band's hits include “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World” — which includes one of the most famous openers of all time: "Jeremiah was a bullfrog," and “Black and White.”
The enduring ensemble headlines the Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main St. in The Villages on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $79-$99. Details: thevillages.com.
SUNDAY
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.
FIND MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS IN LAKE COUNTY: Christmas events 2023 in Leesburg and Lake County: Your local guide to holiday fun
Dr. Al Reichman, representative of Ahavath Messiah Ministries, will be speaking at the Grace Bible Baptist Church, 1703 Lewis Road, Leesburg, on Sunday, Dec. 3, during the 6 p.m. service. Reichman comes from a long line of orthodox rabbis, and his paternal grandfather, an orthodox rabbi, immigrated to the United States from Austria. He will speak on Israel’s Title Deed. Free admission but donation requested. gbbconline.com.
A LOOK AHEAD
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.
Who's been naughty or nice, and who's committed a capital crime? A question you can try to answer with a few laughs at a holiday murder mystery show, "Jingle Bell Ruckus."
Solve a murder case at the North Pole while scarfing down a four-course Fish Camp on Lake Eustis meal. Shrimp scampi, grilled mahi and the new Cuban Reuben are available with salad, appetizer and dessert also included. Show starts 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares. Details: fishcamponlakeeustis.com.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Fests, live shows dominate this weekend's events in Lake County
