Holiday Happenings In and Around The Villages, FL
Holiday Guide for The Villages and Central Florida
The festive season has officially arrived in The Villages, FL. This is one of our favorite times of the year because the entire community feels brighter, warmer, and more connected. Everywhere we go there are twinkling lights, joyful music, and neighbors coming together to celebrate. Even though the weather may not feel like Christmas, the decorations and events still give you that holiday feeling! Below is a guide to help you enjoy everything happening around town and nearby. Event names and dates are included in each section so you can use this as your go to holiday planner.
Tree Lighting Festival at Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages, FL
The Villages, FL Events
Each year The Villages Entertainment team brings magic to our town through concerts, tree lightings, parades, and special holiday gatherings. There is always something for everyone. Whether you enjoy festive music in the squares or classic holiday performances in the theaters, this is where you will find the biggest and most beloved celebrations. The tree lighting festivals include live music, vendors and performances by lifestyle groups. We have included some featured ticketed holiday performances, but there’s just too many to list! Check The Villages Entertainment website for full lineup and to buy tickets. We also love how creative and festive our community groups become during the holidays. Every year it feels like they find new ways to make the season feel special. They put so much heart into their activities and the events they host. There is always something new to explore and so many cheerful experiences to choose from.
Now-December 16: Festival of Trees at Waterfront Inn, benefits Special Olympics of Sumter County (you can bid on the trees!)
November 29: Brownwood Tree Lighting Festival, 4-9 pm
November 29: Spanish Springs Tree Lighting Festival, 4-9 pm
December 1: A Very Merry Christmas Concert, The Villages Concert Band and The Villages Hometown Band will play together at First Baptist Church of The Villages at 7 pm. Tickets are $20 and available at www.bandsofthevillages.com.
December 3: The New York Tenors-Celebrating Christmas (Ticketed)
December 5-7: Carols by Candlelight IX (Ticketed)
December 5-6: VHS Presents A Christmas Carol (Ticketed)
December 6: Lake Sumter Tree Lighting Festival, 4-9 pm
December 9: The Villages Pops, 10-11 am, Laurel Manor Recreation Center, Free
December 11: The Villages Christmas Parade at the Polo Fields, Gates open at 10 am and parade is at 12 pm
December 11: SantaCon The Villages, Starts at 2 pm at City Fire in Brownwood. Bring donations for Christian Food Pantry (non-perishables or money)
December 11-14: Model Train Club Christmas Event, Colony Cottage Recreation Center, Free! (If you haven’t been to one of the train shows, it is worth the visit!)
December 12: The Nutcracker at The Sharon, 7 pm (Ticketed)
December 13: SantaCon South, Sawgrass Grove at 11:30 am, Bring donations for Toys for Tots
December 13-14: Holly Jolly Arts & Crafts Festival at Lake Sumter, 10-5
December 14: Menorah Lighting at Brownwood, 2-4
December 17: Menorah Lighting at Spanish Springs, 2-4
December 20: Scooter’s Christmas Pajama Bash, 4-9
Church and Faith Community Events
The season always feels a little more meaningful when we join our faith communities for holiday traditions. Local churches across The Villages host services, concerts, nativity programs, and community outreach events that help us stay centered during the busiest time of the year.
December 5: New Covenant United Methodist Church, Christmas and Candlelight handbell concert, 7 pm, Tickets are $20, NCUMC website.
December 8-9: First Baptist Church at The Villages, Dove-Award Winning Trio Selah, 7 pm, Tickets available at fbcvillages.org.
December 12: Fairway Christian Church, Big Band Christmas Concert, 6 pm, Free but tickets needed, available at Fairway website.
December 16-18: Live Oaks Community Church, The Christmas Gift Musical and Christmas Market, Reservations needed at Live Oaks website.
Nearby City and Day Trip Events in Central Florida
One of the perks of living in The Villages is being close to so many great towns and cities that offer their own holiday magic. From dazzling light displays to historic main street festivals there are plenty of day trips that make the season feel even more special.
Leesburg, FL:
December 6: Christmas Festival and Parade, Festival is 1-6 pm and Parade starts at 6 pm on Main Street (Featuring live music, free ice skating, kids activities, vendors, food, visits with Santa and more!)
December 7: Light Up Venetian Gardens and Boat Parade, 5-9 pm at Venetian Gardens.
Now-December 27: Historic Mote Morris House Holiday Open House, 10 am - 2 pm
Lady Lake, FL:
Nov. 17-January 3: Festival of Trees, Lady Lake Library (showcase of decorated Christmas trees created by local families, schools, non-profits, and businesses, an opportunity for participants to decorate their own Christmas trees)
December 6: Santa’s Toy Workshop Christmas Parade, 10 am down North Old Dixie Highway
Wildwood, FL
December 2-30: Historic Baker House Christmas Tours, Tour times and tickets available at Wildwood website.
December 5: Wildwood Winter Fest and Parade, Parade at 6 pm and Tree Lighting at 7:30 pm
Clermont, FL
December 5: Christmas Tree Lighting 5-9 pm at Clermont City Hall
December 6: Christmas Parade at Waterfront Park at 10 am.
December 6: Lake Minneola Lighted Boat Parade, 6 pm at Waterfront Park
Mount Dora, FL
December 5: Mount Dora Christmas Walk, 6-9 pm historic downtown (shop owners extend their hours, performers entertain and Santa pays a visit).
December 6: Christmas Parade, 10 am. More details at Mount Dora website.
December 6: Mount Dora Lighted Boat Parade, 4-6:30 pm at Donnelly Park (Can also be seen at points in Tavares, FL)
Orlando, FL
Walt Disney World: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
EPCOT: Festival of the Holidays and Candlelight Processional
Universal Studios Florida: Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Breakfast with the Grinch and Friends
SeaWorld: Christmas Celebration
Gaylord Palms Resort: ICE! featuring Rudolph and Friends plus a Christmas Cirque show
The Spirit of the Season in The Villages
As we explore all the holiday happenings throughout The Villages we are reminded of how grateful we are to live in such a vibrant and welcoming community. Every corner of our hometown feels alive with music, lights, and the kind of small town charm that makes the season unforgettable. And don’t forget that you might run into a Christmas golf cart parade or two while you are out and about. Every neighborhood has their own events and traditions! Our goal with this holiday guide is to help you make the most of every celebration whether you are looking for family friendly activities, festive entertainment, church events, or fun outings with friends.
The Villages truly shines during the holidays and we hope this roundup makes planning your seasonal adventures a little easier. If you are new to the area or visiting from out of town we hope it gives you a warm look at what makes this community so special. Happy holidays from both of us and we look forward to seeing you around town as we enjoy everything this season has to offer.
