Eastpoint
December 1
Lighting of the Palms
Kick off the holiday season with the St. George Island Lighting of the Palms at 6 p.m. at Lighthouse Park. Crafts, games, snacks, books, gifts and visits with Santa are offered. Lighting of the palms is at dusk.
www.floridasforgottencoast.com; 850-670-3474
Key West
December 1
Holiday Village and BeLighted Bike Ride
In its third year, this event is festive for all ages. The village features two rides and two holiday-themed inflatable obstacle courses. The bike ride begins at 8 p.m. at the Truman Coffee Butler Amphitheater.
onecau.se/belighted2023; 305-809-3700
Islamorada
December 2
Lignumvitae Christmas
Join us for the second Lignumvitae Christmas since the dock was repaired after Hurricane Irma. A long-standing tradition to the islands, the event is at Lignumvitae Key State Park and includes island tours, music and festivities with games from the 1930s. Tickets are $20 per person and include a boat ride (with prebooked hourly departures from Robbie’s Marina) to the island. Proceeds help Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks Inc., a volunteer nonprofit citizens’ support organization created to generate public awareness, education, financial support, preservation and maintenance of local state parks.
friendsofkeysparks.org; 305-942-4339
Lake Placid
December 2
13th Annual Holiday Home and Garden Tour
The Lake Placid Garden Club features five homes and a bonsai garden. Feel free to bring an ornament to add to the Giving Tree at the Holiday Café, and it will be donated to a needy family in time for Christmas. The Holiday Café opens at 10 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 103 N. Main Ave. The cafe sells refreshments and unique gifts. Tours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tickets are available at 863-243-3576 for a donation of $20. Proceeds support scholarships, camperships and sponsorships for local youth.
lpgc2193@gmail.com; 863-243-3576
Apalachicola
December 2
Holiday Fresh Market
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce offers a weekend of shopping for one-of-a-kind presents. Shop in a relaxed, hassle-free environment in an outdoor setting. The annual event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features handcrafted Apalachicola specialties, such as baked goods, artwork, wood carving, pottery and knitted goods.
www.apalachicolabay.org; 850-653-9419
Sebring
December 8
A Swingin’ Christmas
Begin the day with an Italian lunch at Buca Di Beppo, followed by a performance at Winter Park Playhouse. Ring in the holidays with this evening of quintessential Tony Bennett songs, featuring 18 classic holiday tunes, plus the standards that made Tony famous. Make sure to reserve your spot.
www.sebringhistoricalsociety.info/events; 850-529-0699
Marathon
December 8-9
Holiday Show and Sing-Along
Enjoy a family-friendly evening filled with cheer, joy, music and dancing at Marathon Community Theatre’s annual concert. Doors and concessions open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.
marathontheater.org; 305-743-0408
Carrabelle
December 9
Holiday on the Harbor
In its 28th year, this festival and boat parade of lights begins at 11 a.m. Enjoy an afternoon and evening of food and fun featuring a street festival with children’s activities. Merchants stay open late. In the evening, a parade of festival boats decked out in Christmas lights and decor is followed by a fireworks display.
www.carrabelle.org; 850-697-2585
Port St. Joe
December 9
Christmas in the Garden
The Port St. Joe Garden Club hosts this annual event 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Garden Center. Santa is on hand for selfies, so put on that ugly sweater and don’t forget to include the pup in the family portrait. There is also holiday coastal decor, embellished live plants, baked goods and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts.
863-676-2516
Key West
December 10
Lighting of the Menorah
The city of Key West’s annual ceremony takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. at Bayview Park, 1320 Truman Ave.
cityofkeywest-fl.gov; 305-809-3700
Pensacola
December 16
Scrooge Tour
Take part in the classic tale of “A Christmas Carol” as you meet Scrooge, Marley, and ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Begin at the steps of the old courthouse for a free preshow.
pensacolawinterfest.org; 850-583-1365
Pensacola
December 31
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Keep your eyes focused on the Pensacola Beach skies this New Year’s Eve for a free fireworks display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. A dazzling light display at midnight overlooks the Santa Rosa Sound.
www.pensacolabeachchamber.com; 850-932-1500
How to include upcoming events
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