Stories

Looking to experience the warmth of the holiday season, both in your heart and the outdoors? Look no further than Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee, where comfortable temperatures make it a perfect time to get outside and enjoy festivals and events. From Winter music festivals to light displays and visits with Santa, you’ll find plenty of events and activities for the whole family to celebrate the season. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss!

Local Events and Festivals

Get ready for five incredible days of music, delicious food, and unforgettable memories at the Florida Winter Music Festival, happening November 7-10, 2024! Set against the scenic backdrop of the Florida Sand Music Ranch, this annual celebration features a diverse lineup of original artists across genres like folk, bluegrass, zydeco, and one day dedicated to Caribbean music.

Searching for the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving with great food, music, and camaraderie? Join like-minded music lovers on November 28-30, 2024 for the Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival. With three days of live music and a Thanksgiving potluck on Thursday, festival-goers are sure to make friends and try some delicious dishes!

Brooksville comes alive for the holiday season with a full calendar of festive events! On Saturday, November 30, join in the fun of Small Business Saturday, a perfect opportunity to kick off your Christmas shopping. Enjoy exclusive deals at unique local shops and restaurants, a scavenger contest, complimentary gift wrap station and much more.

On the first Thursday of December, families and friends gather on Main Street for the Christmas on Main Tree Lighting, a magical evening filled with live performances, enchanting street carolers, photos with Santa, and more family-friendly fun leading up to the much-anticipated lighting of the festive tree on the historic courthouse lawn.

Visitors can ride a horse-drawn carriage down Brooksville’s historic streets, soaking in the festive view of decorated homes and twinkling lights. For a blend of history and stunning holiday décor, don’t miss the “Night of Lights” at the May-Stringer House on December 13, where guests can experience “A Christmas Carol” come to life in this stunning Victorian home. The following morning on the second Saturday of December, crowds gather along the streets downtown to watch the Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade.

On the evening of December 14, 2024, residents of Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach and Bayport gather to watch the much-loved Weeki Wachee Christmas Boat Parade. The decorated boats will gather at Mary’s Fish Camp at 6:00pm for a judging contest, before traveling upriver in all their glittering glory!

The Family Sensory Christmas Celebration offers a magical and inclusive holiday experience for families with children of all abilities. On December 19, come out to enjoy sensory play stations, a Christmas craft market and visits with Santa in a calm and quiet setting. Following on December 21, the “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” event is hosted at the Brooksville Historic Train Depot, where admission includes museum tours, family activities, a fair with local food trucks, craft vendors, and photos with Santa.

Get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve like never before with the Tangerine Ball Drop on December 31! A nod to Brooksville’s citrus heritage, this celebration promises fun for all ages with live music, food trucks, an artisan market and a special kids’ ball drop at 9pm – all leading up to the glowing tangerine descending at midnight!

Beyond festivals and events, there are plenty of ways to explore Florida’s Adventure Coast this winter and experience the perfect blend of mild temperatures and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, there’s something for everyone – from easy pedaling on the Withlacoochee State Trail, to kayaking wild waterways in search of manatees. Discover exciting things to do for all ages and make the most of this beautiful season!

Hiking and Cycling

With pleasant winter weather, the numerous trails in the area beckon hikers and nature lovers. Walk amongst the pines in the Withlacoochee State Forest or the Chinsegut Conservation Center & Trails for scenic paths that wind through diverse ecosystems. Bring your bike to explore the Withlacoochee State Trail, a scenic 46-mile-long paved path that is perfect for cycling. The trail winds through beautiful landscapes and passes by the Good Neighbor Trail, connecting cyclists to historic Brooksville and other paved paths in Florida.

Paddling and Wildlife Viewing

The beautiful waters of Weeki Wachee and the Bayport-Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail are perfect for kayaking and stand-up-paddleboarding! As temperatures cool down, you can explore the serene waterways and lush natural surroundings without fighting the crowds or the heat of summer. Keep an eye out for manatees, especially as they gather in the springs during the cooler months!

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River

Fishing and Boating

With mild winter temperatures, fishing on Florida’s Adventure Coast offers plenty of opportunities! Head to the Hernando Beach flats where you can reel in Redfish and Spotted Sea Trout. The deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico offer Spotted Sea Trout, Grouper and Snapper. Whether you prefer chartering a boat or casting from the shore, the cooler weather makes for an active fishing season, giving you a great chance to reel in a big catch!

Don’t miss this chance to make some magical memories with your loved ones. Plan your visit today and discover why Florida’s Adventure Coast is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer in the sunshine state!