Make the Season Bright with Holiday Events on Florida’s Adventure Coast
Looking for some festive fun in the sun? Look no further than Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee, where you can enjoy a variety of holiday events that will make your spirits bright. Whether you want to see dazzling lights, meet Santa and his reindeer, or watch a Christmas boat parade, you’ll find it all and much more. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss this season!
Brooksville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Every year on the first Thursday evening of December, downtown Brooksville kicks off the holiday season with one of the biggest festivals in the historic downtown! That evening you will find the quaint streets filled with holiday vendors, treats, and live entertainment, as folks gather to await the official tree lighting on the old courthouse steps.
When: December 7, 2023; 5pm-9pm
Night of Lights at the May-Stringer House: Enjoy a magical evening at the May-Stringer House Museum decked in a dazzling display of Christmas lights and festive decorations in each room of the historic four-story home. Docents donning charming 1800s-era clothing will guide you through the beautifully adorned rooms, and Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance.
When: December 8, 2023; 6pm-9pm
Brooksville Christmas Parade: Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Brooksville, the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Brooksville offers holiday cheer for all ages and a special appearance of Santa Claus himself! Arrive early to save your spot and enjoy this annual tradition.
When: December 9, 2023; beginning at 10:00am
Christmas Under the Moon at HarvestMoon Fun Farm: See a dazzling Christmas light display and take a stroll through the magical lighted paths at HarvestMoon Fun Farm to visit Santa, all while enjoying some fun on the farm. Activities include enchanted hayrides and singing Christmas carols, a 70-foot jumping pillow, Cow Train and visiting with the baby goats on the petting farm.
When: Various Friday and Saturday evenings in December
Winter Waterland at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Celebrate the season with the world-famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs! For four nights in December, guests can stroll the park after hours enjoying holiday lights, a live nativity scene, photo opportunities with Santa and a special underwater performance by the live mermaids. Admission is $10 for adults and kids; children two and under are free.
When: December 8, 9, 15 & 16, 2023 from 6pm-9pm.
Brooksville Country Christmas: Create cherished memories with your loved ones while strolling along Brooksville’s historic streets on an enchanting carriage ride! Reserve a full-size carriage or a special kids carriage ride and immerse yourself in the festive charm of the season. To purchase tickets, visit the Country Depot at 36 N. Broad Street in downtown Brooksville.
December 14, 16, 22 & 23, 2023; 6pm-10pm
Annual Florida Cracker Christmas: Grab your cowboy hat, a lawn chair and enjoy an unforgettable night with live country and rock music, hosted by Florida Cracker Kitchen! This annual concert raises funds for Operation Heart F.E.L.T., a local charity that provides food, clothing, and other necessities to families in need.
When: December 9, 2023; begins at 6pm
Weeki Wachee Boat Parade: Enjoy live music while watching decorated boats glide along the Weeki Wachee River – You might even spot Santa enjoying a cruise! Places to watch the parade from include Mary’s Fish Camp (where the parade begins), the Bayport Park Fishing Pier and Rogers Park.
When: December 16, 2023; Parade starts at 6:30pm
South Brooksville Avenue Christmas Stroll: Take a stroll and admire the beautiful historic homes long the brick-covered South Brooksville Avenue, where residents celebrate the season by decking their homes out in lights and Christmas decor. The stroll will begin at the Brooksville water tower and end at 1885 Train Depot Museum, where guests can enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, hot cider, smores, movies on the lawn and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
When: December 20 and 21, 2023; 5:30pm-9:00pm
These are just some of the ways you can have a merry and bright holiday on Florida’s Adventure Coast. Between historic Brooksville shopping events, family festivals and holiday performances at Stage West and the Live Oak Theatre, there are more than enough events to fill the calendar this December and too many to list here at once! Visit our Events page to see all the holiday happenings and start planning your festive outing on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee.
Don’t miss this chance to make some magical memories with your loved ones. Plan your visit today and discover why the Adventure Coast is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer in the sunshine state!
