Stories

The holiday season is here—a time for slowing down, reconnecting, and celebrating together. On Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee, the magic of the season shines bright through local traditions, festive events, and family-friendly gatherings that make the most of our small-town charm and coastal beauty.

Whether you’re sipping cocoa beneath twinkling lights, paddling past a manatee on the river, or finding the perfect handmade gift downtown, here are some of our favorite ways to gather this holiday season.

Celebrate the Season in Historic Downtown Brooksville

There’s something timeless about the holidays in Brooksville. Stroll along Main Street as shop windows sparkle with cheer, grab a warm drink from a local café, and enjoy live music, carriage rides, and festive lights during Christmas on Main Street event on December 6th. Understanding that the hustle and bustle of traditional holiday events can be overwhelming for some children, Brooksville also hosts the Family Sensory Christmas Celebration, featuring low-sensory visits with Santa, play stations and crafts, a Christmas movie in the park and a craft market.

Experience the Magic at the May-Stringer House

Step back in time with a Victorian Christmas at the May-Stringer House Museum, where volunteers transform this historic home into a dazzling display of vintage holiday décor. It’s a picture-perfect stop for those who love heritage, history, and a touch of nostalgia.

Light Up the Holidays at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

During select evenings in December, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park glows with lights, live entertainment, and family fun. Visitors can enjoy festive photo ops, a lightshow, and even watch a holiday mermaid show! It’s a magical Florida-style celebration that sparkles with local charm.

Watch the Christmas Boat Parades

For a uniquely coastal celebration, gather by the water for the Christmas Boat Parades in Weeki Wachee and Hernando Beach. Each December, the waterways come alive with boats decked out in twinkling lights, festive music, and creative holiday displays. Families line the riverbanks and marinas to watch the illuminated flotillas glide by, celebrating the season the Florida way—on the water.

• On December 6, 2025, the Weeki Wachee Boat Parade winds through the scenic Weeki Wachee River, where reflections of lights shimmer across the crystal-clear water.
• On December 13, the Hernando Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Toys for Tots Drive offers another spectacular view, with decorated vessels parading past local docks and the Hernando Beach Yacht Club, creating a festive evening for boaters and spectators alike.

These beloved holiday events on Florida’s Adventure Coast are a wonderful way to make lasting memories with friends and family.

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Gather for Live Music and Community

The holidays are made for good company and great music—and Florida’s Adventure Coast hits all the right notes this season. From toe-tapping bluegrass to soulful Americana, these outdoor festivals are where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the rhythm of community.

• Florida Winter Music Festival on November 5-9 – Starting out the season, this five-day event at Florida Sand Music Ranch brings an incredible lineup of Americana, bluegrass, blues, country, folk, and more original music to the rolling hills of Brooksville. With camping, workshops, and jam sessions, it’s the perfect way to spend a long weekend under the stars.
• Veterans Music Festival – Celebrate our nation’s heroes on November 7^th with live music and family fun in downtown Brooksville, followed by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit on Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9 — an immersive 1,100-square-foot museum serving as a powerful and humbling tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001.
• EMS Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival on November 27-30 – Held each year on the last weekend of November, this multi-day event fills the crisp autumn air with the sound of fiddles, banjos, and harmony. Enjoy a Thanksgiving potluck and three days of camping, bands and family fun—it’s one of the longest-running holiday traditions in Brooksville.

Share Outdoor Adventures Together

Create new family traditions in the great outdoors. Hike or bike the Good Neighbor Trail, enjoy a coastal picnic at Bayport Park, or take a serene winter paddle down the Weeki Wachee River—one of Florida’s most scenic waterways. Cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore nature trails, go birdwatching, or plan a family camping trip in the Withlacoochee State Forest.

Ring in the New Year with Local Music and Festivities

End the season with a bang at New Year’s celebrations around the county, from Brooksville’s Tangerine Ball Drop to waterfront dining in Hernando Beach. Local favorites like Marker 48 Brewing and Lead Foot City often host special events—perfect for toasting new beginnings with friends and family.

From cozy gatherings in historic Brooksville to festive nights beneath the stars in Weeki Wachee, Florida’s Adventure Coast offers countless ways to celebrate what matters most—time together.

Plan your holiday getaway and explore our upcoming events at FloridasAdventureCoast.com/events