‘Tis the season for exciting events, family-friendly festivals, and of course, shopping. Fill your plans by using this handy guide to make the most of your holidays.
Now through Jan. 3, 2026: LeMoyne and art aglow
LeMoyne Arts’ 62nd Annual Holiday Show, Art Nouveau Aglow, is the perfect place to find a variety of handmade gifts created by local and regional artisans at 125 N. Gadsden St. This year’s show celebrates the elegance and creativity of the Art Nouveau movement while showcasing the incredible talent of local artists and artisans throughout the holiday season.
Half of LeMoyne’s galleries will feature an Art Nouveau–themed exhibition highlighting original works by local artists inspired by the flowing forms and natural motifs of the iconic style. The other half will become LeMoyne’s Holiday Shop, offering a curated selection of affordable, handmade, and giftable items, from pottery, jewelry, and ornaments to fine art and home décor.
‘Get Frosted’ with Hearth & Soul’s holiday window
Hearth & Soul unveiled its 10th annual holiday window Nov. 10 at 1410 Market Street, showcasing the new theme, “Get Frosted.” This year’s window transforms the storefront into a sparkling winter dream, a luxurious ode to ice, fur, and cool blues, perfectly capturing the magic of the season.
Nov. 27 – Jan. 1: Holiday Light Display at Dorothy B. Oven Park
The holiday light display will premiere on Thanksgiving evening (Thursday, Nov. 27) and run nightly through the New Year (Wednesday, Jan. 1), weather permitting. Weekday hours are 6-10 p.m. with extended hours on the weekends from 5:30-11 p.m. Motorists inside the park and traveling along Thomasville Road in the vicinity of the park, are urged to drive with caution.
Nov. 30-Dec. 18: The Christmas Connection
Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection program has been fulfilling the wishes and basic needs of hundreds of disadvantaged families and individuals from all religions, races, and ethnic backgrounds for 45 years. This year’s site is at Governor’s Square Mall in the former Macy’s store, 1500 Apalachee Parkway. The site will operate from Nov. 30 to 18. Monday-Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. On Dec. 6-7, the annual Blanket Days will be held. Blankets can be dropped off at the site during open hours.
Nov. 30: Wren’s Nest Christmas Holiday Open House
Native Nurseries, 1661 Centerville Road, holds its holiday open house from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Take a stroll through the Christmas tree forest, enjoy live bluegrass music while the staff share homemade baked goods and organic hot apple cider. The Wren’s Nest Christmas Shop offers nature ornaments and gifts for gardeners and bird watchers. Birdfeeders are on sale the weekend after Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, hours will be 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays through Christmas Day
Dec. 1: Santa Calling
The City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department has made special arrangements with Santa! He will be making phone calls to from his North Pole Workshop to all of the good little boys and girls this year! Registration will open on Monday, Dec. 1. Register for Santa Calling through this from on talgov.com. Santa will begin making phone calls on Thursday, Dec. 11.
Dec. 5: Christmas with the Co-Cathedral Choirs
The Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More invites the community to usher in the Christmas season with its annual Christmas concert with the combined Co-Cathedral Choirs and Basilica Choir of the National Mary Queen of the Universe Shine in Orlando. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Friday Dec. 5, at the Co-Cathedral at 900 W. Tennessee St. No tickets are required.
Dec. 5: Camellia Christmas at Maclay Gardens
Celebrating the holiday season at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, 3540 Thomasville Road, for the 36th Annual Camellia Christmas from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Step back in time as you tour the historic Maclay House, beautifully decorated with fresh Christmas greenery. Enjoy holiday tunes performed by local musicians, hot apple cider and cookies, a silent auction, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Dec. 5: Spreading holiday joy with Deck the Halls
“Deck the Halls,” hosted each year by the Tallahassee Senior Center, is the perfect holiday kickoff for the City of Tallahassee’s 2025 Winter Festival weekend. The event at the Senior Center takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. On this special night, the auditorium at 1400 N. Monroe St. is transformed into a winter wonderland – with seasonal décor, live music, gourmet food and festive drinks.
More than a party, “Deck the Halls” is the Tallahassee Senior Center Foundation’s signature fundraiser, supporting programs for active seniors. Tickets are $60 and include complimentary valet parking. To purchase tickets visit TallahasseeSeniorFoundation.org.
Dec. 6-7: Market Days at the North Florida Fairgrounds
Quintessentially Tallahassee, Market Days is one of the Southeast’s largest and best-juried arts and crafts shows, featuring the unique, handmade creations of over 300 artists and top-quality artisans and craftspeople.
Market Days offers a beautiful array of works in various price ranges, from breathtaking fine art to charming stocking stuffers. The works include fine arts, ceramics, country furniture, stained glass, woodwork, glasswork, dolls, clocks, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, metalwork, clothing, photography, and calligraphy.
Saturday hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday hours 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Early Bird Shopping tickets available now. Limited to just 1,000 tickets, Market Days Early Bird shoppers peruse stress-free and get the first choice on top gifts, and 2 hours head start on holiday shopping before the rush of the crowds arrive. Plus you get premium parking, coffee and muffins.
Dec. 6: Candy Cane Lane opens for the season
Follow us on a walk down Candy Cane Lane in Cascades Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through McCarty Park as you embrace the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
Dec. 6: Jingle Bell Run
The Jingle Bell Run is a family friendly 1.53 mile Fun Run/Walk taking place before the Winter Festival Parade in our wonderful Downtown area (South Monroe and Park Avenue) on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6:15 p.m. Please register in advance for this amazing event that you will not want to miss.
After registration, plan to pick up your packet at the Myers Park Office at 1201 Myers Park Drive.Look for the signs leading you to the small office in the back.
Pickup days and times: Sunday, Nov. 30, from 1-5 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. If you are unable to make these dates you can pickup on the day of the Jingle Bell Run in the Capital City Bank parking lot at the corner of South Monroe Street and Tennessee Street from 3-6 p.m.
Dec. 6: The 39th Annual Winter Festival
The 39th Annual Winter Festival – a Celebration of Lights, Music and the Arts will fill downtown Tallahassee with merriment from 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Visitors can enjoy delicious food vendors, unique arts and crafts merchants and sparkling holiday displays, including Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park.
There will be a children’s activity area on Kleman Plaza that will show family-friendly holiday movies from 6-10 p.m. Four stages of live entertainment will dot downtown and highlight local actors, dancers, musicians and more.
The Lighting Ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. on the parade announcers’ platform, located on South Monroe Street at Bloxham Park. The Nighttime Holiday Parade begins at 7:15 p.m on Monroe Street.
Dec. 6: Winter Open House at The Grove Museum
The Grove Museum, 902 N. Monroe St., will hold its annual Winter Open House from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, to celebrate the holiday season with festive décor, community partners, treats and crafts, and special tours.
This year’s event includes: 11 a.m. Nature Walk; Noon: choral performance by Leon Melodears; 1 p.m.: Curator’s Tour. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Docents will be stationed throughout the house to provide information and to answer questions. Parking is located at 902 N. Monroe St.
Dec. 6: Christmas in Panacea
Find family fun and more at Christmas in Panacea from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 1505 Coastal Highway. Enjoy the parade of lights starting at 6:30 p.m., snow falling (in Florida!) throughout the event and Santa circulating around to take pictures!
Dec. 7, Dec. 21 : Brunch with Santa at Wakulla Springs Lodge
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, 550 Wakulla Park Drive, is hosting a Brunch with Santa on Dec. 7 and Dec. 21. Times: 10-11:30 a.m. or noon-1:30 p.m. Enjoy a magical morning filled with good food, holiday cheer, and the chance to meet Santa. Adults: $40; Children (ages 4-12): $26, Children (3 and under): $11. Visit thelodgeatwakullasprings.com.
Dec. 9: Tallahassee Civic Chorale
“Our Favorite Things” is being presented as part of the Tallahassee Civic CHorale’s 40th season, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Turner Auditorium, Tallahassee State College. Tickets $12-15. Visit civicchorale.org.
Dec. 10: Del Suggs Almost Christmas
Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season when Tallahassee singer-guitarist Del Suggs presents his annual Almost Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. in Opperman Music Hall as part of FSU’s Opening Nights series. Tickets are $30. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu.
Dec. 10: Movies in the Park: The Santa Clause
“The Santa Clause” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in Kleman Plaza, 306 S Duval St., for free. Come early around 6 p.m. to get set up, order food, and get ready for the movie to start. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to set up on the grass. Attendees will be able to mobile order food onsite from participating downtown restaurants including JoEllen’s and Hayward House. The Challenger Learning Center will also be selling popcorn and concessions.
Dec. 11, Dec. 16: Capital Chordsmen Holiday Show
The Capital Chordsmen will hold its annual Holiday Show, a Tallahassee tradition that celebrates the season through the rich sound of barbershop harmony from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 11 and Dec. 16 at the Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. Tickets are $10 general admission; $5 for children and students. Visit capitalchordsmen.com.
This year’s program features a blend of timeless carols, the story of Christmas, and familiar holiday favorites, all presented with the Chordsmen’s signature style and spirit. From moving a cappella arrangements to lighthearted seasonal songs, the evening offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Dec. 11-12: The 37th Annual Victorian Christmas
Journey to the past and experience the days of old as you venture through the historic streets of Downtown Thomasville and encounter the magic of Victorian Christmas in downtown Thomasville from 6-9 p.m. Dec 11-12.
This annual holiday-themed festival features an array of family fun activities including, visits with St. Nick, a Christmas movie, train rides for children, holiday entertainment and musical acts, a blacksmith demonstration, carriage rides, live reindeer, festive food and drink, local shopping opportunities and performances of the Nutcracker. There will also be beautiful photo opportunities including a 22’ Christmas tree, larger than life nutcrackers, oversized holiday wreaths, and more.
Dec. 12-13: Tallahassee Symphony Society Holiday Tour of Homes
This year’s tour features five homes: a historic mansion located in downtown Tallahassee’s Historic District, a stately and luxurious home in Golden Eagle, an updated 1920s icon, a modern design beauty owned by a well known local artist, and a historic charmer built in 1875 and one time home to Kate Sullivan. $40 ticket includes one-time entry to each of the five homes. You may visit any time between 10 am and 4pm on either day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 12 or Dec. 13. Visit tallahasseesymphony.org.
Dec. 12: Cookies with Santa
Cookies with Santa will be hosted at Jack McLean Community Center, 700 Paul Russell Road. Gather up the family for an evening of fun on Friday evening, Dec. 12 from 6 – 8:30 p.m., for free cookies and hot cocoa, a holiday-themed movie, plus photos and letters with Santa Claus! For more information, call Jack McLean Community Center at 850-891-2505.
Dec. 12, Dec. 14: Handel’s Messiah
“Hallelujah!” The Tallahassee tradition returns to the sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church, 120 W. Park Ave., with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Messiah Choir. Few musical works are familiar to as many, and Messiah remains Handel’s best-known piece. There is no better time of year to enjoy this beautiful, sacred oratorio that has long been associated with good will and charity. Michael Hanawalt is the conductor. Concerts at at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets $28-$44. Visit tallahasseesymphony.org.
Dec. 12-14: The Living Christmas Story
The Living Christmas Story at Killearn Methodist Church, drive-thru or hayride. 6:30 p.m. Killearn Methodist Church transforms into the little town of Bethlehem, complete with Roman soldiers, shepherds tending their sheep, angels, King Herod’s court, Mary and Joseph at the inn, the Wise Men, and the Nativity. Free community event. Visitors may drive through in their vehicle or park locally and walk to the hayride waiting area. It is recommended to arrive early and expect a line.
Dec. 13: Breakfast with St. Nicholas
Episcopal Church of the Advent, 815 Piedmont Drive, holds free hot breakfast, snow machines, arts & crafts, and of course a visit with St. Nicholas, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
Dec. 13-14: Tallahassee Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
The holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” is a memory-making performance that is not just about what is behind the curtain but about the magic of the experience. Shows run at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, (abbreviated); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 (abbreviated) and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Tickets, $60-$90. Visit tallahasseeballet.org.
Dancers float across the stage with Kathryn Karrh Cashin’s choreography set to the iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed by a live orchestra. TTB’s custom-made costumes and set bring audience members along with them into a timeless story beloved by all.
Dec. 13: Holiday Stroll through Cascades Park
You can sing aloud, or simply listen, to merry melodies as they fill the air of Cascades Park, 1001 S. Gadsden St., from 6-7:30 p.m Sunday, Dec.13 at the annual Holiday Stroll. About a dozen different acts will showcase their talents throughout the winding trails of Cascades Park, including the Smokey Hollow Commemoration. Free hot cocoa will be available. A beautiful show at the Imagination Fountain will play every 15 minutes during the event.
Dec. 13: Santa Paws Walk
Tallahassee Big Dog Rescue’s annual Santa Paws Event will be Saturday, Dec. 13, near the Lake at Tom Brown Park. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. and the events will begin at 11a.m. Registration is $20 and includes digital photos with Santa, entry into the pet contests and freebies. All pets must be current on vaccines, well behaved and on a leash (no flexi leashes).
Dec. 18: Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park
Elf Night is from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Dorothy Oven Park. If you’d like to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, check-in on the front lawn upon arrival to be assigned a ticket number. Ticket distribution will close once they reach maximum capacity – you are welcome to enjoy the festivities until your number is called. While enjoying Elf Night, parents will want to have their cameras ready.
Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided by Santa’s little helpers while supplies last. Remember vehicles will not be allowed to drive through or use the parking lot on Elf Night but parking will be available next door at the Thomasville Road Baptist Church. Both Elf Night and the holiday light display are free and open to the public and we look forward to seeing you. For more information, call 850-891-3555.
Dec. 13: Holiday Boat Parade in Carrabelle
The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to the 2025 Holiday on the Harbor Festival and Boat Parade of Lights from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 on Marine Street and along the harbor in Carrabelle. This festival will feature terrific children’s activities, arts and crafts, delicious food, holiday music, and of course, the lighted boat parade. This favorite Christmas tradition on the Forgotten Coast is free and family-friendly.
Dec. 20: Soul Santa comes to Tallahassee
The City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department will be making spirits bright with Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus. Registration opens on Dec. 1. This event is for children 10 years and under. Children must be registered to participate and must be present to receive gifts.
LeVerne Payne Soul Santaevent will take place Saturday, Dec. 20, from 2:30-6 p.m. Register for the LeVerne Payne Community Soul Santa event at Talgov.com.
Walker-Ford / Smith-Williams Soul Santaevent will take place Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.Register for the Bond Community Soul Santa event at Talgov.com.
For more information, contact LeVerne Payne Community Center at 850-891-3930 or Walker-Ford Community Center at 850-891-3970.
Dec. 20: Hollywood for the Holidays! with Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra
This year, TSO goes Hollywood for the Holidays from 3-5 p.m. and from 7:30-9:30 pm Join the orchestra and soprano Amy Owens for a magical concert featuring music from beloved holiday films, including White Christmas, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, and more. Experience the nostalgia, joy, and warmth of the season through these timeless melodies-don’t miss this unforgettable concert! Tickets, $37-$74. Visit tallahasseesymphony.org.
Dec. 31: Countdown at Cascades – New Year’s Eve
Visit Tallahassee proudly presents “Countdown at Cascades,” a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
A free, family-friendly celebration with live music, local food trucks, and two spectacular fireworks displays. The night will feature two talented musical acts, ensuring memorable entertainment for all ages.
Plus, celebrate the final countdown to the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 2026! This event is free and open to the public.
ONGOING
How to be featured in Holiday Tour of Lights
Get in the holiday spirit with a tour of holiday lights. The interactive, mobile-friendly map will showcase some of the best places to see holiday lights in the Big Bend. If you’d like to be listed, or want to nominate a neighbor (with their permission, of course), go to Tallahassee.com/lights and fill out the form, providing the address and photos if you have them.
Did we miss your holiday event? Email details to news@tallahassee.com.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Holiday hit list: The ultimate guide to Christmas events in Tallahassee
Reporting by Tallahassee Democrat staff, USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
