2019 Holiday Events
Discover Holiday Happenings in Sebring
The holiday season is quickly approaching and your friends in Visit Sebring are already busy planning events and activities to celebrate holiday happiness in authentic and charming old Florida. With historic hotels, cookie decorating, live entertainment and an entire downtown city circle illuminated for the season, Sebring, and the surrounding communities, has something to offer everyone looking for a charming Florida holiday experience.
Upcoming Holiday Events
Nov. 8-Jan. 18: Christmas at the Jacaranda Hotel
Visit the hotel and halls where Babe Ruth, Clark Gable and Al Capone once stayed. Step back in time and embrace the magical holiday season at this 1920s historic hotel nestled in the center of the state. The drive here, through open pastureland and orange groves, will set the mood and take you to a simpler time. Full of traditional and festive holiday décor, the Grand Lobby showcases the 15-foot Christmas Tree, nutcrackers, fireplace and ornate holiday splendor. Enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch or dinner in the Palm and Citrus Dining Rooms. Stroll the Arcade decorated with poinsettias, an antique sleigh and lavish decorations. Stay in the newly decorated hotel rooms and suites, each with its own theme. Free to attend; excludes meals and overnight stays. www.hoteljac.com
Nov. 30-Dec. 27: Carousel of Lights
Join us for the annual Downtown Sebring Carousel of Lights as historic Circle Park illuminates again with an amazing display of festive holiday lights displayed each night from 6-9 PM. In addition to the lights, this 4-week long event will feature Santa Claus every night, a singing puppet show, kids games and miniature golf. Free to attend; small fee to participate in the activities. www.DowntownSebring.org
Dec. 2, 6 & 14: Downtown Christmas Parades
Each year Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid bring the start of the holiday season to you and your loved ones faces and put you into the spirit of the holiday season with three parades within the Sebring and surrounding area. All parades start at 7:00 PM, so join us on Dec. 2 in Avon Park, Dec. 6 in Sebring and Dec. 14 in Lake Placid. Free to attend. Please visit each Chamber of Commerce’s website for details.
Dec. 5: Merry Country Christmas
The joy of Christmas comes to the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in this delightful production of toe-tapping, heartfelt music of the holidays. From the fun of Old Saint Nick to the profoundly moving Oh Come all Ye Faithful, and from the playful Up on the Housetop to the poignant Silent Night, songs of fun, faith, and hope are presented by the finest musicians and singers steeped in the traditions of America’s Genre: Country! Exciting sets, colorful costuming, brilliant musicianship, boot-scootin’ dancers, topped off by a cadre of voices ranging from the basement to the heavens – the best that country has to offer all the way from Nashville to your local venue; this is not your average holiday production. www.SFSCArts.org
Dec. 6-7: Hammock North Pole
Don’t miss this family friendly event at Highlands Hammock State Park from 6-9 PM each night. Highlights include a tram “sleigh” ride through the Hammock at night to the North Pole where children may visit with Santa, participate in crafts, and view the lights that bring the Hammock wonderland to life. $10/person; kids 12 and under $5. Park entry fees are waived after 6PM. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/highlands-hammock-state-park
Dec. 7: CookieFest
Reserve a spot at this year’s Highlands Art League Cookiefest and find your inner pastry chef and artist. Children can decorate holiday cookies with Chef Mac Gentleman, write letters to Santa and participate in creating a holiday art project from 10AM-1PM. Sponsored by the Palms of Sebring. Free to attend, but you must reserve online at www.HighlandsArtLeague.org
Dec. 9: Christmas in the Park
This festive event spotlights local choir talents from Avon Park’s public schools (elementary through high school). Enjoy the beautiful holiday music that these choirs and their instructors have worked so hard on preparing. For details, call the Avon Park Chamber at (863) 453-3350.
Dec. 14 & Dec. 21: Breakfast with Jack Frost
Join Winter’s favorite character, Jack Frost, for a delightful new holiday event at the Highlands Art League’s Visual Arts Center. Breakfast, a story with Jack, arts and crafts, and a bundle of fun await children ages 2–10 and their adult from 8:30-10:30AM. Venture into Jack’s snowy world on the banks of Lake Jackson for this special Art League take on the holiday season. For details and to reserve your spot online, visit www.HighlandsArtLeague.org
Dec. 21: Ornamentally Festive!
Looking for a one-of-a-kind original piece of artwork to remember this holiday season with your little ones? Children from pre-school and up are invited to come paint an ornament with artist Jedeth deLeon-Tolentino from 1-3 PM. We provide instruction, supplies, a snack and the clean-up. For details and to reserve your spot online, visit www.HighlandsArtLeague.org
In Sebring, you’ll find nearly 100 crystal clear lakes for fishing and boating, more than a dozen of Florida’s most affordable golf courses, one of Florida’s oldest state parks, and a reminder of why everyone loves authentic Florida. Our gently rolling hills, orange groves and charming small towns make this a relaxing country getaway with a central location. To request a free Visit Sebring Travel Guide or for more information, go to www.VisitSebring.com or call (800) 545-6021.
