Experience 2023 Holiday Events and Celebrations in Sebring, FL
Experience 2023 Holiday Events and Celebrations in Sebring, FL
A historic Santa Express train ride, local Christmas market, parades, and a visit from Saint Nick himself means just one thing—the holidays are almost here!
November 9, 2023 (Sebring, FL) It may not be the North Pole, but Central Florida’s Sebring area will be in full holiday mode this year for both residents and visitors. With a full range of events and celebrations for young and old alike, there’s nothing like the small-town holiday spirit of Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park to know that Santa’s on his way!
November 24-December 25: Carousel of Lights
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Downtown Sebring Carousel of Lights. Each evening from 6-9 p.m., the historic Circle Park will illuminate with an amazing display of festive holiday lights. This month-long event also features Santa Claus every night, kid games and miniature golf. Free to attend with a small fee to participate in the activities.
November 27-January 21: Christmas at the Jacaranda Hotel
Experience the spirit of Christmas past at the historic hotel where Babe Ruth, Clark Gable and Al Capone once stayed. Step back in time and embrace the magical holiday season at this 1920s property that takes Christmas to a whole new level. Full of traditional and festive holiday décor, the Grand Lobby showcases the 15-foot Christmas tree, nutcrackers, fireplace and ornate holiday splendor. Enjoy a holiday buffet lunch or dinner in the Palm and Citrus Dining rooms or stroll the Arcade decorated with poinsettias, an antique sleigh, and lavish decorations. From December 2-23, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in residence Thursday-Sunday for holiday photos and Christmas wish lists! Visit the Hotel Jacaranda website for more information on the many holiday events they’ll be hosting.
November 27: Avon Park Christmas Parade
Held every year on the Monday after Thanksgiving, enjoy Avon Park’s annual Christmas parade with floats, cheerleaders, bands, fire trucks and, of course, Santa Claus. Parade starts at 7 p.m. and one of the best ways to experience the celebrations is from the veranda of the Hotel Jacaranda as part of the Jacaranda Jubilee. This festive evening includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, drinks and music while viewing the parade.
November 28: A Christmas Carol
Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas with this original production filled with haunting special effects and heartfelt sentiment – the perfect family holiday event. Filled with 26 traditional carols of the season, superb staging, and tremendous artistry, this enchanting production of redemption and joy will put young and old into the Christmas spirit!
December 1: Sebring Christmas Parade
If you missed Santa during his parade in Avon Park, you’ve got another chance to connect with St. Nick at the annual Sebring Christmas parade. Starting at 7 p.m. on the corner of North Ridgewood Drive and Sebring Parkway, the parade then travels south to Circle Park by the Carousel of Lights and ends at South Commerce Avenue at the corner of McLane Lane. This year’s theme is “‘Twas the Night Before Grinchmas.”
December 2: Christmas on the Circle & Merry Market
Shop for Christmas gifts at the Classic Holiday Festival and Merry Market in Downtown Sebring. This one day event also has loads of festive activities planned, including ‘Florida” snow showers, ice skating, a giant snowman bounce house, a giant snow globe, gingerbread maze, unique photo opportunities, entertainment and more! Kids Zone activities require a $15 armband purchase.
December 2 & 3 (Sebring departures) and December 8-10 (Lake Placid departures): Sebring and Lake Placid Santa Express
Climb aboard the Sebring and Lake Placid Santa Express train rides and discover another side of St. Nick. These joyful holiday trains offer families a 1.5-hour trip through the countryside aboard a decorated, historic passenger train. Each ride features Sugar Express steam locomotive No. 148, a visit with Santa Claus, cookies, refreshments, and a commemorative ornament. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
December 3: Young People’s Theatre: Holiday Traditions Around the World
This fast-paced, rollicking musical that takes a joyous around the world tour of the dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many more. Audiences young and old will sing, clap and tap along as they learn new and old traditions, customs and folklore that instill the magic of the season. This wonderful jubilee creates a memorable and heart-warming experience that celebrates the true spirit of cultural diversity. The show is free to attend, but reservations must be made in advance.
December 8: Jingle Bell Run 5K + Children’s Fun Run
Grab your sneakers and show your holiday spirit at the annual Jingle Bell Run along Avon Park’s Main Street. Enjoy the festive Main Street lighting and help raise funds for the development of the Advent Health Sebring Wellness Center. Register online to participate.
December 8-9 & 15-16: Florida Flywheelers’ Christmas in the Village
The Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club promotes interest in restoring, preserving and exhibiting antique internal combustion engines, steam engines, antique tractors and autos and other labor-saving devices from the by-gone years. For Christmas in the Village, their Old-Fashioned Village is decorated as a winter wonderland that you can drive through to experience.
December 9: Lake Placid Christmas Parade
Santa wants to make sure that folks in the town of Lake Placid also have a chance to see him, so he’ll be back for another parade on December 9th. With floats, cheerleaders, bands, fire trucks and, of course, Santa Claus, the theme for 2023 is “Polar Express.” Parade starts at 7 p.m. at the corner of Dal Hall Blvd. and Main Avenue, just in front of Journal Plaza.
December 9: Sebring Christmas Boat Parade
The Sebring Christmas Boat Parade will light up Lake Jackson with a jolly flotilla starting at 7 p.m. from Don Jose Mexican Restaurant. Boats will be brightly decorated with holiday lights, touring the lake and then returning to the restaurant. Viewing areas include Don Jose’s, Veterans Beach, Hidden Beach, Crescent Beach, the Elks Club, the VFW and Sunset Grill. About 30 boats usually participate. Lake Jackson residents are also encouraged to light up their docks.
While many of these holiday events are free to attend, others may have a small admission fee or a ticket requirement upon entry. Stay up to date with our events calendar and reserve your spot before it’s too late! For more information on all of these events and more visit https://visitsebring.com/events/ or contact Tanya Churchmuch at tanya@muchpr.com or Casey Hartt at Casey@visitsebring.com.
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Visit Sebring is the destination marketing organization managed by the Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC). The mission of the TDC is to contribute to a positive quality of life for the residents of Highlands County through destination promotion, tourism development, advocacy, and resource management – which are foundation pieces for future economic growth. For more information, visit https://www.VisitSebring.com or find us on social media @VisitSebring.
