SEBRING, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2022) – Warm fires, festive lights, and a visit from Saint Nick himself can only mean one thing—the holidays are here. The Sebring area is celebrating this special season with events big and small for guests of all ages. Whether you live in the area or you’re visiting friends and family nearby, we invite you to explore some of the best holiday events and celebrations in Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park.

Nov. 10-Jan. 22: 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.  Full of traditional and festive holiday décor, the Grand Lobby showcases the 15-foot Christmas Tree, nutcrackers, fireplace and ornate holiday splendor.  Enjoy a 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, fee for meals & overnight stays.   www.hoteljac.com

 

Nov. 27-Dec. 25: Carousel of Lights

Don’t miss 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, kid games and miniature golf.  Free to attend; fee to participate in the activities. https://www.DowntownSebring.org

Nov. 25: 29th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk

Don’t miss this fun way to start your Thanksgiving Day at Highlands Hammock State Park.  Info: www.FriendsofHighlandsHammockStatePark.org

Nov. 29: Jacaranda Jubilee

Enjoy the festive Avon Park Christmas Parade from the Jacaranda Hotel’s veranda.  Enjoy appetizers, music and cocktails starting at 6:30 pm.  $50/person; must register in advance.  Call (863) 453-3133.

Nov. 29: Avon Park Christmas Parade 

Join Avon Park for their annual Christmas parade with floats, cheerleaders, bands, fire trucks and, of course, Santa Claus.  Parade starts at 7:00 PM.  Please visit the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce’s website for details. www.theappcc.net.

Dec. 2: Gatlin Brothers: A Country Christmas

Larry, Steve and Rudy, the Gatlin Brothers, are a Grammy Award-winning trio who have dazzled audiences for more than 60 years with a lifetime of notable achievements including: a Grammy for Best Country Song (“Broken Lady”), three ACM awards for Single of the Year (“All The Gold in California”), Album of the Year (“Straight Ahead”), and Male Vocalist of the Year for Larry Gatlin, along with five nominations for CMA Vocal Group of the year, Single, Album and Male Vocalist of the Year. The Gatlin Brothers’ hits include: “Broken Lady, “All the Gold In California,” “Houston (Means I’m One Step Closer To You,” “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” “I Just Wish You Were Someone To Love,” and “Night Time Magic.” www.SFSCArts.org

 

Dec. 3: Sebring Christmas Parade 

Kick off Sebring’s holiday season at the annual Sebring Christmas parade that starts at 7:00 PM on the corner of North Ridgewood Drive and Sebring Parkway and then travels south to Circle Park, which will be illuminated by the Carousel of Lights, and ends at South Commerce Avenue at the corner of McLane Lane. Enjoy the music, floats and festivities with special guest Santa Claus. https://tinyurl.com/ht6w6e22

 

Dec. 4: Holiday Home and Garden Tour 

Don’t miss the Lake Placid Garden Club’s 11h Annual Holiday Home & Garden Tour from Noon-4:00 PM on Dec. 5. Several beautifully decorated homes and meticulously maintained gardens are featured in the tour. Bring an ornament to add to our “Giving Tree.”  Tickets are $15. Call (702) 994-9739 or (561) 201-2130.

Dec. 9: Jacaranda Hotel Annual Christmas Luncheon

Celebrate this festive time of year at the annual Christmas luncheon at the Jacaranda Hotel to help raise funds for the South Florida State College Foundation.  $50/person; seating is limited so please register in advance.  Call (863) 453-3133.

 

Dec. 10: Jingle Bell Run 5K + Children’s Fun Run

Grab your sneakers and show your holiday spirit.  Join The Jarrett Family for their 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.  Children’s Fun Run starts at 6:00 pm and 5k Race starts at 6:20 pm.  Register at https://runsignup.com/jinglebell5k2021.

 

Dec. 10-11 & 17-18: 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. Join them at their season kick-off event that salutes our veterans.  Info: www.FloridaFlyWheelers.org.

Dec. 11: Lake Placid Christmas Parade 

Join Lake Placid for their annual Christmas parade with floats, cheerleaders, bands, fire trucks and, of course, Santa Claus.  Parade starts at 7:00 PM.  Please visit the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce’s website for details. www.VisitLakePlacidFlorida.com

Dec. 12: Kaleidoscope Series: 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.  Free Family Event – Tickets are required for admission.  Limit 4 tickets per household.  www.SFSCArts.org.

Dec. 13: Michael W. Smith: Christmas Concert

Multi-Platinum artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor Michael W. Smith continues to live out his dream; he releases new music regularly and performs around the world to sold-out crowds of loyal and inspired fans. During Michael’s storied career, he’s not only been honored with three Grammy Awards, 45 Dove Awards, an American Music Award and has sold more than 15 million albums, he’s also given back to the global community. www.SFSCArts.org.

While some holiday events are free, others come at a small admission fee or a ticket requirement upon entry. Be sure to stay up to date with our events calendar and reserve your spot before it’s too late!  For more info, go toVisitSebring.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.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Casey Hartt

Cell: (863) 640-1743

Casey@VisitSebring.com