Holy turkey and cranberry, holly and ivy! The holidays are starting early, Thanksgiving is happening late and Christmas is still on Dec. 25. We still have a lot of holiday happenings to wedge into a short amount of time this year.
Don’t be jangled by all the jingle, it’s a merry time of year.
We don’t want to miss your favorite traditions so we’re making a list and checking it twice. If you are having a holiday event, email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.
Nov. 23-Dec. 24: LeMoyne Arts 61st Holiday Show
LeMoyne Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St., presents the 61st Annual Holiday Show: Celebrating Home, Honoring Tallahassee’s Bicentennial from Nov. 23-Dec. 24. Members Preview, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Opening Day, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 23. $5 entry, includes marketplace and artist booths. Pastries & Poinsettias (Holiday Muffins & Mimosas) | Saturday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. $5. Bicentennial Bash Cocktail Party | Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30-8 p.m. Live music by Quanta, signature cocktails, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Il Lusso and Oyster Mom. Don your best cocktail attire for an evening of elegant celebration in honor of Tallahassee’s Bicentennial. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members.
Nov. 22-23: St. John’s Market
A Tallahassee tradition since the 1800s, the St. John’s Episcopal Church Market, 211 N. Monroe St., will be buzzing from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. The market is an old-fashioned church bazaar, where St. John’s raises funds for activities of the parish and for local nonprofit organizations. Entrance to the market on Saturday is free.
A Preview Party will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on the night. At the Preview Party you can shop at select booths ahead of time and take part in the Silent Auction.
Nov. 23-24: Pas de Vie presents ‘The Nutcracker’
Pas de Vie Ballet, a nonprofit ballet studio celebrating over 35 years in Tallahassee will present “The Nutcracker” on Nov. 23-24 at Lee Hall Auditorium, FAMU Campus A children’s performance will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with opening night at 7:30 p.m. Nov 23 and a final performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, Tickets are sold on a tieredsystem, ranging from $15 to $30. All tickets are reserved seating and can be purchased at pasdevieballet.com.
Nov. 23: Bradley’s 53rd Fun Day
Bradley’s Country Store on Centerville Road is having its family friendly festival for the 53rd year from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. It’s held every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and features live music, clogging, cane grinding, syrup making, wagon rides, and a wide variety of food and arts and crafts. There’s special area for the kids with pony rides and a petting zoo. Admission and parking is free, but drive safely as parking can get crowded. Bring cash for purchases. Visit bradleysfunday.com.
Nov. 24: Christmas in Thomasville
Usher in the holiday season with the Holiday Open House in Thomasville, Georgia, from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Shopping and dining, holiday music, trolley rides, and opportunities to win $100 in Downtown Dollars. Adults 21+ can also sip and shop.
Nov. 28: Turkey Trot
Gather the family and pick the best race to kickstart your Thanksgiving morning with the annual Turkey Trot presented by Gulf Winds Track Club at Southwood. There’s nothing like a good 5K to work off the pumpkin pie. The Gobbler 1-Mile race stars at 8 a.m. The 5K, 10K and 15K start on Esplanade Way at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Participants may pick up their race number and shirt (if they purchased one) at the Turkey Trot Festival from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road. Please, no animals, the crowds are too big. To register and for all the details visit tallyturkeytrot.com.
Nov. 29: Apalachicola Downtown Christmas Celebration
Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Presents the Apalachicola Downtown Christmas Celebration. The historic town of Apalachicola lights up the day after Thanksgiving from 3-8 p.m. Friday. The streets will be lined with luminaries and filled with holiday spirit. Merchants will be open late and the sounds of carolers will echo through the streets filling the evening with the holiday spirit. Santa will arrive Via shrimp boat at 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park on Water Street.
Dec. 1-18: 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 44 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 Dec. 1 to 18. Monday-Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. On Dec. 7-8, the annual Blanket Days will be held. Blankets can be dropped off at the site during open hours.
Dec. 1: Native Nurseries Holiday Open House
Fraser Fir trees, bluegrass music, homemade baked goods and organic hot apple cider. Don’t forget to peek in the Wren’s Nest Christmas Shop for wonderful nature ornaments and gifts for gardeners and bird watchers. After Thanksgiving, open on Sundays through Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 2: Thomasville Christmas Parade
Thomasville’s Christmas Parade rolls out at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in Downtown Thomasville, Georgia, and is hosted by the Thomasville YMCA.
Dec. 6: Christmas Concert at Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More
The Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More presents the first installment of its 2024-25 Concert Series at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Co-Cathedral, 900 W. Tennessee St. “Christmas with the Co-Cathedral Choirs” is a concert of enchanting Christmas choral music featuring the combined choirs of the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More and the renowned Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary Queen of the Universe in Orlando. The inaugural event is expected to bring together musicians, music-lovers, clergy, and students from across north Florida for an evening of wonderful, warm and timeless Christmas music. Father Timothy Holeda, Rector at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More said “we hope the greater Tallahassee community will join us for this extraordinary event.”
Dec. 6: The Almost Christmas Concert 2024
The 39th Annual The Almost Christmas Concert will be presented by singer/songwriters Pierce Pettis and Del Suggs this year at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Theatre Tallahassee. Advanced tickets are $22 and will be $27 at the door day of show. Joining Del and Pierce this year will be Mimi Hearn, Jerry Thigpen, Michael Sautter, Danica Winter, David Murphy, Pete Winter and special guest Warren Sutton. Visit theatretallahassee.showare.com. The first half of the show features Pierce Pettis, performing selections from his catalog. The second half of the show feautres the All Stars perfoming Christmas Classics, new renditions of holiday music plus a few surprises. Bring a non-perishable food donation for ECHO.
Dec. 6: Camellia Christmas
Get in the holiday spirit with a festive night at Maclay Gardens, 3540 Thomasville Road, with Camellia Christmas from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Once a year the historic Maclay House is decorated with fresh Christmas greenery and crisp white Camellias. Enjoy hot cider and cookies from the Friends of Maclay Gardens, tour the Maclay House, visit with Santa, peruse the Silent Auction, and listen to live music performances. Donations accepted by the Friends of Maclay Gardens.
Dec. 6: Children’s author gives holiday read
Best-selling children’s author Jan Brett is bringing her latest release, “Alice in a Winter Wonderland,” to Tallahassee at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at Holy Comforter Episcopal school. She will share an artists’ demonstration of how she draws her beloved animals and will be signing her books. Tickets at midtownreader.com.
Dec. 6: Deck the Halls
Get a head start on the holidays at the Tallahassee Senior Center’s “Deck the Halls” celebration from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. 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. Holiday event kicks off city’s Winter Festival Weekend.
Dec. 7: Winter Festival – A Celebration of Lights
The 38th annual Winter Festival – a Celebration of Lights, Music and the Arts will fill downtown Tallahassee with merriment from 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Enjoy food vendors, arts and crafts merchants and 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 Capital Health Plan Jingle Bell Run begins at 6:15 p.m. The Nighttime Holiday Parade begins at 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 7-14: Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park opens at Winter Festival on Dec. 7. Enjoy a stroll through the festive light display from 3-10 p.m. and embrace the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Candy Cane Lane will also be open nightly from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 8-12, 6-11 p.m. on Dec. 13-14 and 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 15 for visitors to come back to enjoy later in the week. McCarty Park is located within the Chain of Parks along Park Avenue downtown.
Dec. 7-8: Market Days
Market Days is back on Dec. 7-8 at the North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 E Paul Russell Road. This Arts and Crafts event brings together artisans and shoppers each year. Market Days is as essential today for the Tallahassee Museum as it was in 1965. Early Bird Shopping is 8-10 a.m. Saturday (tickets are $30). Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets ($10) are available at the gate on the days of the event and are only good for one-day admission. Sunday admission includes a performance by Tobacco Rd Band.
Dec. 7: Holiday fun at Gadsden Arts
This holiday season, hop aboard for a model train demo and Festive Family Day at Gadsden Arts, 13 N. Madison St., Quincy, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. You’ll see art, make art, and of course, enjoy trains. For the first time, the Big Bend Model Railroad Association is partnering with Gadsden Arts to present a model train installation. Trains have long been intertwined with Christmas traditions across the United States, and this year’s installation presents intricate designs and the enchanting scenery that will transport you straight into a winter wonderland.
Dec. 7: Christmas in Panacea
A night of family fun at Christmas in Panacea from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 7 with the parade of lights starting at 6:30 p.m. Snow will be falling throughout the event at Highway 98 and Walker Street.
Dec. 7-8 South Georgia Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
South Georgia Ballet presents the 27th Annual performances of “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Thomasville Municipal Auditorium in Thomasville, Georgia. Guests will be dazzled by the beautiful dancers, exquisite costumes, and live music. Tickets are $25. Visit eventbrite.com.
Dec. 7-8: Alternative Christmas Market
37th annual Alternative Christmas Market at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 1689 Old St. Augustine Road, runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. It provides opportunity to support over 20 local (and international) nonprofit charitable organizations under one roof. Church and community members can learn about the mission of each organization and sample goods and services offered by charities.
Dec. 8, Dec. 22: Brunch with Santa at Wakulla Springs Lodge
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, 550 Wakulla Park Drive, is hosting a Brunch with Santa on Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a magical morning filled with good food, holiday cheer, and the chance to meet Santa. Adults: $38; Children (ages 4-12): $25, Children (3 and under): $10.99.
Dec. 10: The Kingdom Choir
London’s The Kingdom Choir is best known for its show-stopping performance at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018. Opening Nights brings the Kingdom Choir to Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $45-$30. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu. Experience an evening of love, hope and inspiration with world renowned singing sensations on “A Kingdom Christmas,” a musical journey with some beloved classics such as “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
Dec. 10: Tallahassee Civic Chorale
The Tallahassee Civic Chorale presents “Looking for Light” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Turner Auditorium, Tallahassee State College, 444 Appleyard Drive. Tickets $12-$15. Visit civicchorale.org.
Dec. 12, Dec. 17: Capital Chordsmen’s Holiday Show
Capital Chordsmen’s Annual Holiday Show lights up at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, with a night of festive fun and beautiful music in person at the Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. The second concert will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $11-$6.
Dec. 12-22: ‘Plaid Tidings’
A joyous holiday sequel to the beloved Broadway sensation “Forever Plaid” with “Plaid Tidings,” presented by Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Road, with shows at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees, Dec. 12-22. Tickets, $15-$25. Visit theatretallahassee.org.
Dec. 12: Santa Calling
Let the City of Tallahassee add some extra holiday magic to the season by registering for a call from Santa for your little one. This heartwarming event takes place on Thursday, Dec. 12. Registration opens Monday, Dec. 2, on Talgov.com.
Dec. 12-13: Victorian Christmas in Thomasville
38th Annual Victorian Christmas spills into the street in Thomasville, Georgia, for two nights of fun, from 6-9 p.m. each night, Thursday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 13. A true Victorian celebration! Costumes encouraged. Carriage rides, marshmallow roasting, visits with St Nick, music, food, entertainment, and more. Visit thomasvillega.com.
Dec. 13: Tallahassee Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah
Tallahassee’s Symphony Orchestra performs the holiday favorite Handel’s Messiah from 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 120 West Park Ave. Michael Hanawalt, Conductor. Tickets are $44-$28. Visit tallahasseesymphony.org.
Dec. 14: Holiday Magic: Cirque de Noel
Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Magic: Cirque de Noel from 3-5 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, 222 S Copeland St. Tickets are $35-$64 for Cirque de la Symphonie. Matthew Troy is Guest Conductor. Visit tallahasseesymphony.org.
Dec. 13-15: The Living Christmas Story
Experience Bethlehem the night Jesus was born at Killearn United Methodist Church, 2800 S. Shamrock St., at the 37th annual Living Christmas Story, Dec. 13-15. Drive thru in your own vehicle, or take a hayride. Due to the popularity of this event, arrive early. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. each night. Enter the neighborhood via Killarney Way, Kerry Forest, Centerville Road/Shamrock St. which are marked by large signs. Then follow the smaller detailed directional signs to get to the drive through line.
Dec. 14: Santa Paws Walk
Big Dog Rescue’s Santa Paws Walk, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Tom Brown Park. Visit facebook.com/SantaPawsWalk.
Dec. 14: Just One More Holiday Market
Just One More is the last Downtown market of the year! Come for live music, food trucks, vendors and more from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Ponce De Leon Park and Bloxham Park. With over 60 local farmers, artists, bakers, and makers spread out between the two parks.
Dec. 14: Holiday on the Harbor and Boat Parade
The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce hold its 2024 Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights from noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in beautiful downtown Carrabelle. This street festival will feature children’s activities, arts and crafts, delicious food and drink, live entertainment, a lighted boat parade and a fireworks finale. This free, family-friendly festival has become a favorite Christmas tradition for the entire Forgotten Coast community and beyond.
Dec. 14: Breakfast with St. Nick
Episcopal Church of the Advent, 815 Piedmont Drive, holds a free, communitywide Breakfast with Saint Nicholas from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Meet Saint Nicholas and learn about his gift giving that led to the traditional Santa Claus. Enjoy a yummy breakfast, kids’ activities and play in the snow.
Dec. 15: Holiday Strolls
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. 15, 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.
Dec. 17: Greenery Workshop
Goodwood Museum & Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road, holds a Holiday Greenery Workshop on Tuesday, Dec.17, from 1-2 PM, in the Jubilee Cottage. $25. Visit goodwoodmuseum.org.
Dec. 19: Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and a whole host of elves will make an appearance at Dorothy B. Oven Park’s annual Elf Night on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 5:30-8 p.m. Over 150,000 lights will twinkle against the night sky. Visitors are invited to take a stroll around the decorated grounds and let Santa know all the items on their holiday wish list. If you’d like to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, check-in on the front lawn. Vehicles will not be allowed to drive through Oven Park, 3205 Thomasville Road, during the event. Public parking will be available at Thomasville Road Baptist Church, 3131 Thomasville Road. Motorists traveling along Thomasville Road are urged to drive with caution. The holiday light display opens on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 28, and remains open through Jan. 1 from 6-10 p.m. on weekdays and 5:30-11 p.m. on weekends.
Dec. 20: Cookies with Santa
Gather the family and head to Jack McLean Community Center, 700 Paul Russell Road, on Friday, Dec. 20, from 6-8:30 p.m. Enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa, a holiday-themed movie, plus photos and letters with Santa Claus!
Dec. 21: Soul Santa Events
Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus are on a mission to make spirits bright this holiday season with free gifts for children.Soul Santa is for children up to age 10. Registration is required to participate. Events take place on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Walker-Ford Community Center, 2301 Pasco St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the LeVerne Payne Community Center, 450 W. Fourth Ave., from 2:30-6 p.m. Registration will begin Dec. 2 and be available via Talgov.com.
Dec. 21-22: Tallahassee Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Tallahassee Ballet presents the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” with four shows at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall with a live orchestra. The memory-making performance is not just about what is behind the curtain but about the magic of the experience. Show times are 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, (abbreviated children’s performance); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21; 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 (children’s. performance); and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Tickets run from $52-$90. Visit tallahasseeballet.my.salesforce-sites.com.
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. Send a video of your light display to news@tallahassee.com. The deadline to be included in the print guide is Dec. 16, but we’ll continue to add houses to the online map all the way up to Christmas.
Did we miss your event? Send details to limelight@tallahassee.com.
‘ Este Articulo puede contener información publicada por terceros, algunos detalles de este articulo fueron extraídos de la siguiente fuente: www.tallahassee.com ’
