Brooksville Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities Usher in Holiday Season

On the evening of December 5, downtown Brooksville became the go-to place for entertainment, shopping, and eating during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. In preparation for the event, streets directly around the courthouse were blocked off for pedestrian traffic, with any available parking close to the event filled up by five o’clock. Families streamed up the hill to the courthouse, making their way through streets lined with food trucks and vendor tents selling a variety of goods such as t-shirts, light-up toys, home-canned veggies, Christmas ornaments and honey. Many family dogs were also lucky enough to be brought along to enjoy the excitement and the delicious smells of the event.

As the sun set, Christmas tunes boomed from the large speakers on the decorated lawn of the courthouse, and visitors stationed themselves in folding chairs in the street directly in front, and on the sidewalk across the street in anticipation of the night’s performance. Many families and individuals dressed in cheerful holiday sweaters and elf hats, some even dressing their dogs in festive sweaters and accessories. Friends meeting by chance happily greeted each other, laughing and hugging or giving fist bumps.

Performers from Live Oak Theatre delighted passersby with songs and dances to traditional carols and holiday songs. The huge children’s choir filled the outdoor stage, attracting a packed crowd that was so dense it was difficult to walk through.

Over at Patricia’s Boutique, the annual “Windows Come To Life” was in full swing, attracting a crowd, as well. Young models in the display windows danced to modern pop songs in an ever-changing inventory of shimmering evening gowns and prom dresses. As The Macarena played many audience members danced along with the music, creating a community dance moment with many laughing and greatly enjoying themselves.

As the evening wore on more youth arrived in groups of friends and as couples. Many restaurants stayed open late to serve the appreciative crowd refreshments, or full meals. Hernando County deputies, Civilian Mounted Patrol, and firemen were also in attendance, keeping our community safe as we celebrated together.