There is an eventful holiday season lined up throughout the month of December, with festivities celebrating the season held across Hernando County.
“With dazzling displays, joyful parades, and unforgettable experiences, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee is the perfect place to make the season bright,” noted a press release from Florida Adventure Coast’s John Athanason.
First up on the calendar is the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event on Main Street in Brooksville on December 5, beginning at 5 pm. As part of the Christmas kickoff, there will be a live performance of holiday classics by the Live Oak Theatre Company.
That is not all, though. A Christmas Craft Market will also be set up for passersby to browse various festive bits and bobs. So, feel free to get some holiday shopping in while munching on seasonal treats.
Local clothing store Patricia’s Boutique will get in on the fun, too, with a holiday window display featuring live models that will bring “magic to Main Street.” Families will have the opportunity to capture these festive memories with a picture with Santa as well.
The tree lighting will take place at 7:15 that evening at the Hernando County Courthouse and will be on display throughout the holiday season.
From a winter wonderland to a “Winter Waterland,” Weeki Wachee Springs State Park looks to get in on the festivities. From December 13-14 and 20-21 (7-11 PM), the iconic Hernando hot spot affords families another opportunity to meet Santa and witness seasonally themed performances from the mermaids. It will be a great chance to see the aquatic attraction decked out for the holidays.
From West Hernando to Central Hernando, the May Stringer Museum is partaking in the Christmas season as well. The Hernando Historical Museum Association invites locals to come out from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on December 13 to witness their Night of Lights.
“Wander through the festively adorned rooms of this stunning Victorian home and let the holiday spirit transport you to a bygone era,” the press release continued. “Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of Christmas decor, or just looking for a festive evening out, this event is sure to delight.”
The very next day, December 14, the Christmas and Weeki Wachee Boat Parades will be held throughout the day. Festive floats and holiday characters will march through downtown Brooksville from 10 AM to 1 PM. Later that evening, boats kitted out in Christmas cheer will motor up the Weeki Wachee River starting at 6:30.
Less than a week later, Brooksville Main Street invites citizens of all ages to the Family Sensory Christmas Celebration at Hernando Park. Santa will make yet another appearance alongside Mrs. Claus. Locals can come out and enjoy another Christmas Craft Market that Thursday, too.
To cap off a busy December, Brooksville will be ringing in the New Year with the annual Tangerine Ball Drop on the 31st. The much-anticipated countdown to 2025 will return with “live music, food vendors, and festive fun as you celebrate with family, friends, and neighbors in the heart of downtown Brooksville,” said Athanason. Check out tangerinedrop.com to learn more about the event.