Holiday Event Guide for Mount Dora, Tavares, & Eustis

​The area's annual holiday festivities kick off in late November with the "Light Up" events and continue through December.  ​Here are the local events that will help make your holiday season a memorable one:
NOV. 21, 2025:  LIGHT UP EUSTIS
Head to Ferran Park from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy food and craft vendors in the park, free pictures with Santa, and more.  6:00 p.m.   The ceremonial tree lighting and Santa's arrival is at 6 p.m., followed by A Jazzy Christmas at 7 p.m.
NOV. 2025, DATE TBD:  SANTA IN SUNSET PARK
Bring the kids to see Santa for a free photo op as he visits Sunset Park in the heart of downtown Mount Dora during Light Up Mount Dora.  
2025 DATES TBD:  SNOW FLAKES BY THE LAKE: (FRIDAYS ONLY)
Enjoy 10 minutes of magical Florida snow flurries every half an hour beginning at 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in downtown Eustis' beautiful Ferran Park on Lake Eustis. Santa will also make an appearance each of the Friday nights for photo ops with the kids.
NOV. 22, 2025:  LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA
This year the free event is ahead of Thanksgiving and spread across three downtown parks - Donnelly Park, Evans Park and Sunset Park from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Santa will visit Sunset Park from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.  Most shops and restaurants will be open.   Find the event's highlights, including Santa photos, fireworks and shuttle information here.  A portion of downtown streets will be closed during the event. 
DECEMBER 5, 2025:  CHRISTMAS WALK
This fun, annual tradition features entertainment sprinkled around Mount Dora's historic downtown while shop's are open late for a unique holiday shopping experience.  Santa will be in Sunset Park for a free photo op with the kids.  The many downtown bars and restaurants are also open to enjoy plenty of holiday cheer.  6 p.m. to 9 p.m.   
DECEMBER 6, 2025:  MOUNT DORA CHRISTMAS PARADE
Typically, the first Saturday in December, this traditional small town parade starts at 10 a.m. on Donnelly Street and continues through downtown Mount Dora.  This is a free event.
​DECEMBER 6, 2025:   TAVARES CHRISTMAS PARADE & CELEBRATION
Typically, the first Saturday in December, this free, annual happening takes place in downtown Tavares with a parade that begins at 5:00 p.m. on Main Street.  A festive celebration in Wooton Park & Tavares Square follows with holiday-themed entertainers, a movie in the park, music, "snow" storms, Santa's visit, and food vendors.
DECEMBER 6, 2025: ​ LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Pull up a piece of Lake Dora's eastern or northern shoreline in Mount Dora as this festive parade of small boats departs Simpson Cove and heads toward Tavares near the lakefront. Time to be determined. In recent years the parade start hasn't started on time, so plan accordingly.   
DECEMBER 6, 2025:  MOUNT DORA HOLIDAY CONCERT
Enjoy live holiday performances showcasing seasonal and holiday favorites.  Bring a blanket and lawn chair to downtown's Donnelly Park.  The concert begins at 4 p.m.  
2025 DATES TBD:  MOUNT DORA SANTA TOUR
Santa and his crew will hit the streets of Mount Dora for three days to greet families from 6-8 p.m.  Find his route here, or listen for the loud sirens or watch this Facebook page for the routes though the different neighborhoods within the city limits of Mount Dora.
DECEMBER 13, 2025:   SNOW IN THE PARK
Snow is typically forecasted in downtown Mount Dora on the second Saturday in December.  Bring the kids for a snow slide on Donnelly Street, music, food available for purchase, and more.  Bring a new unwrapped toy donation to gain a speed pass for the snow slide. This year the event will be held in Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N Donnelly Street, from 3 - 7:00 p.m. 
DECEMBER 13, 2025: ​  NORTHEAST COMMUNITY HOLIDAY PARTY
A festive, family gathering for the Northeast Community at Mount Dora Middle School 10 a.m. to noon. ​
DEC. 31:  MOUNT DORA NEW YEAR'S EVE
The party happens a Sunset Park in downtown Mount Dora with live music, cash bar and fireworks at midnight over the 4th Avenue docks.
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