For those seeking the warmth of the holiday season, both in spirit and outdoors, Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee, offers the perfect setting with its comfortable temperatures for enjoying festivals and events. From winter music festivals to light displays and visits with Santa, there are plenty of activities for the whole family to celebrate the season. Here are some highlights not to be missed!
Local Events and Festivals
Searching for the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving with great food, music, and camaraderie? Join like-minded music lovers on November 28-30, 2024 for the Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival. With three days of live music and a Thanksgiving potluck on Thursday, festival-goers are sure to make friends and try some delicious dishes!
Brooksville comes alive for the holiday season with a full calendar of festive events! On Saturday, November 30, join in the fun of Small Business Saturday, a perfect opportunity to kick off the Christmas shopping. Enjoy exclusive deals at unique local shops and restaurants, a scavenger contest, complimentary gift wrap station and much more.
On the first Thursday of December, families and friends gather on Main Street for the Christmas on Main Tree Lighting, a magical evening filled with live performances, enchanting street carolers, photos with Santa, and more family-friendly fun leading up to the much-anticipated lighting of the festive tree on the historic courthouse lawn.
Visitors can ride a horse-drawn carriage down Brooksville’s historic streets, soaking in the festive view of decorated homes and twinkling lights. For a blend of history and stunning holiday decor, don’t miss the “Night of Lights” at the May-Stringer House on December 13, where guests can experience “A Christmas Carol” come to life in this stunning Victorian home. The following morning on the second Saturday of December, crowds gather along the streets downtown to watch the Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade.
On the evening of December 14, 2024, residents of Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach and Bayport gather to watch the much-loved Weeki Wachee Christmas Boat Parade. The decorated boats will gather at Mary’s Fish Camp at 6:00pm for a judging contest, before traveling upriver in all their glittering glory!
The Family Sensory Christmas Celebration offers a magical and inclusive holiday experience for families with children of all abilities. On December 19, come out to enjoy sensory play stations, a Christmas craft market and visits with Santa in a calm and quiet setting. Following on December 21, the “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” event is hosted at the Brooksville Historic Train Depot, where admission includes museum tours, family activities, a fair with local food trucks, craft vendors, and photos with Santa.
Get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve like never before with the Tangerine Ball Drop on December 31! A nod to Brooksville’s citrus heritage, this celebration promises fun for all ages with live music, food trucks, an artisan market and a special kids’ ball drop at 9pm – all leading up to the glowing tangerine descending at midnight!
Beyond festivals and events, there are plenty of ways to explore Florida’s Adventure Coast this winter and experience the perfect blend of mild temperatures and outdoor adventure. Discover exciting things to do for all ages and make the most of this beautiful season!
Hiking and Cycling
With pleasant winter weather, the numerous trails in the area beckon hikers and nature lovers. Walk amongst the pines in the Withlacoochee State Forest or the Chinsegut Conservation Center & Trails for scenic paths that wind through diverse ecosystems. Bring the bike to explore the Withlacoochee State Trail, a scenic 46-mile-long paved path that is perfect for cycling. The trail winds through beautiful landscapes and passes by the Good Neighbor Trail, connecting cyclists to historic Brooksville and other paved paths in Florida.
Paddling and Wildlife Viewing
The beautiful waters of Weeki Wachee and the Bayport-Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding! As temperatures cool down, visitors can explore the serene waterways and lush natural surroundings without fighting the crowds or the heat of summer. Keep an eye out for manatees, especially as they gather in the springs during the cooler months!
Fishing and Boating
With mild winter temperatures, fishing on Florida’s Adventure Coast offers abundant opportunities. The Hernando Beach flats are ideal for reeling in Redfish and Spotted Sea Trout, while the deeper Gulf waters yield Spotted Sea Trout, Grouper, and Snapper. Charter a boat or cast from shore—cooler weather makes for an active fishing season and a fantastic chance to reel in a big catch.
Don’t miss the chance to create magical memories with loved ones. Plan a visit today and discover why Florida’s Adventure Coast is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer in the Sunshine State!
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Website: https://floridasadventurecoast.com/blog/