Ahh, it’s December! And just in time it got a bit chilly outside here in Sanford – perfect to start the Holiday season 😉 Here is a quick reference list of some of the best holiday events in Sanford and Lake Mary. Feel free to add to the list and share your favorite events. I am trying to also attend some of these so I can post pictures to share with everyone…
Sanford
Christmas in the Square
- Friday December 2nd, 6:00-8:00pm at Magnolia Square
- Enjoy live entertainment, visit with Santa, Light Up Sanford, face painters, balloon artists, fun for the whole family!
- More information at 407.688.5120
Holiday Tour of Homes
- Click here for more info
- Friday December 2nd (evening) and Saturday December 3rd (daytime), 2011
Sanford Christmas Parade
- Saturday December 10th at 6:00pm
- Downtown Sanford – First Street , Sanford , FL , 32771 – Phone:407-688-5120 (Phone)
- The city of Sanford will celebrate the holiday season with the theme “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” there will be live holiday entertainment, illuminated floats that light up the night, music and dancing.
Sanford Holiday Extravaganza
- Thursday December 8th, 5:00-9:00pm in Downtown Sanford (replaces Alive After Five this month)
- Come join Sanford’s Downtown Merchants for a jolly good time at our Holiday Extravaganza and sidewalk sale! We will be having a HUGE sidewalk sale, arts & crafts for the kids, live music, plenty of food and drinks available for purchase. Lots of great holiday surprises in store for everyone!
- Also, don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy, non-perishable food item, or food for pet shelters! This event is family friendly and free to the public! For more information, contact The White Cup Coffee House at 407.320.8180
- More info: Historic Sanford Welcome Center – 230 E. 1st Street -Sanford, FL 32771 – 407.302.2586 -www.sanfordwelcomecenter.com
Breakfast or Brunch with Santa
- Saturday December 10th at 9:00am or 11:00am at the Central Florida Zoo
- Meet Santa at the Central Florida Zoo. There will be lots of fun holiday cheer and activities for the whole family. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy up-close animal encounters. After breakfast everyone can enjoy creating a special animal treat and then watch as the Zoo Keepers give the animals these special holiday gifts that were made.
- Call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org for more information. Reservations required!
- Zoo Members: $17 adults, $12 children (3-12 years), $5 per 2 year old | Non Members: $22 adults, $17 children (3-12 years), $7 per 2 year old | Children under 2 are free. Limit 2 free children per family
Holiday Accessory Swap
- December 13, 2011 – 7:00pm at the Sanford Wine Company in Historic Downtown Sanford
- Ladies Night Out in Sanford! Trade your unwanted bags, scarves, hats, jewelry and anything that dolls you up. Relax, mingle and enjoy appetizers and pamper stations. The swap will take place after we give away door prizes. Bring your friends and enjoy yourself.
The Christmas Miracle
- December 16th-18th at the Princess Theatre
- Spotlight Theatre of Central Florida production of the Leon Harp/June Powell musical
- December 16th : 7:30 p.m. | December 17th : 2 p.m. | December 17th : 7:30 p.m. | December 18th : 2 p.m.
- Price:$12-$18
- Princess Theater – 115 W. First St. , Sanford , FL , 32771 – 407-792-0758
Santa Claus Express at the Zoo
- Saturday December 17th, 1:30-2:30pm
- All aboard the Santa Claus Express at the Central Florida Zoo! Join us for a special holiday book reading and meet some of Santa’s animal friends. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, receive a special gift, and take a ride on the Zoo train with Santa himself!
- Cost: $15.00 per child (ages 3-12), $10.00 per adult, children 2 and under are $3.00
- Reservations are required. Please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org for more information. Seating is limited. Zoo admission not included.
Santa at the Mall
- Seminole Town Center, Sanford
- Visits & Photos with Santa – 11/5/2011 to 12/24/2011
- Visits and photos with Santa will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 5th and Santa will be available for photos through December 24th. Photo prices will vary depending on selected print. Children will also receive a FREE gift with each visit, while supplies last. For additional information about Santa photos and visits, please stop by the Santa booth in Center Court.
The Caroling Company
- Seminole Town Center, Sanford
- 11/25/2011 to 12/17/2011
- The Caroling Company will perform November 25th, December 10th and 17th from 1 pm – 4pm at Seminole Towne Center. These strolling carolers will be dressed in old-fashioned Dicken’s-like costumes, wandering throughout the mall spreading holiday cheer! If you are interested in catching an appearance, the carolers will perform in 20-minute increments.
- Additional Caroling groups will perform throughout the holiday season, near Macy’s on the mall’s lower level.
Claus & Paws – Pet Photos with Santa
- Seminole Town Center, Sanford
- 12/4/2011 to 12/11/2011
- What could be more memorable than a photo of Santa with your favorite family member, Fido or Fluffy? Sunday, December 4th & December 11th Seminole Towne Center invites all pet lovers out for a special photo opportunity. Get your pet’s photo taken with Santa from 8 am.-9:30 p.m. at the Santa set located in the mall’s Center Court.
- Photo prices will vary depending on selected print and pets will receive a special treat after each visit. Pets may enter through the Food Court entrance or Dock #6, near Belk. Traditional pets only please. Claus & Paws Pet Photos with Santa is sponsored locally by AAA.
Holiday Sanford Art Walk
- Downtown Sanford, December 23rd, 2011 at 6:00pm
- Ho Ho Ho! Come join the holiday festivities in downtown Sanford with our holiday Art Walk! On the fourth Friday of each month beginning at 6:00pm and lasting till 9:00pm, downtown Sanford hosts the Sanford Art Walk, a gallery tour around town. Come join us as we feature Central Florida artists in a gallery setting. Mingle with the artists as you enjoy live music, food and lots of ART! The event is open to the public and admission is free.
- In conjunction with the Sanford Art Walk, The Sanford Welcome Center will be hosting our December 23rd “Calling All Holidays” art show from 6-9pm. Come get in the Holiday spirit as you feast your eyes upon some festive holiday artwork! Purchase some wonderful holiday art for those last minute gifts! Or just come to relax and enjoy yourself!
- For more info you can contact us at 407.302.2586 or go to our website www.sanfordwelcomecenter.com
Lake Mary
Holiday in the Park
- Friday December 2nd 6:00-8:00pm and Sunday, December 4th 1pm-3pm
- Lake Mary City Hall, Lake Mary
- Bring along your cameras for pictures with Santa!
Holly Dolly Christmas
- November 5th – December 17th, at the Lake Mary Museum
- Stop by the Lake Mary Historical Museum to see hundreds of vintage and collectible dolls. The dolls will be for sale for a fraction of their value. This is a great way to start a doll collection or add to an existing one. The museum can accept payment by cash or checks but cannot process debit or credit cards.
- The Holly Dolly Christmas is also a great time to take your holiday pictures! Bring your camera and take a picture in front of the 10 foot tall Christmas tree.
- Lake Mary Historical Museum – 158 N. Country Club Rd – Lake Mary, FL
- Hours: Thursdays from 6:30PM to 8:30PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM.
- Groups of 5 or more can make an appointment to view the exhibit during off hours at 407-585-1481 or info@lakemaryhistory.org.
Old Fashioned Christmas Social
- Sunday December 4th, 4:00-6:00pm at the Lake Mary Museum
- A thank you to the community. See the Lake Mary Museum all decked out for the holidays. Refreshments provided.
- Lake Mary Historical Museum – 158 N. Country Club Rd – Lake Mary, FL
The Nutty Nutcracker
- Saturday December 10th at 3:30pm, Lake Mary Performing Arts Theatre (Lake Mary High School Auditorium) @ Lake Mary High School
- Pictures with Santa prior to the performance
- Call 407-324-3036 for more information and ticket prices
- Xtreme Dance Studio is proud to announce the 5th Annual Nutty Nutcracker performance at Lake Mary High School. This lively interpretation of the classic Nutcracker Ballet will provide a fun afternoon for the whole family. Proceeds from the event benefit Kids House of Seminole.
New Year’s Eve
New Years Eve Overnight Childcare for $25
Have a great night knowing that your kids are too. Festive Dinner, Games, Crafts, Tons of Toys, Fort Building Contest, Gaming Competition, Milk and Cookies, Midnight Toast, Breakfast and so much more. Ages 2-12
Drop off December 31 at 6:00pm Pick up before 10:00 am January 1, 2012.
Academic Beginnings Childcare – 315 S Maple ave Sanford FL 32771 – academicbeginningschildcare.com
Contact Kim Barnes: academicbeginnings@gmail.com
