Find the top holiday events in Sanford! Our guide has all the must-see festive highlights. From locals to holiday tourists, this guide is your companion for exploring Sanford's festive season.
The enchanting Christmas in the Square transforms the city's central plaza into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and festive music. Explore mesmerizing light displays at Zoo Lights, where the magic of the season meets wildlife conservation. And the beloved Holiday Tour of Homes is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a glimpse into beautifully decorated historic residences. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Sanford
See these and even more events listed below!Sanford Holiday Light Displays
Christmas in the Square
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays synchronized to holiday music
Description:
Sanford's historic downtown transforms into a dazzling spectacle of synchronized light and sound. Visitors stroll through the square, marveling at intricate light displays that pulse and dance to beloved holiday tunes. This innovative event, now in its 10th year, pays homage to Sanford's rich railroad history with a miniature illuminated train circling the square. You can create your own light show using a special smartphone app, adding a personal touch to the twinkling cityscape.
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Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Animal-shaped light sculptures and nocturnal animal encounters
Description:
The Central Florida Zoo comes alive after dark with a menagerie of illuminated animal sculptures. Glowing elephants, shimmering flamingos, and radiant tigers guide visitors along winding paths. This unique event offers a rare glimpse into the nighttime habits of nocturnal creatures, with special keeper talks and feeding demonstrations. Rooted in conservation education, Zoo Lights began as a small fundraiser and has grown into a beloved tradition that supports wildlife preservation efforts worldwide.
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Sanford Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Tour of Homes
What to Expect:
Self-guided tours of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Step back in time as you explore Sanford's architectural gems adorned in holiday splendor. This self-guided tour showcases the city's diverse architectural styles, from Victorian mansions to charming bungalows. Each home tells a unique story of Sanford's past, with owners sharing tales of restoration efforts and historical significance. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through some homes, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. This event, initiated in 1986, has become instrumental in preserving Sanford's historic district.
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Sanford Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Boat parade on Lake Monroe combined with traditional street parade
Description:
Sanford's Christmas parade uniquely combines land and water festivities. The celebration kicks off with a dazzling boat parade on Lake Monroe, featuring vessels adorned with twinkling lights reflecting off the water. As night falls, the action moves to the streets, where floats, marching bands, and community groups showcase their holiday spirit. This dual-parade format honors Sanford's identity as both a historic railroad town and a thriving lakeside community.
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Nearby Events
Light Up the Holidays (Lake Mary)
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and community art projects
Description:
Lake Mary's holiday celebration stands out with its focus on interactive light installations and community-created art. Visitors become part of the display, triggering light shows with their movements or contributing to evolving art pieces. The event showcases the work of local artists, with illuminated sculptures dotting the landscape. Rooted in Lake Mary's commitment to public art, this event began as a small community project and has grown into a regional attraction that celebrates creativity and innovation.
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Snow Fest (Longwood)
What to Expect:
Real snow experience in Florida with winter activities
Description:
Longwood transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with real snow in the heart of Florida. This unique event brings the joy of a white Christmas to the Sunshine State, allowing visitors to build snowmen, have snowball fights, and sled down icy slopes. The crisp chill of snow contrasts sharply with Florida's typical balmy weather. Snowfest began as a small community gathering and has evolved into a beloved tradition that draws visitors from across the state eager to experience a taste of winter.
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Christmas in the Park (Winter Park)
What to Expect:
Display of Tiffany windows in an outdoor park setting
Description:
Winter Park's Central Park becomes an open-air gallery showcasing exquisite Tiffany windows. These century-old stained glass masterpieces, normally housed in the Morse Museum, are illuminated against the night sky, creating a breathtaking display. Visitors can admire the intricate craftsmanship while strolling through the park. This unique event, which began in 1979, celebrates Winter Park's connection to Louis Comfort Tiffany and has become a cherished holiday tradition that blends art appreciation with outdoor enjoyment.
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Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show (Orlando)
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show on a 72-foot Christmas tree
Description:
Orlando's Lake Eola Park hosts a towering 72-foot Christmas tree that comes alive with a dazzling light show. The massive tree, adorned with thousands of LED lights, pulses and changes colors in perfect synchronization with holiday music. This technological marvel serves as the centerpiece for nightly performances that transform the downtown skyline. The show pays homage to Orlando's history, with special segments dedicated to significant moments in the city's past.
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Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show
Festival of Trees (Winter Park)
What to Expect:
Designer-decorated trees and holiday vignettes
Description:
Winter Park's Festival of Trees showcases the creativity of professional designers who transform Christmas trees into works of art. Each tree tells a unique story, from whimsical themes to elegant masterpieces. Visitors meander through a forest of these extraordinary creations, gaining inspiration for their own holiday decor. The event, which supports the Orlando Museum of Art, began in 1986 and has since become a platform for designers to showcase their talents while celebrating the season.