Celebrate the holiday season in Tallahassee, FL, with a range of exciting events that bring joy to locals and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Winter Festival, where community art projects and performances highlight the city's rich cultural tapestry. Enjoy a sophisticated evening with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Magic concert, featuring timeless classics performed with orchestral grandeur. Experience the festive charm of Cascades Park Holiday Stroll, as twinkling lights and interactive installations transform the park into a winter wonderland.
Tallahassee offers something for everyone this holiday season, promising memorable moments filled with festive cheer and community spirit. From large-scale productions to simple evening strolls, the city warmly invites you to partake in its unique celebrations.
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The Top Christmas Events in Tallahassee
- Winter Festival: Celebrating Family and Community
- Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Holiday Magic
- Cascades Park Holiday Stroll
- Market Days at the North Florida Fairgrounds
- Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park
- Christmas Spectacular
- Jingle Bell Run
- Nutcracker Ballet
- Holiday Magic Downtown
- Christmas Made in the South
Tallahassee Holiday Light Displays
Cascades Park Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour through illuminated park with interactive elements
Description:
Cascades Park dons its winter finery for the Holiday Stroll, an immersive experience that blends nature with festive cheer. Twinkling lights adorn the trees and structures, creating a captivating nighttime landscape. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, discovering hidden surprises and interactive installations along the way. Try your hand at the musical light-up hopscotch, a playful fusion of technology and tradition. The park's transformation pays homage to its history as a gathering place for Tallahassee residents since the 1800s. Meander through this urban oasis and rediscover the joy of a leisurely evening stroll.
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Tallahassee Holiday Markets and Shopping
Market Days at the North Florida Fairgrounds
What to Expect:
Curated selection of high-quality artisanal goods from regional craftspeople
Description:
Market Days at the North Florida Fairgrounds showcases the region's finest artisans and their handcrafted wares. This long-standing event, dating back to 1964, brings together over 300 skilled creators from across the Southeast. Peruse booths filled with unique pottery, intricate jewelry, and hand-woven textiles. Watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining insight into the artisans' processes. The market emphasizes quality and originality, ensuring each item tells a story of skill and creativity. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the essence of Southern craftsmanship at this beloved holiday shopping tradition.
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Market Days at the North Florida Fairgrounds
Christmas Made in the South
What to Expect:
Curated market focusing exclusively on Southern-made crafts and goods
Description:
Christmas Made in the South celebrates the rich artistic traditions of the region. This carefully curated market brings together artisans from across the Southern states, showcasing their unique creations. Discover handcrafted items that reflect the diverse cultural influences of the South, from Appalachian woodworking to Lowcountry sweetgrass baskets. Watch skilled craftspeople demonstrate their techniques, offering insight into centuries-old traditions. The event, which began in 1989, has become a cornerstone of Southern craft culture. Sample regional delicacies as you browse, savoring the flavors of the South. Immerse yourself in the warmth and creativity of Southern hospitality at this distinctive holiday market.
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Tallahassee Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Classical renditions of holiday favorites by professional orchestra
Description:
The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra elevates holiday music to new heights with their annual Holiday Magic concert. Expert musicians breathe new life into beloved classics, presenting them with orchestral grandeur. Witness the precision and passion as the conductor leads the ensemble through a repertoire spanning centuries. During intermission, explore the lobby's display of historic instruments, offering a glimpse into the orchestra's 40-year legacy. The concert culminates in a stirring rendition of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, inviting the audience to join in. Experience the power of live orchestral music in this sophisticated holiday celebration.
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Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Holiday Magic
Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday production featuring local talent and elaborate sets
Description:
The Christmas Spectacular ignites the stage with a dazzling display of local talent and holiday cheer. This grand production showcases elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and high-energy performances. Witness breathtaking aerial acts as performers soar above the stage, embodying the spirit of flight associated with the season. The show incorporates elements of Tallahassee's history, weaving local lore into the holiday narrative. A live orchestra accompanies the performers, filling the theater with rich, resonant melodies. Immerse yourself in this larger-than-life celebration of creativity and holiday spirit.
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Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local ballet company's interpretation of the classic with regional influences
Description:
Tallahassee's rendition of The Nutcracker Ballet infuses the classic tale with local flavor. The production showcases the city's talented dancers, from young students to seasoned professionals. Marvel at the intricate choreography as dancers bring Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life. The set design incorporates elements of North Florida's natural beauty, with Spanish moss and magnolias adorning the fantasy scenes. This adaptation, which has evolved over decades, reflects the community's artistic growth. Witness the grace and athleticism of the performers as they transport you to a world of sugar plum fairies and brave toy soldiers.
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Tallahassee Other Holiday Activities
Winter Festival: Celebrating Family and Community
What to Expect:
Community-wide celebration bringing together diverse local groups
Description:
Tallahassee's Winter Festival transforms downtown into a lively hub of community spirit. Local organizations and cultural groups showcase their talents through vibrant performances and interactive displays. You can join a community art project, creating a collaborative mural that will be displayed in City Hall. This festival, which began in 1986, honors Tallahassee's rich multicultural heritage. The aroma of regional cuisines wafts through the air as food vendors serve up local specialties. Embrace the city's warmth and diversity at this unique celebration of family and community bonds.
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Winter Festival: Celebrating Family and Community
Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park
What to Expect:
Interactive elf-themed activities in a beautifully lit park setting
Description:
Dorothy Boven Park transforms into an elf's playground for one special night. Twinkling lights illuminate the park's natural beauty, creating a whimsical backdrop for elf-themed adventures. Children can participate in "elf training," learning the finer points of toy-making and reindeer care. The park's playground equipment takes on new life as "elf obstacle courses." This event honors Dorothy Boven, a local philanthropist who championed green spaces in Tallahassee. Families can explore the illuminated nature trails, spotting hidden elf houses along the way. Embrace your inner elf and frolic in this playful, nighttime park experience.
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Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park
Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Festive 5K run/walk with participants wearing jingle bells
Description:
The Jingle Bell Run invigorates Tallahassee's holiday season with a spirited 5K event. Participants don jingle bells, creating a symphony of tinkling sounds as they traverse the course. The run winds through historic neighborhoods, offering glimpses of Tallahassee's architectural heritage. Runners can opt for creative holiday-themed costumes, adding visual flair to the auditory spectacle. This event, which began as a small community gathering, now draws participants from across the region. Challenge yourself on the hilly terrain while contributing to a local charity. Join the chorus of bells and pounding feet in this unique holiday fitness celebration.
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Holiday Magic Downtown
What to Expect:
City-wide decoration of downtown businesses with themed window displays
Description:
Holiday Magic Downtown transforms Tallahassee's city center into a vibrant gallery of festive creativity. Local businesses compete in a window display contest, showcasing elaborate and imaginative designs. Stroll through the streets and vote for your favorite display using a mobile app. The event revives a tradition from the mid-20th century when downtown was the heart of Tallahassee's retail scene. Admire the artistry and ingenuity as each storefront tells a unique holiday story. Live music from local performers adds to the lively atmosphere. Rediscover the charm of downtown Tallahassee through this community-wide artistic endeavor.
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Polar Express Pajama Party
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experience based on the popular children's book
Description:
The Polar Express Pajama Party brings the beloved children's book to life in a fully immersive experience. Attendees, dressed in their coziest pajamas, board a "train" for a journey to the North Pole. Professional storytellers captivate the audience with dramatic readings of the tale. Children can participate in craft activities, creating their own "silver bell" to take home. This event, inspired by the 1985 book by Chris Van Allsburg, has become a cherished Tallahassee tradition. The venue is transformed with twinkling lights and faux snow, evoking the magic of the story. Step into the pages of this classic tale and relive the wonder of childhood belief.
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Holiday Open House at Mission San Luis
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of 17th-century Spanish colonial Christmas traditions
Description:
The Holiday Open House at Mission San Luis offers a glimpse into Christmas celebrations of 17th-century Spanish Florida. Costumed interpreters bring the mission to life, demonstrating holiday customs of both Spanish colonists and Apalachee natives. Participate in period-accurate games and crafts, gaining hands-on experience with colonial life. The event showcases the blending of cultures that occurred at this important historical site. Witness the preparation of traditional holiday foods using authentic methods and ingredients. The mission's reconstructed buildings provide a striking backdrop for this journey through time. Explore the roots of Florida's holiday traditions at this unique historical celebration.
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Holiday Open House at Mission San Luis
Nearby Events
Christmas in Thomasville (Thomasville)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed holiday celebration in nearby historic town
Description:
Christmas in Thomasville transports visitors to a Victorian-era wonderland. The nearby Georgia town, just 30 miles from Tallahassee, embraces its 19th-century roots with period decorations and costumed interpreters. Stroll down brick-paved streets lined with twinkling lights and garlands. Participate in traditional Victorian games and crafts, gaining insight into holiday celebrations of the past. The event highlights Thomasville's rich history as a popular winter resort for wealthy Northerners in the late 1800s. Admire the town's preserved architecture as you explore this charming step back in time. Immerse yourself in the elegance and simplicity of a Victorian Christmas.