Tallahassee Winter Festival
Visitors can browse arts and crafts merchants, purchase food from vendors, and explore holiday displays such as Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park. Four stages located throughout downtown feature performances by local actors, dancers, and musicians. Festivities also include a lighting ceremony, the Capital Health Plan Jingle Bell Run, and a Nighttime Holiday Parade.
What to Expect
Holiday celebration featuring four stages, a run, and a nighttime parade.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Tallahassee
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department
Food & Drink
Food vendors offer items for purchase.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of festive community celebrations
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 3-10 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Apply by October 12 if you want to be in the parade, perform on a stage or sell as a vendor or exhibitor, because all registrations close then.
- Head to South Monroe Street at Bloxham Park for the Lighting Ceremony, which happens on the parade announcers' platform before the Jingle Bell Run and parade.
- Stay for the whole evening, because the Lighting Ceremony, Jingle Bell Run and Nighttime Holiday Parade happen one after another.
- Walk through Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park during the festival, and come back another evening because it stays open nightly through December 20.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, because the four entertainment stages are spread out across downtown.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year is the 40th annual Winter Festival.
- Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park opens on festival day and stays open nightly through December 20.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at the festival?
Browse food vendors and arts and crafts merchants, see holiday displays like Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park, and catch local actors, dancers and musicians on four stages around downtown.
What happens in the evening?
The Lighting Ceremony comes first, then the Capital Health Plan Jingle Bell Run, and then the Nighttime Holiday Parade.
Can I be in the parade, perform or sell?
Yes. Registration is open for the parade, entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts exhibitors. All registrations close October 12, 2026.
Can I see Candy Cane Lane on another night?
Yes. Candy Cane Lane opens with the festival and then stays open nightly in McCarty Park through December 20.
More Christmas Events Near Tallahassee
More Christmas Events near Tallahassee
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.