The holiday season is upon us! Although the weather in Florida doesn’t make us feel like it’s December, we have plenty of great events in the area to get you in the holiday spirit. Citrus County hosts many unique events for families and all ages to enjoy the holiday season. From downtown shopping fun to boat parades and concerts- we’ve got you covered! Check out this great list of events we’ve put together of the top things to do during the month of December.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
One of the busiest shopping times of the year is this month. Citrus County’s local shops have put together some fun holiday events to make the shopping experience more fun and festive.
Holiday Sip & Stroll – December 6th, 5-7PM
This downtown shopping event is free to attend. Visit downtown Citrus Avenue shops for complimentary beer, wine and food samples from participating retailers. There will be live Christmas carolers, holiday decorations and more. For more information visit The Shoppes of Heritage Village website.
Crystal River Mall Indoor Market – December 8-9, December 15-16, 10AM-4PM
The Crystal River Mall holds an indoor market usually once a month. However, this month they hold more for the holiday season. Stop by the next two weekends to shop the unique vendors not usually at the mall. You can shop over 25 local vendors featuring arts & crafts, home styled crafts, amazing artisan jewelry and more. Stop by the food court to grab a bite to eat between shopping. For more information, call Linda (352) 302-1084.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
If you’re looking to see some spectacular Christmas lights, you don’t have to go too far or drive all over a neighborhood. Citrus County’s state parks and cities light up locally for visitors this holiday season.
Fort Cooper Night of Lights – December 7-9th, 6:30PM-8PM
Fort Cooper State Park hosts their annual “Night of Lights” for a full weekend of family fun. Thousands of lights and holiday decorations adorn the Fort Cooper State Park walkways, trees, pavilion and recreation hall. Bring the children to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Additionally, visitors can roast marshmallows over a fire and create their own s’mores. Light refreshments available. In lieu of monetary admissions, they ask visitors to bring a can of non-perishable food or an unwrapped toy for Citrus United Basket of Inverness. Also, visitors can donate to the Citrus County Animal Alliance by bringing pet food for admission. For more information visit the Night of Lights website.
Light Up Inverness- December 7th, 5PM-8PM
This event is free to the public and held at the Courthouse Square in Inverness. The city invites the public to a small town Citrus County holiday Spectacular featuring the grand tree lighting at 6PM. Children can enjoy free train rides, frolic in a winter wonderland and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Entertainment for all including performers, food trucks, merchants and much more. Additional information available on their website.
Celebration of Lights- December 19-26th
The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park puts on it’s annual Celebration of Lights for the second half of the month. Visitors of all ages partake in Sebastian’s Winter Wonderland- a spectacular, synchronized light and sound show. Bring your family to walk through the wildlife park, visit Santa and enjoy a variety of entertainment. Refreshments are available for purchase. Check their website for entertainment lineup or call (352) 628-5343. Donations for the events are $7 adults and $3 for children.
PARADES
Citrus County continues to spread the holiday cheer with an assortment of parades, by land and sea! Not only do our cities hold parades on the main streets, but also along our popular waterways. Local businesses and residents decorate their boats for two separate parades in Crystal River and Homosassa.
Inverness Christmas Parade- December 8th, 12PM-2PM
Unlike the other Christmas parades, the annual Inverness Christmas Parade takes place during the daytime. Local businesses are decorating their floats to the theme “Sweet Christmas Treats” this year. Families can enjoy listening to lots of great Christmas music and seeing the creative holiday floats. The parade starts on SR 44 near Montgomery Avenue and goes east on 44 toward the downtown area, turns onto Martin Luther King Boulevard and finishes at the Sheriff’s complext. For more information, visit the Citrus County Chamber website.
Citrus Springs Christmas Parade- December 16th, 2PM-4PM
Another free event, the Citrus Springs Christmas Parade takes place for all ages. The parade begins at the fountain area on Citrus Springs Boulevard and finishes at Wesley Jones Park. Afterwards,
the park hosts activities for children, Santa Claus will be in attendance and food vendors. For more information, visit the Citrus County Chamber website.
34th Annual Homosassa Boat Parade- December 15th, 6PM-9PM
A water lover’s paradise, Citrus County puts a twist on the traditional Christmas parade. The Homosassa Boat Parade begins at Marker 75 by Bird Island. The event is free to attend. The most popular places to watch are at MacRaes and off of Halls River Road. Food and beverages are available for purchase at any of the local bars and restaurants.. Afterwards, head to the Homosassa Springs Marina to watch the awards ceremony. Both 1st place winners of the the residential and commercial categories win $500. For more information call Ricky (352) 302-5779.
Crystal River Holiday Boat Parade- December 15th, 6PM-8PM
Additionally, the Crystal River Holiday Boat Parade takes place on December 15th too. Another free event to attend, spectators can watch from anywhere on Kings Bay. At 6:45PM, the most popular areas to watch are Crackers, Dockside Ice Cream, 3rd Street Pier and Crab Plant. Next, at 7PM, the best place to watch is Pete’s Pier, Three Sister’s bridge and Kings Bay Isle. Then, at 7:30PM, the Shallows and Warden’s Key are the best places to watch. Finally, the parade finishes up around 8pm at Margarita Breeze. The restaurant and bar host an after-party to celebrate the night.
HOLIDAY PARTIES
Continuing the magic of the Citrus County Holiday season, there are a multitude of festive parties to attend. These parties are serving up more than your traditional eggnog!
Inverness Visitor Center Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party- December 7th, 4PM-8PM
The city of Inverness hosts the Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party at the official Visit Florida Welcome Center. At this event, guests can learn more about the welcome center and upcoming events. Light refreshments are provided by Oscar Penn’s, Nicole’s House of Cakes, Cattledog Roasters and Little Italy.
Foundation Fest feat. The Battle of the Band Teachers- December 14th, 6PM-10PM
Ready to party for a cause this holiday season? The Pine Street Pub in downtown Inverness hosts their annual celebrity bartender event. This year, the theme is “Battle of the Band Teachers.” Sixteen celebrity bartenders are competing and raising tip money for the Citrus County Education Foundation. Four local bars participate in the huge block party. Adults can take part in the fun for a $5 cover charge. Entertainment includes 6 live bands, cornhole tournament, Ugly Sweater contest, alumni challenge, silent auction and more. For more info, call the Pine Street Pub (352) 341-0100.
The Ultimate Office Christmas Party II- December 15th, 6PM-10PM
The Second Annual Ultimate Office Christmas Party happens at the Rock Crush Pavilion. Party-goers dance the night away to a live concert by “The Embry Brothers.” Afterwards, DJ Trae takes over for a nightclub-like atmosphere. Food and refreshments available at the event. Prizes and presents will be given away throughout the night including jewelry, small appliances, gift certificates, 65″ HD TV, concert tickets and more. Participate in the 50/50 drawing that benefits the Toys for Tots program. Tickets are only $10 and large table reservations can be sold together. Call Citrus 95.3 to get your tickets now (352) 746-9596 or visit their website for more info.
CONCERTS
Lastly, get in the holiday spirit in Citrus County by attending a local Christmas concert. There is something for everyone of all ages.
Vocal Flash Holiday Show- December 8th, 7:30PM
Looking for a unique and fun holiday concert for the whole family? The Vocal Flash is a group of singers and dancers who riff, rap and dance to your favorite holiday songs. Their high energy vocals and dance moves will put you in the mood for this holiday season. Tickets are available for $25 on the Valerie Theater website.
The Ditchfield Family Singers- December 15th, 3PM
Take the family to this Christmas Holiday Show at the Valerie Theater. The Ditchfield Family Singers are returning back by popular demand. They sing your favorite Christmas songs for an unforgettable holiday experience. This show will sell out as this group is one of the most popular groups to perform at the Valerie. Get your tickets now online.
All in all, there are many ways to get in the holiday spirit in Citrus County this month. There’s no reason to be a Grinch this season with so much to do in our magical town on the Nature Coast.
As you can see, there is something for everyone when you are at your leisure in Citrus County Florida.
So if you are looking for an idyllic setting to call home, contact one of our friendly professionals at Coldwell Banker Next Generation Realty of Citrus.
