One of the most authentic ways to start the Christmas season happens right here in Lake County. Christmas in Mount Dora has to be the most magical thing! The decoration and lighting of Donnelly Square in Mount Dora is an amazing thing. This town is present-day Mayberry, in people and presentation.
Hopefully, if you’ve done it right it is the icing on the cake of a beautiful weekend.
Planning your Christmas in Mount Dora Experience
You can plan to begin your Christmas in Mount Dora now! The holiday lights come on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and last all the way through January! You can go at any time to enjoy their majesty.
However, there are two events to choose from to make it a BIG Christmas in Mount Dora outing!
Chandra Says
For these weekends, I would suggest getting an AirBnB so you can stay over and really enjoy the evening. Most of the listings are within walking distance to downtown! Plan on staying Friday and Saturday, as most listings in this gorgeous town are for a 2 night minimum on the weekend.
Christmas in Mount Dora Events
1. Light Up Mt. Dora – November 28th
This is the inaugural lighting of the season. It is great because it is Thanksgiving weekend. If you have guests in town or are ready to light up your season it is a great way to jump right into it! I’m a little slower on these things I guess…or still too hyped up on pumpkin pie to even consider it this early in the season. I’ve never been to this one to review it for you. I’m sure it’s awesome. Because that’s what Mt. Dora does!
Check out the photo slideshow from the City’s website.
COVID update: The Light-Up Ceremony has been canceled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. HOWEVER, the City of Mount Dora, its businesses, and of course the amazing Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina will be putting on an outstanding light display throughout the month of December with over 2 million sparkling lights!
2. Christmas Walk – December 4th | 5p – 9p
By far my favorite! This one is more business-oriented, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The local businesses are all out on the street handing out sweets and treats and just saying hi! (The best one is the real estate agents who have a chocolate fountain and allllll the stuff! The radio stations are there. The schools have some of their bands and choirs sing in the square. Many of the streets are blocked off for pedestrian traffic and one of them is usually playing a movie and making it “snow”.
Here is the City slideshow of photos from this event.
A Vintage Surprise
The best part about going this weekend is that the next morning is their town Christmas parade. Y’all….this is JUST like the ones we used to have! The school band, cheerleaders, local churches, businesses with creative floats…and they all throw candy!
I know!
Oh, I was a big ole kid right along with my two!
It was a vintage Christmas experience that I didn’t know my life was missing.
Vintage is DEFINITELY something Mount Dora does well!
Get ready to be wowed, because the lighted boat parade is also this weekend!
This company, Premier Boat Tours, does a great boat tour at sunset of the lake homes as well as the boat parade.
Beginning my Christmas in Mount Dora has become my favorite tradition!
Here is the city’s official website!
Things to Do in Mount Dora
The one place we go to each and every time is Barrel of Books and Games.
A new family favorite game is found there each and every time!
This time it was this winner! A perfect game for every age and interest level, Pass the Pigs is a definite recommendation!
If you stay overnight there are several activities in the area to add to your schedule for the best weekend ever!
Long & Scott Farms | Corn Maze & Market Experience
Renninger’s Antique Shopping | to really go back in time
Rusty Anchor Boat Cruise | a wonderful end to the day
What is your favorite way to begin the Christmas season?
Until next time,
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Chandra Says: Girl, Get Going!