The City of Tallahassee has announced a series of free holiday events throughout December, offering residents and visitors multiple opportunities to participate in seasonal festivities. The activities include the annual Winter Festival, Holiday Stroll, Santa Calling, Cookies with Santa, Elf Night, and Soul Santa.
The 39th annual Winter Festival is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, from 3 to 10 p.m. in downtown Tallahassee. Attendees can expect food vendors, arts and crafts merchants, live entertainment at four locations downtown, and various light displays. A lighting ceremony will take place at the Chain of Parks at 6 p.m., marking the official start of the season. The festival also features a nighttime parade along Monroe Street and a Jingle Bell Run for which participants can register online until December 5 or on-site during the event. More details about Winter Festival activities are available at Talgov.com/WinterFestival.
Candy Cane Lane at McCarty Park will open during Winter Festival on December 6 from 3 to 10 p.m., with additional evening hours through December 14. The park is located within the Chain of Parks along Park Avenue downtown.
Santa Calling is another event offered by the city on Thursday, December 11. Parents can register their children online to receive a call from Santa Claus.
On Saturday, December 13, Cascades Park will host the annual Holiday Stroll from 6 to 7:30 p.m., featuring performances by carolers and musicians along its trails. Free hot cocoa will be available while supplies last.
Families are invited to Cookies with Santa at Jack McLean Community Center on Friday, December 12 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., where attendees can enjoy cookies and hot cocoa as well as photos and letters with Santa Claus.
Dorothy B. Oven Park’s Elf Night is set for Thursday, December 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., featuring appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus among over 150,000 lights decorating the grounds. Visitors must check in upon arrival for ticketed access to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus; tickets are distributed first-come-first-served until they run out. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided while supplies last. Public parking is available nearby due to traffic restrictions within Oven Park during the event.
The holiday light display at Dorothy B. Oven Park opened on Thanksgiving night and continues through January 1 with both walk-throughs and drive-throughs permitted depending on weather conditions.
Soul Santa events will take place Saturday, December 20 for children up to age ten who have registered in advance via Talgov.com. Events are scheduled for Walker-Ford Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by LeVerne Payne Community Center from 2:30 to 6 p.m., where free gifts will be distributed.
For further information about these events or other programs offered by the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs department of Tallahassee—including updates—residents are encouraged to visit Talgov.com/Parks or follow @COTparks on social media platforms Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
