Welcome the 2023 Holiday Season at Light Up Winter Garden

The holiday season is fast approaching, and there is no better place to celebrate than historic downtown Winter Garden, Florida. On Friday, December 1st, the city hosts its 37th annual Light Up Winter Garden event from 6 00-9 00 pm to ring in the holidays. This beloved tradition formally kicks off over a month of Christmas cheer, festivities, shopping, and good tidings in Winter Garden’s charming downtown district.

An Overview of Light Up Winter Garden

Light Up Winter Garden is a free community event sponsored by the City of Winter Garden and Duke Energy. Festivities commence at 6:00 pm with live entertainment, activities, and holiday ambience. Then at 6:15 pm, everyone gathers by City Hall for the ceremonial flipping of the switch. As the 34-foot tall Christmas tree covered in over 2,400 LED lights illuminates, we officially welcome the 2023 holiday season!

This spectacular tree lighting sets the stage for a full month of Christmas spirit. Downtown gets decked out with wreaths, garlands, bows, and twinkling lights galore. The streets become a magical wonderland perfect for making merry memories with loved ones.

What to Expect at the Event

Light Up Winter Garden offers festive fun for all ages Here’s a sneak peek of what this holiday kickoff entails

• Photos with Santa before he departs to the North Pole. Don’t forget your list!

• A snow playground for the kids with sledding down real mounds of snow.

• Carolers, dancers, and musicians spreading holiday cheer through live performances.

• Character meet-and-greets with the likes of The Grinch, Olaf, elves, and more.

• Mini train rides around the downtown loop for the little ones.

• Marshmallow roasting over fire pits to make s’mores.

• Gingerbread cookie decorating.

• Hot cocoa, holiday treats, and food vendors.

The event makes for a magical evening the whole family can enjoy. Best of all, the Light Up activities are just a prelude to a whole month of holiday happenings around downtown Winter Garden.

Downtown Transforms into a Holiday Wonderland

When you visit historic downtown from December 1st through January 7th, you’ll be dazzled by the cheerful holiday décor. The streets become a truly magical scene with lights glittering from the towering trees, lamp posts, and eaves. Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and ribbons adorn the charming storefronts.

The main 34-foot Christmas tree anchors downtown on the corner of Plant St. and Park Ave. Fourteen-foot poinsettia trees constructed out of over 1,300 red and white poinsettias add more botanical beauty. Painted holiday window displays provide fun backdrops for selfies and holiday card photos.

From the lamp post snowflakes to the life-size nutcrackers, every corner offers a festive photo-op. Downtown becomes a winter wonderland for making joyful memories with your loved ones. The holiday charm also provides a pleasant setting for browsing the shops, dining outdoors, and taking in entertainment.

Holiday Events Galore in Downtown Winter Garden

The Light Up ceremony is just the beginning of holiday happenings in downtown Winter Garden. Mark your calendars for these other upcoming festivities:

• Winter Garden Christmas Parade – On December 2nd at 10 am, this time-honored parade winds through downtown spreading yuletide cheer.

• Outdoor Holiday Market – Also on Dec. 2nd, downtown transforms into an open-air holiday market from 1-4 pm. Shop ornament and gift vendors while enjoying live entertainment.

• Christmas Golf Cart Parade – Decked out golf carts parade through downtown on Dec. 2nd at 6 pm.

• Merry Farmers Market – Every Saturday, shop the farmers market’s holiday décor, gifts, produce, and treats. Santa visits Dec. 9th and 16th!

• Garden Theatre Shows – Catch a Christmas show or movie at this historic downtown theater.

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – Snuggle under a blanket for an old-fashioned carriage ride on select nights.

• Holiday Music & Entertainment – Carolers, dancers, and musicians perform on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Dazzling Light Show – Nightly at City Hall, an animated light show plays to the music from 6-9 pm.

With carols in the air, twinkling lights all around, and the smell of holiday treats, downtown Winter Garden truly captivates your Christmas spirit.

Unique Holiday Shopping Opportunities

Part of what makes the Winter Garden holiday experience so special is the opportunity for unique holiday shopping. Historic downtown offers over 100 locally owned specialty shops ranging from apparel boutiques to home décor stores.

You can finish all your gift buying while soaking in the holiday ambience. These local small businesses provide excellent customer service to help you find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Standouts include:

• The Spice & Tea Exchange – This shop offers an incredible array of gourmet spices, teas, and sweets. It’s a foodie’s paradise!

• Sweet! By Holly – Find decadent fudge, brittles, chocolates, and other heavenly treats at this dessert shop.

• All Fired Up – Everything for the home cook’s kitchen from cookware to bakeware, gadgets, dishes, and more.

• Regal Rose Boutique – Fashionable women’s clothing and accessories. Lots of options for the trendsetters on your list.

• OG Photo & Design – Local art prints plus fun custom gifts like family portraits printed on ornaments or puzzles.

Treasure hunt through downtown’s festive streets to discover great gifts for everyone in your life. The shop owners enjoy helping you pick the perfect present.

Holiday Dining in Downtown

All the twinkling lights, wreaths, and holiday tunes downtown make an ideal backdrop for sharing a meal with loved ones this season. Patios open to the fresh air allow you to dine amid the decorations and bustling holiday spirit.

Top picks for holiday dining include:

• Crooked Can Brewing Company – Gather on the patio around the outdoor firepit for craft beer, cider, and food.

• Filipe’s Pizza & Pasta – Classic Italian dishes, pizza, and pasta in a family-friendly spot.

• Trevi Pasta & Pizza – Elegant Italian cuisine, including signature pastas, in a romantic ambiance.

• Buster’s Bistro – Creative takes on comfort foods plus craft cocktails in a chic bistro.

• Rome’s Flame Pizzeria – Wood-fired pizzas, paninis, salads, and desserts in a trendy downtown spot.

Pair your meal with a caramel apple cider, peppermint mocha, or pumpkin ale. Share a slice of gingerbread cake, an eggnog cheesecake, or a festive cocktail. The holiday dining possibilities downtown are delicious!

How to Park & Get Around

One of the perks of downtown Winter Garden is abundant free parking! Public parking lots off of Plant St. or at the parking garage at 160 S. Boyd St. provide easy holiday access. The historic district is also very walkable, allowing you to park once and explore the charming streets on foot. The Holiday Trolley offers hop-on, hop-off rides connecting downtown’s points of interest.

Driving? Avoid traffic congestion by taking advantage of State Road 429, State Road 408, and County Road 535 which all provide direct access to the downtown district.

No matter how you get here, the important part is coming to downtown Winter Garden this holiday season to immerse yourself in some good old-fashioned Christmas magic! Building traditions and making memories amid the lights, decorations, sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays is what it’s all about.

So bring your family, bring your friends, and get ready for a holly, jolly Christmas celebration in downtown Winter Garden this December!