Winter Nights, Holiday Lights – a Tallahassee Yule tide tradition – features a full slate of festive, family fun. Take a look at the schedule below, come on out and get into the holiday spirit.
Winter Nights & Holiday Lights Events
Beaches, Creatures, and Cowboys: Florida Movie Posters Exhibit
Location: Museum of Florida History - R. A. Gray Building (500 South Bronough Street)
When: Now - Jan. 16, 2012
Description: FREE admission and parking. Open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On December 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., there is a free special event called Florida Winter Holidays. The Museum and the State Archives will be open that evening with a presentation, crafts, live music, and refreshments. Museum also features Florida’s History Shop and Fat Sandwich Café.
It's a Jolly Holiday, Be Merry Holiday Show and Sale
Location: LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts 125 N. Gadsden Street
When: Nov. 24, 2011 - Dec. 31, 2011 | 10:00AM - 8:00PM
Description: LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts 28th Annual Holiday Show and Sale. 100 Artists, local and area, will fill the galleries with holiday cheer as their artwork and decorative holiday ornaments are placed on display for the general public to view and purchase. With artwork and ornaments ranging from traditional and contemporary, truly there is something for everyone, young and old!
Link: http://www.lemoyne.org/
Camellia Christmas 2011
Location: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
When: Dec. 2, 2011 | 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park invites the community to celebrate the Christmas Season at the 23rd Annual Camellia Christmas event. A candle-lit stroll through the gardens accompanied by holiday music performed by local artists is the perfect way to share the holiday spirit with friends and loved ones. The historic Maclay House will be decorated with lovely arrangements created by local Garden Club Flower Show judges. Bid on holiday finery for your home or for a gift at the silent auction, which will include items donated by local merchants, artists and florists. Hot apple cider and holiday cookies will be served and Santa Claus will be here from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center.
Link: http://floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens/events.cfm?viewevent=7519#7519
The Nutcracker: A Diversity Celebration
Location: Lee Hall Auditorium Florida A&M University Tallahassee, Fl 32307
When: Dec. 2, 2011 - Dec. 4, 2011 | 7:30PM, 9:30PM
Description: World Ballet’s Nutcracker: A Diversity Celebration, this original version, choreographed b Henry Hernandez, brings an imaginative interpretation to this beloved classic. This performance is sure to amaze with the spectacular set, complemented by the dazzling costumes created by internationally recognized costume and set designer Christina Giannini, and the newly purchased Sugar Plum Fairy tutu from the Royal Ballet of London. Featuring the nationally recognized FAMU Strikers and ABC 27 news anchor, Abby Phillips as Mother Goose.
12th Annual Riley House Rock-a-Thon
Location: Riley House Museum 419 E. Jefferson Street
When: Dec. 3, 2011 | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Description: The Riley House Museum will hold its “Culture to Culture” holiday event, on Saturday December 3, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as a part of the City of Tallahassee’s Winter Festival and Celebration of Lights. Event Features: Live Entertainment, Great Food and Cultural Enrichment. As well as the Riley House Rock, during which several communities, civic, and church organizations will participate in a “rocking chair-a-thon” to raise money for the Riley House Museum. For more information on vending opportunities or Rock-a-Thon participation, please send an email to: info@rileymuseum.org or call (850) 681-7881.
Market Days
Location: North Florida Fairgrounds 441 Paul Russell Road
When: Dec. 3, 2011 - Dec. 4, 2011 | 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Description: Market Days is one of the Southeast’s largest and best arts and crafts shows, featuring unique, handmade creations of approximately 300 artists and top-quality craftsmakers. It also is a major fund-raiser for the Tallahassee Museum, the capital city’s oldest museum, promoting conservation of regional history, culture and wildlife for over 50 years. Market Days 2011 will be held on the first weekend of December––Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4 – at the North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road in Tallahassee.
Link: http://marketdays.org/
The Winter Festival 25th Anniversary
Location: Downtown Tallahassee
When: Dec. 3, 2011 | 3:00PM - 10:00PM
Description: The City of Tallahassee is proud to present its annual Celebration of Lights, honored by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events in the southeastern region of the United States. Designed to bring together friends, families, and treasured visitors, the Celebration of Lights is chock-full of fun and entertainment sure to please everyone in attendance.
Jingle Bell Run
Location: Downtown Tallahassee
When: Dec. 3, 2011 | 6:15PM
Description: The annual Jingle Bell Run is one of the highlights of Tallahassee’s annual Winter Festival. The Jingle Bell Run is festive, colorful and thus a fun experience for everyone. When the mayor counts down to start the race, the excitement builds and then in a flash, the wonderful cacophony of thousands of jingle bells will resonate throughout downtown.
Tallahassee On Ice Returns!
Location: Kleman Plaza 306 South Duval Street
When: Dec. 4, 2011 - Jan. 3, 2012
Description: Grab your skates, the ice rink in downtown Tallahassee is back! Beginning on Saturday, Dec. 3, you’ll be able to skate away on the smooth synthetic ice at Kleman Plaza. The fun continues through January 3. An hours of ice skating, including skate rental, is only $6. On Dec. 3 special hours of 3-10 p.m. will be in effect for the rink’s grand opening, coinciding with the Winter Festival. The rink’s standard schedule, weather permitting, will operate as follows: Weekdays: 3:30-8:30 p.m. (11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. when public schools are not in session) Saturday: 1 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday: 2-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25 – closed for Christmas holiday
Seasonal Celebration Concert at Ruby Diamond
Location: Ruby Diamond Auditorium on Florida State University's campus
When: Dec. 6, 2011 | 7:30PM
Description: General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Cash and checks only.
Link: http://www.tcchorus.org/
Harmonious Holiday Concert
Location: Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N Monroe Street
When: Dec. 8, 2011 | (TBD)
Description: The annual show features the Capital Chordsmen singing a mixture of religious and secular holiday tunes and also showcases some local quatets.
Victorian Christmas
Location: Downtown Thomasville, GA
When: Dec. 8, 2011 - Dec. 9, 2011 | 6:00PM - 10:00PM
Description: Historic Downtown Thomasville and the award winning “Great American Main Street City” invite you to come and make a memory this Christmas season! Take an unforgettable journey back in time to 1890s when life was simple and true Christmas spirit reigned. Enjoy horse drawn carriages, strolling carolers, holiday shopping, dancers, musicians, museums, food and holiday delicacies, and of course, St. Nicholas!
Jingle Jubilee 2011
Location: Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
When: Dec. 9, 2011 - Dec. 11, 2011
Description: The Junior League of Tallahassee presents Jingle Jubilee 2011, a unique holiday shopping experience. Choose from clothes, accessories, kitchenware, specialty food and drinks, children’s fashion, and gifts for everyone on your list from over 60 merchants! Special Events include “Girl’s Night Out” on Friday, December 9 from 5:00-9:00pm, “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 10 at 9:00am and 11:00am ($15 per ticket for Special Events which includes a Weekend Shopping Pass).
Link: http://jltallahassee.org/fundraisers/2011-jingle-jubilee.html
"Just One More" Holiday Arts Festival
Location: Downtown Tallahassee
When: Dec. 10, 2011 | 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Description: The 16th Annual Holiday Art Festival. Downtown Tallahassee celebrating the talents of great artists! Located in Ponce de Leon and Bloxham Parks along Park Avenue and Monroe Street. Ample free parking - no admission fee. 9 am until 4 pm. For more information call 850-224-3252, Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority.
Santa Claus is Comin' to Breakfast
Location: Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
When: Dec. 10, 2011 | 9:00AM - 10:30AM, 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Description: Breakfast with Santa and The Tallahassee Ballet, presented by Holy Comforter Episcopal School Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center (1st Seating - 9-10:30 a.m.; 2nd Seating - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) Kids of all ages will think they are dreaming as they walk into Santa’s Workshop right here in the Capital City. Join the "man in red," Santa himself, for a magical Christmas breakfast event perfect for the family. Tickets: $16* (Price includes PayPal fee. $1 postage fee per ticket will be added upon checkout.) Each ticket will include a weekend shopping pass to Jingle Jubilee, a photo opportunity with Santa including one print, and a keepsake ornament.
Plantation Family Christmas
Location: 1251 US Highway 319 South, Thomasville, GA
When: Dec. 10 - 11, 2011 | 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Description: Fill up the car and enjoy the family friendly admission price of $20 per vehicle. The plantation will be decked out for the holidays with glorious decorations in the Main House and on the grounds. Visit with Santa; leave your letter in his mailbox. Take a wagon ride and make-n-take a craft project. Enjoy the music and hear a story. If you get hungry, holiday treats will be available so you can purchase a light supper or just a snack. See the beautiful Community Decorated Trees in the Carriage Circle. Bring the kids, bring the grandparents--this will be a wonderful holiday experience to share with all of your family members.
"Holiday Magic"- The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra's Winter Presentation
Location: Ruby Diamond Auditorium on Florida State University's campus
When: Dec. 10, 2011 | 8:00PM
Description: A perennial favorite, the TSO’s Holiday Magic! show is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season. Mix timeless classics and sentimental favorites with a little humor, sophistication, and elegance, and you’ve got a wonderful evening of music that is sure to lift your spirits. Joining them on stage this season is Broadway star Sal Viviano, whose credits include starring roles on and off Broadway, and notable appearances on both television and the big screen. Mr. Viviano has sung with over 120 orchestras around the world and is a consummate entertainer. Also joining them will be the award-winning Florida A&M University Concert Choir, Mark Butler, Director. A special treat involving the TSO, Mr. Viviano, and the Concert Choir will crown the evening’s musical festivities. Consider giving pairs of tickets as gifts to family or friends - this sleigh-full of joy is not to be missed!
Tallahassee Civic Chorale Concert
Location: Turner Auditorium on Tallahassee Community College's campus
When: Dec. 13, 2011 | 8:00PM
Description: The Tallahassee Civic Chorale and their new Artistic Director James Brown present their semester concert featuring 'Carols and Lullabies – Christmas in the Southwest' by Conrad Susa on Tuesday, December 13th at 8 p.m. in the Turner Auditorium of Tallahassee Community College, 444 Appleyard Drive. TCC’s student vocal group Illuminaire will present several numbers. A reception will follow in the lobby. Adults $7, non-TCC Students and Seniors $5, Free with TCC ID card.
Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven
Location: 3205 Thomasville Road
When: Dec. 15, 2011 | 5:30PM - 9:30PM
Description: Take a trip into a spectacular winter wonderland, full of illuminating light displays, tasty holiday treats and visits by Santa and his North Pole helpers at the annual Elf Night event at Dorothy B. Oven Park. As they have for over a decade, crews from the City of Tallahassee’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department transform the park grounds, gardens and buildings into a mesmerizing holiday display of more than 250,000 lights and decorations. Parking for the event will be available next to the park at the Thomasville Road Baptist Church, with additional parking across the street at the Piedmont Park Alliance Church.
A Tuna Christmas
Location: Tallahassee Little Theatre (1861 Thomasville Road)
When: Dec. 15 - 18, 2011 | 8:00PM & Sunday 2:00PM
Description: The Tallahassee Little Theatre is Tallahassee's oldest community theatre. What better way to get in the holiday spirit than attending their production of "A Tuna Christmas", a comedic play written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams. Set in the third smallest town in Texas, the plot centers on the town's annual Christmas Yard Display Contest, won 14 times in a row by Vera Carp. A mysterious "Christmas Phantom," known for vandalizing the yard displays, threatens to throw the contest into turmoil. Nightly performances are at 8pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm.
The Nutcracker
Location: Ruby Diamond Auditorium on Florida State University's campus
When: Dec. 17, 2011 - Dec. 18, 2011
Description: Tallahassee Ballet performing The Nutcracker, at Ruby Diamond Auditorium. Series includes 3 public performances (2 full programs and 1 abbreviated performance for children). Featured guest artists from internationally renowned ballet Companies. The full performances are performed in correlation with the Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra. Performances are as follows: Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 10:30 am- Abbreviated performance for children Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 8:00pm- Full performance with the Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 2:30pm- Full matinee performance with the Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra Season tickets and memberships can be purchased now. Individual tickets go on sale October 1, 2011.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Location: Mission San Luis 2100 West Tennessee Street
When: Dec. 17, 2011 | 10:00AM - 8:00PM
Description: A day full of Native American culture and living history. There will be drum circle and flute music, primitive weapon demos, performances by Theater with a Mission, storytelling, astronomy, artisans, food vendors and more!