Featured Article: Highlands County - Holiday Events

Highlands County 2025 Holiday Events Calendar

Date Event & Location Time / Details

Nov 29 – Dec 25

Carousel of Lights 

Downtown Sebring (Circle Park) Nightly, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Light displays, photo spots, and more.

Nov 29 – Dec 24

Santa Express Holiday Train Rides

from Sebring & Clewiston Evening rides on select dates; festive decorations, cookies, visit with Santa.

Mon, Dec 1

Avon Park Christmas Parade 

Avon Park Parade starts at 7:00 PM; floats, bands, Santa & local tradition.

Mon, Dec 1

Jacaranda Jubilee

Watch Avon Park Parade from Hotel Jacaranda veranda Evening reception with appetizers, music, and parade viewing (veranda ticketed event).

Thu, Dec 4

SFSC Foundation Christmas Luncheon

Hotel Jacaranda, Avon Park Lunch-time community holiday luncheon.

Fri, Dec 5

Sebring Christmas Parade (Theme: “Candy Cane Lane”)

Downtown Sebring Parade starts at 7:00 PM. Route begins North Ridgewood Dr & Sebring Parkway, moves through Circle Park & South Commerce Ave, ends at Fireman’s Field.

Sat, Dec 7

Flor de la Noche Buena

Performance at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center A bilingual holiday-themed performance featuring music & dance; cultural/family friendly.

More info

Sun, Dec 8

Avon Park Christmas in the Park

Downtown Avon Park Evening market/vendor fair + music; Santa & holiday fun for families. Starting 5:00 PM (vendors), music at 6:00 PM.

Fri, Dec 12

Jingle Bell Run 5K & Children’s Fun Run

Avon Park Evening 5K + fun run; participants encouraged to dress festive. Festive route along a lit Main Street.

Sat–Sun, Dec 12–13 & Dec 19–20

Florida Flywheelers’ Christmas in the Village

Lake Placid / Highlands County Antique-Engine Club Drive-through holiday village with vintage engines, themed decorations; proceeds benefit local charities.

More info

Sat, Dec 13

The Red Easel’s Craft & Fun Fair

Sebring Local vendors, kids’ activity corner, community toy drive, good for holiday shopping and family fun.

Sat, Dec 13

Sebring Christmas Boat Parade

on Lake Jackson Parade starts at 7:00 PM from behind Don Jose’s restaurant; boats adorned with holiday lights cruise around the lake. Great lakeside viewing from docks and parks.

Sat, Dec 13

Lake Placid Christmas Parade

Downtown Lake Placid Parade begins at 7:00 PM. 2025 theme: “Gingerbread Lane.” Spectators will have chance to vote for their favorite parade entry.

Through December (select dates) Holiday-themed historic train rides, glowing light displays, community events, shopping & dining specials across Highlands County, particularly Sebring/Avon Park/Lake Placid; part of county-wide “holiday magic.” See individual event pages for timing, many are family-friendly and free.