Whether you've come to Florida to escape cold temperatures or you miss the way it was "up North," events in December let you celebrate the holidays or take advantage of the warm weather. Many cities have tree- and menorah-lighting ceremonies, winter-themed parades and that coastal favorite, the lighted boat parade. Check with your city hall for those events.
Meanwhile, here is a sampling of events around the Sunshine State; call ahead to confirm times and any admission prices.
Merchants in Daytona Beach decided recognizing the holiday season wasn't complete without chocolate - lots of it. On Friday, the area is staging its Holiday Central and Daytona Beach Chocolate Festival.
Visitors can sample chocolate treats ranging from cheesecake and truffles to brownies and coffees at 25 locations. The city's tree-lighting ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. in Riverfront Park. The event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m.; it's free, and the area is handicapped-accessible.
For more information, call toll-free 1-800-854-1234.
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For a taste of old Florida, head for the beautiful live oaks at Floral City and its 14th annual Heritage Days, Friday and Saturday. There is a fish fry on Friday, beginning at 6 p.m., and you can ride in Model A Fords or on horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy the glow of an estimated 1,000 luminaria, and listen to carolers. On Saturday, costumed hosts preside over the tour of eight historic homes; there will be a petting zoo, live music on two stages, demonstration of country crafts, and old-fashioned foods such as roast pig and hoppin' john.
For a taste of Christmas the way it was celebrated more than 100 years ago, visit Tampa's Henry B. Plant Museum, which is staging its 23rd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll. The museum was built in 1891 by Plant, a railroad tycoon, as a luxury hotel to lure guests to Florida on his rail lines. At this time of year, the museum adorns its handsome rooms with Victorian decorations, elaborately trimmed trees and antique toys.
Beginning, Wednesday, the stroll takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, through Dec. 23. Admission is $9 for adults, $3 for children 11 and younger. The museum, which is handicapped accessible, is in downtown Tampa, at 401 W Kennedy Blvd.
More than 50 years ago, a Sarasota high school gymnastics class staged its version of a circus, and the PAL Sailor Circus is now a four-ring event. Billing itself as the "Greatest "Little' Show on Earth," the circus now includes about 95 students.
The Holiday Spectacular, a program operated by the Police Athletic League of Sarasota County, will have four performances Dec. 28-31. The shows take place at the PAL Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Prices range from $10-$14. The facility is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 941 361-6350 or go to www.sailorcircus.org/home.htm
