The holiday season officially kicks off in Mount Dora, Florida with a beloved annual tradition - the Light Up Mount Dora festival. This highly anticipated event draws residents and visitors alike to celebrate the illumination of the city's dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. Centered around beautiful Elizabeth Evans Park, the festival offers an evening of food, entertainment, community bonding, and good cheer leading up to the culminating lighting ceremony.
Festivities at Elizabeth Evans Park
The fun gets underway at 4:30 PM at postcard-perfect Elizabeth Evans Park, located at 100 N Donnelly Street along the shores of Lake Dora. People start gathering early to secure prime viewing spots for the lighting ceremony and to take in all the pre-show excitement. The park comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season.
Food Vendors
A number of local food vendors set up booths at the park to fuel the revelry with holiday treats and comfort foods. The tempting aromas of hot chocolate, apple cider, roasted nuts, and classic carnival snacks like popcorn and cotton candy fill the air. More substantial fare like hot dogs, burgers, turkey legs, and barbecue also sizzles on grills throughout the park. Bring your appetite and cash to sample all the festival eats!
Entertainment
Live musical performances liven up the atmosphere all evening at Elizabeth Evans Park. Bands play festive tunes on a stage set up near the main Christmas tree, everything from Christmas carols to jazz, to rock and roll. Carolers also meander through the park harmonizing beloved holiday melodies. And keep your eyes peeled for surprise appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and more! You may even catch them leading the crowd in a spirited sing-a-long decking the halls.
As darkness falls, get ready for some magic! A dazzling fireworks show lights up the night sky above Lake Dora. Watch in wonder as the colorful pyrotechnics reflect and dance across the calm waters below for a truly spectacular sight.
The Main Event - Lighting Ceremony
At promptly 7 PM all eyes turn to the towering town Christmas tree near the park entrance. The crowd counts down in unison as city officials flip a giant switch, instantly illuminating the tree as well as all the lovely holiday lights and decorations adorning downtown. Like magic, Mount Dora sparkles to life!
Make sure to bring your camera to capture photos of this iconic moment in front of the spectacularly lit tree. The Christmas lights create a picture-perfect backdrop showcasing the spirit and charm of the town.
Continue The Celebration
After the lighting ceremony concludes the excitement shifts up the street to Sunset Park, home to the city's second Christmas tree. From 6-9 PM, snack vendors sell more goodies to keep your energy going while you wait in line for photos with Santa himself! Kids beam from ear to ear as they share their wish lists and pose for a picture they'll treasure.
With the town aglow, explore Mount Dora's downtown area. Meander the brick-lined streets, browse the quaint shops decorated to the nines and admire the twinkling lights displays around every corner. You'll see why Mount Dora earns its nickname "New England in Central Florida" during the holidays.
As the evening winds down, carry that magical feeling of togetherness, hope, and good tidings wherever you go. And rest assured, the Christmas lights will continue sparkling over Lake Dora all season long.
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