31 Days of Christmas in Tallahassee: Your Complete December Holiday Guide
Welcome to December in Tallahassee!
The air is crisp, the camellias are starting to bloom, and Tallahassee is going all-out for the holidays. But with so much happening, it’s easy to let the season fly by without soaking it all in.
Instead of wondering “what should we do today?”, we’ve mapped out the entire month for you. From world-class art shows and festive festivals to cozy canopy road drives and hidden gem eateries, here is your daily dose of holiday magic in Florida’s Capital City.
Note: Dates and times are subject to change. Please check with individual venues before heading out!
Photo Credit City of Tallahassee
Week 1: The Season Begins
December 1 (Mon): Pick the Perfect Tree
Kick off the month at Tallahassee Nurseries. Even if you have a fake tree at home, visiting is a local tradition. Grab a holiday drink, wander through the “Christmas Cottage,” and snap a photo on their gorgeous grounds. Tip: Pick up a poinsettia for your front porch while you’re there to make it official.
December 2 (Tue): History for the Holidays
Spend the day at Mission San Luis, Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum. The 17th-century site is beautiful in the cooler weather. Walk the grounds, visit the 64-acre active archaeological and historic site, and see history come alive during the holiday season. After you’re done, head to the historical marker at DeSoto Historic State Park, where it’s believed the first Christmas in what is now the United States was celebrated.
December 3 (Wed): Train for the Run
Lace up your shoes and hit the trails at Lafayette Heritage Trail Park. It’s the perfect time to start training for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships community fun run coming to Tallahassee in 2026!
December 4 (Thu): Moonlight & Muses
Add a touch of elegance to your Thursday at LeMoyne Arts. Attend the Moonlight & Muses Cocktail Soirée (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM). You can sip craft cocktails and enjoy live music in the sculpture garden while celebrating the opening of their spectacular holiday art show.
December 5 (Fri): Camellia Christmas
Experience one of the most enchanting evenings of the year at Maclay Gardens State Park during Camellia Christmas. The historic gardens are illuminated with holiday lights, and live music fills the air as you stroll the brick walkways. It’s pure magic.
December 6 (Sat): The Big Holiday Kickoff
It’s the busiest day of the season! Start your morning shopping at Market Days at the North Florida Fairgrounds—one of the Southeast’s largest juried arts and crafts shows. In the evening, head downtown for the 39th Annual Winter Festival. Catch the Jingle Bell Run at 6:15 PM, watch the Lighting Ceremony, and cheer on the Nighttime Holiday Parade at 7:15 PM.
December 7 (Sun): Brunch & Market District Stroll
Keep the holiday spirits going with a delicious brunch at Jeri’s Love On a Plate Cafe. Afterward, walk off the pancakes by wandering the shops in the Market District, stopping into Hearth & Soul and other boutiques to cross names off your gift list.
Photo Credit City of Tallahassee
Week 2: Lights, Sights, and Sweet Treats
December 8 (Mon): A Quiet Stroll at Dorothy B. Oven
Beat the weekend crowds by visiting Dorothy B. Oven Park on a Monday night. The park features over 300,000 lights that turn on nightly from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. It’s magical (and much quieter) to walk through the manor grounds at your own pace early in the week.
December 9 (Tue): Give the Gift of Tickets
Skip the socks this year and give an experience! Buy tickets for upcoming Spring concerts at The Adderley Amphitheater (like Earth, Wind & Fire!) or a performance by the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer that gives your loved ones something to look forward to in the new year.
December 10 (Wed): Movies in the Park
Pack a blanket and head to Kleman Plaza for Movies in the Park. This month is a showing of the classic “The Santa Clause“ at 6:30 PM. Arrive early and grab dinner from a downtown restaurant like Hayward House.
December 11 (Thu): Victorian Christmas Day Trip
Take the short drive north to Thomasville for Victorian Christmas. Stroll the brick streets, admire the period costumes, and enjoy the festive atmosphere and holiday festivities that transport you back in time.
December 12 (Fri): Handel’s Messiah
Witness a powerful local tradition as Handel’s Messiah returns to Trinity United Methodist Church. Whether you are a classical music buff or just looking for a moment of beauty, this oratorio is a stunning way to embrace the season.
December 13 (Sat): Candy Canes & Culture
For a sweet daytime activity, head to Lofty Pursuits for “A Lofty Christmas”. Watch the master candy makers craft candy canes by hand! In the evening, dress up for The Tallahassee Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall OR attend the Holiday Stroll through Cascades Park (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM) for carolers and cocoa.
December 14 (Sun): Country Christmas & Hanukkah
Drive out to Bradley’s Country Store for a taste of old Florida. Step back in time, buy some of their famous smoked sausage and grits for your holiday breakfast, and rock on the front porch. Today marks the start of Hanukkah! Visit Cafe Yerushalmi for a fresh, flavorful start to the day, with a delicious kosher menu served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Take a peaceful walk through Cascades Park as Hanukkah begins, a holiday that celebrates light, resilience, and the hope that carries us through the season.
Week 3: Tastes of the Season
December 15 (Mon): Shop Local Art
If you haven’t visited yet, stop by LeMoyne Arts for their 62nd Annual Holiday Show. The gallery is transformed into a winter wonderland shop filled with handmade ornaments and gifts by local artists—perfect for finding that unique present. For more ideas, check out our local shopping guide.
December 16 (Tue): Seasonal Dining
Treat yourself to a holiday dinner at Black Radish. Their vegetable-forward menu changes with the seasons and is always cozy, comforting, and creative.
December 17 (Wed): Toast the Season
Gather friends for holiday cheer at a local brewery. Proof Brewing Co., Ology, and Deep Brewing often have seasonal winter ales or stouts on tap this time of year.
December 18 (Thu): Elf Night!
It’s the big one! Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park runs from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy free cocoa, and see the lights with the whole community. Pro-tip: Park nearby at Thomasville Road Baptist Church.
December 19 (Fri): Rooftop Holiday Vibes
Head to Charlie Park for dinner or drinks. Their rooftop offers stunning views of the holiday lights over Cascades Park, and their winter cocktail menu is top-tier.
December 20 (Sat): Hollywood for the Holidays
Go to the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra’s “Hollywood for the Holidays” concert. They will be playing hits from Home Alone, White Christmas, and more. It’s pure nostalgia performed by a world-class orchestra.
December 21 (Sun): Bakery Run
Prepare for your holiday hosting! Visit The Hawthorn or Tasty Pastry to pick up holiday cookies, fresh breads, and donuts. They are perfect for any holiday parties you have coming up (or just for yourself!).
Week 4: The Final Countdown
December 22 (Mon): Sunset on the Canopy Roads
Take a peaceful, golden hour drive down Centerville Road or Miccosukee Road. The hanging moss looks magical in the winter light, and it’s a uniquely Tallahassee way to slow down and breathe before the big festivities begin.
December 23 (Tue): Last Minute Local Gems
Need a final gift? Avoid the big box chaos. Hit Midtown Reader for bestsellers and Railroad Square shops for unique vintage finds. For Tallahassee-themed items, swing by the Visitor Information Center in Cascades Park for locally made gift ideas that represent the Tallahassee-Leon County area.
December 24 (Wed): Christmas Eve Morning Peace
Before the festivities begin, take a peaceful morning walk at Maclay Gardens State Park. The winter blooms are arriving—you’ll see stunning camellias blooming throughout the gardens—and the quiet reflection pool is the perfect way to center yourself.
December 25 (Thu): Merry Christmas!
Enjoy the day with family and friends! If you’re looking for evening entertainment, The Moon is hosting their annual “How The Moon Stole Christmas” event at 10:00 PM.
December 26 (Fri): Kwanzaa & Nature
Head south to Wakulla Springs State Park. Take the river boat tour—the water is crystal clear in the winter, and you might just spot a manatee! Evening Celebration: Today is the first day of Kwanzaa (Umoja/Unity). Celebrate African heritage by visiting the Meek-Eaton Black Archives (check university holiday hours first!) or gathering for a meal at a Black-owned restaurant like Olean’s Cafe for southern fusion or Halisi Africa in Railroad Square.
December 27 (Sat): Market Morning
Balance out the holiday cookies with some fresh greens. Visit the Tallahassee Farmers Market (Kerry Forest Pkwy) and support local farmers and producers.
December 28 (Sun): Tree-to-Tree Adventures
Shake off the post-holiday slump at the Tallahassee Museum. Walk around and check out all of the animal ambassadors, and the Tree-to-Tree Adventure zip line is a thrilling way to get moving again.
Week 5: Ringing in 2026
December 29 (Mon): Museum Monday
Explore the Tallahassee Automobile Museum. It’s quirky, vast, and features everything from Batmobiles to Steinway pianos—a great spot to take out-of-town guests who think they’ve “seen it all.”
December 30 (Tue): Organize the Team
Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions. Text your coworkers or friends and organize a team for the Worlds Fun Run: Florida Edition. Commit to doing it together!
December 31 (Wed): Countdown at Cascades
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Cascades Park. The Countdown at Cascades features live music, food trucks, and two fireworks shows (7:45 PM & 9:45 PM) to ring in 2026 in style.
