When the holiday season arrives in Highlands County, Florida, communities in Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid offer a variety of events to mark the occasion. Activities include vintage train rides, downtown light displays, fun runs, and holiday markets.
Sebring’s Circle Park will be at the center of many festivities. The park was recently renovated and featured on HGTV’s Home Town Takeover.
The historic Jacaranda Hotel in Avon Park will host “Christmas at the Jacaranda Hotel” until January 12, 2026. The hotel is decorated with a large Christmas tree and period décor from the 1920s. Visitors can enjoy holiday buffets and seasonal events throughout December and January.
From November 29 to December 25, Sebring’s Circle Park will feature the “Carousel of Lights,” with illuminated displays every night from 6–9 p.m. Santa Claus will make nightly appearances through December 24th alongside the Grinch in his own gazebo. On select nights at 7 p.m., artificial snow will fall in Circle Park.
Santa Express Holiday Train Rides are scheduled on select dates between November 29 and December 21. The Sugar Express train departs from Clewiston and Sebring with festive decorations. Santa Claus boards mid-trip to greet children with cookies and gifts.
Avon Park’s Christmas Parade takes place on December 1 at 7 p.m., featuring floats, bands, fire trucks, and Santa Claus. Spectators can view the parade from various spots including the veranda of Hotel Jacaranda.
On December 2, Journal Plaza hosts a Tree Lighting & Holiday Evening Market with local vendors, live music, food options, and visits from Mr. & Mrs. Claus as well as late-night shopping opportunities.
Sebring’s Christmas Parade occurs on December 5 starting at North Ridgewood Drive at 7:00 p.m., passing through Circle Park before ending at Fireman’s Field.
December also features other events such as “Flor de la Noche Buena,” a bilingual performance blending Mexican folklore music and dance (December 7), “Avon Park’s Christmas in the Park” with local vendors and choirs (December 8), Avon Park’s Jingle Bell Run (December 12), Florida Flywheelers’ Christmas in the Village drive-through event supporting charities (December 12–13 & December 19–20), Red Easel’s Craft & Fun Fair for shoppers (December 13), Sebring Christmas Boat Parade across Lake Jackson (December 13), and Lake Placid’s Gingerbread Lane-themed parade where attendees can vote for their favorite entry (December 13).
Some activities are free while others may require tickets or an admission fee. Details are available via Visit Sebring’s event calendar or by contacting Tanya Churchmuch or Casey Hartt by email.
Visit Sebring operates under the Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC). According to its mission statement: “The mission of the TDC is to contribute to a positive quality of life for the residents of Highlands County through destination promotion, tourism development, advocacy, and resource management – which are foundation pieces for future economic growth.” More information is available at http://www.VisitSebring.com or @VisitSebring on social media.
