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Another year is coming to its end, and even though that always makes me a bit sad, at least the year always ends with one of the most cheerful times of all: Christmas! So as I am decorating our house and listening to my all time favorite holiday songs I am taking a break to put together all the fun holiday events Sanford has to offer in 2012. There seem to be a LOT this year, and best of all, I’m sure there’s something to be found for everyone! So enjoy, share and please, if I forgot any event on my list, add your event(s) to this ever-growing list 🙂

Happy Holidays to you all!!

Christmas in the Square & Annual Tree Lighting

  • When: 11/30/2012, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Magnolia Square & First Street, Sanford, Florida 32771
  • What: Join us as we light up Historic Downtown Sanford! There will be live entertainment, face painters, balloon artists and of course, a visit with Santa!
    Entertainment by: Gloryland Ensemble with the Foremen, Caroling Company, Wilson Elementary Chorus, Mistletones, Riverwalk Academy & Sanctuary Choir

24th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes

1. Candlelight Tour:

  • When: 11/30/2012, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Cost: $25 in advance, $30 day of. Group rates available. Buy here.
  • Location: Tour begins at 16th Street and Elm Ave. /Parking is at 18th Street and Elm Ave., Sanford, Florida 32771
  • What: Stroll through illuminated tree-lined streets while holiday music fills the air. Tour the charming homes of the historic Sanford Heights neighborhood. Enjoy food and beverages from local restaurants.

2. Day Tour of Homes & Gardens

  • When: Saturday, December 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Cost: $15 – Buy here.
  • Location: Tour begins at UCF Public History Center (301 West 7th Street, Sanford FL 32771)
  • What: This year we are featuring gardens as well as beautifully decorated homes and historic buildings on our daytime driving/walking tour. Enjoy refreshments and music at one of our charming gardens.

Here’s a map of all the homes that will be toured:

Old Fashioned Christmas

  • When: Saturday, December 1, 2012; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free (Donations accepted)
  • Location: Public History Center, 301 West 7th Street, Sanford FL 32771
  • What: The Public History Center is the registration site for 24th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes sponsored by the Sanford Historic Trust.
    Enjoy warm apple cider and sounds of the season! Arts and crafts, holiday-themed tours and even a special visit from Father Christmas from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. are in store! More info at 407-936-1679.

Christmas Show by the Sanford Jazz Ensemble featuring Miss Linda Cole

  • When: 12/2/2012 3:00 PM
  • Cost: $10 – Buy Tickets
  • Location: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 203 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
  • What: Come and enjoy this 18 piece Jazz Band, featuring Florida First Lady of Song, Miss Linda Cole. This month, Sanford Jazz Ensemble presents the Dynamic Trumpet of Bill Carmichael, The Christmas Show.

Holiday Gala Concert

  • When: 12/4/2012,  7:30 PM
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Seminole State College, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773
  • What: The Fine Arts Department at Seminole State College of Florida continues its 2012-13 season with its annual Holiday Gala Concert featuring the college’s choirs and bands. The concert will take place in the Fine Arts Concert Hall (room G-118) on the college’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.

St. Nicholas Day

  • When: 12/6/2012, 6:00 PM
  • Cost: Free event for restaurant guests – reservations recommended! When making your reservation, please tell us how many children will be in your party so we can make sure we have enough gifts for everyone.
  • Location: Willow Tree Cafe, 205 East First Street, Sanford FL 32771 – (407) 321-2204
  • What: St. Nicholas Day, or Eve, is celebrated on December 6th and dates back to the 4th century. This is the favorite holiday of all children in Germany – it’s a gift-giving day. When evening comes, St. Nicholas, a reverend gray-haired figure with flowing beard, wearing gorgeous bishop’s garments, gold embroidered cape, mitre and pastoral staff, knocks on doors and enquires about the behavior of the children. The custom of examining the children, where they will cite a verse, sing, or otherwise show their skills, is still widespread in German-speaking countries. Each little one gets a gift for his performance. Nikolaus also asks each child, “Have you behaved yourself?” “Do you do your homework?” “Do you keep your room tidy?” “Do you help your parents?” Then he opens his big sack and gives presents and candies and treats for all to share. Then, Nikolaus leaves quickly as he has many places to visit.
    The restaurant offers their own take on Sankt Nikolaus Tag. We will be celebrating to enjoy Christmas music from Jimmy and Eckhard and surprise guest singers from the Willow Tree Staff. There will also be a visit from Saint Nicholas who will have gifts for children.

Sights and Sounds of the Season presented by Seminole County Public Schools

  • When: 12/7/2012 7:00 PM
  • Cost: Donations accepted
  • Location: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 203 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
  • What: Every year several Seminole County schools join together to celebrate the holidays with musical selections performed by youth of all ages. Join us for this festive performance!

Breakfast (or Brunch) with Santa

  • When: 12/8/2012, Breakfast: 9:00-10:30 AM; Brunch: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Cost: $5-$22 (depending on age and membership status) – Click here for details!
  • Location: Central Florida Zoo, 3755 NW US 17-92, Sanford, FL 32771
  • What: Join us this holiday season and enjoy breakfast or brunch with Santa at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! There will be lots of fun holiday cheer and activities for the whole family. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy up-close animal encounters. Everyone will get to enjoy making a special animal enrichment and join the Zoo Keepers to watch as the animals receive their special holiday gifts. Registration is available online at centralfloridazoo.org or contact 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or education@centralfloridazoo.org for more information.

OGC Preview Show

  • When: 12/8/2012, 8:00PM
  • Cost: $20 – Buy Tickets
  • Location: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 203 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
  • What: The Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center is Proud to partner with the Orlando Gay Chorus. For the First time at they will be presenting “The OGC Holiday Preview Show”. This show will have holiday favorites and some very special songs from around the world. Come celebrate the Holiday Season with the WDPAC and OGC. www.orlandogaychorus.org

Sanford’s Annual Illuminated Christmas Parade

  • Date: 12/8/2012 6:00 PM
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Downtown Sanford, Sanford, Florida 32771
  • What: Fun for the whole family in Historic Downtown Sanford. Lights, floats, Santa and lots more! Celebrate the holiday season as illuminated floats light up the night! More information at 407-688-5120.

Babes in Toyland

  • When: 12/13/2012 7:00 PM
  • Cost: $10-$15 – Buy tickets
  • Location: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 203 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
  • What: Babes in Toyland weaves together various characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes into a Christmas-themed musical extravaganza!

Winter Sky Festival

  • When: 12/20/2012 6:00 PM
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Parking lot of Seminole State College of Florida Planetarium, Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, 100 Weldon Blvd. , Sanford, FL 32773
  • What: The Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida will host a free outdoor Winter Sky Festival on Thursday, Dec. 20, from 6 p.m. until midnight. Visitors will be treated to telescope viewings of Jupiter, the moon, galaxies, star clusters and nebulas, as well as a live presentation of the planetarium’s flagship show, “Central Florida Nights,” at 7:30 p.m.
    At 9 p.m., the planetarium will present “Fire of Creation: The Maya” on a giant screen. Visitors are invited to bring chairs, blankets and beverages. Food trucks will be on site serving a variety of cuisines.
    For more information, visit the planetarium website at http://www.seminolestate.edu/planet, or contact Planetarium Director Derek Demeter at 407-708-2409.

6th Annual Christmas Eve Pajama Party

  • When: 12/24/2012, 9:00PM
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Little Fish, Huge Pond – 401 S Sanford Avenue, Sanford FL 32771
  • What: Musical chairs, cookie exchange, art project and more. Free Monog shot!