We know, you might not want to hear this right now, but the Holidays will be here before you know it! That’s why, as every year, we have been working hard on putting together Sanford’s best holiday events and things to do for you and your family. Be assured, the list of events will be growing constantly as we approach December…
1. Photos with Santa
When: Friday November 6th, 2015 – December 24th, 2015
Where: Seminole Towne Center Mall
What: It’s time for holiday photos with Santa.
Admission: Photo prices will vary depending on selected print.
Info: For additional information about Santa photos and visits, please stop by the Santa booth in Center Court.
2. 2015 Annual Holiday Open House: Good Things Come in Small Packages
When: Opening reception: November 14th, 2015 10am-4pm. The holiday show runs through December 31.
Where: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery 211 East 1st Street
What: Dive into an imaginative wonderland of one-of-a-kind art, gifts, and trees festooned with distinctive ornaments. Small delights abound and the spirit will be merry. Refreshments served.
Admission: Free!
Info: (407) 323-2774
3. Southern Makers Series: Taste and Talk, Holiday Cooking with a Florida Flair
When: November 21st, 2015 11am-12:30pm
Where: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
What: Join our guest panelists, Pam Brandon, Katie Farmand, and Heather McPherson as they share a bounty of food knowledge fit for the holidays. This trio of authors has traveled the Sunshine State to bring the best of Florida’s farms, fishmongers, and roadside restaurants to the forefront. We’ll have delicious food tasting samples from some of their favorite holiday recipes. Both of their books, Good Catch and Field to Feastwill be available for purchase.
Admission: Free!
Info: (407) 323-2774
4.Holiday Trunk Show
When: November 27th 6pm-9pm and November 28th 10am-4pm
Where: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
What: Join us as we welcome Master Bearmaker Darlene Allen to the gallery. Her new collection of exquisitely made bears and other furry friends will leave you smiling. Using imported wool mohair, Darlene fastidiously constructs articulated animals with lots of personality and dresses them for the holidays. You are sure to find an heirloom treasure to gift or to keep
Admission: Free!
Info: (407) 323-2774
5.Holiday Season Market
When: November 28th, 2015 – 8pm-midnight
Where: Sanford Avenue & 4th Street (401 S Sanford Ave)
What: Get your Christmas shopping done while having fun at this night time market. Lots of great artists, vendors, music, food, gifts, wine and beer.
Admission: Free!
Info: (407) 221-1499
6. Claus & Paws – Pet Photos with Santa
When: 11/29/2015 and 12/6/2015
Where: Seminole Towne Center Mall, Sanford, FL
What: What could be more memorable than a photo of Santa with your favorite family member, Fido or Fluffy? Seminole Towne Center invites all pet lovers out for a special photo opportunity, Sunday, November 29 and and Sunday, December 6. Get your pet’s photo taken with Santa from 6 pm.-8 p.m. at the Santa set located in the mall’s Center Court.
Admission: Photo prices will vary depending on selected print and pets will receive a special treat after each visit.
Info: Pets may enter through the Food Court entrance or Dock #6, near Burlington. Traditional pets only please. Santa is sponsored by Gymboree.
7. Holiday Choral Concert at SSC
When: Tuesday December 1st, 2015 at 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm
Where: Seminole State College
What: Seminole State College presents their Holiday Choral Concert.
Admission: Free!
Info: 407.708.2038
8. Holiday Trunk Show with Guest Artist Melissa Menzer
When: Friday, Dec. 4 from 2 to 6pm and Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10am to 4pm
Where: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
What: Join us as we welcome Florida folk artist Melissa Menzer to the gallery. She puts a witty spin on the holidays with her antique assemblages made from clay and rescued vintage treasures. You’ll be dazzled by her elegant birds adorned with jewelry from days gone by. She will also have new additions to her painting series, featuring coloful characters from her world, real and imagined.
Admission: Free!
Info: (407) 323-2774
9. Christmas in the Square
When: Friday, December 4th, 2015 – 6pm-8pm
Where: Downtown Sanford – Magnolia Square Sanford, Florida 32771
What: Join the City of Sanford as we light up Historic Downtown Sanford!
Live Entertainment – Visit with Santa – Light up Sanford – Fun for the Whole Family
Admission: Free!
Info: 407.688.5120
10. 5th Annual Hysterical Tour of Gnomes Pub Invasion
When: December 4 – 8:30pm-2am
Where: Downtown Sanford: Little Fish Huge Pond, Breezeway Grill & Bar, Celery City Craft, West End Trading Co., The Purple Grape
What: “The 5th Annual Hysterical Tour of Gnomes”. On Friday, December 4, 2015, Gnomes plan to tour historic downtown Sanford once again at these local pubs Downtown Sanford: Little Fish Huge Pond, Breezeway Grill & Bar, Celery City Craft, West End Trading Co., The Purple Grape
Admission: $15 per Ticket 5 Bars/5 Drinks
More Info: Follow Sanford Pub Invasion on Facebook for Updates, Sanford Pub Invasion
11. Gathering Before the Holiday Tour of Homes
When: Saturday December 5th 8am-2pm
Where: The Sanford Flower Shop 209 E Commercial St.
What: Did you know that the Sanford Flower shop helps to decorate some of those beautiful trees you see in the beautiful homes of the annual Sanford Holiday tour? We at Sanford365 were so excited to hear this as well as just how much Sanford flower shop loves being a part of Sanford and the Holiday tour. Be sure to take some time before this years tour and stop into the Sanford Flower Shop to see some of their beautifully decorated trees, sip on some refreshments and shop til you drop as they will have their Christmas decor on sale!
Admission: Free!
Info: (407) 322-1822 http://www.sanfordflowershop.com/
12. 2015 Holiday Tour of Homes
When: December 5, 2015 | 4 – 9 p.m.
Where: Palmetto Avenue in Old Sanford Historic District Sanford, FL 32771
What: As live music fills the air with the sounds of the season, guests will be welcomed into historic homes decorated with holiday cheer. Locally acclaimed restaurants will provide sips and bites along the candlelit streets of the Old Sanford Historic District.
Admission: Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets Today
Info: Follow us on Facebook for the latest Holiday Tour updates https://www.facebook.com/SanfordHistoricTrust
13. The Star of Bethlehem
When: Saturday December 5th, 12th & 19th 8:30p
Where: Seminole State College Planetarium 100 Weldon Blvd. Sanford
What: A favorite seasonal presentation of planetariums around the world, the Seminole State College Planetarium-produced version of “The Star of Bethlehem” has been praised by both secular and religious audiences alike for the last decade. “The Star of Bethlehem” looks into the issue of the Christmas star from a scientific standpoint, breaking down the existence of Jesus of Nazareth, the story of the Magi, and the astronomical events that may help to explain the Star. With cutting-edge research that is both scientifically and historically accurate, “The Star of Bethlehem” deftly explores the fine line between faith and science.
Most appropriate for ages nine and up.
Admission: Adults: $6
Seniors (55 and up): $4
Students (grades K-12): $4
Non-Seminole State College Students (with ID): $4
Preschoolers and Seminole State students, faculty and staff: Free!
Info: 407.708.2360
14. Sanford Jazz Ensemble “Christmas Concert”
When: Sunday, December 6th, 2015 3pm-5pm
Where: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center 201 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
What: Sanford Jazz Ensemble “Christmas Concert.” The Sanford Jazz Ensemble is a volunteer community orchestra made up of a diverse group of excellent musicians, dedicated to the preservation of the Big Band Jazz Tradition. The band’s extensive repertoire covers a wide range of material from the classic swing era to the contemporary jazz styles of today.
Info: 407-321-8111
Admission: $15 Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets Today
15. Big Bang Bazaar Holiday Market
When: Sunday, December 6th, 2015 11am-5pm
Where: Sanford Civic Center (401 E Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771)
What: We are pleased to announce the Big Bang Bazaar – HOLIDAY HANDMADE SPECTACULAR (Indie Art, Crafts and Vintage Bazaar) will take place at a new indoor/outdoor venue!The event is family friendly and appropriate for all ages! Big Bang Bazaar will feature a curated selection of over 100 local Indie artists and crafters, along with a free photo booth and Special Local Guests from the Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls and the Orlando Facial Hair Club.Shoppers will find a wide variety of goods, all handmade by local artisans! Products such as clothing, accessories, jewelry, original art, art prints, housewares and much more will be available for purchase!
Info: For more information about this event, please visit bigbangbazaar.net website, or on Facebook
Admission: Admission and parking are free to all guests!
16. Holiday Band Concert
When: Tuesday December 8th 2pm-3:30pm and again at 7pm-8:30pm
Where: SSC 100 Weldon Blvd. / Fine Arts Concert Hall, G-118
What: Holiday Band Concert. Join Seminole State’s Music Department for a celebration of holiday classics.
Admission: This event is free and open to the public.
Info: Fine Arts Cultural Events Information Line 407.708.2040, press 2
17. Christmas Snow Village
When: Friday, December 11th at 6pm-10pm * Saturday, December 12, at 4pm-10pm * Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 2pm-10pm
Where: Vida Nueva Church (911 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771)
What: A Christmas snow village with a Narnia theme area with snow, a Christmas picture decorated area, food, refreshments and games!
Admission: FREE!
Info: 407-617-9690
18. Breakfast/Brunch with Santa
When: Saturday, December 12th, 2015 – 9am-10:30am and Brunch at 11am-12:30pm
Where: Sanford Zoo (3755 NW Highway 17-92 (I 4 Exit 104), Sanford, Florida 32771)
What: Meet Santa at the Central Florida Zoo. 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. After breakfast everyone can enjoy creating a special animal treat and then watch as the Zoo Keepers give the animals these special holiday gifts that were made.
Admission: Registration available online at www.centralfloridazoo.org
Info: Call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org for more information.
19. Sanford’s Annual Illuminated Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 12th, 2015
Where: 1st Street Downtown Sanford, FL
What: Join the City of Sanford for a fun-filled family night out in Historic Downtown Sanford! Lights, floats, Santa and lots more!
Admission: Free!
Info: 407.688.5120
20. Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
When: Wednesday, December 16th, 8am-9:30am
Where: Sanford Chamber of Commerce, 400 E First Street, Sanford, FL 32771
What: An open house holiday party organized by the Women’s connection at the Sanford Chamber of Commerce. Win a prize for the ugliest sweater! Vote for your favorite cookie at the Holiday Cookie Bake Off.
Admission: Free. To enter cookie baking contest: $5
More Info: http://business.sanfordchamber.com/events/details/holiday-expo-cookie-contest-at-business-connections-6426
21. A Very Special Planetarium Christmas Special
When: December 18th, 2015 8pm
Where: Seminole State College Planetarium 100 Weldon Blvd. Sanford
What: Join the staff of the planetarium for a unique night under the stars. We’ve got singing, stories, and stellar silliness on tap for our visitors as we wind down another semester, and another year.
Admission: This a free event, but seating is limited. Please arrive early to ensure a place in the dome.
Info: 407.708.2360
22. Ballet Fedotov Presents the Nutcracker
When: December 19th, 2015 7pm-9pm
Where: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center 201 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
What: Ballet Fedotov and the Russian Academy of Ballet Alafaya presents this classic holiday story of a young girl named Clara who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and his fierce battle against the Mouse King. Spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, and the rich, melodic score by Pyotr Tchaikovsky bring this tradition to life and bring warmth to your holidays.
Admission: $21-$28 – Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets Today!
Info: 407-321-8111
23. Sanford’s Illuminated Boat Parade
When: December 19th 6pm-7pm
Where: Downtown Sanford’s Riverwalk
What: Sanford’s Illuminated Boat Parade. Come down to Sanford’s Riverwalk and watch or join the lighted parade of sailboats and powerboats in celebration of the holiday season. Viewing locations: North side of Marina Island, St. Johns River Steak and Seafood Restaurant, Veterans Memorial Park, Wolfy’s Bar & Grill, and along the Riverwalk in Sanford from Park Ave to 17-92..
Admission: Free to watch and $25 for boaters.
Info: http://www.usailflorida.com/html/xmas_parade.html
More events coming soon! Be sure to check back…
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