This community festival marks the start of the holiday celebration through the lighting of trees in the Chain of Parks throughout downtown Tallahassee. The downtown parks will be filled with live entertainment, seasonal food, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The festival starts at 3:00 pm on December 3rd and features multiple platforms of entertainment at several locations all over downtown; from Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park, to art displays and a variety of exhibits in Ponce de Leon Park and down Park Avenue, children’s activities in Kleman Plaza, and multiple food vendors on Park Avenue, Adams Street, and College Avenue.
The highlight of the Winter Festival starts once the sun goes down, as Bloxham Park at Monroe Street is illuminated during the annual Lighting Ceremony. Once the square is completely lit, the Jingle Bell Run begins.
Hundreds of runners of all ages experience downtown in the peak of the holiday spirit. After the run is completed, the Festival culminates with the Nighttime Holiday Parade. Starting at the corner of Monroe and Tennessee Street and finishing on Madison Street, the parade marks the official start of the holiday season in Tallahassee as Santa Claus comes to town.
Get your application to volunteer to be a part of the Winter Festival and Jingle Bell Run 5K. The event is free for all ages and is made possible by the generosity of local sponsors.