Illustration of a dog in a scarf sitting on Santa's knee for a photo while its owner laughs (Tallahassee Winter Festival)

Tallahassee Winter Festival

Visitors can browse arts and crafts merchants, purchase food from vendors, and explore holiday displays such as Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park. Four stages located throughout downtown feature performances by local actors, dancers, and musicians. Festivities also include a lighting ceremony, the Capital Health Plan Jingle Bell Run, and a Nighttime Holiday Parade.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

3-10 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Tallahassee

Food & Drink

Food vendors offer items for purchase.

Going?

Location

Downtown Tallahassee · Tallahassee, FL Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and fans of festive community celebrations

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Apply by October 12 if you want to be in the parade, perform on a stage or sell as a vendor or exhibitor, because all registrations close then.
  • Head to South Monroe Street at Bloxham Park for the Lighting Ceremony, which happens on the parade announcers' platform before the Jingle Bell Run and parade.
  • Stay for the whole evening, because the Lighting Ceremony, Jingle Bell Run and Nighttime Holiday Parade happen one after another.
  • Walk through Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park during the festival, and come back another evening because it stays open nightly through December 20.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, because the four entertainment stages are spread out across downtown.

Special Events & Promotions

  • This year is the 40th annual Winter Festival.
  • Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park opens on festival day and stays open nightly through December 20.

Links & Contact

Run by City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do at the festival?

Browse food vendors and arts and crafts merchants, see holiday displays like Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park, and catch local actors, dancers and musicians on four stages around downtown.

What happens in the evening?

The Lighting Ceremony comes first, then the Capital Health Plan Jingle Bell Run, and then the Nighttime Holiday Parade.

Can I be in the parade, perform or sell?

Yes. Registration is open for the parade, entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts exhibitors. All registrations close October 12, 2026.

Can I see Candy Cane Lane on another night?

Yes. Candy Cane Lane opens with the festival and then stays open nightly in McCarty Park through December 20.

Browse Christmas in Tallahassee

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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