Tallahassee Winter Festival
Experience the magic of the 40th annual Tallahassee Winter Festival, a dazzling celebration of lights, music, and arts. This beloved event transforms downtown Tallahassee into a festive wonderland with delicious food vendors, unique artisan crafts, and spectacular holiday displays. Enjoy live entertainment across four stages, a special Lighting Ceremony, the Jingle Bell Run, and a captivating Nighttime Holiday Parade. Don't miss Candy Cane Lane, Elf Night, and opportunities to meet Santa.
What to Expect
40th annual Winter Festival: Lights, Music, and Arts Celebration
Event Details
Duration
Multiple dates and times throughout the holiday season
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Tallahassee
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department
Food & Drink
Delicious food vendors, free hot cocoa, and cookies will be available at various events.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and individuals seeking festive holiday activities
Vibe
Festive, joyful, community-oriented
Energy Level
Moderate to high
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate (outdoor events may be affected by severe weather)
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $
- Parking: Parking information is not explicitly detailed for the main downtown festival, but is available next door at Thomasville Road Baptist Church for Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park.
- Accessibility: The City of Tallahassee is committed to providing accessible programs and services. For specific accessibility information, please contact the Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome) for Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park. Other events do not specify.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early for the main Winter Festival on December 5th to secure good viewing spots for the Lighting Ceremony and Parade, as downtown areas can become crowded.
- Check the specific hours for Candy Cane Lane and the Dorothy B. Oven Park light display, as they vary by date and extend beyond the main festival day.
- For Elf Night at Dorothy B. Oven Park, plan to arrive early as vehicle access is restricted, and parking is available at Thomasville Road Baptist Church.
- Registration for parade participation, entertainment, and vendor spots closes on October 12, 2026, so plan well in advance if you wish to be involved.
- For Santa calls and Soul Santa events, note the registration opening dates (November 30th for Santa calls, December 1st for Soul Santa) and register promptly as spots are limited.
Special Events & Promotions
- Registration for parade, entertainment, vendors, and exhibitors open for 2026.
- Santa calls begin December 10th.
- Soul Santa registration opens December 1st.
- Free hot cocoa and cookies at Elf Night and Cookies with Santa.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main attractions at the Tallahassee Winter Festival?
The festival features live entertainment on four stages, a Lighting Ceremony, a Nighttime Holiday Parade, delicious food vendors, artisan crafts, and dazzling holiday displays like Candy Cane Lane.
Are there opportunities to meet Santa Claus?
Yes, Santa will be making phone calls from his workshop, and you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Elf Night, or send letters and take photos with Santa at the Cookies with Santa event. Soul Santa events also offer opportunities to meet Santa.
Is there a cost to attend the Winter Festival or its associated events?
The main Winter Festival, Candy Cane Lane, and Elf Night are free and open to the public. Specific events like the Jingle Bell Run may have registration fees.
Where can I find more information about specific events like the Holiday Stroll or Soul Santa?
Details for the Holiday Stroll can be found in the event description, and specific registration and contact information for Soul Santa events are provided for the Walker-Ford/Smith-Williams and LeVerne Payne Community Centers.
What is the schedule for Candy Cane Lane and the Dorothy B. Oven Park light display?
Candy Cane Lane is open nightly from December 5-20, with varying hours. The Dorothy B. Oven Park light display runs nightly from November 26 through January 1, with different hours for weekdays and weekends.
More Christmas Events Near Tallahassee
More Christmas Events near 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.