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CLERMONT

On Tap: Get in the holiday spirit this weekend

Linda Florea / For the Daily Commercial
Two girls sled on the snow at Donnelly Park in Mount Dora at a past Christmas Walk. [Cindy Sharp/Correspondent]

It’s hard to avoid holiday cheer this weekend as a bounty of seasonal events take place across the county.

Here’s a look at what’s On Tap this weekend:

Mount Dora Christmas Walk, Parade and Boat Parade

Enjoy a free family-friendly holiday street party, complete with live music, Santa and shopping at the 26th Annual Christmas Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday in downtown Mount Dora. Slide over to Donnelly Park for snow sledding with free sleds provided. No pets or glass allowed.

On Saturday, gather along Donnelly Street at 10 a.m. for the 58th Annual Christmas Parade. The parade features bands, local organizations, law enforcement, firefighters, Mount Dora City Council members, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Then, at 7:30 p.m., make your way to Simpson Cove on Lake Dora as the 29th Annual Lighted Boat Parade launches from the Lighthouse at Gilbert Park. Local boat owners will compete for best in light show display and originality.

“Light Up the Night” in Tavares

Enjoy lights, music and holiday cheer Saturday during the “Light Up the Night” Christmas Parade and Celebration at 5 p.m. in downtown Tavares.

The parade begins at 5 p.m. on Main Street with 851 walkers, 183 vehicles and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. After the parade, head down to Wooton Park where eight lucky children will receive playhouses from Habitat for Humanity. The Tavares High School Chamber Choir will bring their vocal talents to Town Square while the High School Jazz and the Middle School bands will bring their talents to the Pavilion pier. The Mistletones and a five-piece ensemble featuring Nik & Reema will also perform on the event pad in the park.

Light Up the Night will also include: kids’ village, strolling piano, “ice” skating, photo station, face panting, s’mores pit and food vendors.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive around 7 p.m. via seaplane and with fireworks, and children will be able to drop letters to Santa in a large mailbox at the festivities.

Leesburg Hosts Parade, Christmas on the Water

A tradition since 1967, enjoy an evening of holiday entertainment and fun for the whole family as the Annual Leesburg Main Street Christmas Parade rolls through downtown at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The parade will feature marching bands, twirlers, dance groups and illuminated floats.

On Sunday, mosey on down to Ski Beach and Venetian Gardens for Christmas on the Water with food vendorsopening at 5 p.m., enterainment at 5:30 p.m., Light Up Venetian Gardens at 6:10 p.m. and the Lighted Boat Parade at 6:15 p.m.

44th Cracker Christmas Parade and Festival

Umatilla celebrates its 44th annual Cracker Christmas Parade and Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Cadwell Park, featuring arts, crafts, food and children's activities. Register for the dog walk and dress up your pooch for a walk along the parade route at 9 a.m. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at Central Avenue with floats, dignitaries and bands.

Light Up Clermont, Parade and Boat Parade

The annual Light Up Clermont ushers in the holiday season from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and carries over to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall Park on Friday and includes a live band on the main stage, DJ and dancing at the community stage, Santa’s Little Flippers performance, food trucks, bounce houses and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festivities on Saturday begin with the Hometown Holiday Parade at 10 a.m. along with crafts, food, music and community entertainment. Also, the free Lessons and Carols concert by Montverde Academy will be at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. Highway 27.

Watch from shore from West Beach to Waterfront Park Saturday as the 4th Annual Clermont Lighted Boat Parade begins at sunset. Benefiting the South Lake Elks Christmas for Kids Program, over $1,000 in donated prizes will be given to the top three best-decorated boats. Registration and kick-off party at Cypress Cove Marina, 10233 Cove Lane, will be from 1 to 5 p.m. There is no boat launching or vehicle parking available at the marina.

Light Up Montverde

Light Up Montverde is 6 p.m. Saturday at Montverde Town Hall, 17404 Sixth St. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate to local children and enjoy the tree lighting ceremony, get your picture at the library with Santa Clause and Sparky the Fire Dog, watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the Auditorium and warm up at the bonfire with free s’mores, cookies and cocoa.

Light Up Astatula

Usher in the holiday season at Light Up Astatula 6 p.m. Friday at Town Hall, 25009 County Road 561. Events include the lighting of the tree, a cake walk, the Christmas Story and carols and photos with Santa in the Community Building.

Enchanted Forest

Lake Catherine Blueberries, 5849 Lake Catherine Road in Groveland features the Enchanted Forest for the holiday season, which includes a hayride to and from the forest and a walking trail with lights, classic Christmas music and scavenger hunt. Along the way, visit with Santa, Rudolph and Buddy the Elf for free photo opportunities and write letters and Christmas lists to give to Santa. After completion of the scavenger hunt, redeem a prize in Santa’s Workshop.

The forest is open 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday until Dec. 21. Tickets are available online until 5 p.m. each night and are $8 and $4 for children 12 and younger. Walk up tickets are an additional $2 per person.

There is a charge for pony rides and face painting.