Festivities at Home and Beyond

November 2025

Communities across Florida are gearing up for the holidays and shining a light on their unique celebrations. Here are a few to check out, from right here in your own backyard to some nearby western beaches.

Live Oak Christmas on the Square

Historic downtown Live Oak will be aglow with holiday spirit when Christmas on the Square returns for its 41st year, the first weekend of December. Events start in Millennium Park on Thursday, December 4, at 5:30 p.m. with a Christmas tree lighting, hot chocolate, popcorn, fun runs, and a movie under the stars.

The agenda for Friday, December 5, from 4 to 9 p.m. features vendors, live entertainment, a visit from Santa, and a fireworks show. The events on Saturday, December 6, will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include arts and food vendors, a car expo, Santa Land, and live entertainment. A lighted Christmas parade at 6 p.m. will be the weekend’s grand finale. By the way, organizers say the Friday forecast calls for snow!

Head west to Big Bend

Christmas is also set to come early to Panacea and Sopchoppy in Wakulla County. The fun starts on December 6 at 1505 Coastal Highway, where the Panacea Community Garden Farmers Market, open 9 a.m. to noon, offers local vendors, children’s activities, live mus,ic and farm-fresh produce and products. Christmas takes over the space from 4 to 6 p.m., bringing a 100% chance of snow throughout the event, the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and then a parade of lights starting at 6:30 p.m.

The following Saturday, December 13, the holiday spirit migrates a bit west for the Christmas in Sopchoppy Festival. From 1 to 7 p.m., Depot Park, at 34 Railroad Avenue, will host an old-fashioned, small-town Christmas with a twist, featuring unique vendors of homemade treasures and treats. At 7 p.m., visitors can head to the historic Sopchoppy High School Auditorium, 164 Yellow Jacket Ave., to enjoy The Sopchoppy Opry – A Country Gold Christmas. Book your tickets at sopchoppyopry.com. All net proceeds are used to restore the historic Sopchoppy School for use as a community center.

Carrabelle Country Market

Continuing westward, remember to visit Florida’s Forgotten Coast on the first and third Saturday of each month for the Country Market at Crooked River Lighthouse. This Carrabelle treasure trove, open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the foot of the historic lighthouse, is the perfect place to shop for unique gifts and tasty treats while supporting regional vendors, from artists and bakers to farmers and crafters. Admission to the market and the lighthouse museum is free.

On Friday, December 5, the lighthouse hosts Twilight at the Tower, an evening of live blues, barbecue, and a bonfire, from 6 to 8 p.m. Other after-hours options at this tallest of the Forgotten Coast lighthouses include climbs to the top and a tour of the Keeper’s House Museum. Another lighthouse draw is the monthly Moon Event held on or around the full moon. See the Crooked River Lighthouse website for more about the markets and events.

Beach Home for the Holidays

Thanksgiving Thursday may be the time for turkey, but that weekend, Santa Claus is coming to Panama City Beach. On November 28 and November 29, Beach Home for the Holidays waves goodbye to fall and sets the stage for the most magical month of the year. Starting at 3 p.m. each day, Aaron Bessant Park serves as the site of carol-themed concerts, s’mores, an appearance by Santa, and activities for children. Each evening culminates in a fireworks display.