Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs has five holiday nights on the December calendar, starting with Light Up the Holidays on Saturday, December 5. The City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy are presenting that evening from 5 to 9 p.m., with ice skating, a fireworks show, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a 60-foot Christmas tree in the park.

The park, at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., wraps around Cranes Roost Lake next to Uptown Altamonte and the Altamonte Mall in Seminole County, Florida. After the opening night, the city follows up with two outdoor movie nights and two concerts with Santa on consecutive Thursdays and Fridays.

Saturday, December 5: Light Up the Holidays

According to the city, the evening includes:

  • Live music and dance performances
  • Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus
  • Ice skating
  • A fireworks show
  • Vendors around the park
  • Thousands of lights on the park grounds and a 60-foot Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of lights and ornaments

The event runs 5 to 9 p.m. The city bills it as the start of the holiday season at Cranes Roost.

Thursday, December 10: Holiday Movie Night, The Polar Express

The first movie night shows The Polar Express from 7 to 9 p.m. in the plaza area near the fountain and tower. The city suggests bringing blankets and lawn chairs and finding a spot on the lawn.

Friday, December 11: Holiday Concert With Santa

The Ultimate Santana Tribute Band headlines the first concert, from 6 to 9 p.m., with a mix of classic carols and newer holiday songs and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free, and food and drinks are sold on site. The city's partners for the concert series are Duke Energy, Emerson International, Inc. and AdventHealth.

Thursday, December 17: Holiday Movie Night, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The second screening is the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the same plaza near the fountain and tower.

Friday, December 18: Holiday Concert With Santa

The Fire Rhythms Band plays the second concert, from 6 to 9 p.m., again with Santa on hand.

At a glance

  • December 5, 5 to 9 p.m.: Light Up the Holidays, with fireworks, ice skating and the tree lighting
  • December 10, 7 to 9 p.m.: The Polar Express on the lawn
  • December 11, 6 to 9 p.m.: Holiday Concert With Santa, Ultimate Santana Tribute Band (free)
  • December 17, 7 to 9 p.m.: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) on the lawn
  • December 18, 6 to 9 p.m.: Holiday Concert With Santa, The Fire Rhythms Band

Before December

The city's recreation calendar also has smaller events in the meantime, including a Paint and Sip night at the Westmonte Recreation Center on Tuesday, November 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. A privately run Holiday Grinch Fest is booked at Cranes Roost on Sunday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., listed by the city as a rental event.

Getting there

Cranes Roost Park sits off State Road 436 near I-4 in Altamonte Springs. Check the city's events calendar at altamonte.org for any updates before you go, and sign up for city notifications there to hear about changes.

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