Tavares will hold its Christmas Parade and Festival on Saturday, Dec. 5, in historic downtown Tavares. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., the parade steps off at the same time, and the whole evening is free.

The parade route

The parade starts on Main Street at Sinclair Avenue and heads south to Ruby Street. It turns east on Ruby to St. Clair Abrams Avenue, goes north on St. Clair Abrams back to Main Street, then turns west on Main to finish where it began at Sinclair Avenue. The loop means a spot anywhere along those four streets sees the whole parade. The city suggests bringing lawn chairs and arriving early for a good place on the curb.

Up to 175 entries will be approved. Commercial entries may bring two vehicles, noncommercial entries up to 10, and golf cart communities up to 25 carts each. Entries compete for awards, including one for best theme.

The festival

Around the parade, the city fills downtown with a holiday festival. The lineup on the city's event page includes:

  • A giant Christmas tree
  • A skating rink
  • Snowstorms
  • Holiday photo spots
  • Live entertainment
  • A movie in the park
  • Food vendors
  • Visits with Santa

Getting there

Downtown Tavares, the Lake County seat, sits between Lake Dora and Lake Eustis along Main Street, south of U.S. Highway 441. From Orlando, U.S. 441 north runs to it through Apopka and Mount Dora. The parade loop uses the downtown streets themselves, so arriving early also means an easier time finding parking.

The details

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, from 5 p.m.
  • Where: historic downtown Tavares, Lake County, Florida
  • Cost: free
  • Questions: Tavares Recreation, 352-742-6477, or the city at 352-742-6209

Sources