The tree will be lit, the parade will fill the streets and the holiday festival takes over downtown. Enjoy this big holiday weekend in St. Cloud.
The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by the City of St. Cloud takes place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6- 9 p.m. out in front of St. Cloud City Hall, 1300 9th St. The event features musical performances, crafts, games, rides, a snow slide, a visit from Santa and more.
The 61st Annual Christmas Parade–Toys on Parade, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. The St. Cloud Chamber and the City of St. Cloud presents this annual tradition. The parade route starts at the Lakefront, goes to Pennsylvania Ave. then over 11th St. to Massachusetts Ave. and back to the Lakefront.
The 46th Annual St. Cloud Holiday Festival takes place on Dec. 7-8 and is presented by the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay. Local artists, crafters, vendors and food trucks gather together on the streets of downtown St. Cloud at this family friendly event. There is something for everyone–a kids chalk festival, local dance performances and–new this year–food truck contest.
Santa will be at the St. Cloud Holiday festival too! Bring the kids for photos on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. and Sunday from 12-3 p.m. Nominally-priced photo packages will be for sale.
Santa is coming to American Legion Post 80. The hall on Pennsylvania Ave. and 10th St. will hold a breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 9-11 a.m. The cost is $15 for breakfast and a photo with Santa and $5 just for a photo.
There is still time to drop-off donations for Toys for Tots at St. Cloud VFW Post 3227 (915 New York Ave. ) Donations will be accepted until Sunday, Dec. 8th.
Christmas arrives in Narcoossee on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic 1886 Narcoossee School House (5026 Yukon St.). There will be a mini-vendor market, hot dogs, chili cook-off, baked goods and family pictures with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free.
Christmas in the Cloud, presented by Amazing Animals Inc., takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4235 Rambler Ave. Celebrate Christmas with the critters at this 5th Annual event hosted at Amazing Animals Inc. Wild Life Preserve. Admission is $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free. Teachers, active, retired military, police officers, fire fighters and EMTs receive $2 off with valid ID. Bring a bag of dog food or treats for Florida Little Dog Rescue and get in free.
Event highlights include: a petting zoo, food truck, animal meet and greets, community vendors, fake snow, over 25 holiday animal inflatables and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
New Faith Community Church (5000 Holopaw Road) presents a night in Bethlehem on Sunday, Dec. 15th at 6 p.m. There will be a kid’s Christmas program, a walk-through Bethlehem, including a live nativity, crafts, games and desserts.
Earlier this year, the City of St. Cloud postponed the Planning Commission and City Council public hearing to gather more community input. There will be a community open house on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Family Church (2925 Canoe Creek Road) to discuss the proposed changes to the City’s Future Land Use map. Additional information is available at https://www.stcloudfl.gov/2076/Comprehensive-Plan.
If you have any St. Cloud news or information that you would like to share, call Lisa Goldmacher at 407-319-9700 or email lcgoldmacher@yahoo.com.
