From Thanksgiving to January, downtown Mount Dora becomes a snow globe without snow. Light Up Mount Dora strings 2 million lights across buildings, trees, and the 30-foot tree in Donnelly Park.
It started small in the 1980s with shop owners wrapping windows. Now it’s a full production. Crews start hanging in October. The lighting ceremony is the Friday after Thanksgiving. The mayor flips a switch, the tree explodes, and Santa arrives by fire truck. Every year.
Carriage rides sell out weeks in advance. They clip-clop through brick streets while choirs sing on corners. Hot chocolate vendors set up. Shops stay open late. You’ll wait 45 minutes for a table at restaurants, and nobody complains.
The lights run nightly 6-10pm through New Year’s. Weeknights are manageable. Weekends are packed. December 23rd is chaos in the best way. People drive from Tampa and Jacksonville just to walk it.
Why does a Florida town go this hard for Christmas lights? Because the elevation means nights are actually cool. 55°F, lights reflecting on brick, steam from coffee cups. It feels like the Christmas movies, minus the shoveling.
Local Tip: Park at the Mount Dora Christian Academy and walk six blocks. It’s free and faster than circling downtown. Don’t miss the train display in the Chamber windows.