Osceola-News-Gazette_495812

It’s not Christmas without a tree lighting! Get ready to light the night with these exciting—and free!—tree lighting ceremonies around Osceola County: Kissimmee Nov. 29 The City of Kissimmee’s Christmas tree will be illuminated for the first time this year with an event including live holiday performances, festive treats, and a special visit from Santa. City leaders invite residents and visitors to join in an exciting countdown. The event will be on Nov. 29, at 7 p.m., at the City Hall Rain Garden (101 Church St.). Sunbridge Nov. 29 Sunbridge will celebrate the magic of the season with its annual Starry Night event and tree lighting ceremony. Highlights include visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a magical snowfall, festive market and food trucks, a kids zone, and more. The event will be on Nov. 29, from 4-8 p.m., at Basecamp (6197 Cyrils Dr.) Celebration Nov. 29 Get ready for a magical holiday kickoff with Celebration’s tree lighting ceremony during the town’s first Now Snowing event of the season. This spectacular event features live music, strolling carolers, and a grand entrance by Santa Claus. The event will be on Nov. 29, with the tree lighting beginning at 5:50 p.m., and the first “snowfall” of the season to follow. Now Snowing will feature nightly snowfalls at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. through Dec. 31, in Celebration Town Center (Market St. in Celebration). St. Cloud Dec. 5 The City of St. Cloud’s annual tree lighting will brighten the night during the Winter Wonderland Ceremony with a festive event featuring a visit from Santa, musical performances, carnival games, and a snowslide. The event will be on Dec. 5, from 6-9 p.m., at St. Cloud City Hall (1300 9th St.). Holiday Parades There’s nothing like the community getting together to spread some holiday cheer around town! Get ready for these upcoming parades as they’re the perfect way to celebrate the season: St. Cloud Christmas Parade Dec. 6 First up: The St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce and the City of St. Cloud invite everyone to experience “The Magic of Christmas” at the 62nd St. Cloud Christmas parade. The parade will be at 10 a.m. Guests can line up in downtown St. Cloud for this exciting display. Holiday Golf Cart Parade at Old Town Dec. 6 Old Town is ready to kick off the holidays with a golf cart parade—lighting up Old Town’s Main Street from 7-8 p.m., right before the weekly car cruise at 8:30 p.m. Residents of Sherwood Forest RV Resort are decorating their golf carts for this festive spectacle. Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade Dec. 13 One of Kissimmee’s most cherished holiday traditions, the Festival of Lights parade returns. The fun begins at the Holiday Festival from 4-7 p.m. at City Hall, featuring photos with Santa, hot chocolate stations, ornament decorating with AdventHealth, a Kids Power Zone by KUA, photo opportunities, and more. The parade will follow at 7:30 p.m. APV Christmas Parade and Celebration Dec. 13 This family-friendly free event begins at 11 a.m. with the parade down Cypress Parkway to the Vance Harmon Amphitheater, which will feature a kids zone, a food truck lane, live entertainment, vendors and crafters, a Battle of the Bands and more holiday fun. Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Holiday Parades Around Osceola By Emely Albelo and Jennifer Chalifoux For the News-Gazette St. Cloud will present “The Magic of Christmas” parade downtown on Dec. 6. (File Photo)