Mount Dora Is A Small Town With Major Christmas Character

It's time to stray from your coastal comfort zone and push into the heart of Florida until you reach a small town flanked by lakes and seemingly frozen in time. Less than an hour from Orlando, Mount Dora, settled in the late 1800s, is anything but commercial.

The historic downtown is lined with old-fashioned facades that play host to specialty stores to explore for Christmas wares (don't miss St. Nick's Holiday Shop, which has fun decor for all holidays with an emphasis on Christmas), and antique dives to dig for vintage finds. It's the kind of town where street names mean something. You won't go a block without seeing the namesake, "Donnelly," plastered on some sign or plaque, paying homage to a founding family and the town's first mayor, Capt. John Philip Donnelly.

Donnelly Park and the historic Donnelly House back up to Donnelly Street, making navigation an interesting endeavor for outsiders. In a town so dedicated to celebrating its history and preserving its timeless charm, it's hard not to feel a nostalgic tug at the heart. Here's why you need to pay a visit to the enchanting Florida town of Mount Dora at Christmastime.

Mount Dora Celebrates Year-Round

Mount Dora boasts an impressive reputation as "Festival City," with monthly celebrations focusing on a broad range of interests. You can just as easily step in on a weekend packed full of art, indie films, artisanal crafts, or antiques as encountering a similar celebration of blueberries, paddle boarding, or Scottish Highland culture (one of our favorites). In December, though, it's all about having a Mount Dora Christmas.

This is one of those excursions that will create memories to last a lifetime. Start shaping your road trip around the magic of the season, and you will not find yourself dreading the time in the car. Instead, the anticipation of what you are about to share with your companions will fuel your enthusiasm.

Millions Of Twinkling Lights Set The Stage

Festivities kick off the weekend after Thanksgiving when over 2 million lights get draped over downtown, its historic homes, and Donnelly Park; and the Christmas tree on Main Street is officially lit. This night is arguably the most magical of the season.Get your own decoration inspiration at the Annual Christmas Tour of Homes on December 3 and 4—it's a self-driving tour of six houses decked out in their holiday finest. Organized by the Women's Committee of Fine Arts of Mount Dora, this is one of many events that set the community apart, allowing locals to share the history and spirit of the town they love.

Witness A Christmas Boat Parade

Perhaps the most beloved town tradition is the Lighted Boat Parade on the downtown waterfront when local boaters decorate their vessels and compete for the most festive charter. You can even take part in the parade by riding on one of the festively-lit boats. The annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade makes its way around the shoreline of Lake Dora with decorated boats lighting the night. Outfits such as Rusty Anchors offer tours for this event, so that you too can be on the water enjoying this special experience. This event kicks off the full holiday season and is held in early December.

Jump Into Some Snow Play

Southerners rarely get treated to the many holiday memories that stem from beautiful white snow, but you'll get a taste of the fun in Mount Dora with its annual snow-packed extravaganza. Ice skating, sledding, and Santa make the snow-laden day fun for everyone. The City of Mount Dora takes the time to transform their Elizabeth Evans Park into a winter wonderland that features food, fun, and a day of sparkling snow. Trade in your flip-flops for some snow boots, and get excited with this glimpse of snow fun from past years.