Light Up Clermont is Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 9 p.m. downtown. The Christmas parade steps off from Waterfront Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from the City of Clermont’s Christmas parade, Light Up Clermont and Enchanted Forest of Trees pages and its 2026 special events list (PDF). City Hall: 352-394-4081.

Clermont’s holiday weekend is Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5: the tree lighting and street party downtown on Friday night, then the Christmas parade Saturday morning. This year’s theme for both is “Christmas Rewind,” an 1980s throwback.

Who to call

  • City events: Clermont City Hall, 352-394-4081
  • Parade entries and sponsorships: the city’s events staff, CCody@ClermontFL.org
  • Police non-emergency: Clermont Police Department, 352-394-5588

Friday, Dec. 4: Light Up Clermont

The tree lighting and street party runs 5:30 to 9 p.m. at City Hall Park and throughout downtown Clermont, the city says. Expect:

  • The lighting of the city’s Christmas tree at City Hall Park.
  • Live music, food trucks, local vendors and carolers.
  • Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Clermont Historic Village, provided by the Kiwanis Club of South Lake.

The city invites ’80s holiday outfits. Handmade arts and crafts vendors apply through the Light Up Clermont application.

Saturday, Dec. 5: the Christmas parade

The Clermont Christmas Parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Waterfront Park and travels through Historic Downtown. The 2026 theme is “Christmas Rewind: Holiday Mixtape,” with floats, marching bands and local groups in 1980s style.

  • Awards: Most Festive Float (best overall), Youth Float, Christmas Cruiser (best vehicle) and Performing Group, judged on the theme, music, originality, costumes and performance.
  • Entering: parade spaces are limited. Groups apply through the parade application; approved entries get payment instructions from the city.

The city has not published a route map or road closure times for 2026. We will add them here when it does.

More holiday events in Clermont

Date Event Where Organizer
Nov. 21 to Jan. 2 Enchanted Forest of Trees Victory Pointe City of Clermont
Saturday, Nov. 21 Hometown Holidays Downtown Clermont Main Street
Sunday, Dec. 6 Chanukah Festival Waterfront Park Chabad of South Lake County
Sunday, Dec. 6 Ugly Sweater Run: Santa vs. Grinch Victory Pointe Beastmode Running
Friday, Dec. 18 Wine Stroll Downtown Clermont Main Street
Saturday, Dec. 19 Santa’s Twilight 5K Downtown Sommer Sports

Source: the city’s 2026 special events list (PDF).

The Enchanted Forest of Trees

From Nov. 21 through Jan. 2, Victory Pointe becomes the Enchanted Forest of Trees: more than 100 trees decorated by local businesses, organizations and community groups, along the trail. The city suggests visiting by day for the details and again after dark for the lights. Walk in on the trail, or park at the Clermont Boat House and walk over.

What this means for you

  • Friday, Dec. 4: tree lighting downtown from 5:30 p.m.; Santa is at the Historic Village.
  • Saturday, Dec. 5: be at the downtown route before the 10 a.m. start from Waterfront Park.
  • The Enchanted Forest is on display at Victory Pointe from Nov. 21 to Jan. 2.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, things to do this month, parks and trails and getting around Clermont.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Clermont Christmas parade 2026?

Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. It leaves Waterfront Park and runs through Historic Downtown Clermont. This year’s theme is Christmas Rewind: Holiday Mixtape, a nod to the 1980s.

When is the Clermont tree lighting?

Light Up Clermont, the tree lighting and street party, is Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at City Hall Park and throughout downtown.

Where can kids see Santa in Clermont?

At Light Up Clermont on Dec. 4, Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for photos at the Clermont Historic Village, provided by the Kiwanis Club of South Lake.

When is the Enchanted Forest of Trees in Clermont?

Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027, at Victory Pointe: more than 100 decorated trees along the trail, lit after dark.