The Enchanted Forest of Trees lights Victory Pointe Nov. 21 to Jan. 2. Plus Santa visits, a Chanukah festival Dec. 6 and holiday concerts in Clermont.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the City of Clermont’s Enchanted Forest of Trees, Light Up Clermont and ARC programs pages, its 2026 special events list (PDF), Clermont Main Street, Southern Hill Farms and the Clermont Performing Arts Center. City events: 352-394-4081.

Clermont’s biggest light display is the Enchanted Forest of Trees, more than 100 trees decorated by local businesses and groups along the trail at Victory Pointe, on view from Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027. Santa visits, a Chanukah festival, holiday concerts and two festive 5Ks fill out the season. The tree lighting and Christmas parade have their own page: Christmas parade and tree lighting.

The season at a glance

  • Nov. 21 to Jan. 2: Enchanted Forest of Trees, Victory Pointe
  • Sat. Nov. 21: Candy Cane Lane downtown, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 4: Light Up Clermont, 5:30 to 9 p.m., with Santa at the Historic Village
  • Sun. Dec. 6: Chanukah Festival, Waterfront Park
  • Dec. 5 to 20: Christmas Festival at Southern Hill Farms (ticketed)

Light displays

Enchanted Forest of Trees, Victory Pointe, 938 Victory Way. The city fills the lakefront park with more than 100 decorated trees, each made by a business, organization or community group, with a new theme each year and awards for Most Creative, Favorite Use of the Theme and Best Overall. The city suggests seeing it twice: in daylight for the details, and after dark when the lights come on. Walk in on the trail, or park at the Clermont Boat House and walk over.

Southern Hill Farms. The farm’s Christmas Festival at 16651 Schofield Road adds twinkling lights, fire pits, snow showers and a holiday movie on the lawn at 6:30 p.m. It runs 1 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 (Dec. 13 is tentative). Tickets are required online in advance.

Santa visits

  • Sat. Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Santa sightings, snow and a kids zone at Candy Cane Lane downtown, from Clermont Main Street.
  • Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 9 p.m.: photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Clermont Historic Village during Light Up Clermont, provided by the Kiwanis Club of South Lake. This year’s theme is an 1980s “Christmas Rewind.”
  • Southern Hill Farms Christmas Festival: Santa Claus from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on each festival date, included with admission.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026. Chabad of South Lake County holds a Chanukah Festival at Waterfront Park on Sunday, Dec. 6, according to the city’s 2026 special events list. Times will come from Chabad of South Lake County; we will add them when they are published.

Holiday concerts and shows

Date Show Where
Sat. Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Home for the Holidays, Dianne Garvis’ big band Christmas show, with a tribute to local veterans Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. U.S. Highway 27
Thursday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m. Children Sing! family showcase, Lake Community Arts (ages 7 to 11) Listed with the Arts and Recreation Center programs
Sun. Dec. 20, 6 p.m. Lake Community Choir winter concert, Home for the Holidays: Christmas classics, Hanukkah selections and winter favorites from a 100-plus voice choir Blackbox Theater, Clermont Arts and Recreation Center

The two choir dates are listed on the city’s ARC programs page. Performing Arts Center box office: 352-394-4800.

Holiday runs

  • Sun. Dec. 6: Ugly Sweater Run: Santa vs. Grinch, by Beastmode Running, at Victory Pointe (city events list).
  • Sat. Dec. 19, 6 to 9 p.m.: Santa’s Twilight 5K from City Hall Park through the historic downtown, a light tunnel and the Enchanted Forest of Trees, with a costume contest.

Downtown after dark

Clermont Main Street’s December Wine Stroll is Friday, Dec. 18, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., starting at 756 W. Montrose St. For dinner nearby, see date night in Clermont.

Christmas closures and trash

  • City offices: closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, on the city’s 2026 holiday list.
  • Trash: Friday, Dec. 25, collections move to Saturday, Dec. 26, on the sanitation holiday schedule.
  • Schools: Lake County Schools’ winter break runs Dec. 21 to Jan. 1; classes resume Wednesday, Jan. 6. See schools.

New Year’s Eve plans are on New Year’s Eve in Clermont. A neighborhood light display or holiday event we should add? Tell the newsroom.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Enchanted Forest of Trees in Clermont?

The city’s Enchanted Forest of Trees is on display at Victory Pointe, 938 Victory Way, from Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027, with more than 100 decorated trees along the trail.

Where can kids see Santa in Clermont?

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for photos at the Clermont Historic Village during Light Up Clermont on Friday, Dec. 4. Santa also visits Southern Hill Farms’ ticketed Christmas Festival from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on its December dates.

Is there a Hanukkah event in Clermont?

Chabad of South Lake County holds a Chanukah Festival at Waterfront Park on Sunday, Dec. 6, according to the city’s 2026 special events list.

Is there trash pickup in Clermont on Christmas 2026?

No. The city moves Friday, Dec. 25, collections to Saturday, Dec. 26. City offices close Dec. 24 and 25.