The Holidays Are Nearly Here In Delightful Dunedin!

Published on November 30, 2023

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Written by Emily Hoban, Recreation Coordinator
Dunedin Parks & Recreation

The holidays are nearly here and it’s safe to say the Dunedin community is ready to spread cheer and celebrate the delights of the season! Dunedin Parks & Recreation rejoices in being able to provide fun and entertainment that continues to bring children, families, and our community together this festive time of year.

The holiday season kicks off with our annual Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 2 from 6-9 p.m. Whimsically decorated and illuminated boats launch from Loggerhead Marker 1 Marina and parade along the intercoastal towards Dunedin Marina, leading up to the much-anticipated arrival of Santa where he joyfully greets and delights children of all ages. Throughout the night, enjoy greetings from City dignitaries, holiday music, and tasty seafood treats from Olde Bay Café all while getting to roast marshmallows to create a s’more. The night concludes with the lighting of the magnificent Christmas tree symbolizing the beginning of all the wonderful holiday offerings that make Dunedin so delightful this time of year.

The holiday festivities continue the following weekend on Saturday, December 9 as our Old-Fashioned Christmas & Holiday Parade takes over Downtown Dunedin. The parade kicks off at 4 p.m. with local dignitaries, decorated floats, bands, performers and of course, Santa Claus delighting the crowd along Douglas Avenue. Immediately after the parade, Downtown Dunedin is transported back in time to old-fashioned Christmas activities and entertainment and yes, even an ice-skating rink is spread throughout downtown! Children, families, and the young at heart can stroll along Main Street and enjoy snow flurries, Clydesdale horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas caroling, festive bands, old-fashioned games, children’s crafts, roast marshmallows to create gooey s’mores, and slide down the “can’t miss” gigantic snow slides. To cap off this great event be sure to visit Santa Claus to let him know your Christmas wishes for this year, and be sure to have your picture taken with Santa in fun illuminated photo ops.

On behalf of the City of Dunedin’s Parks & Recreation Department, I wish you and your family a healthy, happy, and joyous holiday season.

Holiday events to celebrate throughout the month of December:

  • December 1: Kids Night Out-Santa’s Workshop
  • December 2: Breakfast with Santa
  • December 3: Dunedin Community Chorus - Holiday Concert
  • December 12: Santa’s Calling
  • December 15: Drive-In Movie Night: Elf
  • December 17: Dunedin Concert Band - Holiday Concert

To learn more about all the Holiday events offered in Dunedin, please visit www.DunedinGov.com/events or call 727-812-4530. 

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