Holiday Events in Citrus County, FL | Discover Crystal River

2026 Holiday Events, Celebrate the Season!

Citrus County is a great place for the entire family to enjoy the season and there is plenty to keep you in the holiday spirits. Its sure to be the most wonderful time of the year!

If you need a quick getaway this winter, before or after the holiday festivities hit your home, look no further than Florida’s Crystal River region. In Citrus County, we know how to celebrate and bring people together for a bit of old-fashioned fun. Consider planning a trip around one of our signature events and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the holidays in Crystal River and its surrounding cities of Homosassa, Inverness and Floral City. Here’s our “must-do” winter event list to start planning your visit.





Crystal River Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – Friday, Dec. 4th, Crystal River

This is one of the City's most highly anticipated events of the year! Join us in the town square to light our beautiful tree. Every year, the city celebrates with holiday shopping vendors, children's activities, food vendors, beer and wine, live music, and Santa himself. Learn more at CrystalRiverFL.org





Floral City Heritage Event, Candles & Carols – Dec. 4, Floral City

This fun and educational event showcases Floral City’s early days. Town Center Park and downtown Floral City come alive with lights; volunteers dressed in period attire lead tours of historic homes and the museum; and you can expect good company, food and music. Demonstrations, horse cart rides and more make this event fun for all ages. FloralCityHC.org





Light Up Inverness – This December - Inverness

Kids will love this Christmas celebration in Inverness, featuring train rides, live music and light displays at Liberty Park, a boat parade, and a visit from Santa himself. Visitors can enjoy the local competition for Lamp Post Decorations, too. More details to come... Inverness-FL.gov





Fort Cooper Nights of Lights – Dec. 11-12, Inverness

This holiday event is must-see. Stroll through this beautiful state park under a canopy of sparkling lights, make your own s’mores, and enjoy holiday music and refreshments. Instead of an entrance fee, guests are asked to bring a food item or toy for the Citrus United Basket of Inverness or pet feed for Citrus County Animal Services. TheFriendsOfFortCooper.com





Inverness Olde Fashioned Christmas – Nov. 28, Inverness

Head to downtown Inverness for a fun, festive night full of holiday magic. Featuring live music, carolers, holiday activities, food, a Santa sighting and so much more. There is also a VIP ticket option for an extra festive event at the Old Courthouse and the Valerie Theatre. Inverness-Olde-Fashioned-Christmas.com





Celebration of Light – Dec. 18-22, 27 & 28, Homosassa

The Celebration of Lights at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a popular Citrus County holiday tradition featuring Sebastian Hawes' synchronized light-and-sound show in the Garden of the Springs, as well as nightly live entertainment and festive decorations. The community can expect to see different entertainment and refreshments nightly. Donations will benefit the Friends of Homosassa Springs. Facebook.com/FriendsHSWSP





Florida Manatee Festival – Jan. 16-17, Crystal River

The 40th Annual Florida Manatee Festival kicks off the New Year in Crystal River! Located in the "Manatee Capital of the World", The Florida Manatee Festival is an annual event held every January in beautiful downtown Crystal River. Our festival boasts two days of live entertainment, discounted opportunities for guided manatee boat tours and kayak tours in Kings Bay, children's activities, delicious food, and hundreds of vendors selling their wares! GoManteeFest.com

Author

Michael Corcoran
Visitor Services Representative
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Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Manatees can be seen year round at this State Park dedicated to Florida’s native wildlife. See manatees, Florida panthers, American alligators and crocodiles and many other species of birds, reptiles...

Fort Cooper State Park

In 1835, the United States sought to expel Native Americans who were fleeing to Florida Territory in order to avoid forced relocation beyond the Mississippi River. During this Second Seminole War,...