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Expect as much fun at the St. Cloud Christmas Parade as pictured here in 2022. FILE PHOTO
This first weekend of December is an amazing holiday time in St. Cloud. The St. Cloud Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, takes place in front of the (allnew!) City Hall Friday, from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy musical performances, crafts, games and rides, snowslide, a visit with Santa and more.
It’s just the start of a busy weekend. The St. Cloud Holiday Festival, presented by the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay, takes over downtown Saturday and Sunday. Over 180 crafters and vendors, a children’s craft area, chalk art contest, festival food, local shopping and another visit from Santa (Does he stay at the Hunter Arms over the weekend?) will be in attendance. There will be a classic car show on Sunday. The fun starts at 9 a.m. on both days, but be down there early Saturday.
That’s when the 60th Annual Christmas Parade takes place, starting at 10 a.m. This year’s Christmas Parade theme is “Christmas Movie Time”. This locally-televised event will be live streamed on the St. Cloud Chamber’s social media page. The parade starts at Lakeshore Boulevard, heads south on the new-look Pennsylvania Avenue, west on 12th Street to Massachusetts Avenue before heading back to Lakeshore.
The 4th annual Osceola County Toy and Poker Run benefiting Toys for Tots takes place on Sunday. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. at Island Cloud Grill (1122 Pennsylvania Ave.) The run goes to the DAV Post 10 American Legion, Post 33 AMVETS and ends at the VFW in St. Cloud. Entry fee is $10 and a new unwrapped toy per person or $20 per person with no toy. This event is presented by AMVETS Riders FL Chapter 33. For more information, contact Rugre at 407-928-3163.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office presents “Together as One Christmas Tour” as part of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) toy giveaway. The team is touring the County, bringing gifts to special children. On Friday, Dec. 1 from 4-7 p.m., the tour comes to the Holopaw Community Center (8801 Community Center Road). Come meet Sheriff Marcos Lopez and his canine sidekick Bacon. One toy limit per child, ages 12 and under, while supplies last.
Students at St. Cloud High School and Harmony High School are collecting supplies for the homeless this holiday season for Help Now of Osceola. If you would like to contribute, you may drop-off food, personal care items, baby items and more to any of these schools before Monday, Dec. 4.
Kissimmee Valley Feed (215 13th St., St. Cloud) presents Paws with Claus on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a chance to take a photo with Santa. Party highlights include special guest “Just A Glazin”, they will help make your pet's paw into a forever ornament.
To participate with the ornament fun the fee is $20. To RSVP, call Kissimmee Valley Feed at 407-892-4040.
Christmas arrives in Narcoossee on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Historic 1886 Narcoossee Schoolhouse, 5026 Yukon St. It is a chance to tell Santa what you would like for Christmas. Shop local vendors, foods for sale include hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, baked goods and logo items.
From there, head south to the Manor (4235 Rambler Ave.) for Amazing Animals’ Christmas in the Cloud from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate Christmas with the critters at this fourth annual event. Event highlights include petting zoo, animal meet and greets, fun fake snow, meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, over 25 holiday animal inflatables, food trucks and community vendors.
Admission is $10 per person, ages 2 and under free. Discounts are available for teachers, active and retired military and first responders. Bring a bag of dog or cat food to donate to Osceola County Animal Services and get one free entry per person per bag.
Hola in the City takes place on Friday, Dec. 15 from 5-8 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall. in collaboration with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. The City invites all for a fun event celebrating Hispanic heritage. This event features arts, culture, Hispanic cuisine and more.
If you have any St. Cloud news or information that you would like to share, call Lisa Goldmacher at 407-319-9700 or email lcgoldmacher@yahoo.com.
