FSU Football & Festive Fun: The Ultimate Guide to Tallahassee’s Holiday Events
As the FSU football season wraps up, the festive energy in Tallahassee shifts. It’s time to trade in your garnet and gold for some holiday cheer! This guide is for FSU students looking to explore the best holiday events, winter markets, and light displays the capital city has to offer. We’ll show you how living at NxNW puts you in the center of all the action, making it easy to balance finals with festive fun.
Key Takeaways
- Tallahassee’s premier holiday event is the annual Winter Festival, a massive celebration with a parade and live entertainment.
- Beyond the main festival, you can find unique experiences like The Nutcracker ballet and charming local light displays.
- For holiday shopping and local crafts, Market Days and the Victorian Christmas in Thomasville are must-visits.
- The city offers 21+ after-hours options, including festive bar crawls and local hotspots like Proof Brewing Company and Lake Tribe Brewing.
- Living at NxNW provides a convenient home base with easy access to all the city’s holiday festivities.
The Main Event: Tallahassee’s Annual Winter Festival
Get ready for the biggest holiday party in Florida’s capital city. The Winter Festival is a can’t-miss tradition that takes over downtown with pure festive energy.
What to Expect at the Festival
Held on the first Saturday in December, the Annual Winter Festival is an all-day affair. The evening kicks off with a beautiful Lighting Ceremony, followed by a spectacular nighttime holiday parade that travels down Monroe Street. Kleman Plaza turns into a massive activity area with live entertainment and tons of food vendors perfect for grabbing a bite between events.
Lace-Up for the Jingle Bell Run
Before the parade and music, you can get active at the Jingle Bell Run. This fun run kicks off the festivities, and you’ll see tons of participants dressed in Santa hats, elf ears, and other festive costumes. It’s a great way for FSU students to get moving and show some holiday spirit before the main events begin.
Pro Tips for FSU Students
The best spots to watch the parade are along Park Avenue and Monroe Street, so plan to arrive early to claim your space. Parking downtown will be a challenge, so save yourself the headache; consider using a ride-sharing service, one of the easiest ways of getting downtown from NxNW.
Dazzling Lights & Festive Sights Around Town
When you’re not at a festival, Tallahassee is glowing all season long with incredible light displays — perfect for a date night or chill evening with friends.
Stroll Through Cascades Park
The Celebration of Lights at Cascades Park is a must-see. The entire park is transformed with a beautiful holiday light display set to music. It’s a peaceful and festive atmosphere perfect for a low-key night out and some great photo ops.
Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park
This charming neighborhood tradition is a local favorite. The residents of McCarty Park go all out, creating a walk-through or drive-through light display that feels truly magical. It’s an ideal and free activity for a fun night out with your roommates.
Allison Christmas Spectacular
If you want to see something truly over-the-top, head to the Allison Christmas Spectacular. This massive residential holiday light show is synchronized to music you can tune into on your car radio. It’s a local legend for a reason. You can find even more Christmas lights in Tallahassee if you’re looking to explore.
A Short Trip to Victorian Christmas in Thomasville
Looking for a weekend adventure? Take the short drive to nearby Thomasville, GA, for their annual Victorian Christmas. The historic downtown area feels like stepping back in time with old-fashioned charm, live carolers, and unique shops perfect for holiday gift hunting.
Holiday Shopping, Shows, and Culture
From one-of-a-kind gifts to classic holiday performances, Tally has plenty of culture to soak in during the winter season.
Find Unique Gifts at Market Days
Skip the mall and find something special at Market Days. It’s one of the Southeast’s largest arts and crafts shows, making it the perfect place to find unique holiday gifts for friends and family back home.
A Classic Holiday Show: The Tallahassee Ballet’s Nutcracker
Seeing The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday tradition. The Tallahassee Ballet puts on a stunning performance that makes for a perfect date night or a special outing with friends to get into the festive spirit.
Holiday Magic: Cirque de la Symphonie
For something truly unique, check out the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Magic. This incredible show combines breathtaking performances from cirque artists with beautiful live classical holiday music.
More Local Holiday Fun
If you’re still looking for more, check out community events like Elf Night at the Tallahassee Museum or local celebrations at the LeVerne Payne and Jack McLean community centers.
After-Hours and 21+ Events
For FSU students looking for a lively social scene after hours, Tallahassee offers plenty of options, from organized bar crawls to classic local spots.
Holiday-Themed Bar Crawls
Downtown Tallahassee has a vibrant nightlife scene, and during the holidays, you can find a variety of festive bar crawls. Join a SantaCon or an Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl for a night of drinks, music, and holiday fun with friends. These can be great ways to celebrate the end of the semester and are strictly for those 21 and older.
Tallahassee’s Local Bar Scene
If you want a more casual night out, head to some of Tallahassee’s most popular bars. Bajas Tally is a classic student hangout known for its lively atmosphere. You can also explore the bars in the Gaines Street and CollegeTown areas for a high-energy night with other FSU students.
Unique After-Hours Experiences
For a different kind of after-hours fun, explore some of Tallahassee’s unique spots. You can find entertaining events at venues like the Terror of Tallahassee, which offers spooky attractions. For a more relaxed, creative vibe, check out local breweries like Proof Brewing Company or Lake Tribe Brewing. Many of these spots host live music or special holiday-themed events and offer a great place to socialize away from the typical bar scene.
Your Holiday Headquarters at NxNW
Juggling holiday fun and finals week is the ultimate student challenge. Living at NxNW gives you the perfect home base to do both without the stress.
The Perfect Location
NxNW’s location offers easy access to downtown Tallahassee and the FSU campus. That means less time commuting to holiday events and more time enjoying them — or hitting the books.
Amenities for a Festive Season
Our amenities are designed to make your holiday season better. Host a small gift exchange in your apartment, or use the recently renovated clubhouse as a cozy spot for a study break before heading out. Check out all of our community amenities to see for yourself.
De-stress During Finals
The holiday season lines up perfectly with the most stressful time of the semester: finals. NxNW is designed to be a comfortable and convenient place where you can focus when you need to, and then easily step out for a festive break when you’re done. Our spacious floor plans are perfect for studying and relaxing.
FAQs: Your Tallahassee Holiday Event Questions Answered
What is the biggest holiday event in Tallahassee?
The biggest and most popular event is the annual Winter Festival held in downtown Tallahassee on the first Saturday of December. It includes the Jingle Bell Run, a nighttime parade, live music, and more.
Are there free holiday activities for FSU students?
Yes! Many of the best activities are free to attend, such as watching the Winter Festival parade, strolling through the lights at Cascades Park, and visiting Candy Cane Lane.
Where can I see the best Christmas lights in Tallahassee?
For a public display, the Celebration of Lights at Cascades Park is a must-see. For impressive residential displays, check out Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park and the Allison Christmas Spectacular.
How can I get to these events from near the FSU campus?
Most major events are in or near downtown, which is a short drive or bus ride from the FSU campus area. Using a ride-sharing service is highly recommended for popular events like the Winter Festival to avoid traffic and parking issues.
Make This Holiday Season Unforgettable
From the high-energy excitement of the Winter Festival to the quiet charm of a neighborhood light display, Tallahassee offers a full spectrum of festive experiences. NxNW isn’t just a place to live; it’s a home that connects you to the vibrant culture of the city and the FSU community.
Ready to experience the best of student life in Florida’s capital city? Contact NxNW today to learn more about our community and schedule a tour!
