Our Holiday Season Rituals in Oviedo: The Events We Never Miss
From the Christmas parade to the chicken serenade, here's what I look forward to every year.
I've lived in Oviedo for more than a decade now, and I still get a little thrill when the first cold snap hits and I start seeing the holiday lights go up on the water tower. There's something about this town that just feels cozy when December rolls around—maybe it's the way everyone knows each other, or maybe it's the sheer amount of holiday events packed into a few weeks. Over the years, I've found my favorites, the ones I clear my calendar for. Here's what I never skip, and a few tips I've learned the hard way.
The Christmas Parade: A Oviedo Institution
The Oviedo Christmas Parade is the big one. It usually happens the first Saturday of December, starting at noon, and it runs down Broadway Street from the high school all the way to the center of town. I've been every year since I moved here, and I still get goosebumps when the first fire truck comes around with its lights flashing and the sirens playing Jingle Bells. The parade is huge—literally hundreds of entries: marching bands, church floats, the Shriners in their little cars, and of course, Santa on the last float. The high school band always nails it, and the dance groups are adorable.
Pro tip: bring your own chairs and stake out a spot by 11 AM if you want a front-row view. Also, the parade route is long, so if you have small kids, set up near the beginning (by the high school) so they don't get bored. The whole thing lasts about an hour and a half, and there's a good chance you'll run into your neighbors. It's one of those events that makes you feel like Oviedo is a small town even though it's grown so much.
Holiday Art Stroll: Gifts That Don't Suck
If you're tired of big-box store gifts, the Holiday Art Stroll at the Oviedo Mall (yes, the mall) is a lifesaver. It's usually the second weekend in December, and it takes over the old Sears wing. Local artists set up booths with paintings, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and even some handmade soaps and candles. I always buy at least one pottery piece from a lady named Martha who does these beautiful glazed bowls. The prices are fair, and it's way nicer than giving another Amazon package.
I've found that the best stuff goes fast, so go on Saturday morning if you can. Sunday afternoon is more relaxed but the selection is picked over. Also, the mall puts up a big tree and there's usually a booth selling hot apple cider—bring a reusable cup if you can, because they use paper cups that get soggy.
Christmas Parade vs. Lights of Oviedo: Which One's Better for Little Kids?
| Factor | Christmas Parade | Lights of Oviedo |
|---|---|---|
| Crowd size | Huge—thousands of people | Medium—couple hundred |
| Noise level | Loud—bands and sirens | Quiet—mostly music |
| Activity for kids | Watch and wave | Petting zoo, hayride, lights |
| Best age | 3 and up | All ages, even babies |
Lights of Oviedo at the Historic Courthouse
This is my favorite event for getting in the mood. The Historic Oviedo Courthouse on Broadway gets decked out with thousands of lights, and they have a little village set up on the lawn with a petting zoo, a hayride that goes around the block, and a booth with free hot chocolate and cookies. It's free, but they accept donations for the food bank. The hayride is short but the kids love it—just don't expect a sleigh, it's a flatbed trailer pulled by a tractor.
I go every year on the first Friday of the event, because it's less crowded. Pro tip: the hayride line gets long fast, so hit that first, then wander the lights. Also, the courthouse itself is photogenic at night—get a picture of the kids in front of the big wreath on the door.
Chicken Shed Concert Series: Holiday Edition
The Chicken Shed at the Oviedo Farmers Market (yes, that's its real name) hosts a concert series all year, but the December one is special. It's usually the second or third Saturday evening, and they have a local band playing holiday tunes—think classic rock Christmas covers and some originals. The shed is actually an old chicken coop that got repurposed into a stage, and the whole vibe is very Oviedo: casual, a little quirky, and full of friends.
Bring a blanket or a low chair, and dress warm because it gets cold once the sun goes down. They sell hot chocolate and popcorn for a dollar, and it's all very low-key. I love that you can just show up, listen to a few songs, and leave whenever you want. No pressure to stay the whole time. It's a nice alternative if you've had enough of the big crowds.
Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Jesup
This one is a bit of a drive to the Lake Jesup Park, but it's worth it. Boats decked out in Christmas lights cruise around the lake, and you can watch from the dock or the shoreline. It's usually the Saturday before Christmas, starting at 6 PM. The boats get creative—one year someone had a full nativity scene on a pontoon, and another had a giant inflatable snowman that kept tipping over. It's hilarious.
Bring a thermos of coffee or hot cider, and dress like you're going to a football game—it's windy by the water. Also, bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car. The park has limited parking, so carpool if you can. I've seen people set up chairs on the grass, but the dock is the best view if you get there early.
Bonus: The New Year's Eve Pancake Breakfast
This isn't strictly holiday, but it's part of our tradition. The Oviedo Fire Department hosts a pancake breakfast on New Year's Eve morning at Station 25. It's like $5 for all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, and orange juice. The firefighters serve you, and the kids get to sit in the fire truck. It runs from 8 AM to noon, and it's a nice way to start the day before the night's festivities.
It's not fancy, but it's fun. And the money goes to the fire department's charity. I always feel good about it. Plus, the pancakes are actually good—they use the mix from the firehouse, which is a secret recipe I've never been able to replicate.
Find it on YouTube → “Oviedo Florida Christmas parade 2022”
Questions folks ask me
When does the Oviedo Christmas Parade start, and where do I park?
It starts at noon on the first Saturday of December. Parking is tough—I recommend parking at the Oviedo Marketplace (the mall) and walking the half mile to Broadway. There's also free parking at the Oviedo Civic Center if you get there early.
Is the Holiday Art Stroll free?
Yes, it's free to enter. You just pay for what you buy. Some artists take credit cards, but bring cash just in case.
Can I bring my dog to the Lights of Oviedo?
Yes, but keep it on a leash. The hayride doesn't allow dogs, but they can walk around the grounds. Just watch out for the petting zoo—some dogs get excited.
How early should I get to the Chicken Shed concert?
The show starts at 6 PM, but get there by 5:45 if you want a good spot. They have limited seating, so bring a blanket.
Is the boat parade free?
Yes, it's free to watch from Lake Jesup Park. Parking is free too, but the lot fills up fast. Arrive by 5:15 PM if you want a spot.
Look, I know the holidays can be stressful—shopping, cooking, family drama. But these events remind me why I love Oviedo. It's the kind of place where you can still feel like a kid, where the fire department serves you pancakes, and where a boat parade is a big deal. If you're new to town, or if you've been here a while and haven't checked these out, I hope you give them a try. Maybe I'll see you there. I'll be the one with the hot cocoa and the slightly soggy paper cup. Happy Holidays, Oviedo.
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- My honest newcomer's guide to moving to Oviedo, FL
- My Oviedo on the Park Survival Guide: Parking, Events, and the Best Benches
- Why I keep going back to Black Hammock (and why you should too)
- Oviedo vs Winter Springs: where we almost bought, and why we chose Oviedo
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