South Lake Tablet

A classic Florida attraction known the world over, Cypress Gardens delighted guests for decades. Join us as we trace the history of this Winter Haven treasure, remembered as the “Water Ski Capital of the World.” You will hear about the development and opening of the park, the property’s expansive botanical gardens, and the shows and rides that made it such a fun place to visit for generations of tourists and locals alike.

About Our Speaker
Jeremy Hileman is the assistant curator of collections at the Orange County Regional History Center. As part of the museum staff since 2018, he previously served as the One Orlando registrar and has worked on several key projects, including the special exhibition Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground. Jeremy is an alumnus of Florida State University.

Participate online or in-person. Closed caption available online.

History Center Members: Free
General Public: $5
History Center Members with lunch: $12
General Public with lunch: $17
Lunch must be ordered by 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 4.

Please call 407-836-8580 with questions.

Downtown Clermont – Dec. 5, 2025
5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Join us for a magical evening at our annual Tree Lighting and Street Party Event at City Hall Park and Downtown Clermont! Enjoy live music, a DJ, and carolers, along with tasty food. Don’t miss the chance for a special photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of South Lake. Celebrate the countdown to Light Up Clermont—an unforgettable holiday tradition!

FRIDAY NIGHT SHUTTLE/BUS SERVICES ROUTES AND LOCATIONS MAP

Clermont’s  Annual Lighted Boat Parade will illuminate the waterfront on Saturday, December 6, beginning at dusk. Boats will gather near Cypress Cove Marina Resort & The Cove Bar, then make a counter-clockwise loop around Lake Minnehaha before continuing into Lake Minneola, passing in front of Victory Point, Waterfront Park, and the Lake Minneola Inn–Tiki Bar & Grill. Spectators along the shoreline will enjoy an unforgettable display of twinkling lights reflecting off the water.

Boaters participating in the parade are encouraged to bring a new toy to Santa’s boat—the lead vessel marked by a yellow flashing light—to receive an official boat number and be entered into the decorating competition. Santa’s team will also provide a map and the locations of judging docks. All toys collected will be delivered to Santa’s Shack to support the Christmas Across South Lake distribution. Let’s aim to fill the boats—and hearts—with holiday joy!

Those interested in sponsoring the event or donating gift certificates, services or prizes to support the best-decorated boat or Christmas for Kids may contact Mendy at 407-383-7213.

Join your neighbors on the water or on the shore as Clermont kicks off a festive  holiday tradition!

The Town of Montverde invites the community to celebrate Light-Up Montverde on Saturday, December 6, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Town Hall, 17404 Sixth Street.

Enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer, community spirit, and family-friendly fun, including:
• A visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
• Hot dogs and chili
• A festive Christmas carol sing-along
• A showing of the classic movie “Elf” under the stars
• The ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree by the Mayor

This beloved annual celebration brings neighbors together to welcome the season—fun for the entire family! 

The Lake Concert Band, an all-volunteer group entertaining, Lake County audiences since 1989, will be performing on Wednesday, December 10 at 7 pm at the Mount Dora Msic Hall at the Community Building 520 N. Baker St. Mount Dor.

No tickets or reservations are required; however, non-perishable food donations will be accepted,and there will be a free-will offering taken with all donations going to the Lake Cares Food Pantry.

All are welcome for this fun evening!

(Photo credit: Bonnie Whicher, Mount Dora Living Magazine)

The public is invited to experience the wonder of the season at South Lake Presbyterian Church’s Annual Cantata Worship Service, beginning at 10 am on Sunday, December 14, 2025. This year’s enchanting program, themed “The Promise of Christmas,” promises to fill hearts with joy, inspiration, and the true meaning of Christmas.

The musical celebration will feature performances by the East Ridge Middle School Choir and Student Flutists, along with the choral ensemble “Sisters of Sound.” Guests will also enjoy moving solo piano and violin performances, and familiar traditional Christmas carols woven throughout Biblical narrations that highlight the promise and hope of the holiday season.

This year’s cantata, located at the South lake Prebyterian Church, 131 Chestnut St., Clermont, is sponsored by Guru Restaurant in Clermont and Zmax Web Radio.

Following the service, everyone is invited to continue the celebration with a complimentary lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your family and friends and share in the warmth, joy, and community spirit as South Lake Presbyterian Church celebrates “The Promise of Christmas.” 

For more information, email drg25151@aol.com.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is thrilled to partner with Opera Orlando to present two powerful performances of “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” at the historic Garden Theatre on Plant Street. This nonfiction story tells the moving story of the 1914 Christmas Truce during World War I. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, peace, sharing a message of peace and humanity amidst the conflict. ALL IS CALM (2021) Official Trailer The New York Times explains this production as “A beautiful musical recounting of a World War I cease-fire of gifts, poetry, and melody.”
Dec 20, 7:30 PM – 9:10 PM, Dec 21, 12:30-3:30

Mark your calendars as Lake Community Arts presents their inaugural winter concert; A Wondrous Revelation. Directed by Chad McClellan, this inspiring evening of music will feature the one-hundred voice Lake Community Choir. This concert weaves together timeless Christmas carols, moving choral works, and festive holiday favorites that will help everyone celebrate the spirit of the season with your family and friends.

Come experience the joy of community with the power of music as we usher in the holidays with wonder, laughter, and song. This performance of A Wondrous Revelation will take place at the Clermont Performing Arts Center on Sunday, December 21^st starting at 6 PM. Tickets are only $10. Visit: www.LakeCommunityArts.org.