With cooler weather and Christmas near, the holiday season lends itself to uniquely romantic date ideas. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel out of state or go to a big city to experience the holiday magic. These small towns have plenty of romantic things to do during the holidays in North Central Florida from seeing Christmas lights to beer and wine tasting.
With cooler weather and Christmas near, the holiday season lends itself to uniquely romantic date ideas. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel out of state or go to a big city to experience the holiday magic. These small towns have plenty of romantic things to do during the holidays in North Central Florida from seeing Christmas lights to beer and wine tasting.
Related Read: Where to See Holiday Lights in North Central Florida
Date Ideas for Holidays in North Central Florida
Dade City
Bundle up and take a stroll down Dade City’s Church Avenue at night to see stunning Christmas lights while the sounds of church choirs and holiday music drift through the chilly night air.
For 40 years, Church Street Christmas has attracted thousands each year, so take your date to experience this romantic tradition from December 21st through the 23rd.
Get dinner beforehand at one of Downtown Dade City’s many great restaurants, like the eclectic Kafe Kokopelli, a local favorite with a seasonally-changing menu.
Brooksville
The Tilted Teacup Tea Room in Brooksville is perfect for elegant and cozy dates, but their popular Downton Abbey Christmas Tea every December is especially romantic. Inspired by the popular BBC show, this tea whisks you away to Christmas Past with lavish holiday decorations and the staff dressed in Edwardian attire. You and your date can also join the fun and dress in period-inspired clothing!
The 5th Annual Downton Abbey Christmas Tea will take place on the first Saturday of December with evening sittings. Tickets are $50 per person and include a full high tea with a delicious assortment of sweets and savories; there will also be music, lively entertainment, fun photo ops, and romantic carriage rides.
Call the Tilted Teacup Tea Room today and make your reservation for a romantic holiday evening. If you are from out of town, you may also want to book a room or suite at the new Dolan House Bed and Breakfast, which is just minutes away from the tea room.
Ocala
The Reilly Arts Center is home to cultural events and community events in the heart of downtown Ocala. Tune in to the symphony of festive music with your significant other here on Dec 2. The Ocala Symphony and members of the Ocala Youth Symphony are organizing the incredible annual concert called ‘Symphony Under the Lights. Sit with your date under the incredible oaks of Tuscawilla Park, wrapped up in comfy blankets, swooning over hot chocolate. The event is free for all and begins at midnight.
Inverness
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum
This small town in North Central Florida is a gem with outstanding musical talent appearing regularly at their gorgeous Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. Spend a good time with your date over the famous event called Coffee and Conversations: A Musical Journey Through Florida with Chris Kahl.
Indulge yourselves in some good tunes and lovely talks over performances of songs covering a wealth of historical events, characters, and folklore with in-depth storytelling about Ponce de Leon's voyage to Florida in 1513. The event is on December 8 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. While it is free of charge for everyone, donations are appreciated.
Mount Dora
Maggie's Wine and Beer Tasting
Near Orlando, Mount Dora has a New-England-style downtown full of charm as well as many restaurants, shops, and businesses. In addition to the festively-decorated streets, Maggie's Attic brings a little extra holiday cheer with their beer and wine tastings in December.
There are multiple wine tastings throughout December. The first wine tasting is on Dec 3, Saturday, followed by the dates Dec 7, 14, 17, 21, and 28. The beer tasting is on the 10th at 6 p.m. These include the tasting of more than 20 craft beers, a pizza appetizer, and live music. At the wine tasting, you will get to sample more than 20 fine wines and get a discount on bottles to take home. Tickets for each tasting are $15.75.
There’s a lot to explore in Mount Dora, so turn your date into a romantic rendezvous and stay at the historic Lakeside Inn in one of their 90 beautifully-decorated rooms.
For more romantic things to do during the holidays in North Central Florida, check out our Christmas page and visit our events page for date ideas year-round. Also, register on 352area and connect to shopping in North Central Florida, sports, and much more around North Central Florida. It's free!
Cover photo from Unsplash
