[Updated: November 29, 2018]

Can you believe the holiday season is already here?  As the end of the year gets closer, many of us begin rushing around to meet deadlines, manage extra obligations and yes, finish holiday shopping. Needless to say, things get a little hectic. Which is why we encourage you to make time to enjoy the season and get into the holiday spirit! In an effort to make things easier and to ensure you don’t miss out on any family-fun festivities, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite Dunedin holiday events…

Breakfast with Santa

Bring the whole family to enjoy a pancake breakfast with the one and only, Santa! Mix, mingle and be merry while meeting Santa and sharing holiday wish lists. Sponsored by the Guardian Angels Catholic School and Kiwanis Club of Dunedin, this event recommends early registration for admittance.

Where: Dunedin Community Center (1920 Pinehurst Rd)

When: Saturday, December 1 starts at 9 AM

Price: $10 at door if space allows

Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Jump-start your holiday season and watch as a parade of lighted boats cruise by on their way to Marker 2 and then view them again as they make their way back into the Dunedin Marina (approximately around 7pm). The last boat will be bringing Dunedin’s Mayor and another special visitor (Santa) to shore. The festivities continue in Edgewater Park (the park behind the Marina towards town) with an official tree lighting ceremony, music and s’mores. This event is a local favorite,  full of fun for all ages and does attract many spectators, so it’s best to arrive early for optimal viewing. For more event details, click here.

Where: Dunedin Marina & Edgewater Park 

When: Saturday, December 1 from 6:00-9:00 PM

Price: Free to attend

The Dunedin Express

The magic of Christmas comes to life when you and your family board the Dunedin Express (Jolley Trolley) at the historic 1924 train station (now the Dunedin History Museum) and travel to the “North Pole” for a visit with Santa and his elves. Activities include games, crafts and cookies! This is very popular and advance tickets are recommended. Visit the Dunedin History Museum website for more details.

Where: The Dunedin History Museum, Downtown Dunedin

When: December 7 – 19 (off 12/8, 12/11 and 12/17)

Price: $22.50 for Museum Members | $27.50 for non-members

Old Fashioned Christmas & Holiday Parade

Fill up with holiday cheer as downtown Dunedin’s streets transform into a holiday street parade with festive music and of course, an appearance from Santa himself (Parade runs down Douglas Ave from Beltrees St. to Monroe St.). Stick around after the parade to experience “snow” flurries, live music, old fashioned games and more! If you start to get a little hungry or need a little break from the crowd, don’t forget Café Alfresco is located right off Main Street with big windows, so you’ll still be able to relax but still see all the action! In fact, check out our short video of a previous year’s Old Fashioned Christmas from right outside our door.

Where: Main Street, Dunedin (Downtown)

When: Saturday, December 8 from 4:00-9:00 PM

Price: Free to attend

**The Downtown Dunedin Market is canceled on Saturday, December 8, for this event

 Dunedin Concert Band: Holiday Concert “Be Different. Go Traditional”

It may not look like Christmas (at least to our native northern residents) but spend the afternoon listening to your favorite holiday tunes and we promise it will begin to feel like Christmas! Cherish memories from Christmases long, long  ago or create new ones while enjoying the talent and music of the Dunedin Concert Band.

Where:  Dunedin Community Center (1920 Pinehurst Rd)

When: Sunday, December 16 at 3 PM

Price: Free to attend, Recommended $10 donation

As we mentioned, these are just a few of our favorite seasonal events but Dunedin’s calendar is chock-full of other holiday and non-holiday related events too. Visit the full calendar here.