Plant City is doing a lot to increase Christmas cheer. You and your family have events to enjoy that will warm your hearts. Here are some events and special Christmas happenings in town.
If you have driven around downtown Plant City, you have seen the Christmas decorations. Plant City’s General Services Department has bedazzled the streets and parks with Christmas decorations, displays, and lights. There are 150 displays set up in McCall Park, Courier Field, Brewer Park, and Cooper Park—in all, there are 100,000 lights that will be turned on at the same time as the tree lighting on December 5. In addition, 200 wreaths have been hung on light poles along the streets. In a new feature, an 8-foot polar bear will sit in McCall Park. Its paws are seats making a great photo op.
Hosted by Parks & Recreation, the first annual Silent Night will happen at the Plant City Stadium on December 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a kid zone with ornament decorating, jewelry making, face painting, and the REAL Santa Claus will be there for a meet and greet! Food trucks, vendors, Christmas photo backgrounds, and a silent disco are features of the festivities. The Silent Disco is not included with the free admission, and will cost $5 per person. Tickets will be available online on Wednesday, December 4 at 8 a.m. The link to buy tickets will be on the City of Plant City Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CityofPlantCity. Parking is $5.
Plant City Champions for Youth, Inc. opened a Christmas tree lot on November 25 at 1 Raider Place, which is in front of Plant City High School along Alexander Street. They are selling Fraser fir trees fresh cut in North Carolina, and delivered regularly to the site. The branches and needles of these trees are dense, and tree sizes are from tabletop to 11 feet tall. The cost ranges from $39 to $299. Stands for trees will also be available to buy for $15. The hours are Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.; and Friday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All proceeds from the tree lot stay in Plant City to support youth programs. Plant City Champions for Youth is hyper-focused on supporting youth programs to develop the character and citizenship of young people. Some of the programs are flag football, basketball, little league baseball, Plant City Lancers youth soccer, a teen speech contest, and a law appreciation dinner. Champions for Youth also gives $6,000 in scholarships to Plant City graduating seniors moving on to technical or trade schools, vocational schools, or colleges.
Historic Plant City Main Street will host Sip & Shop Art Walk on December 13 at McCall Park, 100 North Collins Street in downtown. This event offers Plant Citians the opportunity to view the works of local artists, shop, and “Enchant yourself in the spirit of the season.”
The Arts Council of Plant City is sponsoring At Home for the Holidays, a festive tour of featured Plant City homes and businesses. The 37th annual event will be held on Sunday, December 8. Guests will be served light food and drink at each location.
The Plant City High School (PCHS) Merry Market will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be 150 vendors and food trucks. Proceeds benefit the PCHS Parent Teacher Student Association for programs for students and teachers. Santa will be there from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for photos.