The holidays are upon us and many families are weighing the options of celebrating from the comfort of their own homes or attempting to find a safe and merry event.
Plant City is still geared up to celebrate, though many of the traditional events look a little different this year. Whether you want to drive around and look at Christmas lights or head to a parade, the Observer has compiled a list of local activities that may be just what your family is looking for. Bear in mind that nearly every event listed is asking attendees to practice social distancing and follow CDC guidelines.
If you or anyone you’ve come in contact with recently has symptoms of COVID-19, play it safe and isolate at home. Testing sites are available throughout the county and if you believe you may have come in contact with someone who was infected or if you begin to develop any symptoms, make it a point to get tested and quarantine until you know the results of said test.
Below is a list of events submitted to and compiled by the Observer that run from Dec. 3-10.
Thursday, Dec. 3
The Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village
Head to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, through Dec. 27 for the annual The Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village. This unique experience is offering an entirely no-contact option for those who choose to stay in their cars. Guests will drive through more than a mile of spectacular lights and holiday displays. Santa also makes an appearance at Santa’s Village. On special nights additional experiences like Nerdy Noah’s Comedy Show will be added to the lineup.
If you go on Dec. 3 you also will have the added benefit of being able to give back to the United Food Bank of Plant City. If you donate 10 non-perishable food items you’ll get $5 off a one-time drive-through experience.
Head to thewonderlandoflights.com for event details, pricing, COVID-19 safety information and more.
Lights of Love
The South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation will host the 22nd annual Lights of Love, 100 N. Collins St., at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 3. Those who religiously attend the event each year will find there are several big changes in place.
The traditional Santa meet-and-greets begin at 6 p.m. in the gazebo in McCall Park. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m. and a singing duo from First Baptist Church of Plant City will sing three songs during the 15-minute program and the lights will be lit at 7 p.m.
Usually this event has a massive stage set up in downtown full of singers — both the children’s and the adult’s choir from FBC of Plant City typically participate — and chairs fill the street. In order to limit attendance and ensure there is ample room for social distancing, the performances have been reduced to just three songs by the duo from the church. It is expected that the entire event will wrap up by 7:30 p.m.
A more than 20-foot tall tree will be lit in McCall Park. It is adorned with lights “purchased” by individuals, families and businesses in honor or memory of friends and loved ones. Proceeds benefit services and programs at South Florida Baptist Hospital.
Friday, Dec. 4
Plant City Christmas Parade
The annual Plant City Christmas Parade will once again roll into town at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4. Road closures will begin at 5 p.m. so plan your route accordingly if you need to commute through the area. Any parked vehicles along the route will be towed if not moved. The parade starts on South Collins Street at East Alsobrook Street and travels north from Collins Street to Reynolds Street. Then it will turn right on Reynolds Street to the intersection at Pennsylvania Avenue and the parade will begin to de-stage.
In years past, this event was one that drew many to downtown overnight to set up their chairs in their preferred location. The streets would fill hours before the event would start. This year, however, the City of Plant City is assisting with the event and is offering a brand new opportunity for viewers to enjoy the parade from the comfort of their own home if they choose to do so.
Mayor Rick Lott and City Manager Bill McDaniel will emcee a lively and festive live stream of the annual Plant City Christmas Parade that will play on the City of Plant City Government Facebook page. It will be reminiscent of the emcees at the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade so families can watch the floats and get a running commentary throughout the entire parade while still sitting at home in their Christmas pajamas, drinking a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
For those who do choose to attend, COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place and viewers are asked to follow the guidelines.
Saturday Dec. 5
Merry Market
Plant City High School will host its annual Merry Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5 at 507 S. Wheeler St. All the proceeds from the event will go toward supporting PCHS students. To participate, attendees must observe and follow the COVID-19 safety protocols.
Admission is $5 per person and attendees will have the opportunity to shop at the indoor market and enjoy a meal from the gourmet food trucks on site.
A Storybook Christmas
Honey Pot Wax Studio LLC, 104 W. Reynolds St., is hosting A Storybook Christmas starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 5. The company is celebrating the holiday season with an event that will feature a book drive for local children, live music provided by K.E.Y. Esthetics, door prizes for attendees, a photo booth and more.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Wishing Well Barn, 4302 Pippin Road, is inviting the public to its Holiday Shopping Extravaganza starting at 3 p.m. Dec. 6. Admission is free and the event will have unique shopping opportunities from more than 30 local small businesses, pictures with Santa from 5 to 7 p.m., holiday-themed games, face painting and more.
The event is hosted by Team Chancey and OnPoint Solutions. A portion of the proceeds will be used to support families in need during the holiday season. The event flyer indicated COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place and attendees are expected to comply.
Christmas Movie Under the Stars
Faith Lighthouse Church, 3409 Paul Buchman Hwy., is hosting a showing of a classic Christmas movie under the stars on the church lawn at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6.
Attendees should bring their lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy popcorn, hot chocolate and the movie. There will also be crafts available for children before and after the film.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Virtual Story Time: Holiday Tales
Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., is having a Virtual Story Time: Holiday Tales on Dec. 8 for local youth. Join Miss Amanda for a pre-recorded story time of a selection of her favorite holiday tales.
Thursday, Dec. 10
Toastmasters Toy Drive
Plant City Toastmasters is having a Toy Drive from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Dec. 10 at Gilchrist Park, 704 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The group invites folks out to the Toastmasters’ meeting and encourages them to bring a wrapped gift.