By Akers Editorial
What’s Going On In and Around Lake County December 2025
Dolly Jolly Christmas
The national tour of Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, a heartwarming musical featuring music and lyrics by 11-time GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton and book by David H. Bell, adapted by Bell, Couch and Curt Wollan. December 20 & 21.
The Sharon, 1051 Main Street, The Villages.
For more information: thevillagesentertainment.com
Seen. Valued. Loved
The Silver Tree Project exists to remind seniors they are seen, valued and loved. Founded in 2024 by Melissa Denham, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit brings holiday cheer to older adults who may otherwise feel alone. Through heartfelt visits, meaningful gifts and essential items, volunteers spread warmth and connection. In its first year, the project supported more than 120 seniors. Help brighten someone’s season — give, volunteer or share the mission.
Learn more at silvertreeproject.com.
Shop Under Stars
Sunsational Farms in Umatilla will sparkle during Whimsy Market’s 4th Annual Shop Under the Lights on December 20. Guests can browse more than 60 local vendors under twinkling holiday lights while enjoying live music, food trucks and festive drinks. Snap family photos with Santa, pick out a Christmas tree and soak up the small-town holiday spirit. Admission and parking are free for the event, which runs from 4-9pm.
Sunsational Farms, 40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla. Visit whimsy-market.com or sunsationalfarms.com for more information.
Bedtime Scooter
Join local favorite Scooter the DJ for his annual pajama bash, a festive night of music, dancing, free photos, comforting cocoa, tasty snacks and a jolly pajama contest packed with epic prizes Saturday, December 20 at 4pm.
Brownwood Paddock Square. Visit scooterthedj.com for details.
Lights, Trees, Enchantment
Step into the magic of the Enchanted Forest of Trees, through Jan. 2 at Victory Pointe in downtown Clermont. Stroll the trail or park at the Clermont Boat House and wander over to enjoy more than 70 beautifully decorated trees created by local businesses and organizations. Visit by day and again at night to experience the full sparkle and charm. Prizes will be awarded for Best Overall, Most Creative and Most Themed to this year’s “Christmas of Champions” motto.
Beat the Board
Join “The Music Man” Roc Mitchell for Juke Box Bingo, a high-energy evening of music, memories and prizes! Enjoy your favorite songs from the ‘50s to today while you mark your card. Come with friends or make new ones and leave tapping your toes. This is the ultimate feel-good event for music lovers in The Villages and surrounding areas. Monday, December 22 at 6:30pm
Old Mill Theater 1000 Old Mill Run. Presented by Villagers for Veterans.
Vocal Victory
Lake Minneola High School freshman Corinne Vogel has been selected for the Honors Performance Series Honors Concert Choir and will perform at Carnegie Hall in February. Corinne will spend several days in New York rehearsing with student musicians from around the world before taking the stage under the direction of master conductors. Her selection recognizes her talent, hard work and dedication to excellence. Congratulations to Corinne on this remarkable honor!
Fun and Games
Game On is officially open in downtown Clermont at 550 West Ave, bringing family-friendly fun to the heart of the city. The new entertainment venue features arcade games, claw machines, skee-ball, multi-sport lifelike simulators (inside), putt-putt golf (outside), big-screen TV’s for game nights, an outside bar and food trucks serving pizza, smash burgers, fries and more. Perfect for family nights, birthday/corporate parties and game-day hangouts, with plans for a future escape room. Some games eligible for prizes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, FOLLOW @GAMEONCLERMONT ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.
The More, The Merrier
December is a month rich with celebration and tradition. While Christmas is widely observed, many families in our community also honor other meaningful holidays this season, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas and more. Each brings its own customs, joys and reflections. As we move through this festive month, we honor and appreciate the diverse traditions that make our community vibrant. However you celebrate, we wish you peace, happiness and togetherness.
Standing Tall
Seven native species of pine trees thrive here, from the tall, stately longleaf pine once dominant across the South to the resilient sand pine that releases seeds only after fire. Adapted to sandy soil, heat and hurricanes, these trees define much of Florida’s landscape, shaping forests, sheltering wildlife and reminding us that strength and grace can grow even in the harshest conditions.
