Kwanzaa is a weeklong holiday honoring African culture and traditions. Kwanzaa, which falls between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, was created by African-American leader and activist Maulana Karenga and first celebrated in 1966. According to timeanddate.com, Kwanzaa is celebrated by people from a range of African countries and their descendants. During daily Kwanzaa celebrations, candles are lit, and libations — the name given to the ritual pouring of a drink as an offering to a god — are poured in a wooden unity cup and shared as a symbol of the unity of the family and community. Kwanzaa’s week of celebrations culminates with a feast and the exchange of gifts. A Kwanzaa ceremony may include musical performances and drumming, and women often wear brightly colored traditional clothing. 

For the past 37 years, the Lake County Swing Big Band has made a name for itself in Central Florida by expertly performing sounds from the swing band era. Hear for yourself when the band performs a live Christmas concert at 3 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Graceway Church in Leesburg, 10200 Morningside Drive. For more information, visit lcswing.com. 

Searching for the right Christmas tree can be as frustrating as searching for the perfect gift . . . unless you visit Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis, where you can choose from three varieties of trees — sand pine, red cedar and Arizona cypress. While you’re there, enjoy a zip line, an animal zoo, horse and pony rides and tractor-pull rides. For more information, call  352.357.9863.

With Christmas around the corner, you’ll want to shop local for those last-minute gifts on your list. Gift recipients will surely enjoy your unique and thoughtful selections, and local business owners will appreciate each sale. Whether shopping for a foodie, a pet lover, a fashionista or for items like jewelry, knick-knacks, make-up or toys, there are a multitude of shops throughout Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties with a lot to offer. Need ideas? Refer to Style’s gift guide in this issue!

Johnson’s Village Marketplace, a neighborhood grocer that offers a unique variety of items with a focus on convenience, ambiance and freshness, is now open at 550 West Avenue in downtown Clermont. The new indoor market is a one-stop shop for foodies that features butcher-cut meats, fresh seafood, a deli, prepared foods, organically grown produce and more. Imported foods, groceries, beverages and a selection of wines and cheeses add to the charm. The outdoor space boasts a bar, a dog wash, a seating area and two Airstream campers converted into food trucks, ensuring there’s nothing else like it downtown. Visit johnsonsvillagemarketplace.com or call 352.394.3333 for more information.

According to Lake County Schools, SoLa Voce, the advanced mixed choir at Lake Minneola High School, has been selected by audition to perform at the upcoming Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Professional Development Conference scheduled for Jan. 10-13, 2024, in Tampa. This prestigious event showcases the finest musical talents in the state.

Kayaking, hiking, canoeing and fishing, oh my! Those are some of the activities that draw visitors to the 770-acre Pine Meadows Conservation Area, which features six miles of hiking trails, a dog-friendly loop trail, wetlands, pine flat woods and open water. The site is also home to 120 bird species, making it an ideal destination for birding enthusiasts. Amenities include picnic tables, a canoe and kayak launch, a gravel boat ramp and restrooms. 

Smoking is a real drag, but you can quit the habit now before your body and health go up in smoke. Tried before, but didn’t succeed? Consider joining a smoking cessation class and experiencing camaraderie with others trying to kick their smoking habit. In addition to giving and receiving support and encouragement from other quitters, classes allow you to openly discuss new ways of controlling cravings and learn measures to cope with withdrawal symptoms. To sign up for a smoking cessation class, visit tobaccofreeflorida.com. 

Embrace the holiday spirit at First Presbyterian Church of Mount Dora’s Christmas Concert, scheduled for 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the church, 222 W. 6th Avenue in Mount Dora. The event is set to feature the Chancel Choir, Jubilate Handbell Choir, and soloists performing festive holiday music. The concert is free, but donations are welcome. For more information call 352.383.4089.