LOCAL LOVE: Holiday Guide to East Pasco
AquaTerra Realty | By Chelsea Rose
A Hometown Holiday Season in East Pasco
East Pasco shines during the holidays — literally. From small-town parades and tree lightings to Santa photo ops and volunteer opportunities, there’s no shortage of ways to feel the holiday spirit in Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, San Antonio, and beyond.
Whether you're a lifelong local or just discovering our corner of Florida, this comprehensive holiday guide will help you make the most of the season.
Family-Friendly Holiday Events
Zephyrhills Festival of Lights Parade & Tree Lighting
Dec 6, 2025 (Tree lighting at 4 PM, Parade at 7 PM)
Downtown Zephyrhills transforms with live music, food trucks, vendors, and the annual illuminated night parade — one of the city’s favorite traditions.
Dade City Christmas Parade
Dec 5, 2025 — 7 PM
Hosted by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Thousands line 7th Street for floats, music, lights, and festive energy.
Symphony in Lights — The Shops at Wiregrass
Nov 8 – Dec 31, 2024
Nightly shows with 300,000 lights dancing to holiday music, snow flurries, live music, and a seasonal market.
Avalon Aglow — Wesley Chapel
Dec 13, 2025 — 5–9 PM
A free winter carnival with snow play, bounce houses, Santa, fireworks, food trucks, and community fun.
Country Christmas Stroll — Dade City
Dec 13, 2025 — 7–9 PM
A nostalgic holiday stroll with carriage rides, live music, Santa photos, food trucks, and the official Christmas tree lighting.
Christmas in the Park — San Antonio
Early December — Date TBA
Charming handmade holiday cards, local performances, and hot cocoa under the stars at San Antonio City Park.
🎅 Where to See Santa in East Pasco
Santa Photo Ops
The Shops at Wiregrass: Daily photos, Pet Nights, and Sensory Santa.
Avalon Aglow: Free classic Santa setup.
Dade City Christmas Stroll: Near Agnes Lamb Park or the courthouse.
Breakfast with Santa
Zephyrhills Library: Dec 14, 2024 — 9:30–11:00 AM
Wiregrass Sports Campus: Dec 8, 2024 (fundraiser; photo included)
Local churches and civic groups also host Santa events — check community calendars for weekly additions.
✨ Best Holiday Light Displays in Pasco County
Wiregrass Symphony in Lights — Wesley Chapel
Choreographed music, snow flurries, and a giant Christmas tree.
Neighborhood Light Tours
• Oak Creek & Lake Bernadette — Zephyrhills
• Lakeside Estates & Meadow Pointe — Wesley Chapel
• Firewheel Drive — Wesley Chapel (TSO-synced)
Walk-Through Light Experiences
Dade City Farms Christmas Hayride: Lights, farm animals, s’mores.
Florida Pioneer Museum: Decorated holiday exhibits.
Snowcat Ridge: Snow tubing + Alpine Village (ticketed).
🛍️ Local Shopping + Holiday Markets
Mistletoe Market — Dade City
Nov 22, 2025 — 9 AM–2 PM
50+ vendors at the Dade City Woman’s Club — crafts, baked goods, handmade gifts.
KRATE Holiday Pop-Up Markets — Wesley Chapel
Whoville themes, kids’ markets, artisan gifts, live music, and holiday photo ops.
Church & Farm Markets
Seasonal favorites at St. Anthony’s, Dade City Farms, and local churches.
🤝 Ways to Give Back This Season
Toy + Meal Donation Drives
• Toys for Tots – Pasco County
• Pasco Sheriff’s Presents for Pasco
• Feeding Tampa Bay & Metropolitan Ministries
Sponsor a Family
Healthy Start, Sunrise DV Center, and Pasco schools offer Adopt-a-Family programs.
Giving Trees
Found in local churches, city buildings, and malls with wish tags for children.
⭐ Leave a Review & Spread Holiday Cheer
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📝 Leave your review here:
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✨ Faith & Cultural Celebrations
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Find midnight Mass, nativity scenes, and pageants throughout East Pasco.
Hanukkah Street Fair — Chabad at Wiregrass
Menorah lighting, latkes, crafts, and community performances.
Your Holiday Season Starts Here
From Chelsea
Whether you’re sipping cocoa at a tree lighting, visiting a local vendor, or helping brighten someone’s holiday, East Pasco is full of seasonal magic.
If your holiday planning includes exploring neighborhoods or considering a move next year —
we’d love to help you get to know the area.
👉 Schedule a local lifestyle consult:
https://cbaquaterrarealty.com/contact
👉 Sign up for Neighborhood News:
https://www.coldwellbanker.com/neighborhood-news
Are you hosting a holiday event, pop-up, or market?
We’d love to feature you in this guide.
Send us a message to be added!
From our AquaTerra family to yours,
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, East Pasco! 💙✨
