Year after year, families gather in front of a camera to capture the perfect moment for holiday cards, social media, or just the family photo album.
There are plenty of locations hosting photo opportunities near The Villages for those looking to say, “Christmas” next to Santa Claus ahead to the holidays.Lady Lake Families Can Smile Big During Christmas themed Craft And Farmer’s Market
With nearly 10 upcoming holiday events in the town, Santa will be a racking up the miles around Lady Lake throughout December.
Families will have a chance to find Santa during events hosted from Dec. 2 to Dec. 17 in Lady Lake.
“Santa and Mrs. Claus took about 1,200 photos over the course of our holiday events last year,” said Elisha Pappacoda, communications director for the town.
While he is in town, Santa will make a pit stop at the Lady Lake Library, 225 W. Guava St., for the “A Night with Santa and Mrs. Claus” event on Dec. 2 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the “Storytime with Santa” program on Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m.
“The holiday events are hosted by two departments — Parks & Recreation and the Library. We hope to continue to grow our community events and bring families together,” Pappacoda said. “With a mix of signature events, such as Light up Lady Lake and our annual Christmas parade, as well as smaller children’s events at the library, we feel we do that.”
See Santa arrive under the night sky during the “Light Up Lady Lake” event happening on Dec. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Veterans’ Park, 106 US Highway 27/441.
The wonder will continue Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the “Visit with Santa at the Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market” event at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex, 250 Rolling Acres Road.
Sing along to live Christmas music performed by Mike and Kathy.
“Additionally, we seek to offer holiday festivities for our retired residents,” Pappacoda said. “The diverse mix of holiday events presented by Lady Lake offer something for all ages.”
For more information about the upcoming holiday events in Lady Lake, visit ladylakefl.gov.
Fruitland Park Plans Time for Christmas Corner Picture Boutique: Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Families in Fruitland Park can take advantage of the perfect setting for a photo during the “Christmas Corner Picture Boutique–Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus.”
Guests will be able to get a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gardenia Center, 205 W. Berckman St, continuing a tradition for the town.
“All of our events bring community together with a small-town feel. We pride ourselves on connecting with those in our community and offering affordable events for everyone to enjoy,” said Cindy Copen, Fruitland Park’s deputy recreation director.
Reservations are recommended, but not required.
Photos will be taken with a phone or a camera by city staff, as a professional photographer will not be on site.
To find out more about holiday events in Fruitland Park, visit fruitlandpark.org. Make reservations for the picture boutique at signupgenius.com by searching the email tmemmoli@fruitlandpark.org.
Get Wild in the Kitchen Making Cookies with Santa in Wildwood
The crazy creative Christmas activities continue in Wildwood with the “City of Wildwood Cookies with Santa” program happening on Dec. 20.
Those who registered for the event will have the chance to meet up with Santa at 5 p.m. to decorate a Christmas cookie and get a photo with Santa at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood.
Then from 6 to 8 p.m. others can join the party and make sure Santa has everything on your Christmas wish list.
“We want our events to bring the community together. The events we are hosting this year are a great way to get to know your neighbor and spread Christmas cheer,” said Jillian Boyar, Wildwood recreation specialist.
Register for the program at wildwood-fl.gov.
Look Cheerful Ahead of Your Photo With Santa in Leesburg
Get two things done at once this holiday season when you head to the Lake Square Mall, 10401 US HWY 441, Leesburg from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24, as the mall will host “It’s time for a picture with Santa” photo sessions.
Monday through Friday, the sessions will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. On Saturdays the program will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday it will run from noon to 5:30 p.m.
For more information about the photo sessions, visit lakesquaremall.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
