Whether your New Year’s resolution is to take a cruise or simply enjoy more events in your community, there are several events coming to the communities surrounding The Villages that’ll be the perfect way to bring in 2025.
Happy New Year Fireworks Celebration
The City of Wildwood will kick off the New Year Celebrations on Dec. 27 with its “Happy New Year Fireworks Celebration” from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood.
This is the second year the city has hosted the annual event, hoping to surpass the 2,000 people who attended the event during the first year.
“This is a true family fun event similar to a smaller “Happy Birthday America” event. People love the fireworks and there are a lot of activities for kids,” said Jamie Cluckey, recreation specialist for the City of Wildwood.
Like past New Year celebrations in the city, there will be live music, vendors, food trucks, and a cash bar.
The family fun will run all night with the kid zone and fireworks show to conclude the event at 9 p.m.
For more information about the free event, visit wildwood-fl.gov or call 352-462-0134.
Cruise Into The New Year on Queen DoraRide into 2025 on the Lake Dora waters with the “Celebrate 2025! NYE Paddlewheel Boat Cruise” event.
All those who reserve their $100 ticket will be able to board the Dora Queen Paddlewheel Boat to cruise the waters till the clock countdown runs out from 10 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.
The special event will feature live music from Nate Leslie, catered hors d’oeuvres and champagne to go along with the City of Mount Dora’s firework display.
“If people think they want to go to the event, I recommend they get their tickets yesterday,” said Brandy Herron, co-owner of the water attraction. “I have about 25 tickets left.”
Herron also said she expects tickets to sell out quickly.
Boarding for the boat event will begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Dora Queen Paddlewheel Boat, 375 S. Sinclair Avenue, Tavares, FL at the Tavares Marina.
For more information about the event, visit doraqueen.com or call 352-533-3380.
Take Your Celebrations To the Town of Lady LakeStart 2025 off with a new tradition during the inaugural “Rock That Resolution” event hosted by the Town of Lady Lake, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 11.
The town will host the new free event to inspire residents and guests to stick with the resolutions they make for the new year.
Whether you have a resolution to take life more seriously or be a bit more social, this event has something for everyone.
“(The event) is all about empowering our community to make 2025 their best year yet. We wanted to create a fun and engaging event where people of all ages can find the inspiration and tools needed to pursue their goals and dreams,” said Amy Alicea, events coordinator for the Town of Lady Lake.
To help connect event attendees with resources in the area, there will be various community organizations including the Lady Lake Library, Your Daily Nourishment, Iron Dragon Defense, Primerica Financial Services and more.
Along with a chance to connect with local community organizations, guests can sit back and enjoy live classic rock, soul and funky blues tunes played by the “Think Big Band.”
There will also be food from food trucks, bounce houses for children, and more.
For more information about the “Rock That Resolution” event, visit ladylakefl.gov or call 352-205-2826.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
