Florida Keys: This week the Keys greet the holiday season with a flurry of lighted boat parades. The Big Pine Key & The Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade is Dec. 13; the Schooner Wharf Bar 24th Annual Lighted Boat Parade in Key West is Dec. 13; the Boot Key Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade in Marathon is Dec. 13; Key Largo Lighted Holiday Boat Parade is Dec. 13; and the Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade in Marathon is Dec. 14. For information and best viewing sites, go to fla-keys.com/calendarofevents.
Sarasota: Attention, holiday shoppers! If your travels take you to Sarasota, check out the Sixth Annual Holiday Arts & Craft, Unique Gift Show on Dec. 13-14. Admission is free. The show is at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail. Info: sunsetboulevardpromotions.com.
New Port Richey: Family-friendly activities, entertainment, the Rotary Club Christmas Street Parade and holiday lights are part of the fun during the annual Main Street Holidays in historic downtown New Port Richey on Dec. 12-14. The street parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by the “after parade” concert in Sims Park from 9 to 11 p.m. Info: cityofnewportrichey.org.
Clermont: The Wine & Chocolate Festival features crafts, music, free tasting and winery tour at the Lakeridge Winery on Dec. 13-14. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is a $2 donation to benefit the Leesburg Regional Medical Center Heart Institute. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Info: lakeridgewinery.com.
Deland: Holiday festivities – including snow! — abound during the Second Annual Winter Wonderland at the Volusia County Fairgrounds on Dec. 13-14. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children (kids ages 4 and under are free), and visitors are asked to donate an unwrapped toy or canned good to benefit families in the community. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Info: bucklercraftfair.com.