From Staff Reports and the City of Apopka
In Summary:
Apopka’s holiday festivities begin Friday with the annual Christmas tree lighting at Kit Land Nelson Park, a cherished event filled with crafts, music, and community celebration. The weekend continues with the Artisan’s Market at Maters & Taters, where local makers and small businesses offer handcrafted goods and seasonal gifts. On Sunday, the Apopka Amphitheater hosts K92.3’s Jingle Jam, bringing big-name country talent and a lively holiday concert atmosphere to close out the weekend.
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Apopka enters the first full weekend of December with a trio of festive events that highlight everything our community loves about the holiday season: tradition, creativity, and shared celebration. From the glow of the city’s towering Christmas tree to the handcrafted goods of local makers and the big-stage talent of Jingle Jam, this is a weekend built for getting into the spirit.
Apopka Tree Lighting
- Friday 6-8 pm, Kit Land Nelson Park, 10 S Forest Avenue Saturday
One of Apopka’s most beloved traditions returns as the city officially lights its Christmas tree at Kit Land Nelson Park. Families will begin gathering before sunset, filling the park with anticipation as children line up for crafts, cocoa, and photos under the lights.
The ceremony typically includes seasonal music, community performances, and appearances from local leaders — all building up to the moment when the park erupts in cheers as the tree illuminates against the night sky. Many residents mark this as the true start of their holiday season, a chance to pause, reconnect with neighbors, and soak in the glow of one of Apopka’s signature celebrations.
If you’re planning to attend, expect a crowd and consider arriving early. Parking fills quickly, but the sense of community more than makes up for the walk.
Artisan’s Market at Maters & Taters offers a hometown shopping experience
- Saturday, 9:00 am 454 N. Park Ave
The following morning, Apopka’s creative spirit takes center stage at the Artisan’s Market at Maters & Taters. This popular outdoor market gathers local makers, small-batch food producers, and independent artists for a lively showcase of handmade goods.
Shoppers can browse everything from woodcrafts and jewelry to seasonal décor, photography, candles, baked treats, and homegrown produce. It has become a go-to destination for those looking to support small businesses — and for anyone searching for a meaningful, locally crafted holiday gift.
The market’s welcoming, neighborhood feel makes it a pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning. Even if you’re not hunting for specific items, strolling the vendor booths with a warm drink in hand is a quintessential Apopka weekend experience.
Jingle Jam brings big-stage sounds to the Apopka Amphitheater
Sunday 4:00 p.m. Apopka Amphitheater, 3710 Jason Dwelley Pkwy
The weekend crescendos with K92.3’s 4th Annual Jingle Jam — a fan-favorite concert that transforms the Apopka Amphitheater into a festive, high-energy holiday venue. Past years have featured rising country stars and nationally recognized performers, and the event’s reputation continues to grow as one of Central Florida’s most enjoyable seasonal shows.
Concert-goers can expect an afternoon of live music, holiday cheer, food vendors, and a party atmosphere that’s become synonymous with Jingle Jam. Whether you’re a country fan or simply looking for a fun night out under the stars, it’s one of the best ways to close out the weekend.
The amphitheater’s natural bowl setting offers excellent acoustics and plenty of space for blankets and lawn chairs, so families and groups can settle in for an easygoing, music-filled evening.
A festive weekend ahead
With a tree lighting that brings out the whole town, a bustling artisan market showcasing local creativity, and a high-energy holiday concert, Apopka’s weekend lineup has a little something for everyone. Whether you're shopping local, gathering with neighbors, or singing along at Jingle Jam, it's a perfect time to embrace the season and make memories close to home.
Key Points:
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The Apopka Christmas tree lighting takes place Friday from 6–8 pm at Kit Land Nelson Park, featuring crafts, cocoa, performances, and a community countdown.
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The Artisan’s Market at Maters & Taters runs Saturday morning, showcasing local makers, artists, food producers, and seasonal handmade goods.
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Jingle Jam, K92.3’s annual holiday concert, returns Sunday at 4 pm to the Apopka Amphitheater with live music, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere.
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Each event highlights a different aspect of Apopka’s seasonal traditions — community gatherings, creative talent, and big-stage entertainment.
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The weekend encourages residents to shop local, enjoy outdoor festivities, and embrace the holiday spirit with neighbors and family.
