Tis' the Season to Celebrate in Tallahassee

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• Commemorate five centuries of holiday tradition at Hernando De Soto's winter encampment, the site of the first Christmas celebration in 1539. Awe over ancient artifacts from the Spanish explorer's expedition at the historic Gov. John Martin House.
• Enjoy a 40-year tradition at Bradley Country Store's Fun Day Nov. 21. The free event includes live music, cane grinding, syrup making, pony rides and a petting zoo.
• Shop for the perfect holiday gift at the 50th annual Market Days Dec. 5-6 at the North Florida Fairgrounds. The Southeast's largest holiday shopping tradition presents original works created by 300 juried artists and craftsmen chosen from around the country.

Eat, drink and be merry at Tallahassee's annual Winter Festival Dec. 5, held in the heart of downtown. Blending a celebration of lights, music and the fine arts, the festival includes free admission, five live entertainment stages, an array of holiday treats from local vendors and the famed Jingle Bell Run. Stroll through candle-lit gardens and sip apple cider at Camellia Christmas at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park on Dec. 4. For a stroll in a different setting, Dorothy B. Oven Park celebrates the season with 250,000+ twinkling lights, providing a festive Christmas card backdrop. Travel back in time to the Spanish colonial era at the Winter Solstice Celebration at Mission San Luis Dec. 12-13. Visitors delight in stargazing, drum circles, fine craft shopping and interactive Native American history demonstrations. Savoring Tallahassee's holiday spirit that spans five centuries takes time — perfect for a long weekend or winter break destination.

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