Nothing says love like giving a gift from a local retailer. Here are some events that allow you to shop local this holiday season, give a little, and have some fun, too.
Whimsy Christmas Festival and Market
Browse more than 90 vendors at the Sunsational Farms Festival and Market at 40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla. Pick up a Christmas tree, and take the fam to enjoy food trucks, tunes spun by a DJ, bounce houses, games and more on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit sunsationalfarms.com for details.
Fruitland Park Farmers Market
Fruitland Park and Orange Blossom Market Co. have teamed up to present the monthly Fruitland Park Farmers Market on the first Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect holiday-themed goods and spirit, food, shopping, drinks and more. Check it out on Friday, Dec. 1, at Fruitland Park City Hall, 506 W. Berckman St. For updates, visit the market’s Facebook page.
Cookies and Cocoa Walk
Cookies and cocoa will be served to the public at participating local downtown Clermont businesses on Friday, Dec. 8. There will also be community groups and and artists performing at City Hall Park. Details: ClermontFL.org.
Stuff a Cruiser
The Clermont PD’s Stuff a Cruiser cruises back into Lake County this holiday season to local seniors and children in need. The Clermont Police Department vehicle will be prominently parked at two local retailers on three days with the goal of “stuffing it with gifts for local seniors and children who are often overlooked during the holidays.” Look for the police vehicle on Wednesday, Dec 6, at the Walmart at 1450 Johns Lake Road from 3 to 6:30 p.m. to collect unwrapped toys for local children The police vehicle will move to JCPenney, 2345 U.S. 27, on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. Details: ClermontFL.org.
The Christmas House Pop-Up Holiday Market
Peruse the crafts and wares of local retailers at the Christmas House at Lake Square Mall’s Pop-Up Holiday Market. Home decor, jewelry, decorations, ornaments, giftable items and more will be featured. Takes place during mall hours through Dec. 12. 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg. lakesquaremall.com.
Downtown Clermont Sunday Farmers Market
Find unique locally created and grown items at Downtown Clermont Sunday Farmer’s Market at West Montrose Street between Lake Avenue and Seventh Street. When so many indie shops are closed, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather as you shop 40 vendors selling local produce, meat, honey, eggs, seafood, handmade gifts and home goods. Takes place every Sunday throughout the season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit clermontdowntown.com for more information.
Downtown Mount Dora Sunday Market
Every Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mount Dora Village Market draws hordes of shoppert for artisan crafts, fresh seafood, produce, plants and more in and around Sunset Park, 230 W. Fourth Ave. Details: mountdora.com.
Umatilla Cracker Christmas Craft Festival
After the Umatilla Cracker Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 10:30 a.m., you can pop into Cadwell Park, 1 Cassady St., for a festival of unique vendors selling potential stocking stuffers. Food, games, bounce house, petting zoo and more add to the fun. Plus, local school bands and choruses will perform in the park. Details: umatillafl.org.
Mount Dora Holiday Market & Antique Show
Browse vintage, valuable and wacky one-of-a-kind items from 9 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17, at Renningers’ Florida Twin Markets, 20651 U.S. 441, Mount Dora. Visit renningers.net for details.
Nature Art & Craft Fair
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and shop for art at Trout Lake Nature Center. The center’s Nature Art & Craft Fair provides a unique gifting alternative at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Browse a variety of nature-inspired pieces at a ll price points. Vendors will host interactive demonstrations at their stations for visitors to try their craft. Parking is $5. The nature center is at 520 East CR 44, Eustis. Email [email protected] for details.