There’s plenty of cheer to spread around this season

If you’re looking for a way to get into a festive mood, you won’t have to look very far.

There are loads of celebrations planned throughout The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.

A familiar community landmark will be decked out again for the holidays for the 19th annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School.

Rooms are dressed up with holiday décor and community groups provide entertainment.

Santa will be visiting on Dec. 12, between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., for a breakfast with Santa, at a $4 charge, which includes a variety of activities for children.

During the week, several local churches, schools and other groups are slated to perform at

The Christmas House, also known as The Old Lutz School, is at 18819 N. U.S. 41.

The Christmas House will be open for free tours on the evenings of Dec. 10, Dec. 12, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 17, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 26 and Dec. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Collection barrels will be there to collect nonperishable food items and toys for families needing help.

Heritage Church in Lutz is hosting “Miracle on Main Street,” a Christmas musical billed to be entertaining for people of all ages. The church at 1853 Oak Grove Blvd., will be staging the free event on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.

The Carrollwood Cultural Center, at 4537 Lowell Road, in Tampa, is hosting a series of events during December, including a Holiday Choral Tapestry with the Carrollwood Community Chorus, on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10 to $16. It also is hosting a Holiday Concert with the Carrollwood Winds, on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10 to $16.

On Dec. 5, the community of Connerton will be having a holiday bazaar, with a variety of vendors offering holiday crafts, unique gifts and other items for purchase. Admission is free to the event, being held inside Club Connerton, at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes.

A family event called Traditions on the Green is planned for Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event features a breakfast with Santa, face painting, a holiday bounce house, puppet shows, local band performances, crafts and other activities. Admission is free.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 2015 “Magical Night Christmas Parade,” sponsored by Bayfront Health Dade City.

The parade will begin at 7 p.m., on Dec. 4, in historic downtown Dade City. It will feature dozens of floats, entertainment acts, bands, seasonal displays, and a visit from that jolly old elf, Santa Claus.

The following day, on Dec. 5, the downtown Dade City merchants will celebrate a Christmas Stroll from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Country Aire Village, in Zephyrhills, is scheduled to have its annual Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 5 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event, at 39333 Blue Skye Drive, includes coffee and donuts at 7 a.m., and a luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Other highlights include items for crafters, a clothing boutique, a Chinese auction, a three-wheel bike raffle, a bake sale and a cookie walk.

A Country Christmas Open House is planned for Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City. The event will feature crafters, cookies, punch, holiday music and more.

A Christmas in the Park is set for Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., at the San Antonio City Park, at 12202 Main St., San Antonio.

The Florida Orchestra is also planning a series of holiday concerts. On Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, the orchestra will present the “Hallelujah” chorus, and during the weekend of Dec. 11 through Dec. 13 it will perform a Holiday Pops. For more information about ticket prices and venues, visit FloridaOrchestra.org.

Published December 2, 2015