Ocoee to host Jolly Jamboree, Holiday Tree Lighting

The City of Ocoee is getting ready to host its Jolly Jamboree and Holiday Tree Lighting event from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, on McKey Street in Downtown Ocoee, City Hall and the city's historic Withers-Maguire House. 

According to a press release, the tree lighting ceremony will start at 7 p.m. at the new City Hall, located at 1 N. Bluford Ave., Ocoee. 

Even though the event is free and open to the public, some activities will require a small fee such as the horse and carriage rides, craft vendors, downtown merchants and food trucks. Other things to do at the event include an ice-skating rink, bubble bus, tea cups, axe throwing, among others. Even the Ocoee High School Band will play! 

This year, the city will host the Holiday Dog Parade for the very first time, which will provide an opportunity for dog owners to dress their pups in holiday attire and walk down McKey Street. The parade will start at 4 p.m. Those who wish to participate need to register online prior to the event here. 

Also new this year will be the Holiday Ocoee Sing-Off Contest which will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Those singers interested in participating are encouraged to reserve their spots in the contest by emailing [email protected] by Friday, Dec. 2. 

During the Jamboree, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will pay a visit to the historic Withers-Maguire House from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m., where they will meet and greet visitors and who knows, maybe grant a wish or two!

According to a press release, "The house, built in 1888, will be decked out in holiday decorations with tours and photo opportunities. The Friends of Ocoee History Preservation will give tours of the house where people can learn how holidays were celebrated at the turn of the century."

For more information, contact the Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 905-3180 or visit the City of Ocoee website.