Christmas Events for Kids in Auburndale (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

Updated 3 min read

Rally the corgi has sniffed out the Christmas events for kids in Auburndale for 2026. Lights in the Park brings music, food trucks and a 7 pm tree lighting to the Historic Depot on Thursday, December 3, and the next night the Havendale Christmas Parade rolls between Winter Haven and Auburndale. We check every date on the host’s own website and link straight there. For the rest of the state, see our Florida Christmas events for kids guide.

What Rally found in Auburndale

  • 2 Christmas events for kids in Auburndale, both free
  • Lights in the Park: Thursday, December 3, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, Historic Depot
  • Tree lighting: 7 pm at Lights in the Park
  • Havendale Christmas Parade: Friday, December 4, 7 pm
  • Run by Auburndale Parks and Recreation

Free Christmas events for kids in Auburndale

Tree lightingFree

Lights in the Park

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Auburndale’s Lights in the Park fills the grounds of the Historic Depot with holiday music, food trucks and festive fun.

The city Christmas tree is lit at 7 pm, about halfway through the evening, so families can eat first and stay for the big moment.

Parent tip: Grab dinner from the food trucks when you arrive at 5:30 pm, then find a spot near the tree before the 7 pm lighting.

Host
City of Auburndale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
Historic Depot, 120 W. Park Street, Auburndale, FL 33823 (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Auburndale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 1 more Auburndale event researched for you.

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Christmas paradeFree

Havendale Christmas Parade

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The Havendale Christmas Parade is the yearly team-up between Auburndale and Winter Haven, running along the corridor that links the two cities.

The route is planned from Spring Haven in Winter Haven west to the Publix in Auburndale, with roads closing at 6 pm.

Parent tip: Roads close at 6 pm, an hour before the parade. Park early on the Auburndale end near the finish.

Host
City of Auburndale Parks and Recreation with the City of Winter Haven (opens in a new tab)
Address
Havendale Boulevard, Spring Haven in Winter Haven west to Publix in Auburndale, Auburndale, FL 33823 (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Auburndale Parks and Recreation with the City of Winter Haven (opens in a new tab)

New Auburndale events every week

Rally researches Christmas events in Auburndale daily and updates this page with new events. Enter your email to get a weekly update with new events in Auburndale.

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We check every event above on the host’s own page for the date, time and cost, plus the things parents ask about, like sign-ups and ages. Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Florida Christmas train rides page.

See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Auburndale Christmas event for kids happens

Make it two nights in a row: the tree lighting at the Historic Depot on Thursday, December 3, and the Havendale parade on Friday, December 4.

Looking further afield? Our Florida Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Lakeland, Kissimmee, Clermont and Winter Garden. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The story of Christmas in Auburndale

Auburndale does not hold its Christmas parade alone. Every December it teams up with neighboring Winter Haven for the Havendale Christmas Parade, a 3.1-mile river of lighted floats down Havendale Boulevard that ends at the Publix in Auburndale, with Santa and Mrs. Claus riding the very last float.

A tree lit by the Historic Depot and a historic home dressed for Christmas on December 7, 2023

Auburndale's Christmas season starts at the Historic Depot on West Park Street. Lights in the Park fills the depot grounds with holiday music and food trucks, and the city tree is lit partway through the evening. On December 7, 2023, as a crowd gathered near the Historic Train Depot for the tree lighting, the Baynard House across the street opened for Christmas tours, dressed in bows, tinsel, glitter and glam.

Inside, the Baynard House Committee, volunteers including Cindy Hummel, Zelda West, Lynda Moore and Evelyn Pearce, greeted families at the door and had them sign the welcome book. A Christmas tree glowed in the dining room among holly, tinsel and candles, with wrapped gifts underneath and the table set as if for a holiday meal. The house, now owned by the city and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was restored in the 1990s with help from more than 200 Auburndale High School student volunteers. The 2026 Lights in the Park lights the tree at 7 p.m. on December 3.

A 3.1-mile Havendale parade on December 5, 2025, with Santa's float as the grand finale

On Friday, December 5, 2025, at 7 p.m., the Cities of Auburndale and Winter Haven presented their annual Havendale Christmas Parade. Floats, marching bands, dance teams, classic cars and community groups rolled 3.1 miles west along Havendale Boulevard from 14th Street to the finish near Publix in Auburndale, and the grand finale was Santa and Mrs. Claus on their official parade float.

Getting into the parade took planning. Entries were due November 6, 2025, at $50 per unit, and every group had to attend a mandatory meeting on November 18 at the AdventHealth Fieldhouse in Winter Haven to get staging details and walker wristbands. The Greater Auburndale Chamber of Commerce and Auburndale Parks and Recreation handled sign-ups. In 2026 the Havendale Christmas Parade is Friday, December 4, with roads closing at 6 p.m.

No candy, no fake Santas and the Rodger McCoy Award for the jolliest walkers

The Havendale parade has its own rules, and they say a lot about how seriously both cities take it. Every float and wheeled unit, even the truck pulling it, must be fully decorated with lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus have agreed to be part of the parade, so no Santa imposters are allowed. Since 2024, entries may not throw or hand out candy, beads or trinkets, and costumes must suit a Christmas parade with children watching, so nothing scary. Homemade floats need three adult walkers on each side.

Judges hand out four prizes. The Spectacular Sparkle Award goes to the entry with the most shimmer and shine, the Silver Bell Award to the most creative entry beyond traditional Christmas themes, and the Spirit of Havendale Award to the best overall wow factor. The Rodger McCoy Award, for the most enthusiastic, well-mannered and jolly participants, honors Rodger McCoy, who volunteered with the parade for 18 years.

The North Pole Express at Parrish, a free depot museum in Plant City and a 30-foot LEGO tree

For a real Christmas train, Auburndale families can drive to Parrish, where the Florida Railroad Museum runs its biggest night of the year, the North Pole Express. The 45-minute ride ends at a North Pole with campfires, storytelling, model train displays, unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa in his private office, where every child gets a gift. In 2026 it runs on select evenings from November 27 to December 22.

Closer to home, the free Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum fills the 1909 union depot in Plant City and has a 1963 Seaboard caboose and a train viewing platform, so call ahead before a holiday-week visit. Next door in Winter Haven, LEGOLAND Florida's Christmas Bricktacular sets up a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree on select dates from November 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027.

  • Florida Railroad Museum: Weekend train rides on six miles of former Seaboard track and the North Pole Express to Santa's office every Christmas season.
  • Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum: A free museum in Plant City's 1909 union depot with a 1963 Seaboard caboose and a platform for watching trains.

Traditions today

  • Lights in the Park: Holiday music, food trucks and the city tree lighting on the grounds of the Historic Depot at 120 W. Park Street. In 2026 it is December 3.
  • The Havendale Christmas Parade: Auburndale and Winter Haven's shared 3.1-mile lighted parade down Havendale Boulevard, ending with Santa's float. In 2026 it is December 4.
  • Christmas at the Baynard House: The historic home across from the depot has opened for Christmas tours on tree lighting night, decorated with a tree, holly and wrapped gifts.
  • Parade awards: The Spectacular Sparkle, Silver Bell, Spirit of Havendale and Rodger McCoy awards go to the brightest, most creative and jolliest entries.
  • Christmas Boat Parade nearby: Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade lights up Lake May the next night. In 2026 it is December 5 at 6:30 p.m.

A fact for kids

In the Havendale Christmas Parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus ride the very last float, and the rules say no one else is allowed to dress up as Santa, so the one you see is the real one.

Questions about Christmas in Auburndale

What is the Havendale Christmas Parade?

The Havendale Christmas Parade is the yearly Christmas parade that Auburndale and Winter Haven put on together. It travels about 3.1 miles west along Havendale Boulevard, the road linking the two cities, from 14th Street in Winter Haven to the Publix in Auburndale. Floats, marching bands, dance teams, classic cars and community groups take part, and Santa rides at the end.

When is the Havendale Christmas Parade in 2026?

The 2026 Havendale Christmas Parade is Friday, December 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. The route is planned to begin at Spring Haven in Winter Haven and head west to the Publix in Auburndale. Roads close at 6 p.m., an hour before the parade, so plan to park and find your spot early.

Where does the Havendale Christmas Parade start and end?

Floats stage at the Spring Haven Retirement Center area, 1225 Havendale Blvd. NW, then merge onto Havendale Boulevard heading west. The official start is at 14th Street and Havendale Boulevard, so spectators should stand past that point. The parade ends at the Publix at 606 Havendale Blvd. in Auburndale.

Where is the best place to watch the Havendale parade from Auburndale?

Any spot along Havendale Boulevard west of 14th Street works, since the official start is at that intersection. The finish is at the Publix on Havendale Boulevard in Auburndale, which is the closest end of the route for Auburndale families. Roads close at 6 p.m., so arrive before then to park and set up chairs.

How long is the Havendale Christmas Parade route?

The route is about 3.1 miles, the same distance as a 5K race. It runs along Havendale Boulevard from 14th Street in Winter Haven west to Auburndale, and the parade is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Little ones may enjoy picking a spot near the end, where Santa's float arrives last.

When was the 2025 Havendale Christmas Parade?

The 2025 Havendale Christmas Parade was Friday, December 5, at 7 p.m., presented by the Cities of Auburndale and Winter Haven. Entries were due November 6, 2025, at $50 per unit, and groups attended a mandatory meeting on November 18 at the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center in Winter Haven.

Is Santa in the Havendale Christmas Parade?

Yes. Santa and Mrs. Claus have agreed to be part of the parade, and they ride their official parade float as the grand finale. The parade rules do not allow anyone else to dress as Santa, so kids will not see a second Santa along the route.

Do they throw candy at the Havendale Christmas Parade?

No. Starting with the 2024 rules, entries may not throw or hand out candy, trinkets, beads or pamphlets, and anyone who does is removed from the parade. Units also may not stop along the route. Bring your own snacks for the kids instead of an empty bag for candy.

What awards are given at the Havendale Christmas Parade?

Four awards: the Spectacular Sparkle Award for the most shimmer and shine, the Silver Bell Award for the most creative entry beyond traditional Christmas themes, the Spirit of Havendale Award for the best overall wow factor, and the Rodger McCoy Award for the most enthusiastic, well-mannered and jolly participants.

Who was Rodger McCoy of the Havendale parade?

Rodger McCoy volunteered with the Havendale Christmas Parade for 18 years. The parade now gives the Rodger McCoy Award in his honor to the entry with the most enthusiastic, well-mannered and jolly participants, so his cheerful spirit keeps riding along every December.

Can our group be in the Havendale Christmas Parade?

Yes. Businesses, schools and community groups apply through the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce or Auburndale Parks and Recreation. The entry fee is $50 per unit, proof of insurance is required, every float and towing vehicle must be fully lit, and all participants must attend a mandatory meeting in November. Walkers without a float must be 12 or older.

Do floats have to be lit in the Havendale Christmas Parade?

Yes. All floats and wheeled units, including the vehicles towing them, must be fully decorated with lights and weatherproof materials. Units can be no taller than 15 feet or wider than 12 feet, open flames are not allowed, and the organization's name must be visible on the unit. That is why the parade glows after dark.

When is Lights in the Park in Auburndale in 2026?

Lights in the Park is Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Historic Depot, 120 W. Park Street. Expect holiday music, food trucks and more, with the city Christmas tree lit at 7 p.m. It is put on by Auburndale Parks and Recreation.

Where is the Auburndale Christmas tree lit?

Auburndale lights its Christmas tree at the Historic Depot at 120 W. Park Street, during Lights in the Park. In 2023 the crowd gathered near the Historic Train Depot for the tree lighting on December 7, and the Baynard House across the street opened for holiday tours that same evening.

Can you tour the Baynard House at Christmas?

The Baynard House, across from the Historic Depot, opened for Christmas tours during the December 7, 2023, tree lighting, decorated with bows, tinsel, a dining room tree, holly, candles and wrapped gifts. The Baynard House Committee leads visits. Group and private tours are available by appointment through the city at (863) 965-5455.

Who decorates the Baynard House for Christmas?

The Baynard House Committee cares for the city-owned house, and its volunteers welcomed visitors at Christmas in 2023, including Cindy Hummel, Zelda West, Lynda Moore and Evelyn Pearce. The house was restored in the 1990s by staff, volunteers and more than 200 Auburndale High School student volunteers, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Is there a Christmas train ride near Auburndale?

Yes. The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish runs the North Pole Express, a 45-minute ride to a North Pole with campfires, storytelling, model trains, cookies and hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa, where every child gets a gift. In 2026 it runs on select evenings from November 27 to December 22.

Is there a railroad museum near Auburndale to visit over Christmas break?

The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum in Plant City's 1909 union depot is free and has a 1963 Seaboard caboose and a train viewing platform. As of October 2026 it is open Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (813) 719-6989 before a holiday visit.

Is there a Christmas boat parade near Auburndale?

Yes. The City of Winter Haven hosts the Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade on Lake May. In 2026 it is Saturday, December 5, starting promptly at 6:30 p.m., the night after the Havendale parade. Good viewing spots include Harborside Restaurant, Tanner's Lakeside Bar and Grill, Old Man Franks and the Twisted Prop.

What is Christmas like at LEGOLAND Florida near Auburndale?

LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven holds its Christmas Bricktacular on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, included with park admission. It features a towering 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree, and on select dates a Christmas drone show featuring LEGO Santa.

What should families do for Christmas in Auburndale in 2026?

Eat at the food trucks and watch the tree lighting at the Historic Depot on December 3, then line Havendale Boulevard for the parade on December 4. Catch the Winter Haven boat parade on December 5, and book the North Pole Express in Parrish. See our Florida Christmas events guide for more.

Sources

  1. Lights in the Park, City of Auburndale
  2. Havendale Christmas Parade, City of Auburndale
  3. The Baynard House is a Historic Gift for the Present!, City of Auburndale
  4. 2024 Havendale Christmas Parade Application, City of Auburndale
  5. Havendale Christmas Parade 2025, City of Winter Haven
  6. Where to Celebrate the Holidays in Polk, Polk County
  7. Holiday Happenings in Central Florida's Polk County, Visit Central Florida
  8. Top Holiday Events in Winter Haven 2026, LEGOLAND Florida

Keep the Christmas magic going: track Rally the corgi on Christmas Eve, print free Christmas coloring pages, learn how to say Merry Christmas in 100+ languages, find train museums to visit with kids, or browse Christmas events in every Florida city.

Auburndale Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What are the best Christmas events for kids in Auburndale this year?

Rally Takes the Train has confirmed 2 free Christmas events for kids in Auburndale for 2026: Lights in the Park on December 3 and the Havendale Christmas Parade on December 4.

When is the Havendale Christmas Parade in 2026?

Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7 pm. The route is planned from Spring Haven in Winter Haven west to the Publix in Auburndale, and roads close at 6 pm.

When is the Auburndale tree lighting?

Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 7 pm during Lights in the Park at the Historic Depot, 120 W. Park Street. The festivities run 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

Is Lights in the Park free?

Yes. Admission is free, with music and food trucks on site.

Who do I contact about Auburndale holiday events?

Auburndale Parks and Recreation at parks-rec@auburndalefl.com or (863) 965-5545.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Florida?

Yes. Santa trains and holiday train rides have their own guide: Rally Takes the Train’s Florida Christmas train rides page.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked Auburndale on November 11, 2026. Rally is also contacting each organizer to confirm details like parking, restrooms and bad-weather plans.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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