All aboard! Children of all ages will delight in boarding the Polar Express in downtown Eustis for an hour-long magical trip to the North Pole. This enchanting holiday train ride is just one of many charming ways for Mission Inn guests to get out and celebrate the holiday season in Lake County.

The Polar Express experience recreates the Christmas magic of the classic children’s book and movie. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet the guests and present each passenger with the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the journey, passengers will be served hot cocoa by dancing chefs, interact with characters, hear a reading of the book, and sing Christmas carols. The train makes multiple runs through Dec. 30 and tickets start at $48. For more information, call (352) 742-7200.

Downtown Mount Dora takes on a festive holiday glow beneath more than 2 million sparkling lights. It’s a cheerful setting for several events the city hosts, including its annual Christmas Parade and its Lighted Boat Christmas Parade, both held on Dec. 7, and a Christmas event in the park for children on Dec. 14, complete with snow!

Tavares also has a Christmas parade and celebration on Dec. 7. Or lace up a pair of ice skates and glide across an outdoor rink in Eustis throughout the month!

The many other holiday experiences in the area include a self-guided tour of Mount Dora homes on Dec. 7, a Christmas tea with holiday music on the harp at the Howey Mansion on Dec. 9, a Christmas Festival in Howey-in-the-Hills with events including the 5K Reindeer Dash and an ugly sweater contest, and the popular Wine & Chocolate festival Dec. 13-15 at Lakeridge Winery in Clermont with live music, arts and crafts, and winery tours.

With so many fun and festive ways to celebrate the holidays nearby, book a stay at Mission Inn Resort and get out and enjoy some of these special experiences. For reservations, call (352) 268-9574 or email reservations@missioninnresort.com.