Christmas In The Country at Cracker Country

Christmas In The Country returns to Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Saturday, December 12, from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's a day spent inside a four-acre complex of 13 original 19th-century buildings, all set up to show what a Florida Christmas looked like back then.

Most of the day is hands-on. You walk through historical interpretations of the era, with carols and traditional decorations throughout. There are pioneer chores to try your hand at—churning butter and scrubbing laundry with an old-fashioned washboard—alongside dipping a beeswax candle, twisting a rope, dyeing with indigo, and demonstrations on bee-keeping and honey. The General Store stocks nostalgic and reproduction items, historical toys and games, books and candy, with the proceeds going toward Cracker Country's field trip programs.

There's a bit of local history to the decorations, too. Rural Floridians worked with what they had on hand—palmetto fronds, Florida holly, magnolia branches, pinecones and citrus fruits—and country customs like serenading grew out of European traditions of celebratory noise-making. If you're looking for a performance, the main stage runs shows at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM.

Tickets are $16 for adults 12 and up, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students ages 6 to 11, with kids 0 to 5 free. Parking is $10 online and $12 onsite. You'll need to buy your tickets in advance, as there are no on-site sales. The event is at Cracker Country, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Highway 301, Tampa, FL 33610—use the MLK Blvd Entrance, Gate 2.