Good morning, Pasco! We’re officially in the heart of the holiday season, and this weekend is packed with festive lights, family experiences, and cozy local events. From holiday markets to a full-on North Pole experience, here’s what’s happening across Pasco County from Dec 18–21. 🎄✨
🎟️ 5+ Cool Things To Do This Weekend (Dec 18–21)
🛍️ Farmers Market @ Avalon Park (Wesley Chapel)
📍 Downtown Avalon Park • 4424 Friendly Way, Wesley Chapel • Sat, Dec 20 • 10 AM–2 PM • 💲 Free entry
Fresh produce + local makers in a walkable “downtown” setting. Great for a stroller stroll and a quick coffee stop.
🔗 Event details →
🎶 3rd Fridays: Keeping It Country @ KRATE (Wesley Chapel)
📍 KRATE at the Grove • 5817 Wesley Grove Blvd, Wesley Chapel • Fri, Dec 19 • 7–11 PM • 💲 Free entry
Live country music and a fun open-air vibe with tons of dinner options steps away.
🔗 KRATE event page →
🎄 Community Christmas Gathering @ Heritage Park (Lutz / Land O’ Lakes)
📍 Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park • 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Land O’ Lakes • Fri, Dec 19 • 6–8:30 PM • 💲 $2
A simple, family-friendly evening with holiday cheer — a great “bring-a-friend” kind of vibe.
🔗 Event details →
❄️ Winter Wonderland (Downtown New Port Richey)
📍 Sims Park / Downtown NPR • Fri–Sun, Dec 19–21 • 💲 Free entry
Downtown holiday fun with lights and activities in the heart of NPR.
🔗 Event details →
🎅 Santa is Coming to Andy’s Frozen Custard! (Trinity / Odessa)
📍 Andy’s Frozen Custard, Odessa • Fri, Dec 19 • 💲 Varies
Grab a treat and say hi to Santa — an easy “quick win” outing if you don’t want a big event.
🔗 Event details →
✨ Church Street Christmas (Dade City / East Pasco)
📍 Historic Church Street, Downtown Dade City • Sun, Dec 21 • 7–9 PM • 💲 Free
A cozy, classic holiday evening on Church Street.
🔗 Event details →
🌟 Spotlight Story – A Night at the North Pole (Right Here in Pasco)
If you’re looking for something that truly feels special this weekend, the North Pole Experience in Wesley Chapel delivers.
📍 3552 Ballastone Drive, Land O’ Lakes
We visited and were impressed by how immersive it felt — tunnels of lights, themed scenes, interactive displays, and just enough magic to keep kids wide-eyed without feeling overwhelming. It’s designed to move at your pace, making it friendly for families with strollers and grandparents alike.
Tips from our visit:
Go after dark for the full lighting effect
Dress in layers — evenings cool down quickly
Let kids lead the pace; there’s a lot to see
Plan time for photos — the light tunnels are a highlight
If you’re trying to create a memory instead of just checking off another event, this one’s worth a look.
🔗 Learn more → https://www.northpoleexp.com
🍴 Local Dining Pick
Provisions Coffee & Kitchen (KRATE) — Wesley Chapel
📍 5862 Goldview Pkwy, Wesley Chapel
Great for coffee or a casual breakfast/lunch stop if you’re already at KRATE.
🔗 Hours & location →
💆♀️ Local Wellness Pick
“Walk-and-talk” reset at Starkey Wilderness Park (Trinity / Odessa)
Cooler mornings are perfect for a calm trail walk. Go early, keep it easy, and treat it like a moving coffee chat.
🔗 Park info →
💸 Pasco Deals & Discounts (NEW!)
Free library programs & take-home kits are a sneaky-great holiday win (and warm, indoor fun).
🔗 Pasco Libraries events →
🗺️ Around Town (New Developments & Openings)
A quick look at what’s happening around Pasco (all within the last few weeks):
🚧 Regency Park Blvd paving work (Pasco County update)
If you’re driving that corridor, expect crews and plan a couple extra minutes.
🔗 County update →🏪 Possible Home Depot plans in Wesley Chapel (early stage)
Preliminary plans reportedly filed near Cypress Creek Town Center. Still early, but worth watching.
🔗 Story →
🏡 Real Estate Corner
Starter (≤ $350K) — New Port Richey
3 bd • 2 ba • 980 sq ft — close to downtown and the river.
🔗 3632 Pensdale Dr →
Family Move-Up ($400K–$650K) — Wesley Chapel
3 bd • 2 ba • ~1,980 sq ft — open layout, newer community.
🔗 8576 Broadstone Dr →
Wow Home (Luxury / Waterfront) — Gulf Harbors
3 bd • 3 ba • ~2,340 sq ft — canal-front with Gulf access.
🔗 4346 Marine Pkwy →
💌 Closing
Thanks for reading, Pasco. If you head out this weekend, hit reply and tell me what you loved — or send a photo!
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