A familiar holiday tradition is getting a fresh touch this year! While there’s a new face behind the festive magic, the heart and soul of Carols in the Park remain the same. The new team is dedicated to keeping the holiday spirit alive, with all the twinkling lights, handcrafted treasures, and cozy treats you know and love. They’re adding a sprinkle of new surprises while holding tight to the timeless charm that makes the market so special. We sit down with Destroyer Media & Marketing Event Director Lyndsey Venrick and Publisher Chris Sexson about Holidays on Central.
Why did you feel it was important to take the reins of Carols in the Park?
LV: When we heard it was ending, we knew we couldn’t let the community lose such an important event. We wanted to take this longstanding tradition and reimagine it for the next generation. Finding ways to modernize the event so that life-long residents, recent implants, and today’s families have a holiday event they can enjoy for the next 50 years. Thus, a new event, Holidays on Central, was born.
CS: Taking on a community tradition like this is both an honor and a responsibility. Destroyer recognizes how much this tradition means to so many people and to our downtown businesses, and it’s important to carry it forward because it brings people together, brings people to our downtown, and supports local businesses through the holiday season.
Which aspects of the event will stay the same for nostalgic attendees?
LV: Of course, Santa will be making an appearance and will be available for photos! We will continue to offer interactive activities for the kids, but we are also adding some new activities for adults. Historically, local residents would do their holiday shopping at Carols in the Park, so we are keeping many traditional-type holiday vendors shoppers would expect to find. But, we’re also bringing in a lot of new, unique, and never-before-seen vendors to the area. Shoppers can find the perfect gifts for everyone on their list!
CS: We know how important it is to maintain those touchpoints that make people feel at home, year after year. The event serves as the stage for our downtown. We want all attendees to explore downtown, have lunch and dinner, and support our shops.
Have there been any challenges in balancing the old and the new?
LV: One of the major parts of Carols in the Park was the school caroling performances. We really contemplated if we wanted to continue with the children’s caroling, as we know that families enjoy it. It is a major logistical undertaking, and we felt families may enjoy a more pressure-free holiday event experience. So, we decided this would be one of the key ways we could modernize the event for the future. Instead of caroling, we will feature a student art showcase by the Polk State College art students. At future events, we hope to include other school showcases, perhaps orchestra and band performances from the local high schools and more. We also want to meet the community’s expectation of the event. Carols in the Park went through some changes over the past few years, and we know residents are eager to return to the more traditional event. We hope attendees are pleased with what we bring them, even though it will be a little different from what they are used to!
CS: Change can sometimes be met with hesitation, especially when something is so deeply rooted in tradition. This will be our first year and the start of something new. As we move ahead, we have plans to grow and expand the event for future years. This year’s challenge was to keep it going and not let the tradition end. It’s been about keeping the event intact while allowing it to grow in a way that feels natural and exciting.
Can you explain the differences between Mistletoe Market & the Bandit Market?
LV: Holidays on Central will have over 120 vendors. We’ve got vendors offering inspiring arts and ceramics, beautifully handmade candles and housewares, stylish handmade, upcycled and curated vintage apparel, a huge variety of baked goods, irresistible plants and jewelry, snacks and specialty food trucks… anything you could possibly want at a holiday market, we’ve got it across all three parks downtown. The Mistletoe Market will have many traditional holiday craft vendors- so you can expect to find handmade ornaments, stockings, décor like you would find at past Carols in the Park events. The Bandit Market is an alternative shopping market and was previously held inside the Ritz Theatre over the past few years. We are bringing those vendors to Holidays on Central! These are vendors from Orlando to Tampa and everywhere in between. Their offerings are unique, unexpected and definitely not traditional. You’ll find some spooky vendors and some that are rated PG-13. What can guests expect that day? LV: An easy and light-hearted holiday experience! Holidays on Central is absolutely stacked with amazing vendors and experiences. Also, the Polk County HUB will have a gift-wrapping station where all proceeds go right back to the HUB’s efforts. Stop by the info booth for a fun activity and to pick up a free Holidays on Central tote bag (while supplies last). Spend the whole day eating and shopping your way around Winter Haven’s downtown parks.
CS: Guests can expect a day filled with holiday magic. From the moment they arrive, they’ll be immersed in a festive atmosphere filled with the joyful energy of the season. There will be a range of activities for all ages, delicious seasonal treats, pics with Santa, of course, and the chance to browse through both markets to find the perfect locally made gift or decoration. It’s a day designed to create memories—whether you’re continuing a long-standing tradition or experiencing it for the first time.
Holidays on Central is December 7 from 10 am – 4 pm in Central Park in Winter Haven. Find more information on Facebook @destroyermediaandmarketing or online at destroyermediaandmarketing.com.
