December Trip

Question

I am planning to go to Mt. Dora for three nights in December at The Lakeside Inn. I booked last year when I asked my son if he wanted to go see a nice Christmas light display as his fall birthday gift. The rocking chairs were also a huge draw for him he said. He could sit there and read his books and be happy. Last year we stayed at Jekyll Island right before Christmas, and it was really nice. They even had activities at different hotels each night... movie at one... snacks at one...

I didn't book the parade weekend-- sold out far ahead. I didn't book the snow weekend- I have to travel for work. Therefore, the weekend i booked I assume there is nothing going on around there that we might go see? I'd assume we can buy hot chocolate somewhere and walk around the town. I have looked around on the Internet

I am trying to figure out if I should have only done two nights instead of three nights. Although in actuality, three nights only gives you two days to explore there. I just feel like most people just stay there a couple of nights. Maybe we are there too long. Their weekends are booked up, but the other days of the week are still available.

Any feedback is welcome. It appears we can walk from the hotel and see lights.

I did check to make sure it wasn't a tourist trap town. It is not listed anywhere as one. We have done a couple by accident on cross country road trips, and didn't care for them. I even Googled one place "after" we arrived, and it said it was a tourist trap and the Myrtle Beach of the NE. I thought heck no.. but we survived. ;-)

Answer

Mt. Dora is a charming small town in Central Florida that tends to have a relaxed, cozy feel, especially in December when the holiday decorations start appearing. Staying at The Lakeside Inn is a great choice—its historic ambiance, lakeside views, and rocking chairs make it perfect for a leisurely, comfortable trip. For a three-night stay, even if your main goal is simply enjoying the town and walking around, the extra night gives you flexibility and time to explore without feeling rushed.

While you may not be there for the parade weekend or the “snow weekend,” there are still plenty of things to see and do:

Holiday lights and decorations: Even outside the major events, downtown Mt. Dora is often decorated with lights and seasonal displays. Walking through the streets, you can enjoy the lights, stop in local shops, and grab hot chocolate from cafes.
Historic downtown: The town has a quaint downtown with boutique shops, art galleries, and unique local stores. Even a casual stroll is rewarding, and it’s very walkable from The Lakeside Inn.
Restaurants and cafes: There are cozy spots for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Many offer seasonal treats in December, perfect for relaxing after your walks or sightseeing.
Lakeside activities: The inn is right on Lake Dora. You can enjoy quiet lakeside walks, take in the views, and perhaps even do a short boat tour if available during your stay.

Regarding your concern about three nights versus two, here’s some perspective:

Three nights gives you two full days to explore, which is usually sufficient to see the main sights without rushing. It also allows a slower, more relaxed pace—perfect if your son enjoys reading or just sitting and taking in the scenery.
If your goal is purely sightseeing and shopping, two nights could be enough, but you might feel pressured to cram activities in. Three nights gives the extra flexibility for spontaneous activities or just enjoying downtime.
Weekdays in Mt. Dora tend to be quieter than weekends, so your choice of days outside parade or snow weekends means you’ll have less crowd congestion, which is ideal for walking around and enjoying the town at a relaxed pace.

Additional tips:

Check for small local events or craft fairs—sometimes December weekdays still have occasional evening events or live music at cafes and inns.
Bring comfortable walking shoes—downtown streets are charming but include some uneven brick sidewalks in parts.
If you like photography, early evening walks when lights come on are great for pictures, especially along the lakeside paths.

In conclusion, your three-night stay is appropriate and gives you the best balance between exploring the town, enjoying holiday ambiance, and relaxing at the inn. Walking downtown to see lights and grab seasonal treats should be plenty to fill your two days of activities without feeling like the trip is too long or like you’re missing major events.

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