The tree at the Hernando County Courthouse goes dark for most of the year. On Dec. 5, Brooksville Main Street lights it back up at 7 p.m. in front of whatever crowd downtown draws for Christmas on Main.
The tree lighting is the anchor, but the event runs 3–9 p.m. with horse-drawn carriage rides, a Christmas Character Stroll, live Christmas music at the courthouse, and a sensory-friendly Family Sensory Christmas stretch built for kids who need a calmer version of a holiday crowd. Brooksville Main Street presents it with Lowman Law Firm as the “North Pole” sponsor.
Good to know: Downtown Brooksville, centered on the Hernando County Courthouse, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville, FL 34601. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, 3–9 p.m.; tree lighting around 7 p.m. Free to attend.
One thing to know before you go: parking fills in around the courthouse square fast once the carriage rides start — downtown side streets are the better bet after 5 p.m.
It pairs naturally with the week before’s Downtown Street Market's Thankful Friendsgiving. More from BestOfHernando: Brooksville's Friday Night Live Concert Series and Holiday Music Bingo at the Brooksville Elks Lodge.
See this event on our calendar listing for the full date/time and venue map.