Qwen had always equated Christmas with snowy sidewalks, wrapped-up coats and the hushed silence of winter but this year, she was prepared for something new. Dead set on swapping frosty sidewalks with sandy beaches, she started organising a holiday getaway to the best places to visit in Florida in December to get an optimal mix of holiday cheer and sunny weather. As she travelled from quaint small towns to lively seaside cities, she learned that the top destinations to visit in Florida celebrate Christmas like no other, palm trees swathed in sparkling lights, boat parades gliding under starry night skies and balmy evenings filled with music, laughter and tropical merriment.
From the historic sheen of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights to the tongue-in-cheek Surfing Santas of Cocoa Beach, every destination on her journey presented something special. What started as a search for sunshine turned into a wondrous journey of joy, community and an entirely new reason to enjoy the magic of the season through a resident’s perspective. Our detailed guide below will help you decide on where to go in Florida for Christmas with great ease.
Best Places to Visit in Florida in December: A Must-Visit
Florida at Christmas time is something else, as it provides a distinctly holiday experience where holiday traditions and tropical settings blend. Florida Christmas celebrations in December will leave you walking under palm trees with Christmas lights on, soaking up festive markets in shorts and gazing at brilliant boat parades cruising under warm waters along the coast.
The mild temperatures, typically in the mid 60s to mid 70s, make it perfect to spend both days enjoying being outside and evenings partying for holiday fun. Whether you are strolling through a theme park decked out in its holiday finery or a charming old town replete with millions of festive twinkling lights, there are plenty of things to do in Florida in December at Christmas.
December is even more magical in Florida because the state has such a wide variety of holiday activities. Hot cocoa can be enjoyed during snowfalls in Celebration, Florida, gaze at European-style Christmas villages in Mount Dora or see Santa jet-skiing into town in Miami. It is an opportunity to enjoy the magic and delight of Christmas without the cold, while discovering some of the Sunshine State’s greatest holiday destinations.
Top Places to Visit in Florida For Christmas
Florida is transformed into a festive haven during December and one will find numerous Christmas destinations to suit all types of holiday travellers. Historic towns of Florida, immersed in millions of lights, beachside parades and whimsical theme park festivals are just a few of the unforgettable seasonal attractions that can be found throughout the Sunshine State. Here is a list of the top Christmas towns in Florida that you can visit with your family, kids and friends.
St. Augustine: Nights of Lights and Historic Holiday Magic
If you are looking for Florida December Christmas destinations, St. Augustine is transformed into a winter wonderland of magic with the Nights of Lights festival, blue and white lights numbering millions that illuminate the city’s historic streets and landmarks. The magical event attracts visitors from all over the world to celebrate Christmas in America’s oldest city. Along with lights, you can also include holiday markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and wonderful holiday activities, happily celebrating St. Augustine’s history and holiday spirit.
Orlando / Theme Parks: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas & Light Shows
December is a must for theme park fans and families in Orlando, with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World. The parks are filled with dazzling light shows, parades, and festive attractions. Universal Orlando provides magical holiday festivals such as Grinchmas and holiday performances to create memories for all ages.
West Palm Beach: Sandi Land and Palm Beach Holidays
Amongst the top 10 places to visit in Florida with kids, West Palm Beach adds a special spin to holiday festivities with Sandi Land, a sand Christmas village featuring sand sculptures and decor crafted entirely of sand. The Palm Beach Holidays in the city mix beachy playfulness with traditional holiday charm in the shape of merry concerts, tree lightings, and activities that are suitable for the family, while offering a much-needed break from snowy celebrations.
Miami & Little Havana: Urban Christmas Vibes
Miami’s vibrant culture shines through during December with lively Christmas markets, festive street parties and colourful light displays, especially in Little Havana. The fusion of Latin heritage and warm climate produces a unique holiday atmosphere that is rich in music, wonderful food and camaraderie. Tourists can experience holiday art festivals, boat parades and plenty of opportunities to dance throughout the season.
Mount Dora: Small-Town Christmas Charm
Mount Dora offers a festive, small-town Christmas atmosphere with quaint streets lined with twinkling lights and homey stores featuring handmade gifts. Mount Dora’s Christmas celebrations include parades, craft fairs and live shows and are an ideal destination for visitors who seek a warm, community-based celebration replete with nostalgia and charm.
Cocoa Beach / Surfing Santas: A Coastal Christmas Quirk
Cocoa Beach adds Christmas to its quirky, offbeat spin with its own Surfing Santas festival, where Santa and his elves surf the waves instead of sleighing. This playfulness is drawing tourists for the blending of the holiday season and beach life. More yuletide activities include holiday bazaars, holiday lighted boat parades and beachside views that make this beachside community a Christmas destination to remember.
Fort Lauderdale: Holiday Boat Parade and Waterfront Lights
Fort Lauderdale lights up the waterways with its spectacular Holiday Boat Parade, as ornately decorated boats travel the Intracoastal Waterway. Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront neighbourhoods glimmer with holiday lights and ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere for an evening stroll or waterfront dinner. It is the perfect place to visit for those who appreciate combining holiday cheer with seashore beauty.
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Celebration, Florida: Now Snowing and Festive Downtown
Celebration, Florida, becomes a bit of a winter wonderland with its charming downtown area featuring nightly snowfall festivities, tree lightings and holiday concerts. Walt Disney Company-designed Celebration blends traditional holiday charm with modern conveniences.
Anna Maria Island / Gulf Coast: Beachside Holiday Parades
Anna Maria Island provides a relaxed but merry Christmas experience with beachside parades, holiday markets and Gulf Coast light displays. The island’s small-town atmosphere offers a peaceful refuge for families and couples seeking to enjoy warm-weather holidays.
Sarasota / Bradenton / Pine Street Lights: Gulf Coast Festivities
Sarasota and Bradenton illuminate their Pine Street community with festive holiday lights, festive music and holiday festivities that bring the community together. The vibrant arts community of the city puts a dash of fun into the holiday season in the form of holiday shows and craft markets, bringing colour to the festively lighted streets. This Gulf Coast resort is perfect for tourists who want to merge culture and Christmas celebrations.
Christmas in Florida in December: Christmas in Florida Tips
Florida during Christmas is all about Christmas magic but planning makes your holiday experience more magical. Book ahead of your holiday, especially in high vacation spots like St. Augustine, Orlando and West Palm Beach; these places fill up in December. Dress in layers for warm and sunny days but cold breezes at night. Do not leave home without sunscreen, sunglasses and good walking shoes because many of the Christmas activities and light displays are outdoors.
To get the most out of your Florida Christmas vacation, intersperse holiday activities with rest on the beach or in nature parks. Keep an eye on local calendars for pop-up events and free community celebrations. Most importantly, the value of that unique blend of palm trees with strings of lights, warm breezes and celebratory music it’s a Christmas that no other destination can provide.
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Best Christmas Spots In Florida
December in Florida is a holiday like no other, the sunshine meets cheer and palm trees twinkle with Christmas lights. Charismatic parades, historic light exhibits and beachside festivities are yours to enjoy. These top Christmas spots promise warm temperatures, merry experiences and holiday memories to last a lifetime.
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