Florida's sunny winter offers a unique twist on holiday festivities. While you won't find snowmen or freezing temperatures, the Sunshine State boasts plenty of festive activities to get you in the holiday spirit. From ice skating rinks to enchanted forests and dazzling light displays, Florida's family-friendly winter wonderlands will even warm the heart of the biggest Grinch. Here's a look at some of the top Christmas events around Florida to inspire your holiday cheer.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom (ORLANDO, FL).
This special event features dazzling fireworks, a castle illuminated with holiday cheer, festive parades, and enchanting Christmas shows. Enjoy live entertainment, including stage shows, character dance parties, and meet-and-greets. And to keep you cozy, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa are served throughout the night.
St. Augustine's Night of Lights (ST. AUGUSTINE, FL)
Night of Lights is a magical holiday tradition that illuminates the historic city. This award-winning light display, recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 best in the world, transforms the bayfront into a dazzling spectacle. As the festive lights twinkle along the streets, you can witness the annual Christmas parade, take a photo with Santa, or explore the charming shops. For a truly unique experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride or join a guided Christmas tour.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town (TAMPA, FL)
Bush Gardens transforms Tampa into a winter wonderland. With millions of twinkling lights, live entertainment, holiday shopping, and festive treats, this magical event creates lasting memories for families. Visitors can explore the park's enchanting atmosphere, meet Santa Claus, and indulge in delicious treats like peppermint hot chocolate, warm cookies, and pumpkin funnel cakes. This holiday extravaganza is the perfect place to start new family traditions.
Gaylord Palms Resort (GAYLORD PALMS ORLANDO, FL)
The Gaylord Palms transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual ICE event! This immersive experience features stunning ice sculptures depicting Christmas traditions from around the world, all carved from millions of pounds of ice. Despite the chilly temperatures, visitors can stay warm with complimentary coats and gloves. In addition to the incredible ice sculptures, past events have included dazzling light shows, live performances, thrilling ice slides, gingerbread decorating, and character meet-and-greets.
Pensacola Winterfest (PENSACOLA, FL)
Winterfest is a magical holiday event that illuminates the streets of Downtown Pensacola and the Historic Seville and Palafox Business District. With plenty of hot chocolate and festive cheer, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including meeting Santa Claus, taking a Polar Express Mini-Tour, attending a Puppet Magic Mini-Tour, or embarking on an hour-long Performance Tour featuring beloved characters. For a more villainous twist, there’s even a Scrooge and Grinch Mini-Tour.
Dates: November 6, 15, 22-24, 29-30; December 1, 6-8, 13, 15, 20-24, 2024
Official Website
Now Snowing in Celebration (CELEBRATION, FL)
Now Snowing offers a magical winter experience right in the heart of Florida. This annual event transforms the charming town into a winter wonderland, complete with nightly snowfall, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. Families can enjoy a variety of festive activities, including Charles Dickens Carolers, live performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, the Celebration Express Train, and photo opportunities with Santa. Create lasting memories in this picturesque setting and witness the wonder of a Florida winter.
Beach Home for the Holidays (PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL)
Beach home for the holidays is a magical event that transforms Panama City Beach into a winter wonderland. Aaron Bessant Park comes alive with festive cheer, featuring live entertainment, carol-themed concerts, nightly fireworks, and much more. Families can enjoy s'mores, meet Santa Claus, and watch the dazzling lighting of a 36-foot-tall Christmas tree.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort (WINTER HAVEN, FL)
Legoland offers a unique holiday experience with its annual Florida Christmas Bricktacular. Visitors can marvel at a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree, meet life-sized LEGO Santa and Toy Soldiers, and participate in festive scavenger hunts. Families can also build alongside LEGO Master Model Builders and enjoy dazzling fireworks displays set to classic Christmas tunes.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade (FORT LAUDERDALE, FL)
Winterfest boat parade is a dazzling spectacle that kicks off the holiday season in South Florida. Dubbed the "Best Show on H2O," this one-of-a-kind parade features beautifully decorated boats of all sizes, drawing over a million spectators along the 12-mile route. To get the best view, head to the Winterfest Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park in Fort Lauderdale. Before and after the parade, enjoy a festive atmosphere with live entertainment.
Experience a Dickensian Christmas in Fernandina Beach (FERNANDINA, FL)
Dickensian Christmas in downtown Fernandina, transforms into a magical English village, inspired by Charles Dickens' classic tale "A Christmas Carol." Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with costumed characters, themed entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus. This free, three-day Victorian-inspired holiday festival is perfect for families and friends.
Santa's Surfing Spectacular (COCOA BEACH, FL)
Santa's Surging Spectacular happens every Christmas Eve morning, where Cocoa Beach transforms into a unique winter wonderland. Hundreds of Surfing Santas take to the waves, showcasing their skills and spreading holiday cheer. This iconic event is a must-see, featuring Christmas characters with a beachy twist, all vying for the perfect wave. It's a truly unforgettable spectacle that only the Sunshine State could deliver.
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens' in Orlando (ORLANDO, FL)
Experience the magic of Leu Gardens transformed into a winter wonderland. Admire towering trees adorned with thousands of lights, wander through a tunnel of twinkling lights, and relax in a serene forest of illuminated stained glass windows. Don't miss the enchanting swan topiary and other horticultural wonders. Enjoy festive treats, holiday beverages, and live entertainment as you stroll through the gardens.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights (COCONUT CREEK, FL) 
Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park will once again dazzle visitors with its spectacular Holiday Fantasy of Lights. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Florida's largest drive-thru holiday lighting event. Drive through three miles of giant animated holiday displays and illumination. The event features classic favorites and new creations by Brandano Displays, attracting over 125,000 visitors annually.
Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Winter Estates (FORT MYERS, FL)
Celebrate the holidays at Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The 49th annual Holiday Nights features thousands of lights, hundreds of historic decorations, and a new Children's Holiday Tree Trail. Enjoy guided tours, shopping, and special events like Santa visits and carolers.
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights (TAMPA, FL)
Immerse yourself in a dazzling display of over 1.5 million lights at Tampa Bay's Festival of Lights. Take a scenic drive through two miles of animated light displays and seasonal themes. Then, explore the expanded Santa's Village, featuring holiday-themed rides, a self-guided walking tour of the historic village, and festive treats.
A Wild Winter Wonderland at Zoo Tampa (TAMPA, FL)
Experience the magic of Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa. Immerse yourself in a dazzling display of lights, enjoy festive entertainment, and encounter amazing wildlife. This year's event is bigger and brighter than ever, offering a memorable experience for the entire family. ZooTampa Members and Pay For A Day ticket holders receive free admission to seasonal events like Christmas in the Wild.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens (LARGO, FL)
The Florida Botanical Gardens will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland with over a million twinkling lights. The dazzling display will feature vibrant laser lights and illuminated figures, captivating visitors of all ages. The opening of the new Majeed Discovery Garden will elevate the experience to new heights. Every Sunday and Thursday in December, enjoy free kids' activities in the Majeed Discovery Garden.
Suwanee Lights (LIVE OAK, FL)
Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season at Suwannee Lights. Witness one of the South's largest and most captivating Christmas light displays as the Suwannee River transforms into a wonderland of color and joy. Create lasting memories with family and friends as you experience this enchanting tradition.
Dates: November 29 - December 30, 2024
Official Website
~ From my family to yours ~
We wish you have a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy 2025!
