Are you looking for the best events in Florida in December?
You’ve come to the right place!
Florida in December is packed from coast to coast with festivals, lights, and holiday cheer that’ll make your season merry and bright.
You can stroll through 3 million twinkling lights at the world-famous Nights of Lights in St. Augustine or skip the classics and check out the Indie‑craft bazaar of Misfit Makers, filled with quirky, one of a kind finds.
No matter what’s on your holiday wish list, these best things to do in Florida in December will sprinkle your month with fun.
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Key Takeaways:
- Celebrate the season in Mount Dora as the town shines bright with more than 2 million LED lights at the holiday street party
- Eat your way through the holidays at the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival
- Shop for cool and quirky gifts at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar in Sarasota
Keep reading for a full guide to the best things to do in Florida in December.
1. St. Augustine Nights of Lights
The award-winning Nights of Lights Festival kicks off the holiday season in St. Augustine, Florida.
Running for almost two months straight, your spirits will be bright with all the festive events happening.
Over 3 million lights adorn St. Augustine’s historic district, and riding the Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights Tour is my favorite way to see the Ancient City light up.
It comes with magic glasses, seasonal songs, and cider, and a cookie after the ride for a merry ol’ time.
I recommend downloading the official Nights of Lights app so you don’t miss out on any of the holiday events; find out about parking and shuttles, live music, shopping, and more.
What makes this Florida festival special?
Here you’ll get to:
- Get into the holiday spirit with the “Light-Up Night!” on November 21st
- Christmas Market runs November 21st through December 24th
- Holiday-themed improv show November 21 to January 2, 2027
- Free Nights of Lights Walking Tour 6:00 p.m. on every Saturday from November 28, 2026 through January 16, 2027
- Light Up the Beach November 28th from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Luminary Night at St. Augustine Lighthouse on December 2nd
- 5th Annual Lightner Museum Holiday Market December 3rd from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- St. Augustine’s Annual Christmas Parade takes place on December 5th
- St. Augustine Concert Band performs their “Annual Holiday Spectacular” concert on December 4th
- The St. Augustine Orchestra will have two shows at the annual holiday concert at Kelly Farms on December 5th
- Bed & Breakfasts Holiday Tour with the theme “12 Days of Christmas on December 6th
- St. Augustine Beach’s holiday market on December 12th
- The waters light up for a nautical festive competition on December 12th for the Regatta of Lights
- First Coast Symphony’s The Sounds of Christmas: A Holiday Concert on December 13th
- Ocala Symphony Orchestra with “Holiday Pops,” on December 15th
- The St. Augustine Ballet performs its annual Nutcracker on December 18th
- The Light Up the Beach New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show on December 31st
Event Details of this Festival in Florida in December:
- Date: November 21st, 2026 until January 18th, 2027
- Time: Runs every night
- Cost: Varies by event, but it is free to walk and explore the lights
- Location: Historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida
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2. Food and Wine Festival in Palm Beach
For those who appreciate the art of fine wine and are passionate food lovers, this Florida festival in December is for you!
Well over 50 restaurants, more than 100 wineries, and over 20 signature events and tastings make up this culinary festival taking place in the luxurious Palm Beach.
World-renowned chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists come together for the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival to wine and dine you under the sun with impeccable food and wine pairings.
What makes this Florida festival special?
Here you’ll get to:
- Experience “A Night at The Ben” with tasting stations, cool cocktails, wines, bubbly bevvies, and fun festivities.
- Get into the foodie spirit at the Festival Kick-off Party Featuring Robert Mondavi Winery
- Meet celebrity chefs like Robert Irvine and Daniel Boulud
- Mingle poolside, nibble on savory small plates, and sip away at Bubbles & Bites
- Include the whole family at the Kid’s Kitchen
Event Details of this Festival in Florida in December:
- Date: December 10th through 13th, 2026
- Time: Find the event details and schedule here
- Cost: Varies for the event
- Location: Various locations in Palm Beach County, Florida
3. Dickens on Centre in Fernandina Beach
Historic downtown Fernandina Beach has you stepping back in time as it’s transformed into Victorian London during the Dickens on Centre festival.
The weekend brings characters in themed costumes, Victorian-inspired entertainment and music, festive food and drink, and of course, visits from Jolly Old St. Nick.
For those 21 and over, Dickens After Dark: Marley’s Masquerade is an exclusive Victorian costume party.
With stilt walkers, jugglers, dancing, a photo booth, a magician, and tarot card readings, this Florida festival in December has you feeling like you stepped into a classic Christmas story.
What makes this Florida festival special?
Here you’ll get to:
- Shop the Victorian Christmas Market December 11th, 12th, and 13th
- Visit with St. Nick and get your photo taken
- Hop on the FREE trolley ride that will be running throughout the festival
- Reserve one of the Christmas-themed globes for you and your besties in the Enchanted Village
- Hang out at Fezziwig’s Courtyard enjoying some holiday beverages and festive fares
- Take part in the 1-mile fun-run on Amelia Island Main Beach, Run Like the Dickens, and dogs are welcome too
- Check out the Annual Parade of Paws on December 12th, with prizes available to be won
- Visit the Old Vic Theatre movie alley in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone for holiday movies
Event Details of this Festival in Florida in December:
- Date: December 11th to 13th, 2026
- Time: Events all weekend long
- Cost: Free
- Location: Historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida
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4. Holiday in the Park: S’Winter Wonderland in Fort Myers
Holiday in the Park in Fort Myers is back for another year, celebrating history and the holidays with The Lee County Black History Society.
This Florida Christmas event will be returning to Roberto Clemente Park as the community comes together for one incredible winter wonderland extravaganza.
There will be toy giveaways, a snow play zone, a Soul Santa parade, a beautiful tree lighting, and so much more!
What makes this Florida festival special?
Here you’ll get to:
- Visit Toy Lane and have fun in the bounce house
- Hop on the trackless train rides for both kids and families
- Watch the Soul Santa Parade and the living museum
- Fill up on the yummy treats from the food trucks and local vendors
- Enjoy live music and the band performances at the new amphitheater stage
Event Details of this Festival in Florida in December:
- Date: December 5th, 2026
- Time: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Roberto Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Fort Myers, Florida
5. Christmas Walk in Mount Dora
Don’t be fooled by the name; the Christmas Walk isn’t a quiet stroll through downtown.
This is a full-out, family-friendly holiday street party in downtown Mount Dora.
Downtown bars and restaurants are open, shops stay open late for holiday shopping and browsing, the streets are filled with lively entertainment, there are food and toy vendors, and even a petting zoo.
What makes this Florida festival special?
Here you’ll get to:
- Take free photo ops with Santa by the Christmas tree in Sunset Park on December 4th
- Pick up your holiday gifts while the local shops stay open late
- Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for live holiday performances on December 4th in downtown Donnelly Park
- Enjoy Mount Dora’s old-fashioned Christmas parade on December 5th
- Watch the waters light up at the Annual Lighted Boat Christmas Parade on Lake Dora on December 5th
Event Details of this Festival in Florida in December:
- Date: December 4th and 5th, 2026
- Time: Events throughout both days and nights
- Cost: Free
- Location: Throughout Mount Dora, Florida
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6. Christmas Events and Festive Fun in Lakewood Ranch
It’s non-stop activities and Christmas fun throughout the month of December at Lakewood Ranch.
And this year, there’s a new Christmas party to add to your holiday plans!
Main Street will transform into a winter wonderland filled with free games, rides, and attractions for the whole family.
Plus, there are plenty of chances to meet Santa, from Breakfast with Santa to special lunches with the big guy himself! After all, even in Florida, it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a little time with Santa!
What makes this Florida festival special?
Here you’ll get to:
- Festive photos with Santa every Tuesday and Thursday on Main Street
- Classic Car Show on December 2nd with food and music
- Blissful Goat Yoga has an outdoor bar, live music at the plaza, and cornhole on December 2nd
- Music on Main is a free concert series and block party with food vendors, beer trucks, booths, inflatables, and activities for kids that takes place on December 4th
- Lakewood Ranch Holiday of the Arts on December 5th and 6th with free admission
- Lunch with Santa at the Peculiar Pub on December 5th
- Breakfast with Santa at Grove on December 6th with complimentary mimosas for the grownups
- Christmas on Main on December 19th and 20th
- Family-friendly block-party celebration to ring in the New Year at Waterside Place with an outdoor arcade, glowing LED mini golf, inflatables, face painting, and more, with complimentary trolleys running from 6:30 pm to 1:30 am
Event Details of this Festival in Florida in December:
- Date: Month of December
- Time: Check out the list of events here
- Cost: Varies for the event
- Location: Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch, Florida
7. Atomic Holiday Bazaar in Sarasota
If you are looking for something creative and one-of-a-kind for that impossible to shop for friend, then the Atomic Holiday Bazaar is your must visit Florida event in December.
What started about 20 years ago as a one day shopping event with just 50 Misfit Makers has grown into an iconic Florida holiday tradition!
Atomic Holiday Bazaar is anything but your typical holiday craft show, making it a fun spot to find unique gifts and support creative local makers.
This holiday tradition is an indie-craft show for South Florida filled with Misfit Makers with hard-to-find treasures, affordable and original arts, crafts, home goods, vintage finds, and more.
What makes this Florida festival special?
Here you’ll get to:
- Shop for weird, wild, and interesting local goods and gifts
- Find original gifts you won’t find in any big-box store
- Come hungry and fill up at the yummy food trucks
Event Details of this Festival in Florida in December:
- Date: December 12th and 13th, 2026
- Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: $6 Adults, 12 & Under Free
- Location: Robarts Arena at SRQ Fairgrounds, Sarasota, Florida
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Wrapping Up the Best Things to Do in Florida in December
Don’t be afraid of the holiday crowds, they are manageable for most of the month.
Many holiday festivals in Florida start in November and run right through to the New Year.
It’s that final stretch, the week before Christmas through New Year’s, when you’ll want to pack a little extra patience.
But don’t let that dim your holiday spirit!
Get out there and enjoy all the Florida festivals in December and have a merry good time!
What’s your favorite Florida festival in December? Let us know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
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(Original Article Date: December 12, 2025 /Updated by Editor on October 21, 2026)