Are you looking for some of the BEST things to do in Florida at Christmas?
Where in the world can you experience all the joy of the Christmas season, without the need for a thick winter coat?
Does that place even exist? Of course, it does!
It’s right here in the Sunshine State.
Christmas in Florida is the place to be if you want to soak up the holiday spirit while catching some rays.
The only person wearing a woolly coat round here is Santa Claus… and that’s only because he’s got the rest of the wintery world to visit on his rounds too.
Here are 25 things to do in Florida at Christmas this year.
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Visiting Florida at Christmas at a Glance:
- Be sure to visit the one place in Florida where it is Christmas ALL year round
- Explore the magic of Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village and be mesmerized by their drive-thru light maze and merry moments
- Explore the magic of the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort taking place daily from November 22nd until December 31st, 2024
- Watch the snowfall in Downtown West Palm Beach
- Attend the Elf Academy Training at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee
- See the Grinch fall in love with Mary at Pensacola’s Winterfest or for a bit more Christmas action catch the Whoville Christmas Caper
- Explore the small-town charm of Mount Dora as it shines bright with more than 2 million LED lights
During Christmas in Florida there are so many things to do to put you in the festive spirit so keep reading to get the FULL guide on fun things to do for Christmas in Florida 2024.
1. Visit Christmas, Florida
There’s a special place in Florida where it’s Christmas all year round. Really! February, it’s Christmas. June, still Christmas. September, Christmas!
More than 1000 people live in a small neighborhood called Christmas, in Orange County.
Is it particularly Christmassy? Well, no. Not in the typical sense. But it is home to the world’s largest alligator-shaped building – and that’s got to count for something, surely!
If you are in the area and want to give your Christmas cards and little Christmassy extra, send them from the local post office and they’ll be franked with the Christmas postmark.
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2. Luminosa: A World of Enchantment at Jungle Island (Miami, Florida)
Luminosa: A World of Enchantment is a seasonal favorite when it comes to Christmas in Florida.
Running from November 14, 2024, to March 8, 2025, you can find yourself strolling through 1.35 miles of vibrant, illuminated trails, surrounded by over 1,000,000 LED lights.
Stunning silk lanterns that are larger than you can ever imagine bring the jungle to life crafted by 150 artisans.
Created with 120 tons of steel and 150,000 feet of silk, this Florida Christmas brings together art, culture, a world of imagination, and a wonderland full of spirit and magic.
3. Johannessen Lights (Winter Park, Florida)
Johannessen Lights is one of the jolliest things to do for Christmas in Florida.
If there ever was an obligatory Florida Christmas selfie – this is the place to do it!
Every year they put on an unforgettable display of Christmas lights and scenes at their house for the public. It will blow your Christmas socks off!
You may even have seen some of their famous holiday decorations when they were featured on television during ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight.
It is an extravaganza of dazzling Christmas lights and magical decorations that capture the spirit of the season for all to see. Yule be sorry if you miss out on this Florida Christmas activity!
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4. Zoo Lights at Miami Zoo (Miami, Florida)
Zoo Miami turns dark winter nights into something truly spectacular with its light shows, some of which feature special appearances from Santa Claus himself!
This year’s event stars a 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree and fantastic snowman riverboat rides. Make sure to grab some hot chocolate and cookies to keep you warm for the evening.
Even the Grinch finds his way to Zoo Lights Miami. With stilt walkers, animal appearances, and over 1 million lights shining bright decorating the trees, it is a Christmas in Florida extravaganza.
Tickets for this special event are really popular, so book ahead if you’re celebrating Christmas in Florida this year.
Zoo Lights Miami will take place on select nights from November 29 to December 30, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Book your LUXURY Miami Vacation Rental with our discount here!
5. Key West Holiday Fest: “Bight” before Christmas Celebration (Key West, Florida)
Celebrating Christmas with a distinctly nautical theme, the Key West Holiday Fest promises to be a uniquely memorable waterside experience.
This year marks the 19th annual Christmas in Key West event with a full month of spirit at the Harbor Walk of Lights. This Christmas 2024 in Key West is honoring Jimmy Buffett with plenty of love and light in their hearts.
Key West is ready to celebrate with you at 6 pm on November 27 with The Lighting of the 2024 Harbor Walk of Lights at the KeyWest Historic Seaport.
Then at 7 pm, it’s the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting at Margaret St. Plaza with cookies, candies, and thousands of lights shining bright in honor of the “Maritime History of Key West.”
Friday, December 5, 2024, it’s Pet Pictures with Santa where you’ll get a professional photo of your gorgeous fluff-ball with the man in red, plus you’ll be supporting the local Boys & Girls Club.
On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the Key West City “Hometown Holiday Parade” promises to be a festive spectacle you won’t want to miss!
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6. Holidays at the Square (West Palm Beach, Florida)
The Square is an entertainment, culture, and shopping hub in West Palm Beach, and they’re known for putting on a great holiday special.
From Saturday, November 9 until December 31, snow comes to the Sunshine State Downtown West Palm Beach at The Square. Falling nightly at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 pm. magical snowflakes fall from the sky.
Plus photos with Santa every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 9 until December 24, Holidays at the Square are full of holiday magic.
Also, check out the Mistletoe Trail with a loved one, and enjoy the excuse to get into the smoochy festive spirit around the neighborhood.
The Square would love to see your selfies and will share some on their Instagram if you use the hashtag #thesquarewestpalm.
7. The 62nd Annual Christmas on Las Olas (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale loves to get into the festive mood, and for the 62nd year, they’re back at it again on Tuesday, December 3rd, from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m
The annual family night-out is hosted by the Las Olas Association and is the largest free outdoor event for the community all year.
Check out the bungee trampolines, 75-foot snow mountain, and the ice rink!
There’s a load of parking in the nearby area, and your family is going to have the best night together.
8. Christmas in Mount Dora (Mount Dora, Florida)
Mount Dora is charming year-round! However, if you are looking for a place to feel the spirit of Christmas in Florida, Mount Dora is the perfect place to head to.
More than 2 million LED lights adorn Mount Dora as this small town shines bright during the holiday season.
Take a tour with the Downtown Christmas Lights Cart Tour starting the Thanksgiving weekend right up until New Year’s Day to see all the festive decorations, displays, and illuminations.
Here are some of the Florida Christmas Events scheduled for Christmas in Mount Dora:
- Light Up Mount Dora on November 23rd and a Visit from Santa
- Christmas Walk downtown Mount Dora on December 6th
- Christmas Parade on December 7th followed by the Lighted Boat Parade after dark on Lake Dora
- Christmas Concert at Mount Dora Community Building on December 11
- Snow in the Park at Evans Park on December 14
- Santa Tours on December 16, 18, and 19
Plus, the winter wonderland street party is family-friendly and shops stay open late for some unique and enchanting shopping.
9. Christmas on Fifth Avenue South (Naples, Florida)
The annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fifth Avenue South in Naples, Florida, has been a highlight of the calendar for 50 years.
This year, the event will take place on Friday, December 6th from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The street is famous for its al fresco dining, and with the road closed to traffic for the event, this is the most splendid time to enjoy eating on Fifth Avenue South.
This 2-day festival has a live nativity and music plus Santa Claus will be around both evenings of the event.
Families love the half-block-long ice-skating rink, and the Christmas Market is a great spot to finish (or start!) your Christmas shopping.
10. Holidays on the Green (Sarasota, Florida)
The Mall at University Town Center(UTC) in Sarasota hosts a range of exciting events throughout the holiday season from December 7th to January 5th.
From November 25 to December 17, the upper level of the University Town Center transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring nearly 40 fantastically decorated Christmas trees that are up for silent auction.
You can also vote for your favorite whimsical tree with just $1 or more and every single dollar you contribute goes straight to the incredible charities behind these festive displays.
Each one celebrates the incredible work of local charities from Sarasota and Manatee counties.
From November 22 to January 5, the Big Top at UTC brings Wonderland Illuminate with incredible circus acts and aerial performances that will amaze you alongside heartwarming holiday storytelling to make your season unforgettable.
This year’s holiday activities in Sarasota also include Santa Paws Pet Photos with Santa from November 17th to December 1st, the annual Hands on Hanukkah celebration on December 29 unique crafts, delicious food, live music, and photos with Santa (in his sleigh)!
11. Holiday Tour of Lights (Sarasota, Florida)
Pick up your trolley outside the Regions Banks and enjoy the famous tour of the best light displays around!
This year’s tour promises to showcase arch-lit streets, a full-size gingerbread house, and a copy of the National Lampoon Vacation home.
Grab a ticket on one of the two nightly departures, or you could take out a private trolley just with your family and friends.
Different sizes of trolleys are available, so book one that’s right for you and enjoy a magical private tour of Sarasota as you’ve never seen it before.
By the way, you can bring your own drinks to enjoy during the tour!
12. Tampa Bays Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village (Dover, Florida)
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village is a special Christmas extravaganza at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover, Florida that runs from November 28th to December 29th, 2024.
Drive through nearly 2-miles of endless twinkling lights then take your time as you wander Santa’s Village.
Little ones will love the adorable Santa’s Interactive Barnyard, and the Camel Pen along with the Reindeer Carousel and Candy Cane Swings.
Then the grownups will fa-la-la-la-fall in love with the lineup of holiday shopping and wine or cider straight from the local Keel & Curley Winery.
And don’t forget your camera! With over a million lights lighting up your path from entrance to exit, you will definitely want to take as many photos as possible.
If your social media needs a spruce up after a couple of years “off”, this is just the ticket!
13. Visit Christmas Town at Busch Gardens (Tampa, Florida)
Busch Gardens is one of the world’s most stunning parks that dress the evening with more than 10 million lights starting on November 15th and running through January 5th, 2025.
Plus, Christmas treats, Santa’s house, Rudolph and more can be found in this annual Winter Wonderland experience right in the heart of Tampa Bay.
Here’s what you can expect at Busch Gardens Tampa Christmas Town:
- Discover Christmas Town® Village and holiday tunes
- Special Christmas treats unique to this event only
- Festive fireworks
- Santa’s North Pole Experience
- Meet Rudolph and his friends, including Sam the Snowman, at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
- Shop for the perfect gifts in Santa’s shop
- Ride the Holly Jolly Express
- 40-foot pixelated tree in Cheetah Hunt Plaza and NEW light displays that will take over the Jungala area
- The Coca-Cola Caravan on December 7 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and much more!
Christmas Town is Busch Gardens way of showing you a unique way of celebrating the holidays in the wilds of the African-inspired theme park.
At this Tampa theme park, you’ll enjoy a holiday-themed sing-along train ride, heart-warming shows, fine dining, electrifying festive shopping, Santa’s workshop, and a chance to watch twinkling lights.
These are just a few things that make Christmas Town Busch Gardens a must-do holiday event for both the young and the old. Plus, it’s included in your theme park admission.
14. LEGOLAND (Haines City, Florida)
One of the more unique things to do in Florida at Christmas is to take a visit to LEGOLAND.
It’s nestled on Lake Dexter and you’ll get to see a gigantic LEGO Christmas tree, festive shows, holiday characters, thousands of lights, and delicious Yuletide treats!
The best thing about this fun experience is that it’s included in your theme park admission. The dates are November 29th – 30th, December 1st, 7th-8th, 14th-15th, 21st-31st.
Recommended: 27 Most Festive Things to Do in Orlando for Christmas
15. Visit Celebration, Florida
Celebration is a community close to Walt Disney World. In fact, it was originally designed and developed by the Walt Disney Company. But real people live there… not giant mice.
If you’re looking for a lovely afternoon out in Florida, this town is a charming throwback to Walt Disney’s American Dream, played out in real life.
At Christmas, Celebration gains an extra level of magic, with snow machines turning the main street into the epitome of Christmas (minus the freezing temperatures) every evening from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Locals and tourists join together to revel in the marvelous, Disney-reality. There are even some special holiday concerts in the diary for an extra special memory.
16. Enjoy the Holidays at Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, Florida)
Gaylord Palms is a luxury resort in Kissimmee, operated by Marriott. Known in the area for being a top place to stay, especially at Christmas, this year’s plans do not disappoint.
The two main highlights of Christmas at Gaylord Palms are the Naughty or Nice Escape Room, and their specially-produced Cirque-style show (Cirque: Spirit of Christmas) featuring acrobatics and breath-taking stunts.
Christmas events at Gaylord Palms are wrapped with holiday fun! With Santa visits, their signature and popular ICE returning with “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, training academy at the Elf workshop, snow tubing, and much more it is one of the most wonderful ways to celebrate Christmas in Florida.
If you’re planning a theme park vacation for Christmas, then Gaylord Palms makes for an unbeatable hotel.
17. Enjoy Christmas at Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, Florida)
Are you ready to experience Christmas at Disney World?
Chances are, this Christmas just like the rest, families like yours will be looking to a visit fun destination where you all can make magical, new holiday memories and have the experience of a lifetime.
On your Disney trip, you can expect to see so many Christmas decorations that are unlike anything in the world.
You’ll get to see some of the largest Christmas trees you have probably ever seen!
Plus Christmas at Disney World unwraps lots of cool entertainment as “Frozen Holiday Surprise” adds some shimmering delight and fun to the park and illuminates the Cinderella Castle sparkling festive spirit.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at the resort such as:
- A Star-studded Twist on Christmas at Hollywood Studios
- Christmas Tree Hunting at Disney Springs
- A Wild Holiday Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Decorations Galore at the Resort Hotels
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot
- Lifesize Gingerbread Houses
- Mickey’s Christmas Party After Hours Event
You’ll also get to meet famous Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy in all their holiday gear.
Recommended: How to Get From Epcot to Hollywood Studios (6 Easy Ways to Get to the Disney Parks)
18. Visit Universal Orlando Resort for the Holidays (Orlando, Florida)
Can you imagine spending the holidays with the Grinch, wizards in Hogsmeade, and giant parade floats galore?
Well, that’s what you’ll get when discovering the holiday happenings for Christmas at Universal Orlando from November 22nd until December 31st, 2024.
From enjoying fun interactions with one of Dr. Seuss’s classic characters, to the enchanting Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios, there’s something for everyone at this resort.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at the Universal Orlando such as:
- Enjoying the holidays in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Saying hi to the Grinch during Grinchmas
- Doing a Holiday Tour at Universal Orlando Resort
- Watching Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
- Meeting Santa Claus
- Going on a Christmas Tree Hunt
- Listening to Mannheim Steamroller play your favorite holiday tunes
- Resort hopping to look at the holiday decorations
19. Enjoy a Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld (Orlando, Florida)
One of the best places to celebrate Christmas is at SeaWorld Orlando which is located at the heart of the tourist scene in central Florida.
This festive period is usually filled with many seasonal activities and if you are one of those people who don’t have plans yet.
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration is where the park is transformed into your own Winter Wonderland.
You can visit this Orlando theme park at any time, but going to SeaWorld at Christmas is one of the best experiences you can have during this Yuletide season in Central Florida.
At this aquatic theme park, you’ll enjoy heart-warming shows, meet-and-greets with Santa and all his holiday friends, seasonal treats, a chance to watch over 3 million twinkling lights and so much more!
Plus, it’s included with your theme park admission.
With all these fun holiday activities, you can see why Christmas at SeaWorld is truly one of the best seasonal events in Orlando that offers so much more for your money than other parks in the area.
When Does Christmas at SeaWorld Start?
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration will take place from November 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration such as:
- Meeting Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Eating your way around the holiday food festival
- Go Christmas shopping
- Watching the holiday fireworks show
- Hanging out with the Sesame Street characters during the Christmas Parade
- Playing in the snow
- Going ice skating
Don’t forget that you can buy some unique Christmas gifts from SeaWorld all over the park, particularly in the Christmas Market.
You can even customize your holiday gifts while you’re in the park like this Christmas tree ornament.
Recommended: 39 Best Souvenirs From Florida You MUST BUY from Your Trip!
20. Visit Lake Eola Tree Lights (Orlando, Florida)
Not that it’s a competition, but Orlando’s Christmas Tree is ginormous! The massive 72-footer stands proud on the southeast bank of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.
The tree lighting ceremony takes place on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
It’s a free event with entertainment, food trucks, and a festive Merry Market that will follow every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with the last day on December 22 where you can find those special gifts from local vendors.
The lake’s fountains transform into festive colors for the entire holiday season, right up to early January.
21. Enjoy the Night of Lights Festival (St. Augustine, Florida)
Imagine taking the sparkle and magic of a Christmas movie and painting it all over a town.
That’s exactly what the citizens of St. Augustine do every night from mid-November to the end of January.
Local businesses stay open later into the evening so you can absorb the warm glow of millions of twinkling lights that adorn the city for this special time of year.
Incredible photo opportunities await you along the bayfront, and especially by the beautiful tree in the center of the Plaza de la Constitución. You could even take a boat tour and enjoy the lights from the water.
Check out the Night of Lights: Booze Cruise, or (if you’re feeling energetic) explore The Night of Lights by Golfcart.
The city offers a free park-and-ride service for the Nights of Lights season, until December 30. More information on that is available on their website.
22. Holiday Spectacular in Jacksonville (Jacksonville, Florida)
Jacksonville is the perfect mix of sunny skies and winter wonderland for a Christmas in Florida with a mix of surf, sand, and Santa.
The jolly season kicks off on November 9 with the tree lighting ceremony at St. John’s Town Center Mall where none other than Santa himself helps to put the holiday spirit in the air.
Light displays illuminate the city while the waters of St. John’s River sparkle on November 30.
The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade returns for its annual tradition of stunning displays of lights and decorated boats that can be seen from the riverbanks.
Whether it be the Glowing Gardens at The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens or visiting the holiday markets and classes get ready for some Christmas fun in Jacksonville.
23. Visit Light Up Tioga Town Center (Near Gainesville, Florida)
Light Up Tioga Town Center near Gainesville is turning into a Florida Christmas staple.
This tree-lighting and Christmas celebration takes place on December 7, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. making it the perfect pre-Christmas party for the whole family.
If you’ve got young kids, this is the choice for you as the earlier time means there’s always lots of excited children around, making the most tremendous festive atmosphere for all.
Santa has booked himself in, and there’ll be no end of food, drink, and festivities for all.
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24. The Winter Festival (Tallahassee, Florida)
Check your diary for Saturday, December 7th. If you’re free, write in it: 38th Annual Winter Festival in Tallahassee. If you’re busy, cross out whatever you’ve already written and then go back to step one.
The annual celebration of lights, music, and the arts fills downtown Tallahassee with so much festive joy.
Plus, the smell of Christmas food and drink teases you the moment you arrive, and the entertainment and shopping will keep you going from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. and there’s even a parade at 7:15 p.m. to match! Amazing!
If you’re taking the kids, they will love the children’s activity zone on Kleman Plaza, where family-friendly movies are screened from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
25. Pensacola Winterfest (Pensacola, Florida)
Pensacola’s Winterfest team has not only managed to book Santa for photos, they’ve even managed to convince the Grinch to join in the fun.
But it’s a Christmas Caper here in the historic downtown of Pensacola with the Who-ville Police here to help!
Experience Christmas in a new and exciting way and take in one of the many shows and tours choosing between Polar Express or Scrooge tour, Who-ville Christmas Caper, or watch love fill the air at The Grinch’s Merry Match.
There are free mini-shows every evening of the season at the Winterfest Plaza at Government and Palafox and lots of Winterfest fun.
Recommended: 15 Fun and FREE Things to Do in Gainesville TODAY
Top 10 BEST Florida Christmas Parades for 2024
I have listed a few of my favorite holiday parades that are taking place all over Florida this year.
Check them out below!
- Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay (December 14th)
- Marco Island Christmas Island Style Boat Parade (December 21st)
- Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade (December 7th)
- St. Augustine Christmas Parade (December 7th)
- Winter Park Christmas Parade (December 7th)
- Leesburg Christmas Parade (December 7th)
- Winter Garden Christmas Parade (December 7th)
- Mount Dora Christmas Parade (December 7th)
- Tavares Christmas Parade and Celebration (December 7th)
- Tampa Bay Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (December 21st)
Want DAILY Florida Travel Photos? Follow Florida Hipster on Instagram TODAY!
Wrapping Up…
If you’re spending Christmas in Florida this year, you won’t be short of festive entertainment!
Just make sure you keep your camera batteries charged as there will be so many incredible sights and beautiful memories you’ll want to capture forever.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite free thing to do in Florida at Christmas? Let us know in the comments section below!
Happy Florida Travels!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
UP NEXT: 10 Festive Things to Do in St. Augustine for Christmas
(Original Article Date: December 2, 2021/Updated by Editor on November 16, 2024)
Some Photos Courtesy of Canva.com