10 Best Christmas Vacations in Florida
“Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh. Hey…!”
The December night with twinkling lights, Christmas tree, Santa Claus visit with gifts, jingle bells, Christmas parade, and delicious treats makes Christmas events in Florida the most memorable and indeed mesmerizing for all.
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Believe me, the Christmas vibe in Florida and the magic of the season are damn memorable and fantastic.
You can spend the perfect Christmas vacation in Florida in the world’s largest sand beach, Christmas tree in West Palm Beach, Charles Dickens carolers on the road, charming architecture, or surf in Pensacola.
Florida has everything to impress you.
What are you waiting for? I’ll help you to design your Christmas vacation in Florida with families with your beloved to the most attractive places this coming December.
There are some great Christmas getaways in Florida that will steal your heart and make you fall in love with its beauty and Christmas surroundings.
Christmas Holiday Getaways in Florida
Let’s immerse into the magical air of Florida which gets all decked up in red and white snow in the background. You won’t be disappointed if you’re Christmas activities in Florida.
You can enjoy the live musical performance on the road, or enjoy a beach or celebrate at a park or jingle anywhere you want.
Therefore, if you are searching for a Florida Christmas vacation on a budget, then you’re in the right place.
Let’s drive into my most favorite festive places for Christmas vacations in Florida which will give you all the Christmassy vibe.
1. Meet Santa at Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami
Address: 7900 SW 40TH St, Miami, FL 33155, United States.
Opening Hours: 31st October – 5th January
Price: 28- 36 USD
Exploring Miami in December is everyone’s bucket list adventure. Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami offers a festive paradise for families seeking a unique Christmas vacation. As the world’s largest holiday theme park, it features over 100 rides, dazzling holiday lights, and live entertainment.
Located in Tropical Park, the park transforms into a magical wonderland with festive displays, a giant Christmas tree, and a captivating atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides, meet Santa Claus, and immerse themselves in the joyous spirit of the season.
It is one of the most popular Christmas vacations in South Florida for impressive Christmas celebrations, fun games, and simple yet fancy dining.
Your eyes will light up watching the decoration, palms trees, handmade sand sculptures, and the famous theme park. The whole Santa’s Enchanted Forest lights up and makes it the most beautiful place to walk with your loved ones.
Watch how beautifully the tropical parks get all dressed up into a winter wonderland with carol karaoke, Santa sightings, photo-worthy spots at a park, 100 carnival rides, and tons of fun activities to indulge in. For fun activities in Miami, you must come here.
In Bayfront Park you can see the huge 52-foot Christmas tree which graces itself with beautiful decorations, and music. You can also visit Wild Holidays at Jungle Island, or Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or at Miami Outboard Club’s Holiday Boat Parade.
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2. Spend a Dreamy and Enthralling Night at Walt Disney World in Orlando
Address: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL 32830, United States
Opening Hours: 21st December – 26th December
Price: 199- 345USD
I’m sure you don’t want to miss Mickey’s Christmas celebration in Walt Disney World. You can plan and enjoy Christmas events in Florida with your kid in the marvelous dreamland in Orlando. This is a great place for kids to click pictures and store them for a lifetime.
The colorful lights around Orlando will always keep you entertained and busy. The giant theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld, Volcano Bay, and Legoland Florida Resort are great places to spend Christmas night at.
There are bright radiant lights at the Harry P. Leu Gardens, which is famous among people for phenomenal lightings, sculptures, and more amidst a lush tropical garden. You can also visit the Orlando Museum of Art or Lake Nona Town Center to experience a great Christmas night.
For adults, you can go to Florida Mall for live music shows and a long-lasting lively night. You can also visit animal kingdoms theme parks like new Rivers of Light, Expedition Everest, new Rivers of Light, and Na’ vi River Journey.
3. Spend the Amazing Night at Pensacola Winterfest
Address: 221 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, FL 32502, United State
Opening Hours: 22nd November – 24th December
Price: 7 – 36 USD
The best place for Christmas vacation in Florida is in Pensacola. The perfect place with snow all around, a sip of hot chocolate shake, and watching the whole town from a gorgeous café celebrating Christmas seems very fascinating. But, if you are in the epicenter of a fun town then you are good to go.
Picture yourself taking a leisurely stroll along a pristine white sand beach or catching some waves at Santa Parade – that’s the magic of spending Christmas in Pensacola. The festive Pensacola Winterfest invites you to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with soft, pleasant Christmas carols playing in the background and the option to leisurely stroll through Santa’s Lego Workshop.
Having experienced December in Pensacola in 2018, I danced to the tunes of the Elves, relishing the joy of snowfall. I recommend climbing up to Santa’s sleigh and exploring the Polar Express train. Make sure not to miss the delightfully entertaining Elf Parade.
A must-see is the Pensacola Christmas Parade featuring an aerial show by the Blue Angels. The experience is heightened by the heartwarming sight of children singing Christmas songs. The magic continues with trolley rides, exploring food stalls, and picking up charming Christmas souvenirs. Pensacola truly offers a magical Christmas experience for everyone.
4. Make Dreamy Christmas Memories in Jacksonville
Address: 1st St N & 1st Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United State
Opening Hours: 23rd November – 1st January
Price: Free
To watch out for the best Christmas decorations in Florida come to Deck the Chairs in Jacksonville Beach. This is featured by using The American Red Cross Life Saving Corps’ peculiar chairs. These chairs are brilliantly decorated and lighted which is perfect to click Instagram pictures.
You can walk up to the Morocco Shrine Center, which is perfect for bright lights and good vibes. You can also go for a long ride along with the Jax Illuminations which is a 300 –foot light tunnel.
I loved how beautifully the city is decorated and you’ll be surprised to know that in Heming Park over 78,000 bulbs and 100 ornaments are used to decorate a 56-foot tree. Bring some extra joy to your life by visiting Jacksonville in this December.
For another enriching experience, you can go to the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade which happens on the bank of the St. Johns River. You should go to Gingerbread House Extravaganza and taste their delicious sweets and say cheers to the night.
5. Romantic Getaways in Florida, St. Augustine:
Address: United State
Opening Hours: Late November – End January
St. Augustine is the perfect vacation in Florida for the Christmas celebration. The Spanish Colonial architecture and the whole city drape into white lights. The Bridge of Lions, every building, hotel, the restaurant almost everything is covered with lights.
The annual Night of Lights Festival is celebrated with more than three million lights. The Plaza de la Constitución, oak trees, and everything is decorated with lights. You can book an Old Town Trolley Tour around an aquarium, a chocolate factory, a winery, or around the bay for a magical experience.
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You can spend a night for a candlelight tour of the Villa Zorayda Museum, or an evening tour on a boat cruise, or around the beautiful Moorish Spanish Revival residence. Visit the Regatta of Lights for great colorful pictures.
Visit St. Johns County Pier Park at night for more entertainment, mouth-watering food, and wine. Here, you can see the largest lighted boat parade which will brighten your eyes as never before.
6. Get into the Festive Spirit By Watching at Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota:
Come to Sarasota and spend your holiday season at white sandy beaches and in one of the best Christmas vacation spots in Florida. If you’re here then don’t forget to attend Sailor Circus Season’s Greetings entertainment show.
Watch over four million lights around the Christmas trees at University Town Center. Here, you can go for adventurous activities like ice skating, carousel rides, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
In the Gingerbread Festival, all the houses in gingerbread villages which are made by local groups are put into view. Visitors vote for the best house which is put into sale at the end of the viewing. Isn’t this tradition very interesting?
Read Also: 10 Cheapest Places to Rent a House in Florida
You can visit Holiday Lights Tour or ride on SRQ Trolley’s Holiday Tour of Lights for a festive ride. Near Lakewood Ranch, there is a great amusement center where you can build a snowman and click beautiful photos.
7. Make Memories at Captiva Island:
Spend time in the Christmas markets in Florida at the Captiva Holiday Village where you can see such beautiful lighted public places and a clear view of the ocean. Buy an anti-theft travel backpack and explore the west coast of Florida near Fort Myers.
The whole community comes together and decorates this island beautifully and gorgeously. Boat parades, palm trees, and every little thing around are decorated with lights and love. You can stroll around South Seas Island Resort Holiday.
Escape to the tranquil beauty of Captiva Island for a unique Florida Christmas vacation. Known for its stunning Gulf Coast beaches, this charming destination offers a peaceful retreat adorned with festive lights. Enjoy holiday-themed events, waterfront dining, and the breathtaking sunset views. With its laid-back atmosphere and enchanting surroundings, Captiva Island provides a perfect blend of relaxation and holiday cheer for a memorable Christmas getaway.
8. Attend the Best Colorful Life in Tallahassee:
Tallahassee is a great Christmas vacation spot in Florida. It is also one of the most affordable places in Florida where you can travel without breaking your bank. In December, the whole town lights up and the ambiance becomes vibrant and colorful.
On the road, you will find crafts vendors, live entertainment functions, and a lot more. You can also head towards Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park to escape the camellias in full bloom while taking a candle-lit walk through the gardens and enjoying live Christmas music.
Walk along the Cascades Park, the great way to spend Christmas Eve with your loved ones. On the way, you may taste a free hot chocolate shake which is offered to all visitors. You can also stroll around Candy Cane Lane or join a group to sing Jingle Bell Run and enjoy the Eve.
9. Have fun in Naples Christmas Parade
Address: 649 5th Avenue, Naples, FL, United State
Opening Hours: 10th December
Price: Free
Naples is one of the most appreciable Christmas towns in Florida. Naples Christmas Parade is celebrated by civic groups, dance troupes, school groups, and visitors. You can also take part in such a beautiful function.
Santa and Mrs. Claus dress up so beautifully that you would love to take photos with them and make them as your mobile wallpaper.
The most Christmas things to do in Florida are the Annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Naples. On 5th Avenue of Naples, you can join the party and enjoy the whole day to the fullest.
For a different experience, visit Theatre Zone where music and dance are performed. There is also the Harry Potter Magical Holiday Ball where you can dress up accordingly and enjoy your night as one of the Harry Potter characters.
If you are a history buff then come to Palm Cottage which was built in the late 1800s. You can also walk around Botanical Gardens in Naples and spend an amazing holiday here.
10. Enjoy spectacular Views of the Winterfest Boat Parade at Fort Lauderdale:
Address: 512 NE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Opening Hours: 14th December
Price: 20 – 25 USD
Winterfest Boat Parade at Fort Lauderdale is a phenomenal Christmas vacation in the Florida Keys. You should go for a boat parade because every boat is decorated and it feels like the water lights up.
Come to the Grandstand viewing area which has marvelous views. Book your tickets and come here this December to witness the “Greatest Show on H20”. It is also called “Venice of America”. You can also celebrate and take part in live music and enjoy your Christmas Eve.
The above places are the top 10 Christmas vacations in Florida where you can perform a range of activities in Orlando, Miami, Naples, Captiva Island, and many more. Florida is a great place to enjoy Christmas with your families and spend an enriching holiday. Here, you will find many comfortable hotels to stay in and have a great home feeling.
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If you regret moving to Florida for a few reasons then believe me take time and don’t jump to a conclusion rather spend Christmas Eve in the above places. You’ll fall in love with Florida. Before visiting these Christmas cities, know what to pack for Florida in December.
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FAQ on Christmas Vacations in Florida
1. Where is the warmest place in Florida in December?
A: Florida experienced snowfall in December but if you’re in Miami then you can experience the warm climate compared to the other places. The temperature in Miami is 60 -65 degrees Fahrenheit in Miami.
2. What is there to do in Orlando at Christmas?
A: Orlando is the land for all dreamers. If you’re here then you can celebrate Christmas at Gaylord Palms, celebrate at Winter Wonderland, visit at ICON Park, or celebrate at SeaWorld’s.
3. Where to see the best holiday lights in Florida?
A: To celebrate the best Christmas holiday in Florida come to Mount Dors, St. Augustine. Here, the whole town is decorated with millions of lights, and bulbs.
4. What you can do in Key West at Christmas?
A: To experience a unique environment, come to Key West to celebrate Christmas this December. You can choose for Historic Inns Holiday Tour, Conch Tour Train Holiday Light Tour, or go for Light Boat Parade.
