If you’re looking for tips on how to spend Christmas in Florida… keep reading!
Florida is a great destination for the festive season, and if you’re searching for the best ways to spend Christmas in Florida, to make your trip even more festive and perfect, look no further!
Christmas in Florida is amazing, and this post will give you loads of idea of things to do, places to see, and events to check out!
OK, we know, as one of the sunniest winter states, ‘Christmas in Florida’ might seem like a bit of a contradiction. How festive can Florida feel? It’s not like there is snow-capped mountains or cosy log cabins!
But actually, you’d be surprised – Christmas in Florida is amazing! And this state goes ALL IN on the festive Christmas vibes!
Florida might not be the snowy winter wonderland you’ve come to associate with Christmas, but it’s a great destination regardless!
If you’re looking for the best things to do at Christmas in Florida, and where to visit this year, then you’re going to love these suggestions!
We’ve included all our favorite festive picks, to make you feel extra Christmassy.
So, let’s get started!
How to spend Christmas in Florida, ideas you’ll love!
Christkindlmarkt
First on our list of things to do at Christmas in Florida, it’s Christkindlmarkt.
This is the ULTIMATE choice for Christmas markets in Florida to add to your itinerary, and this is definitely the top choice for Christmas markets in Florida.
If you’re after a traditional feeling market, with german-style stalls, fun activities and loads of different retailers, then this is the best option of Christmas markets in Florida for you!
They just go all-in here, and it’s unlike anything else happening in Florida around this time.
It’s such a fun day trip and such a fun way to celebrate the festive season.
If you’re looking for the ultimate choice of Christmas markets in Florida, then this is the event you need to pencil into your diary! Christmas in Florida doesn’t get more authentic than here, that’s for sure!
Read more about visiting Orlando at Christmas: A guide to Orlando weather in December
Winterfest in Pensacola
Next on our list of the best things to do at Christmas in Florida, it’s Winterfest in Pensacola.
This is one of the best all-round Christmas events in Florida, and they put this amazing Christmas celebration on each and every year.
You’ll find trolley rides, Christmas performances, Christmas food stalls, Christmas shops and souvenirs (that’s the important part!) and also Santa! Christmas in Florida is magicaly, especially if you can squeeze in a trip here!
This is a great choice if you’re looking for something for all the family – as there’s so much on offer here for everyone in the family.
This is a perfect day trip / all-rounder to add to your list of things to do at Christmas in Florida.
Read more about Florida: 12 fun things to do in Pensacola Beach
Visit a Christmas Market in Florida
We thought about elaborating to each one individually – but they’re honestly all very similar markets and all make great activities for Christmas in Florida.
All these Christmas markets in Florida have a great community feel, and offer wonderful browsing and buying options for thoughtful gifts, souvenirs, etc.
If you’re wanting to explore a festive market during Christmas in Florida, any of these would tick your boxes!
- The Daily City’s Holiday Market
- Will’s A Faire Holiday Market
- The Holiday Market at Schenley Park
- Grandma Party Bazaar in Orlando
- POP SWAP Holiday Market
- Holiday Magic Bazaar
- Big Bang Bazaar
- Sparkle Art Market
- Orlando Brewing Christmas Market in Florida
- DeLand Indie Market at Artisan Alley
- C-Note Grab & Go Art Show
- Rudolphs Christmastown at SeaWorld Orlando
Read more about Orlando during the holidays: Top 16 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Orlando
Visit St. Augustine
Next on my list of things to do whilkst spending Christmas in Florida… It’s visit St. Augustine! St. Augustine is an absolute must-visit during Christmas in Florida.
The beautiful streets are charming, scenic and sparkling and sum up everything lovely about spending Christmas in Florida.
The Christmas lights make this town simply magical, and you’ll find festive shops, dazzling light displays and holiday-themed events too.
Read more about Christmas in Florida: The best drive-through Christmas lights in Florida
Orlando (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!)
Orlando is a must-visit for Christmas in Florida, and during the festive season the theme parks (especially Disney) really do go all-in.
During the festive season, you’ll find them hosting ‘Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party’ which is a celebration of all things festive, including new gifts and souvenirs in the gift shops, fireworks shows, the Christmastime Parade, and even special Christm-themed performances.
Read more about Orlando: Top 25 restaurants open on Christmas Day in Orlando
Christmas in Florida doesn’t get better than this.
It’s one of those ‘Christmas Florida’ events that is on so many people’s wish lists and bucket lists!
So if you’re in the area, don’t miss it! It’s a magical way to spend Christmas in Florida.
Read more about Florida: 15 beautiful beaches near Orlando, Florida
Enchant in St. Petersburg
Enchant in St. Petersburg is next on our list of amazing places to visit during Christmas in Florida.
Enchant has been dubbed one of the world’s largest Christmas light mazes and markets – so you know you’re going to feel super festive visiting this place during Christmas in Florida.
Enchant’s Christmas Market is heaven for those who love buying gifts from local artists and independent sellers – and you’ll find over 40 local artists and vendors there to browse and buy from.
Then, of course, once you’re finished shopping, it’s time to check out the adventure Christmas light maze.
This is so unique and beautiful – and it’ll really transport you to a winter wonderful for your Christmas in Florida.
Read more about Florida: 14 best places to live in Florida for families!
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is another great city to spend Christmas in Florida, and they have plenty going on during the festive season.
From the Jax Illuminations (an amazing light shows that takes you on a Christmas journey), to the fantastic tree light ceremony, to the Deck the Chairs event (for the American Red Cross) and the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade.
Jacksonville is a city that full embraces Christmas in Florida, and definitely puts on a show!
Santa’s Enchanted Forest (Miami)
Another fantastic place to visit during Christmas in Florida, is Miami. There, you’ll find the Santa’s Enchanted Forest theme park.
This place is pretty epic… Why?
Well, it’s not only one of the most popular Christmas-themed locations in the entire country, it’s also the largest Christmas-themed amusement park in the world! So you know, no big deal!
This place is an ultimate ‘Christmas in Florida’ location – it’s an entire theme park dedicated to Christmas… What more could you ask for!
Captiva Holiday Village
Captiva Holiday Village is the next suggestion for things to do during Christmas in Florida.
You won’t want to miss this amazing place if you’re spending Christmas in Florida.
This is a popular event that takes place each year, and it’s a great location to bring the whole family.
Alongside the Christmas-themed tree lighting, this great choice for everyone because of all the wonderful events happening alongside, such as carol singing, walking tours and other amazing stuff.
It starts the weekend after Thanksgiving, and continues for the next 2 weekends into December, and it’s a perfect activity if you spending Christmas in Florida.
Read more about Florida: 15 amazing Orlando breweries that you won’t want to miss!
Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Next on our list of fun activities for Christmas in Florida, it’s the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. This fun Christmas in Florida tradition is held annually in early December.
It’s a lot of fun and a great option for you, especially if you love boats! It begins on the water off the coast of North Palm Beach (usually around 6pm) and ends in Jupiter.
It usually only last 2 hours, so it’s a really fun option for evening activities for Christmas in Florida.
Read more about visiting Florida in December: Key West weather in December: Everything you need to know!
Visit Sarasota
Sarasota is next on our list of places to check our during Christmas in Florida.
Sarasota loves Christmas, and you’ll find so many wonderful Christmas activities and decorations in this Floridian town.
Holidays on the Green is an event they hold every year, which boasts ice-skating, carousel rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, and “snow” tubing.
Basically – everything festive you love about December but thought you might not experience during a Christmas in Florida!
There’s also Snow Fest Sarasota, and Christmas shopping at University Town Center. So there’s something for everyone!
Read more about Florida: The Top 10 all-inclusive resorts in Florida
Christmas on Las Olas
Christmas on Las Olas is next on our list for spending Christmas in Florida.
This is another lovely ‘winter-wonderland’ style event, that is simply brilliant for families and couples alike!
This event takes place from S.E. 6th Avenue through S.E. 11th Avenue, and (the best bit!) it’s free!
You’ll find an epic two-story ice-covered “mountain” to sled down (which is so much fun) and multiple opportunities for carol singing and holiday performances.
This is such a fun option for Christmas in Florida.
Holiday Stroll Through Cascades Park (Tallahassee)
Another great choice for things to do at Christmas in Florida is the Holiday Stroll Through Cascades Park.
This yearly tradition in Tallahassee is a must-experience if you’re in the area and love getting involved in the community festive spirit.
The Holiday Stroll Through Cascades Park is a favorite, because it’s so unique, and different every year.
Through the park you’ll watch over 20 performances (Christmas themed of course) and also watch the fountains dance to festive tunes too! It’s such a magical way to spend Christmas in Florida.
Holidays at LEGOLAND®
Holidays at LEGOLAND® is another wonderful place to celebrate Christmas in Florida.
As you’d expect from the big theme parks in Florida, LEGOLAND® obviously go for it when it comes to the celebrations and festivities!
You’ll find a giant Lego Christmas tree (of course!) and seasonal shoes, special performances, holiday lights and decorations and loads more.
Read more about visiting Florida: 40 things to do in Daytona Beach
Fort Christmas Cracker Christmas
Is there a better place to spend Christmas in Florida, than in Christmas? Christmas is a tiny town, that lies about 25 miles east of Orlando.
It’s a wonderfully festive place to enjoy during Christmas in Florida, and you’ll even notice that the street names are named after Santa and his reindeers! How cute is that?
The Fort Christmas Cracker Christmas includes a huge craft fair for all you craft-lovers our there, alongside fascinating pioneer demonstrations, Civil War artifact displays, antique cars, engines, and tractors, plus plenty of delicious food.
It’s great fun for any history-lovers. Another fun and different way to spend Christmas in Florida.
Surf with Santa
Next on our list of spending Christmas in Florida, it’s Surf with Santa.
10 years ago, a resident of Cocoa Beach in Florida, decided to take a morning surf dressed as Santa on Christmas Eve.
It has since evolved into a wonderful Floridian tradition and it is a great sight to see!
Some people come along in full-blown Santa suits, and some arrive in just a hate – whatever you dress up in, this is definitely one of the best ways to spend Christmas in Florida!
Oh What Fun! A Holiday Festival
Oh What Fun! A Holiday Festival is next on our list of things to do at Christmas in Florida.
This open-air Christmas festival in Lake Nona Town Center, is one of the state’s most magical winter wonderlands!
You can enjoy outdoor skating here, alongside dazzling decorations, and delicious festive treats too! There’s even snow to enjoy, to make you feel even more festive!
Read more about Florida: What is the nicest town to visit in Florida?
Hopefully this list of activities for Christmas in Florida has been useful!
And hopefully our list of festive events in Florida has given you loads of ideas for your trip too!
