50 Festive Christmas Things To Do In Florida for 2024

Even though it doesn’t feel like winter in Florida, there are tons of ways to celebrate the holidays. I have lived here for twelve years and with all the different events going on, I hardly miss the snow!

Today I am sharing all the best Christmas things to do in Florida across the state.

Originally this post just covered Central Florida Christmas things to do, but I have now expanded it to include South Florida and North Florida. I also made sure to add Christmas activities for all ages and budgets.

Here are over 50 Christmas things to do in Florida for 2024!

Christmas Things to Do in North Florida

Everyone knows about the ultimate Christmas experience in North Florida and that is Nights of Lights in St. Augustine! However, there are plenty of holiday things to do in the panhandle and across North Florida too.

The weather even dips into chilly enough temperatures some nights to justify hot cocoa drinking.

Here are the top Christmas things to do in Florida north of Orlando.

1. Nights of Lights in St. Augustine

By far the most popular North Florida Christmas event is the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine. This is when the entire downtown is decorated with millions of twinkle lights that make for a stunning display.

The event is so popular, it goes from mid-November until the end of January so everyone has a chance to see it!

I have a whole post about Nights of Lights here with information, but I wanted to mention a few things to keep in mind. The first is that this event is very crowded, especially on weekends, and the traffic is especially bad.

To truly enjoy the experience, getting a hotel or bed and breakfast downtown is ideal so you can enjoy walking around without dealing with logistics.

Also, there are lots of trolley tours to see the lights, which are fun with singing and narration. We have experienced Nights of Lights on foot and had no problem seeing a lot of the displays, so the trolley is not necessary if you do not mind walking!

It really is an exciting event and every Floridian should go to St. Augustine during the holidays at least once to experience it.

2. Gingerbread Extravaganza in Jacksonville

If you are making a weekend of visiting St. Augustine, you may want to stop by Jacksonville for some holiday cheer too. This exhibit features a variety of handmade gingerbread displays and decorated trees put together by local creators.

You can stop by Old St. Andrew’s Church and see them December 7th through 28th, as well as get some goodies from the holiday bake shop.

3. Cascade Park Holiday Stroll in Tallahassee

For a musical evening, check out Cascade Park for a one-night holiday event. This park hosts an open house where you can pursue the park and check out Christmas musical stations along the trail.

They host all types of performances from a community orchestra to a saxophone performance to a barbershop quartet. You can also enjoy free hot cocoa during your stroll and watch the light show at the fountain.

4. Tallahassee Winter Festival

For one night only, Tallahassee throws its traditional winter fest downtown. This is one of the biggest street festivals of the year and it features local entertainment, a tree-lighting ceremony, a holiday parade, and a decorative candy cane lane.

There is fun for young and old at this event and plenty of Christmas things to do to help get into a jolly mood.

5. Dade Christmas Stroll

Experience the 40th year of the Annual Downtown Dade City Christmas Stroll on December 14th this year! This festive event invites families and friends to enjoy an evening filled with holiday activities, including live entertainment, shopping, and dining in the charming downtown area.

For an extra special outing, you can even take a carriage ride! And with Santa Claus greetings and gingerbread treats, you are sure to be in the holiday spirit by the end of the night.

6. Christmas at the Village of Baytowne Wharf

Throughout December, the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is abuzz with holiday things to do. In addition to being beautifully decorated, every night you can see the Nights of Lights show along the village tree and through the town.

There are also frequent holiday concert series for hearing festive music. And for those who like winter frolicking, check out the ice-skating rink!

7. Pensacola Winter Fest

To be immersed in a winter wonderland, visit Palafox Place for Pensacola Winterfest! Starting before Thanksgiving, you can experience a snowfall and a magical trolley ride through winter scenery.

In addition to pictures with Santa or the Grinch, guests can experience a variety of Christmas performances including the Great Christmas Tree Heist and an elf parade.

Tickets start at $14 and are available every weekend before Christmas.

8. Deck the Chairs at Jacksonville Beach

For a unique way to see Christmas decorations on the beach, Jacksonville is decorating lifeguard chairs this year. You can go to Deck the Chairs along the beach starting right before Thanksgiving and through New Year’s Eve.

This event offers a festive beach experience with lots of holiday decorations and entertainment,

9. Christmas on the Square at Historic Downtown Live Oak

Another cherished North Florida Christmas event is the Christmas on the Square in Live Oak Florida. Taking place, the first weekend of December every year, this town has a long weekend celebration with a tree lighting ceremony, a fun run, a craft fair, and a Christmas parade.

But best of all, there are professional holiday fireworks free to watch!

10. Dickens on Centre at Fernandina Beach

Last for Christmas things to do in North Florida is the Dickens on Centre at Downtown Fernandina Beach. If you visit the second weekend of December, you can see the town transformed into a Victorian Christmas village with entertainment, shopping, and treats.

There is live music, Santa photos, a bounce house, and vendors. It’s just the thing for families to kick off the holiday season!

Central Florida Christmas Activities and Events

If you don’t want to buy a theme park ticket, there are plenty of holiday things to do in Central Florida without one! Here are some ideas with a cheaper or no entry fee to get your fill of holiday cheer.

11. Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland

Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland is returning this December, offering a month-long celebration filled with festive activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy daily “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree forest featuring a towering 30-foot centerpiece, and visits from beloved holiday characters.

New this year, Santa’s Workshop will provide an interactive experience for children, complete with Santa’s office and Mrs. Claus’ bakery. Admission is $5, with select events requiring additional tickets. The festivities run throughout December, culminating on Christmas Day.

12. ICE! At Gaylord Palms

Every year, the Gaylord Palms goes all out hosting a Christmas spectacular. There are tons of things to do here with the main event being an ice carving exhibit crafted from 2 million pounds of ice!

The hotel also has a real snow tubing hill, a half-hour-long Cirque du Soleil-type show, a Sounds of the Season concert, and more. Tickets start at $34, but to experience everything, you can get bundle packages for around $60.

This is also one of the few places you can experience freezing temperatures in Florida, so be sure to bundle up!

13. Holiday Pops at Winter Park

For a free Orlando Christmas event, head to Winter Park on December 8th for a concert. This is an annual event that takes place in Winter Park where visitors can enjoy a Christmas performance by the Orlando Philarmonic Orchestra.

I went last year and my family had a great time having a picnic dinner, enjoying the music, and then wandering Park Avenue amongst the decorations.

14. Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Tour

For a look at a Victorian mansion in its Christmas finest, head to DeLand for a Stetson Mansion Holiday Tour! This estate was built in 1886 and is one of the oldest and largest mansions of the Gilded Age in Florida.

For $30, you can tour the entire residence and marvel at the ornate decorations and gorgeous grounds.

15. A Merry Winter Garden Light Show

Over in Winter Garden, the front façade of City Hall transforms into a canvas for a spectacular 25-minute animated light show synchronized to festive music. On select evenings in December, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, the display runs continuously during these hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the show at their convenience.

In addition to the light show, attendees can experience strolling holiday-themed performers and live entertainment throughout historic downtown Winter Garden, enhancing the festive atmosphere. This cherished free tradition offers a delightful way for families and friends to celebrate the holiday season

16. Now Snowing in Celebration

Another town center celebrating is Celebration, Florida! This cute suburb near Disney is fun to visit on its own, but during December, you can experience it snowing there!

In addition to nightly “snow” falls, there are street performances, Santa visits, horse-drawn carriage rides, and ice skating to partake in throughout the town.

17. Magic of Lights Daytona Beach

Another Central Florida experience for holiday light lovers is Magic of Lights in Daytona Beach. This is a drive-thru attraction at Daytona International Speedway where you can see the park lit up with tons of lights and Christmas decorations.

For only $19 per car, it’s a fun way to see lights and belt out Christmas carols.

18. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Over in Tampa, the riverfront is ready for the holidays with a Winter Village. Open daily starting on November 22nd, this area is a gorgeous place to walk around and see decorations.

There are also tons of activities for all ages, including ice skating, CURLING, a silent disco, and holiday rides on the TECO line streetcar.

19. Bok Tower Gardens at Lake Wales

For those who love tasteful Christmas decorations, Bok Tower has the perfect event. Starting in November, the Pinewood Estate, as well as the gardens, are decorated beautifully for the holidays.

You can also see a Carols & Carillon Concert for $20 or check out the Create-Your-Own Living Wreath Event. It’s the perfect excuse to see the gardens, and tower, and get in the holiday spirit!

20. City of Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration and Light Show

For Christmas light lovers, head to Lake Eola to see their gigantic Christmas tree. Every night, you can watch a synchronized light and music show on the tree!

The first day of the tree lighting is December 6th and there will be live music, vendors, and food trucks to celebrate the start of the season. Then, you can see it snow every weekend.

There are also similar tree-lighting events in most cities in Central Florida.

21. Surfing Santas at Cocoa Beach

Every year on Christmas Eve, over 500 people go surfing at Cocoa Beach dressed as Santa Claus! This is one of the most unique Christmas things to do in Florida.

I went last year and it was such a spectacular sight and a great way to start Christmas Eve. This event is completely free and goes on until lunchtime, but get there early if you want to find free parking.

22. Light up the Holidays at Altamonte Springs

For a firework show, you don’t need an entry ticket, head to Altamonte Springs on December 7th. Here they have their Light Up the Holiday event which includes a firework show.

I have been there for their Fourth of July fireworks and they are honestly the best I have seen outside of Disney!

So definitely check this out for free fireworks, in addition to holiday displays and entertainment.

23. Christmas at the Pier in St. Petersburg

Another way to experience a coastal Christmas is to visit the St. Petersburg Pier during December. They have it decorated with lights and trees, as well as music, entertainment, and more.

In the past, there has been an ice skating rink, Santa visits, and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Be sure to check out the mini golf experience this year!

South Florida Christmas Things to Do

If you want to celebrate the holidays without any chance of feeling the cold, head south for Christmas on warm, sandy beaches. This area rarely gets a chill this time of year, so you can relax in the sun while still getting a taste of the holidays.

Miami has the most South Florida Christmas things to do, but you can find festive events from West Palm Beach to Key West. Here are a dozen ideas for holiday happenings in South Florida.

24. Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights

For a dazzling holiday wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, holiday music, and family-friendly activities Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens is a must-do!

For only $23 per person, guests can enjoy live music, a holiday bazaar, and walk through a lighted tunnel. this seasonal amusement park is fun for all ages.

With special events like Dr. Seuss Weekend and Screen & S’mores Night, this month-long event is perfect for celebrating the magic of the season in a tropical setting.

25. Snowfall at the Dolphin Mall in Miami

For a taste of winter, head to the Dolphin Mall. Starting Thanksgiving weekend, the Ramblas Plaza becomes a winter wonderland with decorations and snowfall nightly.

Kids and pets can meet Santa and everyone can enjoy festive music.

26. Holiday Lights at the Calusa Nature Center

Though beautiful all year, during the holidays you can experience the Calusa Nature Center decorated to perfection.

On select evenings, visitors can wander through twinkling pathways, enjoy seasonal music, and sip on hot cocoa under the stars. For those in Fort Myers, its perfect for creating magical memories for the whole family.

27. Holiday Lights Water Taxi in Fort Lauderdale

Starting at the beginning of December, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi offers a Holiday Lights Cruise along Las Olas.

With the purchase of a $45 ticket, you can float by the gorgeously decorated mansions of Fort Lauderdale and take in the sights. The cruise lasts an hour long and includes live holiday music and a cash bar.

28. Holiday Evening Experience at the Fort Lauderdale Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

For one weekend in December, the Bonnet House is open for a holiday soiree.

Here you can see the tropical decorations, as well as enjoy music and festive drinks. For those who want an extra special experience, this event makes for a weekend to remember.

29. Holiday in Paradise at West Palm Beach

Many of the Palm Beach shopping areas have Christmas decorations and displays, but Holiday in Paradise, also known as Sandi Land, is the best of them.

Head down to the Palm Beach Waterfront starting after Thanksgiving to see the 35-foot-tall Sand Tree decorated with lights and projections. Here you can find plenty of photo ops, music, and entertainment. During the day you can check out local vendors and at night see the light show.

It is a wonderful place to walk around and get into the holiday spirit all month long.

30. Mizner Park Holiday Tree Lighting in Boca Raton

The weekend before Thanksgiving, locals look forward to the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mizner Park. This is a family fun event with craft stations, photo ops, and performances.

The tree is lit to much fanfare with music and a light show. Afterward, you can enjoy the local dining and shopping around Mizner Park.

31. Key West Holiday Lights Tour

For the island Christmas experience, Key West has plenty of sights to see. Here you can take a trolley tour and check out the best holiday displays in the Conch Republic.

A tour on the Conch tram lasts an hour and includes a narrated tour along with caroling. It starts two weeks after Thanksgiving with tours available nightly throughout the month.

32. Christmas on Third Street South in Naples

Every year, Naples celebrates Christmas with a monthlong festival on Third Street South. This includes tree-lighting celebrations, snowfall, carolers, and window-shopping displays.

There is even the chance to meet Santa, in addition to lots of photo-ops for people and pets! It’s a festive experience for all.

33. Holiday Nights on St. Armands in Sarasota

Another favorite of the Christmas things to do in Florida is to check out Christmas decorations at St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. Though they have decorations all month, the first Saturday of December is the best day to go.

This is when there is a Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long complete with Santa, as well as Christmas Tree lighting, crafts, and shopping and dining promotions. The whole town center is lit up and decorated, making for a beautiful display to enjoy.

34. Merry & Bright at CityPlace

One of my favorite places to visit in West Palm Beach is CityPlace and they celebrate the holiday season with a festival.

From November 9th through New Year’s Eve, events are going on every weekend from artisan markets to a ballet performance. You can also get pictures with Santa, see snowfall, and enjoy festive music for free!

35. Edison and Ford Holiday Nights in Fort Myers

Another South Florida Christmas tradition is the Edison and Ford Holiday Nights which have been going on for over 45 years.

Located in Fort Myers Riverside, the Edison and Ford Museum is decorated head to toe with lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, vintage décor and more. Visitors can see the lights and decorations, in addition to touring the estate, every night in December.

36. Historic Holidays at the Deering Estate

Deering Estate’s Historic Holidays: Caroling Through the Season brings the past to life with festive decorations, live caroling, and guided tours of the beautifully adorned estate.

You can see authentic holiday decorations for the time period while enjoying Christmas music. This event blends history and holiday magic, creating a unique experience for visitors.

37. Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park

For an immersive holiday experience, check out Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park! With carnival rides, a giant snow globe, and dazzling light displays, it combines all the fun of a state fair with a holiday season party!

Families can meet Santa, enjoy festive treats, and revel in the magical atmosphere of this expansive holiday celebration. There are also activities for all ages, like a reindeer petting zoo, a snowy trail, and a motorcycle show! Best of all, it’s open every day through January 5th!

38. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

A beloved tradition that lights up the waterways, the Winterfest Boat Parade features festively decorated boats and music. Those with a boat can enter for only $35 and show off their decorating skills!

If you rather stay on land, spectators can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, and the unique sight of holiday lights reflecting off the water during this spectacular event. With multiple nights of this parade, be sure to mark your calendars!

39. Holiday Celebration Car Show

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Holiday Celebration Car Show at Coconut Point Mall. For one day only the mall showcases rare vehicles, complete with holiday food and seasonal performances.

As the day goes on, this free event will also feature hula dancers, a parade, and a tree lighting. There’s something for everyone with this Christmas experience.

40. Holiday Village at Downtown Delray Beach

To spread the holiday cheer throughout Delray Beach, a holiday village is open from December 3rd through New Year’s Eve.  Each week, there are different events, like a menorah lighting, a boat parade, and a jingle bell jog.

The local merchants will also be offering specials so it’s a great time to get in your small business shopping.

Christmas Things to Do At Florida Theme Parks

The Orlando theme parks celebrate the holidays in their own way, most starting in November. Disney World has the most going on with every park and resort covered in Christmas decorations.

However, there are a lot of fun things to do at the other theme parks as well. Here is what each theme park offers for the holiday season.

41. Walt Disney World

There’s no denying that the holidays are a big deal at Walt Disney World. Every park and resort has something special going on, with much of it starting right after Halloween.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the biggest event at Magic Kingdom and it runs select nights from November 8th through December 22.

However, this ticketed event is not the only way to experience Christmas at Disney.

All four parks will be decorated and have some holiday offerings throughout the day for guests. Epcot is the most popular for its Holidays Around the World festivities. Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios have a couple of special shows as well though.

Without a park ticket, you can still enjoy the decor of Disney Springs and its free Christmas Tree Trail.

One of my favorite things to do is just visit the resorts. Starting at Thanksgiving, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot deluxe resorts are beautifully decorated with most having a giant centerpiece tree.

Taking a monorail ride and marveling at each resort’s decorations while snacking on gingerbread is a beloved tradition in my family!

42. Universal Orlando

Not to be outdone, Universal Orlando has plenty of Christmas offerings starting November 22nd and none require a special ticket.

At both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, you can experience entertainment and decorations at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and an evening Christmas projection show.

Other park offerings include Grinchmas at Who-Ville, the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s balloons, and Mannheim Steamroller Concerts.

Universal has also taken a cue from Disney and has all its resorts decorated for the holidays. The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel looks especially beautiful and offers pictures with Santa.

New Year’s Eve is a big deal here too, with parties and shows at the theme parks and City Walk.

43. Seaworld Orlando

I finally went to SeaWorld for Christmas last year and it was spectacular! They put up over 3 million lights to create a winter wonderland, complete with a lake of floating Christmas trees.

Besides the decor, Seaworld has a bunch of Christmas entertainment to experience.

Included with daily admission starting November 10th, there is a sea lion and elf show, the thirty carols O’ Wondrous Night show, and Winter Wonderland on Ice.

And to add to the Holiday experience, there are snow flurries at night and the chance to meet Santa Claus. If you like sea life and animals, this is the perfect Christmas spot!

44. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

If you happen to visit Busch Gardens during the holidays, there are a few special offerings. The entire park is decorated to look like Christmas Town with tons of twinkle lights.

You can also meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other characters, like the Abominable Snowman.

There are some spectacular shows to get into the spirit too. This includes Christmas on Ice, which is similar to the Rockettes, Santa’s North Pole Experience, and the Holly Jolly Express. This is all included in your park admission and it starts on November 15th.

45. Legoland Florida

For a taste of Brick-mas, Legoland has holiday shows and meet and greets going on every weekend starting after Thanksgiving. There is the Holiday Village, Christmas characters, and a LEGO Christmas Tree.

The coolest part is that the 30-foot tree is made of legos!

However, the main event that Legoland has for the holiday season is Ring in the Year. Every night the week after Christmas, they have a Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party complete with fireworks and a brick drop before bedtime.

Christmas Things to Do Throughout Florida

This last section has ideas for Christmas things to do in Florida wherever you are located! You can usually find some version of these events in any city across America, often with their own unique spin.

From doing a Christmas-themed 5K to seeing a holiday performance, these are cherished traditions my family used to enjoy in New Hampshire and now have found down in Florida.

Check Facebook or a Google search to see when and where you can find these celebrations near you!

46. Holidays at the Zoo

There are many zoos in Florida all celebrating in their own way!

At the Brevard Zoo, you can enjoy Jolly Days the weekend before Christmas where you can see the animals receive holiday gifts. There are also decorations, games, music, and Santa Claus meet and greets.

On the other coast, Zoo Tampa features Christmas in the Wild, which includes a light display, tons of decorations, treats, and meet and greets. General Admission includes these offerings.

Be sure to check out Zoo Miami, the Jacksonville Zoo, and other local zoos for holiday happenings.

47. Festival of Trees

One of my family’s favorite Christmas things to do in Florida is check out the Festival of Trees the weekend before Thanksgiving. They do these all over the country, and you can find plenty in Florida.

For a small donation, you can view tons of Christmas trees all decorated to a different theme.

This year you can find a Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art, the Melbourne Community Center, the Long Center in Clearwater, The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, and many more.

48. Holiday Themed Runs

With the cooler weather, a Christmas-themed 5k can be such a fun way to celebrate. I think the best one in Central Florida is the SeaWorld Reindeer Run where you get to run through the theme park!

There are dozens of other options including the Tampa Jingle Bell 5K, the Space Coast Jingle Bell 2 miler, and the Tallahassee Jingle Bell Run.

Make sure to wear some jingle bells or a red nose!

49. Christmas Boat Parades

For locals, many say one of their favorite Christmas things to do in Florida is to go to a boat parade! Many boaters will decorate with lights and displays and then you can watch them go by on the water.

I have seen events like this going on in Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, New Smyrna, Daytona Beach, St. Pete, and Tampa, so find one near you for some seas and greetings!

50. See a Christmas Play

Take a break from Lifetime Christmas movies and see a classic in person!

Of course, the Nutcracker is always a classic and you can see this show at the Dr. Philips Center, the Cocoa Village Playhouse, the Tampa Ballet Theater, and more locations around the state.

Another show I might be seeing this year is White Christmas in Cocoa Village. Check your local playhouse to see what Christmas shows or concerts are being performed.

Know Before You Go: Things to Do for Christmas in Florida

If I see any other holiday activities, I’ll be sure to add them to this post and my Instagram highlights! For now, this should cover most of the Christmas things to do in Florida.

Here are a few tips for enjoying Christmas in Florida to the fullest:

• If you plan to spend Christmas in Florida, expect warmer weather than the rest of the country, but don’t be surprised if there is a cold front! In Central Florida, the temperature is usually above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but we have a couple of days each year when it dips into the forties. Make sure to bring a jacket, even if you are going to South Florida, just in case.
• For events that go all week, I recommend visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds. I have been to local and theme park Christmas attractions and both can get very crowded on the weekends.
• Regarding theme park crowds, Disney World and Universal have very high crowd volumes starting Christmas Eve and lasting through New Year’s Eve. They often reach capacity on the major holidays, so get to the parks early and do not expect to ride all the rides if you go then. Weekdays in early December are much less crowded.
• For info regarding parking and times for many of these events above, I recommend finding the event on Facebook or its website. Facebook especially will have any last-minute updates and ticket information.
• Looking for a Florida-themed Christmas present to celebrate your vacation or give to a Floridian in your life? Check out my Holiday gift guide with over 50 present ideas!

Have you ever spent Christmas in Florida? This will be my sixth here and I personally am most excited about all the pretty Christmas trees! What are your favorite Christmas things to do in Florida?