Special places to celebrate Christmas in Florida.
Christmas is always packed with family, folly and fun. Add a daycation on your weeks off. Florida has just what the family needs on your seasonal break, and you can get to most of the festivities without using up all the gas in your tank. We list a few places for you to consider for your day away at Christmas.
West Palm Beach
Sandi Land, the City of West Palm Beach’s yearly holiday celebration returns this year. Nightly music and light shows will run daily. The Holiday Tree Lighting takes place on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The celebration will feature music by The Music Machine on the NewDay USA Stage and include FREE and special entertainment, including fun-loving pirates, strolling entertainment, photos with Santa, and much more. A holiday shopping bazaar will take place in the Lake Pavilion. Music, activities and the bazaar take place until 9 p.m. Sandi shows and rides on Ferris take place until 10 pm. Location: The Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401. The Palm Beaches
St. Augustine
Nights of Lights is still on this year! White lights drape the city’s unique Spanish Colonial architecture and glow from the downtown sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions, along historic buildings, public spaces, hotels, restaurants, and inns throughout approximately 20 blocks of the Nation’s Oldest City’s historic district. The 2024-2025 Nights of Lights will take place every evening from November 23, 2024, to January 26, 2025. The festival kicks off with Light-Up! Night on November 23 at 4 p.m. and the official lighting ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitucion. Florida Historic Coast.
Amelia Island
Lights, decorations, a historic downtown, and the warmth of Southern hospitality combine to make the holidays especially enchanting on Amelia Island. From the night before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, there’s a unique sampling of holiday happenings that will banish even the strongest case of the “Bah Humbugs.” Cherished year-round for its small beach town vibe, natural beauty, outstanding dining, and exciting outdoor activities, Amelia is also a popular holiday getaway, with numerous special events and happenings. See for yourself how Amelia Island comes to life with holiday cheer. Amelia Island
Cocoa Beach
Our big winter holiday event! Free family fun happens downtown when Santa arrives ready to check his list and pose for pictures. Live music, food trucks, unique vendors, and a beer tent. There is always extra fun for the kids. Our local shops and restaurants will be open and ready for you to shop, eat and enjoy your day in downtown Cocoa Beach. VisitSpaceCoast
Winter Park
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 72nd annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade on December 7. The event has been held each December for more than 70 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida. Each year the parade travels down Park Avenue, starting at Cole Avenue and proceeding south, ending Lyman Avenue. More than 80 organizations participate including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus.
Miami
Step into the mesmerizing world of Christmas Wonderland, an annual immersive holiday experience returning to Tropical Park from November 14, 2024 through January 5, 2025. This all-ages theme park is loaded with Christmas thrills such as a half mile stretch of dazzling holiday displays and light shows, Instagram-worthy exhibits celebrating Miami’s diversity, a snowy wonderland with an Ice Bar, the Magnificent Midway of thrilling carnival rides and much more. Enjoy classic Christmas experiences like Storytime with Mrs. Claus at the Town Square or Santa’s Village where the kiddos can meet Santa and take a photo with jolly old Saint Nick. In addition to all the attractions, families can also enjoy an assortment of daily shows that include aerial feats at Holiday Hijinx, a cirque-style performance featuring hoops, balance boards and sharp swords at Wonder Cirque or a daredevil motorcycle show at Christmas Ball of Thrills.
Seaside
There’s no better place to experience the holiday spirit than to explore Seaside, where there’s a magnificent Christmas tree for all to enjoy. it’s a community that offers many events for the whole family. For instance, on weekends in December, there’s a holiday market selling crafts of local artisans. Typically, the market is open on Saturdays from 10-4 p.m.
Fort Myers
The Circus Does Christmas! A specially themed holiday show, Holidaze sees various Christmas ornaments magicked to life as the seasoned troupe of 30 performers from over 12 different countries combine their talents into 20 acts, transforming themselves into costumed characters and perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season with spectacle, imagination and whimsical joy. Cirque Dreams: Holidaze has been entertaining its fans, young and old for the better part of a decade, and now you can experience the magic for yourself! Check fortmyerstheater.com for dates and times.
Photo: Amelia Island – Ritz
