The Top 6 Destinations for a Magical Christmas in Florida

Are you looking for a sunny escape this winter? There is no better way to celebrate the winter holidays than by spending it in sunny Florida! From key lime pie and sandy beaches to world-class theme parks and magical holiday experiences, Florida has something for everyone and there’s no shortage of festive fun to be had.

Here are the top 6 destinations for a magical Christmas in Florida.

photo by: Walt Disney World

#1: Orlando

Orlando is home to some of the world’s most popular theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld Orlando, and during the winter holidays, this is truly the most magical place on Earth! Walt Disney World Resort comes alive with holiday decorations, special events, and unique experiences that you can only find during this time of year. From Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays or Santa Claus Motorcade at Disney's Hollywood Studios, there's no shortage of holiday cheer to be found in Orlando.

Families can also enjoy festive holiday events all around the city, specially in Celebration, the town that Disney built, which features their annual Now Snowing event, a tree lighting ceremony, horse carriage rides, an express train, ice skating and photos with Santa. And if you’re interested in making your trip extra special, book a stay at one of Orlando’s luxurious resorts and enjoy world-class dining and immersive themed experiences that will make your holiday truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a truly memorable Christmas experience, Orlando is the place to be.

photo by: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

#2: Miami

Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife and sunny beaches, but did you know that it’s also a great destination for families during the holidays? Miami's premier holiday event is Santa's Enchanted Forest which features over 100 different family rides, shows, interactive games and attractions, making it the largest holiday theme park in the world. It also features South Florida's tallest Christmas tree and millions of dazzling lights. This is a can't-miss event for families with young children as they can enjoy meeting Santa, riding festive rides, seeing holiday shows and more.

You can also check out the NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens or the Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami, and there are numerous holiday-themed shows and concerts throughout December such as the Nutcracker or the Symphony in Lights Holiday Celebration. Don’t forget to sample some of Miami’s famous Cuban cuisine while you’re in town!

photo by: WFLA

#3: Tampa

If you're looking for a more traditional Christmas experience, look no further than Tampa. Located in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa’s Winter Village features an Olympic-sized rink surrounded by charming chalets selling everything from hot cocoa to one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. If skating isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there’s still plenty to do! Check out the magical winter wonderland at Busch Gardens Christmas Town featuring millions of twinkling lights, dazzling fireworks, animal encounters, thrilling rides, festive holiday shows and culinary treats. 

And when night falls, head to Downtown Tampa to see the beautiful iconic Riverwalk come alive with over 2 million sparkling lights during the Winter Village Celebration. It's an experience you won't soon forget!

photo by: visitstaugustine.com

#4: St. Augustine

For a truly unique holiday experience, spend Christmas in America’s oldest city—St. Augustine. This historic city is filled with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and Victorian-style homes decked out in twinkling lights. Every winter, the city hosts their Night of Lights celebration, an award-winning holiday lights display where the entire city is illuminated with over 3 million white lights, leading to the center of their historic town plaza. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll down brick-lined St. George Street—the city's main shopping district—to do some holiday shopping and enjoy live entertainment from carolers and strolling musicians or walk through St. Augustine’s picturesque downtown area to enjoy some of the many holiday-themed tours and events taking place throughout the month of December.

photo by: visitpanamacitybeach.com

#5: Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach may be best known as a spring break destination, but it’s also a great place to spend the holidays! The city comes alive with festive events and holiday cheer all month long. Visitors can enjoy Panama City Beach's annual Beach Home for the Holidays celebration, a weekend event featuring live performances, carol-themed concerts, parades, nightly fireworks on the beach, Santa appearances, and much more. And if you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, check out Panama City Beach’s famous New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop where a giant beach ball is dropped from the top of a tall building at midnight – it’s a sight you won’t want to miss!

#6: Key West

And last but not least on our list is Key West—one of Florida's most popular vacation destinations. Key West may be small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to holiday cheer! This island community comes together every year to celebrate their own unique version of Christmas. Their "Bight" Before Christmas Celebration and Harbor Walk of Lights take place at the Key West Historic Seaport and Bight Marina featuring creative holiday displays, thousands of lights honoring the Maritime history of the city, a parade of boats decorated with colorful lights and festive decorations floating through Key West Harbor. The event culminates with a massive fireworks display over the water—a truly unforgettable way to ring in the holidays! And no trip to Key West would be complete without seeing the famous "Conch Republic" sign illuminated with twinkling lights. It's sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

Conclusion

So there you have it—the top 6 destinations for a magical Christmas in Florida! Floridians may not have snow but we sure know how to celebrate Christmas! No matter where you go in the state, you’re sure to find festive celebrations and twinkling lights galore. So start planning your trip today and experience all that Florida has to offer this holiday season!