🎄 Things to Do in Christmas in Florida 2025: Sunshine, Sparkle & Holiday Wonder
- Let's Live A Life
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 15 hours ago
Christmas in Florida is magical in a unique way — where warm weather meets festive lights, theme parks create unforgettable memories, and waterfront towns glow with the holiday spirit. Here are 15 must-see events and destinations to enjoy this Christmas!
1. Walt Disney World – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Orlando)
Website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com
One of the world’s most iconic holiday events, this special nighttime celebration transforms Magic Kingdom into a Christmas wonderland. Expect snow on Main Street, a festive parade, holiday fireworks, exclusive treats, and beautiful décor across the park.
Why you should go:
Classic Christmas experience
Perfect for families
Magical nighttime atmosphere
Tips:
Tickets sell out early
Arrive before sunset
2. Universal Orlando – Holidays at Universal
Website: https://www.universalorlando.com
Universal’s holiday celebration features the Macy’s Holiday Parade, Grinchmas, and stunning decorations in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Why you should go:
Fantastic entertainment
Ideal for thrill seekers
Holiday atmosphere with a fun twist
Tip: Visit midweek for smaller crowds.
3. SeaWorld Orlando – Christmas Celebration
Website: https://seaworld.com/orlando
SeaWorld is transformed into a glowing holiday village with millions of lights, themed shows, Christmas treats, and a festive ice-skating performance.
Why you should go:
Beautiful nighttime lights
Great for kids
Unique Christmas shows
Tip: Stay for the water-side fireworks.
4. St. Augustine – Nights of Lights
Historic St. Augustine lights up with millions of white lights covering buildings, streets, trees, and the waterfront. It's one of the most famous Christmas light displays in the world.
Why you should go:
Romantic & historic
Free to explore
Gorgeous nighttime strolls
Tip: Take a trolley or carriage ride for the best views.
5. Key West – Holiday Fest
Website: https://keywestholidayfest.com
Key West celebrates Christmas in tropical style with boat parades, cultural tours, light displays, concerts, and festive markets — all under warm island breezes.
Why you should go:
Tropical Christmas atmosphere
Unique island celebrations
Tons of nighttime events
Tip: Book accommodations early — December fills fast.
6. Fort Lauderdale – Winterfest Boat Parade
Website: https://winterfestparade.com
Known as the “Greatest Show on H2O,” this iconic parade features decorated boats of all sizes floating down the Intracoastal Waterway.
Why you should go:
Completely unique Florida tradition
Great for all ages
Free viewing areas
Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
7. Tampa Riverwalk – Holiday Spectacular
Website: https://thetampariverwalk.com
The Tampa Riverwalk sparkles with holiday lights, riverfront decorations, a Christmas village, live entertainment, and an outdoor ice rink in Curtis Hixon Park.
Why you should go:
Beautiful waterfront views
Family-friendly
Many free activities
Tip: Walk the Riverwalk after sunset for the best photos.
8. Naples – Christmas on Third Street South
Website: https://thirdstreetsouth.com
This charming, upscale district hosts holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies, live music, festive dining, and beautifully decorated streets.
Why you should go:
Elegant, cozy Christmas vibe
Great shopping & dining
Perfect for couples
Tip: Attend the evening tree lighting for a magical experience.
9. Miami – Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
Website: https://www.zoomiami.org
Zoo Miami becomes a glowing nighttime festival with light tunnels, interactive displays, animal lanterns, and holiday treats.
Why you should go:
Perfect for families
Colorful & lively
Fun warm-weather holiday experience
Tip: Go earlier in December before crowds rise.
10. Orlando – Lake Eola Christmas Tree & Festival
Website: https://www.orlando.gov
Downtown Orlando hosts a huge Christmas celebration with a towering tree, nightly light shows, holiday markets, food vendors, and outdoor movies around the lake.
Why you should go:
Free & local
Great for evening strolls
Family-friendly
Tip: Bring a blanket for movie nights.
11. Jacksonville – Jax Illuminations Light Festival
Website: https://www.jaxilluminations.com
A drive-through light experience featuring thousands of synchronized lights, animated displays, tunnels, and seasonal music.
Why you should go:
Cozy car-based experience
Perfect for families & young kids
Weather-proof
Tip: Visit on a weekday for faster entry.
12. Daytona – Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway
Website: https://magicoflights.com
A massive glowing drive-through event with themed tunnels, giant displays, and holiday scenes inside the famous speedway.
Why you should go:
Simple, fun holiday outing
Great for all ages
Perfect warm-weather Christmas tradition
Tip: Bring snacks — lines may get long.
13. Sarasota – Lights at Selby Gardens
Website: https://selby.org
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens transforms into a tropical winter wonderland with illuminated gardens, Christmas displays, and waterfront views.
Why you should go:
Peaceful and gorgeous
Botanical + holiday magic
Wonderful for couples
Tip: Book tickets online ahead of time.
14. Pensacola – Winterfest Trolley Tours
Website: https://www.pensacolawinterfest.org
Pensacola’s Winterfest turns downtown into a charming Christmas village with live performers, themed trolleys, holiday stories, caroling, and festive characters.
Why you should go:
Great for kids
Interactive & theatrical
Super charming atmosphere
Tip: Evening tours feel extra magical.
15. Palm Beach – Sandi Land (The Famous Sand Tree)
Website: https://www.thepalmbeaches.com
Palm Beach hosts one of Florida’s most unique Christmas displays — a 35-foot Christmas tree made completely of sand, named “Sandi.” The display includes nighttime light shows, beachside decorations, and seasonal music.
Why you should go:
Truly one-of-a-kind
Perfect beachside Christmas vibe
Free and fun for all ages
Tip: Stay for the synchronized light show — it’s adorable.
Planning Your Christmas in Florida 2025
✔ Book early — holiday season fills up fast
✔ Wear breathable clothing — December is warm in most regions
✔ Bring sunscreen — the sun is strong even in winter
✔ Rent a car when traveling between cities
✔ Check each event’s calendar for updates
Conclusion: Experience the Magic of Christmas in Florida 2025
From sparkling boat parades to tropical Christmas villages, historic towns shimmering with lights, and theme parks turned into magical wonderlands, Florida offers a warm and unforgettable holiday season. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, family fun, or romantic nights under glowing palm trees, the Sunshine State has something special waiting for you.
So pack your sunglasses, grab a festive drink, and enjoy Christmas — Florida style! 🌴✨
The end: 🎄 Christmas in Florida 2025: Sunshine, Sparkle & Holiday Wonder
