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The months of December in Florida are the most exciting times of year to visit, with holiday events, festivals, and sunny days. Whether it is festive holiday lights, crowded theme parks or lush wild nature, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Florida. Its numerous tourist attractions make it an excellent destination for families, couples, and independent travellers. From parades to outdoor activities, Florida makes December a holiday-friendly month of fun and sunshine. So, let’s get into the holiday spirit and explore some nice things to do in Florida in December this holiday season.
Best Things To Do In Florida In December
From chilling in pleasant weather on beaches to attending a holiday boat parade, stay with us as we explore what to do in Florida in December this Christmas.
1. Visit Walt Disney World
Photo: Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Christmas in Orlando is a different kind of experience at Walt Disney World. There are gorgeous decorations, huge Christmas trees and lights that give the park a magical feel. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a Christmas favourite that includes beautiful parades, Christmas-themed character meets and greets, and snowfall on Main Street, United States of America Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays celebrates holiday traditions from around the world through food, entertainment and crafts. The nightly fireworks and projections over Cinderella’s Castle make for an additional thrill. If you visit at this time, you will experience Disney at its most magical.
Location: Orlando, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Universal Studios Florida, ICON Park, and Gatorland
2. Experience The Key West Holiday Fest
Photo: Upstateherd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Key West Holiday Fest combines the island experience with traditional Christmas celebrations to make it an outstanding December holiday destination. The Harbor Walk of Lights sets the tone with lights dancing across the marina. Events such as the Lighted Boat Parade parade colourfully decked boats down the waterfront, making it an unforgettable experience. The laid-back atmosphere on the island lends itself well to holiday activities, including Holiday Historic Inn Tours and finding unique gifts in boutiques. You can go on a sunset cruise or fresh seafood and complete your tropical vacation.
Location: Key West, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Mallory Square, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
3. Stroll Through St. Augustine’s Nights Of Lights
Photo: w_lemay / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
St Augustine’s Nights of Lights is an incredible holiday ritual that draws visitors from around the world. The ancient city lights up in millions of little white balls and has a festive feel. The festival is open to the public, and you can also walk, bike or take trolley tours on the illuminated streets. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to experience the show romantically. You can also take a boat tour and witness the city lit up from the water for a new perspective. This UNESCO-accredited holiday light show is among the best things to see in Florida in December.
Location: St. Augustine, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Castillo de San Marcos, Anastasia State Park
4. Explore Everglades National Park
Photo: Pierre André Leclercq / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Everglades National Park is in the dry season in December, so there is no better time to explore this great place. You can do things outside like hiking, birding, and kayaking because the weather is cooler and there are fewer mosquitoes. You can fly along the park’s lakes and pass by alligators and manatees on airboat tours. Or, drive for yourself along the beautiful Tamiami Trail or head to Shark Valley, a landscape full of scenery and wildlife. The Everglades make a fantastic December adventure that brings to life the natural beauty of Florida.
Location: South Florida
Nearby Attractions: Biscayne National Park, Shark Valley
5. Enjoy Ice Skating In Tampa’s Winter Village
Photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tampa’s Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park turns downtown into a holiday haven. Unique handcrafted gifts, seasonal foods and holiday performances are all part of this charming Christmas market. The ice-skating rink on the lawn brings in the winter and family-friendly special events such as the Riverwalk Holiday Hunt. Evening tours provide a stunning view of the Christmas decorations cast on the river. Guests can also participate in festive boat parades or ride the TECO Line Streetcar for a ride through the city’s nighttime lights. The Winter Village in Tampa is ideal for some Christmas fun.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Tampa Riverwalk, Florida Aquarium
6. Attend The Naples Christmas Parade
Photo: Theme Park Tourist / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Naples also holds the spirit of Christmas with its annual Christmas Parade and Boat Parade. The Christmas Parade – with its glittering floats, marching bands and Santa’s jolly presence – is a favourite with the family. The Boat Parade, with its beautifully painted ships navigating Naples Bay, lends a coastal feel to the events. You can also visit Fifth Avenue South and its boutique shopping, fine dining, and Christmas light displays. To get some serenity away, stop by the Naples Pier or watch the sunset from the white sands of its shores. Naples is best for a relaxing and joyous holiday.
Location: Naples, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Naples Zoo, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, and Marco Island
7. Celebrate New Year’s Eve On South Beach
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In Miami, South Beach is a vibrant, fancy place to start the New Year. Ocean Drive becomes a concert, dancing and partying hub, where themed parties are held in restaurants and bars. If you are looking for something to wrap up the year, Lummus Park’s free fireworks show at Lummus Park is a family-friendly celebration. For something extra special, rooftop bars offer spectacular views of the skyline and fireworks. South Beach, with its Art Deco style, bright neon lights, and infectious energy, is the perfect place to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Location: Miami, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and Little Havana
8. Explore Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Photo: Tomás Del Coro / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tampa’s Busch Gardens turns into Christmas Town in December for an immersive holiday experience. There are millions of Christmas lights lining every inch of the park. You can come here with your family for this holiday entertainment, see Santa and Rudolph, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can enjoy the coasters lit by LEDs, while children will enjoy the kid-friendly rides and holiday character stories. The Christmas on Ice ice-skating show is an absolute must-see that combines acrobatics with Christmas music.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Tampa Riverwalk, ZooTampa at Lowry Park
9. Explore Boat Parades In Fort Lauderdale
Photo: John Spade / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Often referred to as the “Yachting Capital of the World”, Fort Lauderdale has an excellent selection of Christmas boat parades in December. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is the main attraction, with custom-made yachts, boats, and paddleboards rumbling down the Intracoastal Waterway. Music, lights, and holiday cheer make this parade a feast for the eyes. Most restaurants and parks by the water have great viewing areas, so you can really go with a great meal and watch it. The smaller local boat parades add a personal touch that makes it an unforgettable experience.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Beach
10. Enjoy The Mount Dora Christmas Festival
Photo: Michael Lowin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the cutest Christmas festivals in Florida is held in Lake Dora, a small lakeside town. The town sparkles with more than two million lights, providing a beautiful setting for shopping, dining, and having fun. There are holiday parades, tree-lightings and boat races on Lake Dora. The Mount Dora Christmas Walk is a must-see for live music, gifts and holiday specials from local vendors. Guests can also take the Polar Express-style Christmas Train, which takes you on a scenic ride, and children can enjoy storytelling. This town-level festival gives a sense of a traditional Christmas.
Location: Mount Dora, Florida
Nearby Attractions: Lake Eustis, Renninger’s Antique Center, and Wekiwa Springs State Park
Christmas in Florida combines all the winter magic with the tropical sunshine while providing something for everyone. There is nothing in the state that doesn’t leave you with an amazing memory, from holiday parades and nighttime lights to nature walks and nightclubs. Whether visiting theme parks, taking in a boat show or enjoying a New Year’s Eve on the beach, Florida is an adventurous yet laid-back winter destination. Take advantage of the Sunshine State’s atypical holiday experience and plan your December trip with TripXL now Happy Holidays.
Cover Photo: Franz Stellbrink / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
