10 Best Things To Do In Florida This Christmas

things to do at christmas in florida
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 4 min read

Home to world-famous Orlando theme parks & Walt Disney World Resort, gorgeous Miami beaches, numerous golf courses, and luxury shopping boutiques and stores, Florida continues to be one of the best tourist destinations in the USA & the world. And Christmas celebrations and events organized here are indeed mesmerizing. Dazzling lights, savory treats, Christmas goodies, Santa Claus visits, and Christmas parade, Florida has it all to make your winter holidays special and memorable. So, plan an itinerary to explore various festive attractions and activities with your beloved family and kids in the coming December. Keep reading to learn about some of the best things to do in Florida this Christmas to enhance your festive experience.

1. Feel the Christmas spirit at Santa's Enchanted Forest in Miami

Santa's Enchanted Forest
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bob B. Brown used under CC BY-ND 2.0

If you are looking for a fun-filled family attraction while vacationing in Florida this December, make sure you visit amazing Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami with your kids. Enjoy more than 100 thrilling rides, watch acrobats & magic shows, play interactive fun games, munch on delicious food, and meet Santa. Make wonderful Christmas memories with your beloved ones to cherish forever.

Santa's Enchanted Forest in Miami

Address: 7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155, United States

Website: Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami

Opening hours: 31st October - 5th January: 5pm - 12am

Price: 28 - 36 USD

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2. Travel on the North Pole Express at Florida Rail Road Museum


Make your Christmas more enjoyable by traveling in the festive North Pole Express at the historic Florida Rail Road Museum. The unique fun-filled festive excursion by train is sure to amuse your kids. The train takes you to the North Pole and Santa Claus will greet every child. Sing melodious songs with carolers and have a memorable, cheerful experience.

North Pole Express at Florida Rail Road Museum

Address:12210 83rd St E, Parrish, FL 34219, United States

Website: North Pole Express at Florida Rail Road Museum

Opening hours: 3rd December - 22nd December: 5:30pm & 7pm

Price: 20.50 - 59.50 USD

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3. Enjoy a fascinating stay at Walt Disney World Resort

things to do at christmas in florida | enjoy a fascinating stay at walt disney world resort
Source: instagram

You simply can’t miss the Christmas celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort when planning a Christmas vacation in Florida with your kids. Go for the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package and enjoy your holiday with kids in the marvelous wonderland. Animal Kingdom theme park of Disney offering Expedition Everest, new Rivers of Light, and Na’ vi River Journey is sure to delight your kids. Have fun at the festive party in the Magic Kingdom and enjoy your time here to the fullest. Make the Christmas vacation memorable for your kids.

Walt Disney World Resort

Address: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

Website: Walt Disney World Resort

Opening hours: 21st December - 26th December: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 199 - 345 USD per person per night

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4. Have fun with family at Pensacola Winterfest


Do not miss the festive Pensacola Winterfest when spending Christmas vacations in Florida this December. Listen to Christmas melodies and enjoy dancing to the pleasant tunes of music. Let your kids enjoy creative arts and crafts and Santa’s Lego Workshop. Enjoy clicking photos with Santa, and have fun by going on carriage rides.

Pensacola Winterfest

Address: 221 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

Website: Pensacola Winterfest

Opening hours: 22nd November - 24th December

Price: 7 - 36 USD

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5. Get into the festive spirit by watching Naples Christmas Parade


Appreciate the Christmas Spirit of Florida by viewing the festive Naples Christmas Parade this Christmas. The celebratory parade has bands, civic groups, dance troupes, floats, school groups, scouts, and fire engines walking on the streets. Try catching the goodies and treats tossed out by the parade-goers. Be pleased to watch the special appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus as the parade concludes.

Naples Christmas Parade

Address: 649 5th Ave S, Naples, FL, United States

Website: Naples Christmas Parade

Opening hours: 10th December: 6pm - 8pm

Price: Free

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6. Make memories at LEGOLAND Florida Resort's Christmas Bricktacular


If LEGOLAND and its marvelous creations fascinate you or your kids, plan to visit the magnificent LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Florida this Christmas. Gaze at jaw-dropping views of life-size, captivating LEGO snowmen, massive LEGO wreath, and a spectacular sleigh with a reindeer, made by using thousands of Legos. Holidays here offer young Lego fans a special gift and scrumptious festive dinner every night of their stay. On 31st December, ring in the New Year with your kids enjoying the Kids’ New Year Party, and have fun at brick drop during the kid-friendly hour.

LEGOLAND Florida

Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, United States

Website: LEGOLAND Florida

Opening hours: 29th November - 31st December: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on 4th & 11th December)

Price: 94 - 129 USD

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7. Attend the Celebration of Lights

Last Night of Sebastians fabulous light show and our famous after Christmas Party tonight, starting at 5:30 pm

Posted by Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on Saturday, 26 December 2015

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida is home to numerous wild animals. During the festive season, this wildlife state park hosts the Celebration of Lights greeting several visitors to enjoy the holiday spirit of the season. Be delighted to watch a praiseworthy synchronized light and sound show which features an eye-catching display of lights. Have fun at fascinating Sebastian’s Winter Wonderland here. It offers perfect recreation for individuals of all age-groups. Along with plenty of entertainment, enjoy feasting on tasty refreshments.

Celebration of Lights

Address: 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446, United States

Website: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: 2 - 5 USD

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8. Enjoy the views of the Winterfest Boat Parade at Fort Lauderdale

Did you miss the 2018 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, FL Winterfest Boat Parade? Or, loved it so much...

Posted by Winterfest Boat Parade on Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Winterfest Boat Parade is a stunning illuminated site to behold when holidaying in Florida during Christmas. Locals and visitors around the world choose to watch this exclusive boat parade which features exquisitely decorated boats of various sizes sparkling over the water. The Grandstand viewing area is the best place to watch this festive extravaganza. So, be quick, and book your tickets for this mesmerizing Christmas celebration.

Winterfest Boat Parade at Fort Lauderdaley

Address: 512 NE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Website: Winterfest Boat Parade at Fort Lauderdale

Opening hours: 14th December: 7pm

Price: 20 - 25 USD

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9. Spend an evening at Jacksonville Beach - Deck the Chairs

things to do at christmas in florida | spend an evening at jacksonville beach - deck the chairs
Source: instagram

This is a spectacular illuminated sculptural exhibit famous as Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs. It is held in Florida every year and is a must-visit attraction when you are spending Christmas holidays here. This praiseworthy exhibit is featured by using The American Red Cross Life Saving Corps’ peculiar chairs. Watch various lifeguard chairs arranged brilliantly and exquisitely decorated and showcased in December. This sculptural exhibit aims to promote local business, use creativity to share great cultural diversity, and inculcate public pride.

Jacksonville Beach- Deck the Chairs

Address: 1st St N & 1st Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States

Website: Jacksonville Beach- Deck the Chairs

Opening hours: 23rd November - 1st January: 5pm - 1am (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Attend the Hanukkah celebration and Menorah lighting on Lincoln Road in Miami


Hanukah is an eight-day ‘festival of lights’ that Jews celebrate in the winter by lighting the menorah at night. They get to make special prayers and enjoy fried delicacies. Visit Chabad House in Florida to watch Menorah Lighting on the famous Lincoln Road. Marvel at the magnificent seashell menorah found here. You simply won’t miss admiring the iconic display of 2,000-pound (907.18-kilogram) seashell dreidel. The visiting kids will receive traditional treats such as latkes and savory jelly donuts.

Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting

Address: Lincoln Road at Euclid Circle, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website: Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lightingi

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Make your Christmas vacation memorable

Florida Botanical Gardens DSC 2660 pp (38636578722)
Source: Photo by user Walter used under CC BY 2.0

Florida is a mesmerizing tourist destination that every traveler has on his travel bucket list. And visiting during Christmas will encourage you to enjoy exciting festive activities with your family. So, plan a winter vacation in Florida and enrich your winter holiday experience by enjoying all these things to do in Florida this Christmas.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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asked about 2 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for manually_typed_query in Jacksonville?
answered about 2 years ago
Hello! Thank you for your query.
Here are some great activity parks in Jacksonville fit for any age
Adventure Landing & Shipwreck Island Water Park | Jacksonville Beach, FL
Indoor Activities Jacksonville Fl | Trampoline Park | Bravoz Entertainment Center
Jacksonville, Fl
Flight Adventure Park
Here are some restaurant recommendations for you as well:
Home
Bellwether Restaurant in Downtown Jacksonville, Fla.
https://trip101.com/t/SXr
olio
Please let me know, if there is anything else I can help you with.
Anna.
Local Expert Trip101.

asked over 2 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for tours in Tarpon Springs?
answered over 2 years ago
Hello and thank you for contacting Trip101.
Tarpon Springs is well known for the Sponge Dock with the shops and activities all up and down Dodecanese blvd. They don't have any particular events announced but I am sure you will find things to do there on 31st.
I can also recommend the following activities:
Clear Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs / Manatee Season
Private Bicycle Tour of Tarpon Springs
Please let me know if you need help with anything else.
Best Regards.

asked over 2 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for experiences in Fort Lauderdale?
answered over 2 years ago
Hello and thank you for contacting Trip101 while planning a date night.
Here is what I can recommend the following restaurants:
Waterfront Restaurant on Intercoastal in Fort Lauderdale
Home - The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
with live music
Blue Jean Blues
And here are some ideas if you want to be creative:
Sunset Cruise with Champagne in Fort Lauderdale
All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise
Please let me know, if there is anything else I can help you with.
Anna.
Local Expert Trip101.

asked over 2 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for experiences in Seminole?
answered over 2 years ago
Hello Amanda,
thank you for contacting Trip101.
Seminole FL is famous for it's parks like Boca Ciega Millenium Park and Lake Seminole Park (where you can rent bikes, kayaks and paddle boats).
Go fishing Tampa Bay Fishing Charters
Enjoy some family fun Treasure Island Fun Center and Bakersfield Movie Tickets / Movies Now Showing / Studio Movie Grill
Please let me know, if you like one of these options.

asked over 2 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for manually_typed_query in North Miami Beach?
answered over 2 years ago
Hello and thank you for your query!
There are a few options for your Birthday in Miami! This one combines it all -
Miami: Big Bus Combo — Everglades, City Tour, and Bay Cruise
If you are up for a challenge, check out
Miami: South Beach Room Escape - Diamond Heist and finish up with
Miami Skyline: Happy Hour Sightseeing Sunset Cruise
If you are staying in Miami for a few days
The Miami Sightseeing Day Pass – 35+ Attractions
What do you think?
Anna
Local Expert Trip101

asked almost 3 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for experiences in Tarpon Springs?
answered almost 3 years ago
Hello TJ, thank you for your request.
Here are a few places for 4 wheelers rental. They are a bit more north off of Tampa/Tarpon Springs.
Wolfpack ATV Riding is an ATV Rental Company in Tampa, FL or
Moore ATV Rentals - Croom ATV CMA Rentals Brooksville, FL or these guys
CROOM ATV / CROOM ATV & DIRT BIKE RENTAL IN BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA
As per the I would go to
Tarpon Springs Watersports – Come Enjoy The Water With Us
Please let me know if I can help with anything else.
Anna
Local Expert Trip101

asked almost 3 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for attractions in Orlando?
answered almost 3 years ago

asked almost 3 years ago
Looking for some things to do in Tampa. Purchase alligator bones/teeth
answered almost 3 years ago
Hello! Thank you for chatting with Trip101.
It looks like you re planning a nice trip to Tampa, FL.
There is one alligator park nearby.
https://trip101.com/t/lv5
You may be able to purchase souvenirs here.
Please let me know if I may assist you with anything else.

asked about 3 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for outdoor activities in Indian Shores?
answered about 3 years ago
Hello! Thank you for chatting with Trip101.
It looks like you’re planning a nice trip to Indian Shores, FL.
Please see some recommendations below for fishing charters nearby.
Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter
The Legend - Torres 43' Sport Fishing Charter Boat
Please let me know if I may be of further assistance.

asked about 3 years ago
Looking for some things to do. What are your recommendations for attractions in Zephyrhills?
answered about 3 years ago
Hello! Thank you for chatting with Trip101.
It looks like you’re planning a nice trip to Zephyrhills, FL. Kindly see some nearby activities below.
https://trip101.com/t/4gK
https://trip101.com/t/ojJ
https://trip101.com/t/EwQ
Please let me know if I can assist you further.

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