What do you say? After an occasionally rough and rocky 2024, shall we embrace the magic of the Christmas season? What’s the harm in having an extra cup of hot cocoa tonight or stringing an extra strand of lights?
There’s something about cozying into the season and enjoying the magic that floats through the air, whether or not our hearts are in it. And, if you’d like to make the most of a state that boasts some of the finest weather this time of year, you can pack nothing more than a light jacket and a pocketful of dreams.
Below, these 12 attractions offer an affordable approach to help you savor the season, from theme parks to botanical gardens. Wherever you go, and however you choose to celebrate, we hope it’s filled with wonder, peace, and joy.
Seaworld
Especially with the holiday season coming up, Seaworld is a magical place. They fully embrace the holidays in a way that makes greeting a penguin or two extra special. Their Christmas Celebration kicks off on November 16, lasting all the way through January 5th, and, boy, is it spectacular. Filled with millions of sparking lights, a sea full of trees, snow flurries, and ice skating, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than this winter wonderland.
Nights of Lights | St. Augustine
If history holds a special place in your heart, then the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine is your ticket to paradise. As the oldest city in the U.S., founded by Spanish colonists in 1565, it’s magical in its own right. But, come Christmastime, the historic district lights up in ways their predecessors would marvel at. Whether you walk the cobbled lanes or take a trolley tour, you’ll be dazzled and delighted by the three million lights that take this Atlantic city to new heights.
Christmas Town | Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens certainly gives Disney a run for its money. As you move from thrilling ride to thrilling ride, the whole park is festooned in a forestry of Botanics. It’s Instagram-worthy in every sense of the word. When they turn the park into their well-known Christmas Town, it’s game on for holiday lovers. We’re talking about a Holly Jolly Express train, a winter wonderland graced by Rudolph himself, and a North Pole experience that pays tribute to Santa’s workshop, even though you’ll be enjoying Florida temps. Things kick off on November 15th, and we can assure you there are plenty of memories to make here.
Destin
This isn’t an attraction, per se. It’s more of an experience. When you visit the Gulf Coast city of Destin, you’ll be warmly greeted by turquoise blue water and white sandy beaches. The best way to play it here is to book a condo on the beach, stock up your fridge with holiday delights, and marvel at the fact that you’re sipping umbrella drinks for Christmas instead of shivering over a cup of hot cocoa. If you can nab a condo near one of Destin’s most famous restaurants, The Back Porch, you’ll find a secret treasure off that very porch – Santa’s sleigh is led by dolphins instead of reindeer. Come for the Gulf breezes; stay for the extraordinary delights that only Destin can offer.
Pensacola
A little bit further west than Destin, you’ll find the sunny shorelines of Pensacola. Every year, they set off the lights for their annual Winterfest, and boy, do they have a stronghold on all things merry and bright. Their downtown delights take on the brightness of Vegas in all the right ways. There’s a free holiday-themed show at the corner of Government Street and Palafox Place every 15 minutes from 5 pm to 8 pm. Then, the choice is yours: you can have your picture taken with Santa or the Grinch, depending on whether you’ve been naughty or nice. The show-stopper, however, is the open-air trolley, full of warm Gulf Coast breezes, based on the Polar Express. When you return home to your Airbnb and replay the movie, your heart will remain full for the rest of the season.
Mount Dora
Raise your hand if you’re a fan of the Hallmark movie marathons. They can’t start soon enough, right? If you’d like to step into your very own version of one, head to Mount Dora. Located in Central Florida, it’s a small town loaded with southern charm. We’re talking tea rooms, antique shops, and bookstores on every corner. Each year, residents and visitors can count on Mount Dora to provide a beautiful backdrop of holiday displays and festive events. They host a Night of Lights for Tykes, perform their own version of the Nutcracker, and feature a beautifully lit boat parade. If you’re there on a Sunday, we can guarantee you’ll love their Village Market – holiday edition – from 9 am to 2 pm in Sunset Park.
Dunedin
Do you have any Celtic roots? Well, then, the name Dunedin will sing of the starry hills of Scotland for you. This is a lovely city on the west coast that takes its roots seriously. You can come here any time of year for a trinket or two that sings of your Scottish and Irish heritage. But, come November, the whole city takes on a different kind of charm. From stained glass classes where you’ll learn to craft light-catching Christmas trees and poinsettia plants to toy runs, you’ll find a way to embrace the season and give back – all in one neat and tidy little package.
Leu Gardens
If you enjoyed the taste of the season that Busch Gardens provided, you’d be blown away by what Leu Gardens has on offer just outside Orlando. Known as Dazzling Nights, these garden strolls are will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the wonder of the holidays. Filled with lumineria walls, a forest of trees dancing in the night, and a 70’ tunnel of garland and glistening ornaments, this is every bit of a winter wonderland.
Legoland
While some families gather around the fire to play games or complete puzzles, do you enjoy a good Leo build? If so, you simply must take the kiddos to Legoland in Winter Haven. They host Holidays at Legoland, a magical time filled with towering Christmas trees made entirely of Legos. They like to say they are half elf-tastic entertainment along with holly jolly Lego decor. Does it get any cuter? Best of all, this is presented by Hallmark, so you know the merriment will be bright.
Naples
Did you like the idea of Christmas on the beach? But, perhaps you know you’ll miss the sight of snow? There’s another beautiful beach town, Naples, that manages to bring snow to its sunny shorelines. In late November, you’ll find their Third Street South Celebration of Lights. As a beautiful and statuesque town winter, spring, summer, or fall, the sight of it bedecked in garland and lights warms the heart. And, during Thanksgiving weekend, when Santa comes to town to kick things off, they create actual snowfall for families to dance and delight in. Snow near a Floridian beach? Yes, this is something your family will remember forever.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center | Ice
From snow to ice, you’ll find another amazing feat at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee. They freeze the whole place down and set a gorgeous array of ice sculptures on display. Best of all, if a movie marathon featuring Elf is part of your Christmas traditions, then the kiddos will be on Cloud 9 when they’re here. Many of the sculptures feature scenes from the movie; thanks to the 2 million pounds of ice, they transform into pure artistry. With slides, rides, and snacks galore, this is a great palace to put those winter coats, hats, and scarves to use and take a step into what will surely feel like the North Pole.
Celebration of Lights | Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
For the outdoorsy folks in your family, you might enjoy the Celebration of Lights in one of Florida’s prettiest state parks – and home to the magnificent manatees. From December 16th – 22nd, you can splendor in the glory of mild Floridian weather and enjoy their magical evening of lights. Filled with live entertainment and visits from Santa himself, this is a wonderful way to savor the outdoors during a time of year when others are holed up at home – all while keeping a watchful eye out for the giant floating teddy bears known as manatees.
Time to Spread Some Cheer
After an eventful 2024, it’s time to spread some holiday cheer, right? Whether you enjoy any of these Florida attractions as a party of two or bring the whole family along, you’re sure to enjoy any one of these activities as you embrace the spirit of the season.
Before you go, be sure to check out our destination guides. They’re chock full of Floridian adventures including, of course, countless tips and tricks to make the most of Disney if you’re determined to experience a little bit of Mickey;s magic, as well!