12 Florida Gems That Are Just as Fun as Theme Parks

a map of florida with a red pin pointing to the state — klenger from Getty Images Signature

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

an orca whale jumping out of the water at an aquarium — Flickr

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

a sailboat in the water at night with a bridge in the background — Rhonda K Lovett

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

an ice sculpture is lit up with purple and green lights — Flickr

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.