5 Christmas Vacations in Florida You Might Love
Florida might be known for its beaches and palm trees, but during the holiday season, the Sunshine State transforms into a winter wonderland—minus the snow!
Here are six top Christmas vacations in Florida you might love. Each of our picks will help create magical memories, and offers lots of holiday spirit from dazzling lights and festive parades to unique holiday charm.
Contents
- Orlando: A Magical Disney World Christmas
- St. Augustine: Nights of Lights and Small Town Charm
- St. Petersburg: Enchant Christmas and Holiday Lights Downtown
- Pensacola: a Coastal Christmas in the Panhandle
- Orlando: A Universal Christmas with Festivities and Parades
plus… - Miami: Holiday Magic at Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Orlando: A Magical Disney World Christmas
When it comes to Christmas magic, it’s hard to top Walt Disney World. From twinkling lights to whimsical parades, Orlando’s Disney parks create an enchanting experience for all ages.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Disney’s Magic Kingdom offers an exclusive holiday event with parades, special performances, and festive treats. Be sure to book tickets early, as this event sells out fast.
- Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays: Take a culinary trip around the world with seasonal foods and customs from different countries.
- Disney Jollywood Nights: New holiday experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios offering sing-alongs, live music, shows and more.
- Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll: Free to enter, this lively shopping and entertainment district is decked out for the holidays, featuring a Christmas Tree Trail and holiday-themed performances, shopping, food and more.
Why It’s Great:
Disney World delivers a magical holiday escape for families and couples alike. Each park offers unique Christmas events, making it easy to find a little something for everyone.
Don’t Miss:
- The Boathouse in Disney Springs offers waterfront dining with fantastic holiday views.
- Stop by Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom for unique holiday ornaments and keepsakes.
Where to Stay:
We recommend staying at one of the 25 official resort hotels on the Disney property, each with unique themes, amenities, and price categories.
There’s a super convenient transportation system including monorail, skyliner, bus and boat… every resort offers one or more of these options to get you to the parks, other resorts or Disney Springs, completely eliminating the need for you to touch your own car while there.
Disney’s resorts range from Value, Moderate, and Deluxe to Deluxe Villas:
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Value Resorts: More budget-friendly and family-oriented, including Disney’s All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These are great, especially with young kids for the arcades, pools, and fun food courts that provide lots of choices that even the pickiest eaters will love.
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Moderate Resorts: Offering more amenities with themed pools and dining, such as Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.
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Deluxe Resorts: Known for luxurious amenities and close proximity to the parks, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. *These three resorts offer the extra magic of being on the monorail system!
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Deluxe Villas: Larger accommodations often with kitchen facilities, designed for families and groups, such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
There are also additional non-Disney-owned hotels on Disney property, like the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and several Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels. These properties provide various options and conveniences for guests wanting proximity to Disney’s parks and entertainment.
St. Augustine: Nights of Lights and Small Town Charm
St. Augustine is a charming historic city that comes alive during the Christmas season. The Nights of Lights is a stunning display of Christmas lights throughout the historic district, creating a magical atmosphere.
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is a sight to behold, featuring millions of lights that turn this historic town into a shimmering Christmas paradise. Voted among the best holiday light displays in the country, St. Augustine’s festivities draw visitors from all over.
- Nights of Lights Tour: Hop on a trolley or take a walking tour to see the city’s historic buildings covered in lights.
- Christmas Parade: The annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade includes colorful floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus.
- Holiday Regatta of Lights: In early December, boat owners decorate their vessels with lights and ornaments, creating a sparkling show on the water.
Why It’s Great: Known as one of the oldest cities in the U.S., St. Augustine provides a cozy, small-town holiday experience with a historic twist. Its intimate streets are perfect for evening strolls under the lights.
Don’t Miss:
- Visit Flagler’s Legacy Tours to explore the history of the town in style.
- Stop by The Floridian for Southern-inspired holiday dishes with locally-sourced ingredients.
- Ghost Tours and trolley rides around town offer lots of fun history and an easy way to get around town.
Where to Stay:
For a convenient and festive stay, consider a hotel near St. George Street. Hotels fill up for the holidays, make your reservation as soon as you can!
We recommend staying in the historic district, walkable to most of the fun!
Check out The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayside which overlooks the bay and is steps to all the best fun, food and shopping and has some of the highest reviews of any hotel in the area!
St. Petersburg: Enchant Christmas and Holiday Lights
St. Petersburg transforms into a winter wonderland at Tropicana Field with Enchant Christmas, a magical holiday event perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Set against the mild winter of Florida’s Gulf Coast, this immersive holiday experience makes St. Pete a memorable Christmas getaway.
- Enchant Christmas Light Maze and Village: Walk through a dazzling maze of millions of lights and explore themed holiday displays, perfect for capturing memorable holiday photos.
- Ice Skating Trail: Experience a unique, outdoor ice-skating trail right in the heart of Florida. Skate rentals are available, so you don’t need to bring your own.
- Holiday Village and Market: Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, holiday treats, and handcrafted items from local vendors at the Enchant Christmas village.
- Visits with Santa: Kids and adults alike can visit Santa Claus for photos and wish-making, adding to the holiday spirit.
Why It’s Great:
With its festive light displays, enchanting ice-skating experience, and opportunities for unique holiday shopping, St. Petersburg’s Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field offers a delightful holiday destination for couples, families, and groups. The city’s nearby waterfront parks and lively downtown add extra charm, making it easy to fill the day with activities before ending with a festive evening at Enchant.
Where to Stay:
Check out Tru by Hilton St. Petersburg Downtown: Walk across the street to enjoy all the Enchant Christmas festivities. This hotel is highly-rated and budget-friendly, offers modern amenities, dog-friendly, has a pool, and is located in a very walkable active area full of cafes, grilles, bars and boutiques.
Pensacola: A Coastal Christmas in the Panhandle
Pensacola, located in Florida’s panhandle, combines southern charm with seaside traditions. Known for its sugar-sand beaches and historic downtown, Pensacola offers festive activities against a coastal backdrop.
- Winterfest Trolley Tours: Take a holiday trolley tour complete with characters like Frosty the Snowman and The Grinch.
- Christmas on the Coast: This holiday parade features elaborate floats, marching bands, and light displays.
- Historic Downtown Lights: Walk along Palafox Street to enjoy the festive lights and local shops decorated for the season.
Why It’s Great: Pensacola’s coastal ambiance, mixed with small-town charm, creates an inviting holiday atmosphere. It’s ideal for those looking for a slower-paced yet festive Christmas.
Don’t Miss:
- Dine at The Fish House, a waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood with a view of Pensacola Bay.
- Joe Patti’s Seafood Market is perfect for picking up local specialties, including fresh shrimp and grouper.
Where to Stay:
- Holiday Inn Express Pensascola Downtown: Situated within walking distance to holiday festivities and the Palafox Market, Children’s Museum and parks, plus this hotel is highly rated and breakfast is included!
Orlando: A Universal Christmas with Festivities and Parades
Universal Orlando brings the magic of the season with its unique holiday twist, offering something exciting for movie fans and thrill-seekers.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Celebrate a Hogwarts holiday with enchanting decorations, hot Butterbeer, and a magical projection show at Hogwarts Castle.
- Universal’s Holiday Parade: See floats with characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar, plus Santa Claus and his reindeer.
- Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Don’t miss the live retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, along with photo opportunities with the Grinch himself.
Why It’s Great: Universal Studios offers a different side of Christmas fun, with less traditional, movie-themed attractions. It’s perfect for families, friends, and fans of all things cinematic.
Don’t Miss:
- Mythos Restaurant in Islands of Adventure offers a great view of the park with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
- For Grinch-themed shopping, visit Seuss Landing to pick up Grinchmas souvenirs for friends and family.
Where to Stay:
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: This tropical-themed resort is located within walking distance to the parks and offers early park admission for hotel guests, along with beautiful holiday decorations.
- Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort: A retro-inspired, budget-friendly option with family suites, Cabana Bay brings holiday cheer with festive decor and a prime location close to the parks.
Miami: Holiday Magic at Santa’s Enchanted Forest
If you’re looking for holiday excitement, Miami has it all—from one of the nation’s largest Christmas theme parks to sparkling displays along the beach and bustling events downtown. Known for its vibrant nightlife and art scene, Miami brings a unique, tropical twist to the holiday season.
- Santa’s Enchanted Forest: Located in Doral, this iconic Christmas theme park features millions of lights, over 100 carnival rides, festive games, holiday shows, and the tallest Christmas tree in South Florida. Open every day through January, it’s a perfect family-friendly destination.
- Bayfront Holiday Village: In downtown Miami, Bayfront Park turns into a festive marketplace with unique gifts, food vendors, and a 50-foot Christmas tree. This holiday village often features outdoor movie nights and live music events.
- Miami Beach Holiday Lights: For a scenic holiday evening, take a stroll down Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road to see it decked out in holiday lights, featuring street performers, live music, and outdoor dining options.
Why It’s Great: Miami offers a truly multicultural holiday experience. From Santa’s Enchanted Forest’s carnival thrills to the festive lights of Miami Beach and bustling Bayfront Park, this city is perfect for those who want the buzz of a big city combined with holiday magic.
Don’t Miss:
- Dining Options: Treat yourself to authentic Latin flavors at Versailles in Little Havana, a classic Miami dining experience, or try the trendy Lure Fishbar on South Beach for fresh seafood and holiday cocktails.
Whether you’re strolling through Christmas lights at the beach or indulging in festive treats at a lively outdoor market, Miami’s unique blend of cultural influences and festive cheer make it a one-of-a-kind Christmas destination.
Where to Stay:
- For a convenient stay near Santa’s Enchanted Forest, InterContinental at Doral Miami is a great option. It’s close to the theme park and offers easy access to downtown Miami.
No matter which Florida destination you choose, you’re sure to have a magical and memorable Christmas. Leave your big thick winter coats behind, and enjoy Florida’s holiday weather!
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