Santa on a surfboard. A Christmas tree made entirely of sand. A small town that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie. That’s Christmas in Florida.
You can spend the afternoon at the beach and the evening walking through streets dressed for the holiday. Palm trees shine with holiday lights and Christmas parades take to the water.
Whether you’re visiting the Sunshine State or exploring close to home, these nine annual Christmas events are some of the best things to do in Florida during the holiday season.
1. Watch Christmas Lights Float Across Lake Dora
In Mount Dora, Florida, some of the best Christmas decorations aren’t on houses. They’re floating across the lake.
Boats covered in lights parade across Lake Dora in early December. Find a spot along the shore and watch their colorful reflections move across the water.
The town’s annual Christmas Walk adds live music, holiday shopping, and visits with Santa. Grab a hot cocoa and explore the decorated downtown streets.
Mount Dora makes an easy holiday outing for travelers spending the winter at Holiday RV Park in nearby Leesburg.
2. Experience a Hallmark Christmas in Winter Garden
Historic streets glow with twinkle lights. Storefront windows sparkle with holiday decorations. A Christmas tree stands outside City Hall.
It sounds like a scene from a Hallmark holiday movie. But this is downtown Winter Garden in Central Florida.
Families line Plant Street in Winter Garden for a Christmas Parade each year filled with festive floats, local bands, and a visit from Santa. Later that evening, golf carts covered in lights and decorations take their turn. A holiday night market and light show keep the festivities going.
Winter Garden’sChristmas charm even caught Hallmark’s attention, earning recognition as one of the Official Hallmark Christmas Towns in the country.
The small-town charm makes Winter Garden a favorite for snowbirds spending their retirement years in Florida. Make the move and enjoy this Hallmark-esque town beyond the Christmas season. Check out active adult communities like Hyde Park Village. This 55+ community is just a golf cart ride away from the Christmas festivities on Plant Street. A dedicated path connects residents to historic downtown.
3. Visit the Real Town of Christmas, Florida
Believe it or not, there’s a town where it’s Christmas all year long.
Christmas, Florida is a small community in Orange County just east of Orlando. Its post office attracts visitors who want a special Christmas postmark on their holiday cards.
But there’s more to this town than its festive name.
At Fort Christmas Historical Park, visitors can explore a replica of an 1837 fort and historic pioneer buildings. The annual Cracker Christmas festival brings early Florida history to life with demonstrations, handmade crafts, and local vendors.
If you’re visiting the Orlando area for Christmas, Orange County, Florida has a few local traditions worth discovering beyond the theme parks.
4. Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World
Disney knows how to make Christmas feel larger than life.
Walt Disney World in Orlando glows with festive decorations. Holiday treats, Christmas music, and special entertainment add to the magic along Disney’s Main Street, U.S.A
Over at EPCOT, the International Festival of the Holidays shares Christmas traditions from around the world. One of the highlights is the Candlelight Processional, where a guest narrator tells the Christmas story alongside a live orchestra and choir. It’s a holiday experience that feels special even by Disney standards.
Check the calendar before you go. Some Disney World Christmas events require separate tickets.
5. Discover a LEGO Christmas in Winter Haven
A Christmas tree made of hundreds of thousands of LEGO bricks? That’s not your average holiday decoration.
But it’s exactly what you’ll find at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, where the Christmas Bricktacular brings the holiday spirit to the theme park.
Meet LEGO Santa, watch seasonal shows, and try hands-on building activities during December. The towering LEGO Christmas tree is a favorite spot for holiday photos.
It’s a family-friendly way to celebrate Christmas, especially for younger LEGO fans. The event takes place on select dates and is included with regular theme park admission.
6. See Millions of Christmas Lights in St. Augustine
Walk through America’s oldest city with millions of tiny white lights shining overhead during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. The annual celebration fills the historic district with lights covering buildings, trees, and public spaces.
It’s a must-see, according to National Geographic. The magazine recognized this award-winning tradition as one of the world’s top holiday light displays.
The lights are free to enjoy on foot. For a different view, book a guided tour by trolley or boat.
Make a day of it with a visit to nearby Anastasia State Park. Then head downtown after sunset to see the city glow.
7. Watch Santa Surf on Christmas Eve in Cocoa Beach
Forget the sleigh. Santa’s got a surfboard in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Every Christmas Eve, hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa Claus head into the waves in Cocoa Beach. Some even dress as elves and other holiday characters.
Surfing Santas started as a small family gathering. Today, the annual celebration brings crowds to the beach and raises money for local charities.
It’s a holiday event you won’t find in many other places.
For residents at The Waters, an active adult community in Melbourne Beach, it’s a Christmas Eve outing worth the quick drive up the Space Coast.
8. Celebrate West Palm Beach’s Holiday in Paradise
West Palm Beach puts a coastal twist on a favorite holiday tradition. The city’s Christmas tree is made entirely of sand.
Her name is Sandi. Standing 35 feet tall, she’s made with about 700 tons of sand. She’s even been called the world’s largest sand Christmas tree.
Sandi is the star of the city’s annual Holiday in Paradise celebration. But there’s more to explore along the waterfront. Visitors can ride a Ferris wheel, see more sand sculptures, and enjoy live entertainment.
Grab a bite from a food vendor before staying for Sandi’s light show after dark.
9. Celebrate Holiday Nights in Fort Myers
Even Thomas Edison and Henry Ford escaped to Florida for the winter.
Today, their neighboring homes in Fort Myers are part of a favorite Christmas tradition. During Holiday Nights, thousands of lights brighten the historic estates and gardens.
Visitors can see old-fashioned decorations and a trail of Christmas trees decorated by local students. Santa and carolers also stop by on select nights.
It’s a unique holiday outing for Florida snowbirds spending the season in 55+ communities like nearby Jamaica Bay Village or travelers staying nearby at Blueway RV Park.
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Make New Christmas Traditions in Florida
Years from now, you might not remember every gift. But you’ll remember watching Santa catch a wave or seeing a Christmas tree made entirely of sand.
Make Florida part of your Christmas plans. Explore Florida destinations and find your next holiday getaway.
One trip could be the start of a tradition that brings everyone back year after year.