While winter might conjure images of snow and chilly weather, Florida’s take on the season brings its own kind of magic. This year, escape the cold and celebrate the holidays in the Sunshine State, where warmth, natural beauty, and festive spirit combine to create unforgettable experiences. From dazzling light displays and enchanting botanical gardens to vibrant boat parades and wildlife encounters, Florida offers everyone a unique blend of seasonal fun. Dive into our guide to Florida’s most enchanting winter festivities, and prepare for a season filled with unforgettable sights, sounds, and adventures.
Dates: Nightly from November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025
Experience the magic of the holidays in the nation’s oldest city with St. Augustine’s award-winning Nights of Lights. For over two months, this historic gem is transformed into a radiant display of over three million sparkling lights, adorning every corner of its charming streets, centuries-old buildings, and picturesque plazas. Wander through the illuminated historic district, where the soft glow creates an enchanting atmosphere.
What to Do: Stroll or hop on a trolley or train for a guided tour through the brightest spots in town. Specialty tours cater to all preferences: choose from walking tours, electric cart tours, and even unique experiences by water or air to catch incredible views of the lights from new perspectives.
Dining and Shopping: Many downtown businesses extend their hours during the Nights of Lights, allowing visitors to dine with a view of the lights and browse through shops decked out in holiday decor. Whether you’re searching for unique holiday gifts or looking to savor a meal surrounded by twinkling lights, the festive charm of St. Augustine’s historic district will make it a holiday outing to remember.
Date: December 21, 2024, at 6 p.m.
For a truly Floridian holiday experience, don’t miss the Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. This festive event transforms Treasure Island’s scenic waterways into a shimmering parade route as boats decked out in dazzling holiday lights pass through the canals. The colorful displays and creative decorations bring holiday cheer to this coastal community in a way only Florida can.
Where to Watch: Start your evening at Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis, the parade’s official viewing spot and starting point. From 5 to 7:30 p.m., you can enjoy pre-parade festivities with a live DJ, delicious food and drink options, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, perfect for families and holiday lovers alike.
Parade Route: The boat parade kicks off just south of the Treasure Island Causeway. It travels through Paradise Island, past Treasure Bay, and along the iconic Treasure Island Causeway Bridge before completing its route around 9 p.m. For added excitement, parade participants compete for prizes, with winners announced on social media, adding a lively, competitive edge to this beloved community event.
Dates: Starting November 15, 2024, open from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Step into a world of illuminated wonder at Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden during their enchanting Night at the Garden event. By night, the 23-acre garden transforms into a magical fairyland with vibrant technicolor flowers, whimsical sculptures, and artistic light displays. Each garden area comes alive through cutting-edge technology, blending holiday cheer with a truly immersive experience.
Interactive Experiences: Download the FairyScope™ app to unlock augmented reality elements that enhance your surroundings for a more profound journey. Beyond the lights, you’ll find interactive features like the talking Wise Old Tree, rainbow-lit pathways, and even a Fairy Quest, which makes for an engaging, family-friendly adventure.
Food and Atmosphere: As you explore, indulge in local flavors from popular Miami food trucks serving delicious food and drink options. Whether you’re wandering through the gardens or pausing to enjoy the vibrant scenery, Night at the Garden offers a festive, one-of-a-kind experience that combines nature, technology, and holiday spirit.
Dates: November 22, 2024 – March 2, 2025
Dreaming of a snowy holiday? Florida’s Snowcat Ridge brings winter magic to life with its 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snow tubing hill that’s perfect for visitors of all ages. Located in Dade City, Snowcat Ridge is a unique winter attraction, giving Floridians and tourists alike a chance to experience the thrill of snow tubing and other winter activities in the Sunshine State.
Activities for All Ages: Try single, tandem, or group tubing down the Snowy Slopes, or head to the Arctic Igloo, a snowy play area where kids can build snowmen and have snowball target practice. Ice-skating fans can glide along the Crystal Ribbon, an outdoor skating ribbon that sparkles under the sun by day and lights up with music and a light show by night.
Holiday Experiences: Don’t miss Santa’s Cozy Cabin, where families can take photos with Santa and share their holiday wishes. Younger children will love the Peppermint Play Zone, a candy-themed playground ideal for little ones. Snowcat Ridge also offers a cozy Alpine Village where you can warm up by roasting s’mores around a fire, capturing the perfect holiday memory in this winter wonderland.
Dates: Mid-November – March
Winter at Blue Spring State Park celebrates Florida’s gentle giants — the manatees. As temperatures drop, hundreds of manatees flock to Blue Spring’s 72-degree, crystal-clear waters, making it one of Florida’s most cherished natural winter gatherings. This sanctuary provides these unique creatures with a warm refuge and offers visitors a rare opportunity to see manatees up close in their natural habitat.
What to Expect: Walk along the park’s boardwalk, a 1/3-mile pathway that stretches from the St. Johns River to the headspring, offering a safe and unobtrusive view of the manatees. From here, visitors can see manatees swimming, socializing, and even nursing their young calves. Blue Spring’s clear waters make it easy to spot these gentle creatures, creating a serene and memorable wildlife-watching experience.
Conservation Efforts: Blue Spring’s role as a manatee refuge is vital to the survival of this species, as manatees rely on warm waters to avoid cold stress syndrome during winter. Park staff and conservationists closely monitor these animals, ensuring that any sick or injured manatees receive the help they need. Blue Spring is a must-visit for those interested in Florida’s wildlife and eco-preservation.
Dates: Various events throughout November and December 2024
Nestled atop Iron Mountain, Bok Tower Gardens is a peaceful, scenic destination that comes alive with holiday charm. This historic site offers festive events and workshops that blend creativity, music, and nature, making it the perfect place for a winter outing.
Living Wreath Workshop: On November 22, get hands-on with the “Create Your Own Living Wreath” workshop, where you’ll build a unique succulent wreath that lasts all year. Participants receive all materials and a variety of succulents to create a stunning piece of holiday decor guided by expert instruction.
Holiday Concerts: On November 30, visitors can enjoy Carols & Carillon, a beautiful holiday concert featuring traditional carols and musical selections from the Singing Tower’s carillon bells. Bring chairs and blankets to settle in for an enchanting evening as the sounds of the season fill the air.
Holiday Charcuterie Board Workshop: For food lovers, Bok Tower offers a charcuterie board workshop on December 21. In this workshop, you’ll learn to craft a holiday charcuterie spread, perfect for any gathering. Participants will enjoy cheese tastings and hands-on instruction on pairing flavors and textures to create a festive culinary centerpiece.
Dates: Select nights from November 15, 2024 – January 19, 2025, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season and the Year of the Dragon at the Central Florida Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. This festival brings a vibrant cultural experience to Florida, featuring dozens of hand-crafted lantern displays that transform the zoo into a glowing wonderland.
Lantern Displays: The festival showcases intricate lanterns in the shapes of animals, plants, and more, all illuminated with thousands of LED lights. Walk along the 3/4-mile path to discover everything from towering dragons to delicate blossoms, each displaying the beauty and craftsmanship of traditional Asian lantern festivals.
Special Experiences: In addition to the lanterns, visitors can enjoy exclusive food and beverage offerings with flavors that complement the event’s cultural theme. On select nights, Santa will appear, and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve countdown takes place at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., making this a holiday event that all ages can enjoy.
Ticketing Details: Due to the festival’s popularity, tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets are available for specific entry times (6 p.m., 7 p.m., or 8 p.m.), and with limited availability each night, booking early is recommended to ensure your spot at this captivating event.
Opening Date: November 16, 2024
In Dade City, Ergle Christmas Tree Farm is a beloved family-run farm and the oldest of its kind in Central Florida. For nearly four decades, the Ergle family has welcomed visitors from all over the state to find their perfect Christmas tree, offering a classic holiday experience that brings a touch of tradition to the season.
Tree Selection & Cutting: Visitors to the farm can choose and cut their own tree, selecting from various species, including Sand Pine, Red Cedar, and Leyland Cypress. Families are encouraged to explore the fields, where they can pick a tree that fits their home perfectly and experience the simple joy of cutting it themselves.
Festive Atmosphere: Beyond tree hunting, the farm offers plenty of holiday cheer, from cozy fire pits for roasting marshmallows to photo-worthy spots for capturing those family holiday moments. The Ergle family expresses deep gratitude for the community’s support over the years, and visitors often return annually, making a trip to the farm a family tradition.
Florida’s winter events showcase the state’s unique approach to holiday celebrations, blending seasonal traditions with natural beauty and cultural festivities. From dazzling lights in St. Augustine and Miami to family-friendly holiday activities at Bok Tower Gardens and Snowcat Ridge, there’s something for everyone looking to embrace the season’s magic. Whether you’re here to experience a manatee migration, marvel at intricate lantern displays, or simply find the perfect Christmas tree, Florida’s winter events promise unforgettable memories and a refreshing twist on holiday traditions. Embrace the warmth, charm, and wonder of Florida’s ecotourism destinations this winter, and experience the holidays like never before in the Sunshine State.
