Unearth The Voyage
Florida transforms into a winter wonderland every December, even without the snow. From glittering boat parades along the coast to enchanted theme park nights, the Sunshine State offers holiday magic for every family. Whether you love historic charm, thrilling rides, or sparkling light displays, these events will make your 2025 Christmas season unforgettable.
1. St. Augustine Nights of Lights (Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026)
Walking through America’s oldest city feels like stepping into a fairy tale when millions of twinkling white lights transform every corner. Historic buildings, bridges, and palm trees glow against the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
The best part? Admission is completely free every evening. You can stroll at your own pace or hop on a trolley tour to learn fascinating stories about the city’s 450-year history while enjoying the dazzling display.
Grab hot cocoa from a local café and explore the cobblestone streets. The lights stay up for nearly two months, so you have plenty of time to plan your visit to this enchanting coastal treasure.
2. Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade (Dec 13, 2025)
This spectacular parade has earned the nickname “Best Show on H2O” for good reason—it’s one of the most dazzling marine events in the country.
The illuminated flotilla travels from downtown Fort Lauderdale all the way to Pompano Beach. Families line the riverbanks with blankets and snacks, claiming prime viewing spots hours before showtime.
If you want an elevated experience, many restaurants and venues offer special viewing parties with reserved seating and refreshments. Either way, watching these decorated vessels glide past creates memories that last far beyond the holiday season.
3. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights, Nov–Dec 2025)
After the regular park closes, Magic Kingdom reopens for an exclusive holiday celebration that feels like pure Disney magic. Special fireworks light up Cinderella Castle while artificial snow drifts down Main Street USA, delighting kids and adults alike.
A festive parade features all your favorite characters in their holiday best, plus you’ll receive complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at stations throughout the park. The shorter lines mean you can experience more attractions in one evening.
Keep in mind this event requires a separate ticket beyond regular park admission, and it sells out quickly. Book early if you want to experience this after-hours Christmas extravaganza at the most magical place on Earth.
4. Universal Orlando Holidays (Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026)
Universal goes all-out with holiday cheer across both theme parks, and the best news is that it’s all included with your regular admission. Grinchmas takes over Seuss Landing with live shows where the green grouch’s heart grows three sizes.
The Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s brings enormous balloons and festive floats down the streets, while the Wizarding World of Harry Potter adds its own seasonal touches. Hogsmeade village looks especially stunning draped in garlands and twinkling lights.
Between the spectacular entertainment and full access to all the rides, you get incredible value. Plan to spend a full day at each park to soak up every bit of holiday magic Universal has to offer.
5. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Nov 28 – Dec 30, 2025)
EPCOT celebrates Christmas traditions from around the globe, making it Disney’s most culturally rich holiday experience. Each World Showcase pavilion shares its own unique customs through storytellers, special performances, and authentic decorations.
Food lovers rejoice at the holiday kitchens scattered throughout the park, serving seasonal treats from different countries. The crown jewel is the Candlelight Processional, where a celebrity narrator tells the Christmas story accompanied by a full orchestra and choir.
This festival captures the true spirit of a classic Christmas while educating guests about diverse traditions. Arrive early for Candlelight Processional seating, as this beloved show fills up fast and offers a deeply moving experience for all ages.
6. Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll (Nov 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026)
More than 20 elaborately decorated trees showcase different themes throughout Disney Springs, and you don’t need a park ticket to enjoy them. Each tree tells its own creative story, from Disney characters to winter wonderlands, making it a photographer’s dream.
Live entertainment fills the air with holiday music, and on select nights, artificial snow creates a winter atmosphere despite Florida’s warm weather. The shopping and dining district becomes a festive destination all on its own.
Since admission is completely free, this makes a perfect budget-friendly option for families staying in the Orlando area. Stroll at sunset when the lights begin to sparkle, then grab dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby.
7. ICE! at Gaylord Palms (Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026)
Bundle up in provided parkas and step into a 9-degree wonderland carved from over two million pounds of ice. This year’s theme celebrates Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, bringing the beloved Christmas special to life in frozen form.
Talented artisans from China spend weeks creating intricate ice sculptures, slides, and entire scenes you can walk through. Kids especially love the ice slide section, where they can zoom down slippery slopes again and again.
The experience lasts about 30 minutes inside the freezing exhibit, followed by outdoor activities and hot chocolate to warm up. Reserve timed tickets in advance because this unique attraction sells out regularly, especially on weekends and school breaks.
8. SeaWorld Orlando – Christmas Celebration (select dates Nov 7, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026)
SeaWorld sparkles with millions of lights transforming the marine park into a holiday paradise. The celebration includes special shows, festive performances, and spectacular fireworks that reflect beautifully off the park’s lakes and waterways.
What makes this event extra appealing is that all the Christmas entertainment comes included with your regular park admission. You can enjoy the holiday magic while still experiencing all your favorite animal exhibits and thrilling rides.
Check the calendar carefully, as the celebration only happens on select dates throughout the season. Evening visits offer the best atmosphere when the lights shine brightest and the temperature cools down to a comfortable Florida winter evening.
9. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – Christmas Town (Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026)
Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens into a glowing wonderland with lights draped across every pathway and attraction. This year introduces an exciting new drone show that creates stunning formations in the night sky above the park.
Meeting Santa is always a highlight, along with live holiday shows featuring talented singers and dancers. The combination of Christmas magic with thrilling roller coasters makes for an unusual but delightful experience.
All the holiday festivities come included with park admission on select nights, giving you access to both seasonal entertainment and regular attractions. Arrive before sunset to enjoy rides in daylight, then watch the park transform as millions of lights illuminate after dark.
10. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa (Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026)
Downtown Tampa gets its own winter wonderland with an outdoor ice skating rink right along the beautiful Riverwalk. Gliding across real ice with palm trees and the city skyline as your backdrop creates a uniquely Florida holiday experience.
Holiday markets surround the rink, offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and warm beverages. The atmosphere buzzes with energy as families, couples, and friends gather to celebrate the season together.
Skating sessions require separate tickets, but simply visiting the village and soaking up the festive ambiance is free. The location makes it easy to combine with dinner at nearby restaurants or a stroll along the waterfront afterward.
11. Holiday Lights in the Gardens, Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo (Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026)
Over one million LED lights transform these peaceful botanical gardens into a glowing paradise. Walking paths wind through illuminated displays that highlight the natural beauty of Florida’s native plants and trees.
The event operates on a donation basis, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit foundation that maintains the gardens year-round. Families appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy holiday lights in a more natural, less commercial setting.
Strollers and wheelchairs navigate the paths easily, making this accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. Bring a camera to capture the magical reflections in the garden ponds and the creative light installations tucked throughout the landscape.
12. Lights in Bloom, Selby Gardens, Sarasota (Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026)
Two million lights illuminate the stunning waterfront setting of Selby Gardens, creating reflections that dance across Sarasota Bay. The combination of tropical plants and holiday lights produces an enchanting atmosphere found nowhere else in the region.
Advanced reservations are required for this popular event, as the gardens limit the number of visitors each evening to maintain a pleasant experience. The smaller crowds mean you can take your time exploring without feeling rushed.
The gardens showcase both the natural beauty of their plant collections and creative light displays designed by professional artists. Plan about 90 minutes to walk through the entire display and enjoy the waterfront views from multiple vantage points.
13. Jacksonville Zoo Colors of the Wild Lantern Experience (select nights Nov 22, 2025 – Feb 8, 2026)
Massive handcrafted lanterns in the shapes of animals, flowers, and fantasy creatures tower overhead in this stunning display. Created by skilled artisans, these aren’t ordinary lights but intricate silk-and-steel sculptures that glow from within.
The experience runs on select nights well into February, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your visit. Walking through the zoo after dark offers a completely different perspective, with the lanterns creating an almost dreamlike environment.
While the focus is on the lanterns, holiday touches add seasonal charm throughout the experience. This event works perfectly for families who want something different from traditional Christmas light displays and appreciate artistic craftsmanship.
14. Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade (Dec 6, 2025, 6 p.m.)
Fireworks launch the festivities as decorated boats begin their journey from North Palm Beach toward the iconic Jupiter Lighthouse. The parade route follows the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, offering free viewing from multiple spots along the shore.
Arrive early to claim your favorite waterfront location, as locals know this is one of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions. Bring blankets, chairs, and snacks to make an evening of it.
The combination of festive boats, waterfront ambiance, and the historic lighthouse creates a picture-perfect Florida Christmas scene. Unlike some boat parades that charge for viewing, this community event remains accessible to everyone who wants to participate in the holiday spirit.
15. Naples Christmas Boat Parade (Dec 13, 2025)
Naples Bay comes alive with decorated vessels showcasing everything from elegant lighting to whimsical holiday themes. The upscale coastal setting adds a touch of sophistication to this festive maritime tradition.
Most viewing is free from public waterfront areas, though limited VIP dock seating becomes available for those wanting a premium experience. The boats reflect beautifully in the calm bay waters, creating double the visual impact.
The parade typically lasts about an hour, giving you time to see every creative entry. Combine your visit with dinner at one of Naples’ excellent waterfront restaurants for a complete evening out during the holiday season.
16. Key West Lighted Boat Parade (Dec 13, 2025)
Christmas gets a tropical twist when decorated boats circle the Historic Seaport in America’s southernmost city. Expect to see everything from traditional holiday themes to uniquely Key West interpretations involving flamingos, flip-flops, and plenty of island humor.
The laid-back atmosphere matches the island’s personality perfectly, with spectators gathering at waterfront bars and restaurants to watch the festivities. Some venues offer special viewing parties with food and drink specials.
After the parade, the celebration often continues into the night with live music and entertainment throughout the seaport area. This event captures the quirky, fun-loving spirit that makes Key West such a special place to celebrate the holidays.
17. Magic of Lights – Daytona International Speedway (Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026)
Experience holiday magic from the comfort of your car as you drive through the legendary Daytona International Speedway transformed into a wonderland of lights. The unique setting lets you cruise the same track where racing legends have made history.
Hundreds of illuminated displays line the route, from traditional Christmas scenes to animated characters and tunnels of twinkling lights. The per-vehicle pricing makes this affordable for families, regardless of how many people you pack in.
Plan about 30-45 minutes for the full experience, though you can take as long as you want to soak it all in. Tune your radio to the designated station for synchronized music that enhances the visual spectacle.
