Dreaming of a warm Christmas without the snow but all the spirit? Florida will take you far from the frigid temps and show you how to do holidays in a way that’s entirely its own. Rather than serving up sweaters and hot cocoa, the Sunshine State celebrates with twinkling lights on palm trees, festive holiday boat parades, and carolers strolling through town. It’s a magical way to get into the holidays with a touch of Southern charm. If you're looking for an unforgettable warm Christmas, here are some of the best holiday towns in Florida.
(For more information about Florida, check out our guides for best beaches, weekend getaways, and best places to visit.)
Also check out our Christmas city guides:
The Most Asked Questions About Christmas Towns in Florida
Are There Any Christmas Towns in Florida?
Absolutely! Florida is home to some of the most charming Christmas towns in the US. From the historic streets of St. Augustine to the vibrant holiday displays of Miami, there are plenty of magical spots to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for a festive beachside celebration or a cozy small-town Christmas, Florida has a Christmas town that’s perfect for you.
Where Is the Best Place to Spend Christmas in Florida?
If you're looking for a truly magical Christmas, you can't beat St. Augustine. The entire city comes alive for the holidays with the famous Nights of Lights celebration, where millions of twinkling lights drape the old Spanish architecture. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the lit-up streets, which feels like stepping into a real-life holiday story.
Is Christmas a Good Time to Visit Florida?
Christmas is a fantastic time to visit Florida! The state’s warm weather and festive spirit make it a unique holiday destination. With plenty of sunshine, and mild temperatures across the state Christmas in Florida is a tropical winter getaway.
What is The Weather Like in Florida at Christmas?
The weather in Florida during Christmas is typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to 70s. If you want to see Florida without summertime humidity, winter is perfect for outdoor activities, like seeing a holiday parade, strolling through Christmas markets, or even spending a day at the beach. So, while you may not have a white Christmas, you’ll certainly have a warm and festive one!
Will It Snow in December in Florida?
Coconut shavings may be closest thing you'll get to natural snow in Florida, but that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the holiday magic! Instead of snow, Florida offers palm trees decked out in lights, festive boat parades, and unique holiday traditions that make Christmas in the Sunshine State a memorable experience. If you’re dreaming of snow, you might want to consider a visit to one of the many holiday-themed events that create winter wonderlands with artificial snow and ice skating rinks.
9 Magical Christmas Towns in Florida
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Naples, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Mount Dora, Florida
- Pensacola, Florida
- Christmas, Florida
- Key West, Florida
1. Christmas in St. Augustine, Florida
Must see: Nights of Lights
Where to stay: Casa Monica Resort & Spa | ★★★★☆
St. Augustine is the ultimate Christmas town in Florida, offering a holiday experience steeped in history and charm. During the holiday season, the city’s Spanish colonial architecture is illuminated by millions of tiny white lights as part of the Nights of Lights celebration, one of the most beautiful holiday displays in the country. Wander through the historic district, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and enjoy festive events like the Holiday Regatta of Lights and the annual Christmas Parade. With its rich history and enchanting atmosphere, St. Augustine is a must-visit for a magical Christmas in Florida.
2. Christmas in Boca Raton, Florida
Must see: Holiday Boat Parade and Boca Raton Festival of Trees
Where to stay: Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | ★★★★★
Boca Raton shines during the holiday season with beautifully decorated homes, dazzling lights, and community celebrations. Among the city's many seasonal events, the Holiday Street Parade brings cheer to the main streets, while the boat parade lights up the Intracoastal Waterway with holiday cheer. If you're a sports fan, you can even catch the Boca Raton Bowl, a college football game that takes place during the holiday season.
3. Christmas in Miami, Florida
Must see: Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Where to stay: The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables | ★★★★★
Christmas in Miami offers a vibrant and multicultural holiday experience where seasonal cheer is infused with Latin rhythms and flavors. While it may not be the most traditional Christmas town in Florida, Miami is home to Santa’s Enchanted Forest, the world’s largest holiday theme park, featuring over 100 rides, shows, and festive attractions, including Christmas karaoke and a towering tree. Miami also dazzles with beautifully decorated Art Deco buildings, the Bayfront Holiday Village, and a host of festive events like the Miami City Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker and Zoo Miami’s Zoo Lights.
4. Christmas in Naples, Florida
Must see: Christmas on Third Street South
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples | ★★★★★
Naples offers a luxurious Christmas experience with elegant holiday decorations and festive events that make it one of the best Christmas towns in Florida. At the heart of the festivities is the North Pole at Third Street South, where twinkling lights, holiday music, and beautifully decorated shops create a magical atmosphere. For nearly 50 years, this event has delighted visitors and local with a Christmas tree lighting and the annual boat parade. Other special holiday treats include the Trees & Teas Festival at The Naples Players, featuring artist-designed trees and holiday teas to sample. Naples truly captures the magic of Florida for Christmas, with visits from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, snowfalls, live music, and extended shopping hours.
5. Christmas in Orlando, Florida
Must see: Disney’s Christmas at Magic Kingdom
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Orlando | ★★★★★
Orlando is a magical place to celebrate Christmas for both kids and adults, especially with the iconic holiday festivities at Walt Disney World. From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to the stunning decorations throughout the parks, Disney creates an spectactular holiday experience with memorable characters, bright energy, lots of mindblowing visual magic. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando also offers festive events like the Leu Gardens’ Holiday Lights and the Orlando Christmas Parade. Whether you’re exploring the parks or enjoying local holiday attractions, Orlando is a must for spending Christmas in Florida.
6. Christmas in Mount Dora, Florida
Must see: Christmas Walk and Light Up Mount Dora
Where to stay: Lakeside Inn | ★★★★☆
Nestled in Central Florida, Mount Dora unwraps a small town spirit that will make you feel like you're in a Hallmark Christmas movie. The holiday season kicks off with the annual Light Up Mount Dora event, featuring over two million twinkling lights, fireworks, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and a visit from Santa. Stroll through the charming downtown area, enjoy carolers and live entertainment, and take in the stunning lakeside views. With its cozy atmosphere and festive spirit, Mount Dora is one of the best Christmas places in Florida.
7. Christmas in Pensacola, Florida
Must see: Winterfest and Christmas Parade
Where to stay: The Pensacola Beach Resort | ★★★★☆
Pensacola transforms into a coastal winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering a perfect blend of festive cheer and seaside charm. As one of the top Christmas towns in Florida, the month-long Winterfest celebration lights up the downtown area with over half a million twinkling lights. Hop on a holiday trolley tour to see the lights, meet Santa, and catch the lively Pensacola Christmas Parade featuring festive floats and holiday characters. While there’s no snow, the holiday spirit is strong, as events like the the Polar Express tour, a Grinch-themed trolley rid, and boat parades make it feel like a stop at the North Pole—minus the chill. For those seeking the best places to go for Christmas in Florida, Pensacola is destination you don't want to pass up.
8. Christmas in Christmas, Florida
Must see: Send your letters to the North Pole
Where to stay: Take a day trip from Orlando to visit this Christmas town in Florida
Christmas, Florida, may not be the most festive spot in the state, but the name says it all. Found halfway between Orlando and Titusville, this tiny town offers a quirky holiday experience with streets named after Santa’s reindeer and the world's largest alligator-shaped building. Young visitors who want to get a message to the Big Man in Red should stop by the small red-brick post office, where you can drop off letters to Santa or postmark your holiday cards with a special Christmas seal. With permanent holiday displays and a Santa statue, Christmas, Florida, is a charming detour and one of the best places for Christmas in Florida—even in the summer!
9. Christmas in Key West, Florida
Must see: Holiday Fest and Lighted Boat Parade
Where to stay: The Marquesa Hotel | ★★★★☆
For a tropical twist on Christmas, Key West is the perfect beach escape Christmas town in Florida. The island comes alive with the month-long Key West Holiday Fest, featuring the beloved Lighted Boat Parade where festively decorated boats cruise through the harbor. Stroll down Duval Street to soak in the holiday lights, take the Walk of Lights from Lazy Way Lane to the Ferry Terminal. With its laid-back vibe and cheeky holiday traditions, Key West offers a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience thats as bright as the local sunshine.
Want to explore more Christmas towns across the US?
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