Ever spent the holidays in Florida? It’s never too early to start planning! There’s plenty to see and do in Florida around the holidays. Winter events are held throughout the state, from the Emerald Coast down to the Keys.
We listed some our favorites around the Sunshine State below. Start planning your next trip and visits to these events ASAP!
8 Best Winter Events in Florida
Originally Published: November 13, 2017
Pensacola Winterfest
Every December, Downtown Pensacola is transformed into a winter wonderland through the magic of Pensacola Winterfest. Their historic streets are transformed into Christmas Town, complete with thousands of twinkling holiday lights, and you can see it all by taking a tour on the Polar Express Trolley.
Brevard Zoo (Jolly Days)
Strap on your jingle bells and head to the Zoo for a flurry of festive fun! Join them this December to enjoy animal encounters, games, crafts and a DJ! Best of all, their zoo keepers will be presenting some of the animals with holiday “gifts” and other seasonal enrichment items.
OMA’s Festival
The Festival of Trees now in its thirty-first year, transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a glittering wonderland filled with sparkling trees, vignettes and stunning décor for visitors of all ages.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the World’s Largest Holiday Theme Park with over 100 rides, shows, games and attractions. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come every year to experience the magic of South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree light show, millions of dazzling lights, hundreds of themed displays, festive Christmas music and so much more!
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
Make sure to check out this holiday tradition where the Gardens light up with over 1 million brilliant LED lights. This event will wow you!
Surfing Santas
Surfing Santas Cocoa Beach is an annual Cocoa Beach tradition that brings hundreds of surfers of all ages dressed up as Santa. Watch them ride in on the waves and kick off your holiday beachside at this free event that benefits local, charitable causes.
Now Snowing
Join Celebration Town Center as they kick off their Annual Now Snowing event with a Tree Lighting Ceremony. This special tree lighting event will feature live music, a special entrance by Santa Claus himself, and family fun for everyone. Now Snowing, is a month long event offering a snowfall program, an ice rink and a schedule filled with surprises.
Dickens on Centre
Travel back in time during the annual Dickens on Center festival in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Free to the public, this Victorian inspired holiday festival is as fun as the dickens for the entire family. Enjoy costumed characters, themed entertainment and performances, visits from Saint Nick, and a variety of vendors selling seasonal gifts and wares.
