10 Most Magical Christmas Towns and Holiday Getaways in Florida

You might not associate Florida with Christmas scenes, but many Floridians love to go all out for the holidays (and since it's not freezing, we actually can). Across the state, our small towns and big cities come alive with the spirit of the holiday season. Whether it's dazzling light festivals or beachside parades, the following Christmas towns in Florida are evidence that there is no need for snow to enjoy the holiday magic:

1. St. Augustine, Florida

From November 15, 2025, through January 11, 2026, our nation's oldest city is adorned with millions of lights to celebrate the holiday season. Stroll through the historic streets or catch a trolley ride with "magic" glasses for a spectacular evening. This event will take place at 22 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Don't forget to visit Augustines Night of Lights website for more details about this year's events. And don't forget to read about the best Christmas lights in St. Augusta, Florida.

2. Jacksonville, Florida

Head to James Weldon Johnson Park for Jacksonville’s annual tree lighting. Bring your family to the Enchanted Christmas Village for an unforgettable holiday experience with over one million lights, caroling, rides, entertainment, food, pictures with Santa, and much more. This event takes place at 135 W. Monroe Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. You can visit their website for this year's holiday light display events.

3. Celebration, Florida

If you want to spend Christmas in Florida but you miss the snow, head to the Central Florida town of Celebration. Snow will fall on this adorable little town each evening from November 28, 2025, through December 27, 2025. There will also be ice skating, carolling, entertainment, photos with Santa, and more. Check out this website for more information.

4. Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola goes all out for Christmas with its annual Winterfest, which starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs until December 24, 2025. Get ready for trolley tours, performances, snow, visits from Santa, and much more. Here is the location: 223 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502. Don't forget to visit their website for the latest updates on upcoming events.

5. St. Petersburg, Florida

North Straub Park is beautiful this time of year, as it transforms into a holiday light display zone during the season. Here, you can enjoy Snowfest, featuring a variety of activities, including cookie making, and 64 tons of snow. Visit their Facebook page for updates on this year's events.

6. West Palm Beach, Florida

Get ready for a month of holiday fun in West Palm Beach, beginning with the tree lighting on December 13, 2025. Then, bring the kids out for snowfall in The Square (formerly CityPlace) every night (except Christmas) through the end of December. Don't miss the famous 600-ton sand sculpture, Sandi.

7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

These stunning displays are twice as beautiful when reflected on the water in Fort Lauderdale's famous Winterfest Boat Parade, scheduled for December 13, 2025. You can check out the Winterfest Boat Parade official site to learn more.

8. Miami, Florida

Santa's Enchanted Forest is the world's largest Christmas-themed amusement park. However, you should note that they did not operate during the 2024 holiday season. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for announcements about this year's Christmas lights display. You can also consider an alternative Christmas lights display at Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155. This year's holiday lights display at Christmas Wonderland runs from November 13, 2025, through January 4, 2026.

9. Naples, Florida

1207 3rd St S, Naples, FL 34102 is the place to be for holiday cheer in Naples. The celebration begins on November 24, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., when the mayor lights the tree, and snow magically begins to fall. Festivities continue throughout the holiday season. Check event details at Third Street South’s official site.

10. Tallahassee, Florida

Our capital city becomes a winter wonderland this time of year, covered in twinkling lights for the holiday season. Check out the Annual Camellia Christmas at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park on December 1, 2025, for a magical candle-lit walk through the gardens, with holiday music and a visit from Santa.

Have you spent the holidays in any of these magical towns? Please let us know about any fun festivities we may have left out through this nomination form. Read some more about the magical places in Florida where it's Christmas all year round.

And when you're ready to plan your Florida holiday getaway, consider using our itinerary planner to map out your visit to these magical Christmas towns in Florida – the Sunshine State