Although it would have looked completely different from the holiday we know and love today, it's possible that the first Christmas in America took place in the 16th century right here in Florida.
In 1539 - 1540, Spanish Explorer Hernando de Soto and his army occupied the Apalachee village near modern-day Tallahassee. Although no definitive proof that this celebration took place has yet been uncovered, it seems likely that the Spanish settlers would have recognized the holiday (though in a much more subtle fashion than we do today).
The settlement was under constant siege by the Apalachee at the time also, so settlers were writing more about these events than any humble celebration they would have had. Nonetheless, it makes sense that these Catholic settlers would have at least held some kind of modest religious observance of the holiday.
Although there's no record of the observance, this was definitely the first expedition with the necessary clergy to perform the mass. This has led many local historians to ponder the possibility that this was the site of the first Christmas celebration in the New World.
Folks from other states think Christmas in warm Florida weather is odd, but it may actually be the original American Christmas. You can read more about Florida's claim to the first Christmas in the New World here. What do you think about this story? What's your favorite thing about celebrating Christmas in Florida?
It can be such a drag every year to search for "where to watch fireworks near me" for July 4th and not have a game plan. If you're anything like me, you want to know in advance where you're going for fireworks and exactly what to expect in terms of cost, parking, etc. That's why we've curated a list of some of the best Fourth of July Fireworks in Florida for 2024. While Florida has a ton of Independence Day celebrations worth indulging in, we've created a list of the best of the best so that you can start making your plans today.
Join the fun on Wednesday, July 3, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the University of Florida Bandshell at Flavet Field, located at 605 Woodlawn Dr., Gainesville, FL 32603. Bring a chair or spread out a blanket and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere while enjoying tons of delicious options from multiple food trucks on site. The highlight of the evening, a spectacular fireworks display, will begin at approximately 9:40 p.m.
St. Augustine
Celebrate America's birthday on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at St. Augustine's "Fireworks Over the Matanzas" from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución. Enjoy a two-hour live concert by the All-Star Orchestra, starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. over the historic bayfront and Castillo de San Marcos. This event features 5,000 fireworks shells, making it one of the East Coast's best displays.
Join the Star Spangled Summer Concert Series featuring Alter Eagles: A Tribute to The Eagles on July 4, 2024, at the Daytona Beach Bandshell, located at 70 Boardwalk Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Presented by Friends of the Bandshell, this free concert begins at 7:15 PM. Enjoy the historic Coquina Amphitheater's sights and sounds, rent a chair, grab a drink, and take in the show. The evening includes a free Daytona Beach fireworks display at 9:45 PM. VIP tickets are available for $15.
Enjoy Red, White + Kaboom in Lakeland on July 3, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland. The T.Mims Corp. hosts this 4th of July celebration featuring live music at the Frances Langford Promenade, and a breathtaking fireworks display at 9 p.m. Don't miss Lakeland's premier Independence Day event!
Clearwater Beach
Celebrate Independence Day at Coachman Park in Clearwater Harbor with festivities starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music, and buskers throughout the park. The BayCare Sound Symphony offers a free patriotic performance with first-come, first-served seating. At 9:30 p.m., a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky, followed by an immersive silent disco party on the Coachman Park Promenade Pier until 11 p.m.
The City of Coral Gables and The Biltmore Hotel invite the community to the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration on Thursday, July 4, at the historic Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. The golf course grounds open at 5 p.m. with a pre-show concert by Navy Band Southeast, followed by a concert featuring the Greater Miami Symphonic Band and Navy Band Southeast at 7 p.m. At 9 p.m., enjoy the famous fireworks show celebrating our Nation’s Independence Day.
Boca Raton
Since 1958, Boca Raton's Fourth of July fireworks display has evolved from its beginnings at Memorial Park to its current location at Countess de Hoernle Park. The Fabulous Fourth celebration has grown over 65 years into a vibrant community event. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and vendors, with activities throughout the day, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show at 9:10 p.m. This annual tradition continues this year on July 4th, 2024.
Come rain or shine, Red Hot & Boom returns to Altamonte Springs to celebrate the Fourth of July. Anticipating over 150,000 attendees, the event takes place on Wednesday, July 3, at Cranes Roost Park. Alongside a spectacular 25-minute fireworks display at 9:30 p.m., enjoy live music from five bands, including Blue Stone Circle, No Lonely Hearts, Relic, Voodoo Moonshine, and The Intracoastals. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m., promising a lively buildup to the nighttime sky ablaze with over 14,000 fireworks.
Winter Haven
Join the annual Rockin’ Freedom Fest on July 3, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy live music, delicious food from food trucks, a thrilling water ski show by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, and a spectacular fireworks display. This free event promises fun for the whole family!
Want to get the right gear to make your July 4th celebrations special? Check our REI.com for all the best coolers, chairs, and more!
When you think of Florida, you might not automatically picture an Oktoberfest celebration. However, anyone who's been to this Cape Coral fest during the last few weekends in October for the last 35+ years already knows what to expect. One of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in Florida is back for another year of lederhosen, schnitzel, and tons of great beer. Hosted by the German American Social Club of Cape Coral, Florida, come see why this incredible fall festival is worth checking out. You'll be ready to pack your bags and head to the festival yourself.
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Marking over 35 years of Oktoberfest fun, Cape Coral, Florida sure knows how to throw one epic German party.
The festival gets better and better every year and with a history like this, you know it's going to be a good time.
If you’ve never been to Oktoberfest before, prepare yourself for some true German fun. We’re talking live music, incredible food, laughter, dancing, and tons of Polka.
It's an annual tradition for most local residents because it's the most fun you'll have all year.
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Anyone who has an interest in German cuisine will surely get their fill here. With an extensive menu of vendors serving up delicious homemade specialties, you’ll find items like Schnitzel platters, German potato salad, sauerkraut, pretzels, brats, and potato pancakes to name a few.
No one will go hungry at this festival that's for sure. And there are so many options, even the picky eaters in your family will find something to love.
You can even find sit-down dinners in von Steuben Hall for anyone who wants to chow down with the locals. Even non-German options will be available too if you want to snag some festival fare.
Have you ever been to this Cape Coral fest before Do you think it's one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in Florida? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! We love to hear your firsthand accounts of unique events and experiences and this one is pretty hard to beat!
