It's summertime, the kids are out of school, and of course they're bored (and driving you crazy). Sure, you could take them to a crowded theme park, but why not go somewhere that's both fun and educational, with plenty of things to see and do? St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city, and it's one of our favorite places in Florida. If you live close enough to this town, it's perfect for a day trip. If you live farther away, it should be a stop on your summer road trip. There's plenty to see for a longer stay, too.
St. Augustine's impressive works of architecture, historic landmarks, and several museums will teach you all about the fascinating history of Florida. Since it's our country's oldest city, there are also lots of ghost tours. Ghost tours are a fun way to learn local legends as well as some of the city's history. Adults will love the Lightner Museum, housed in the old Hotel Alcazar, and kids will love the oddities at Ripley's Believe It or Not.
There are many great shops and restaurants lining the historic streets that make you feel like you've traveled back in time. If you prefer the outdoors, Anastasia State Park has some incredible wildlife and beautiful beaches. The San Sebastian Winery and the St. Augustine Distillery offer fantastic free tours.
If you decide to stay for awhile, the town is full of charming bed & breakfasts within walking distance of downtown's attractions and restaurants. There are endless options for dining that won't disappoint. We recommend O'Steen's for a casual meal (and the best fried shrimp in town) or Cap's On The Water for an incredible meal with an incredible view.
There's so much to do in St. Augustine that it would be impossible to mention it all in one post, but here are some photos to show you just a glimpse of this amazing town:
Just because it isn't likely to snow in Florida this year doesn't mean we can't have some amazing Christmas celebrations. All across the state, towns light up with holiday spirit, making Christmas in Florida a truly festive experience. Some of those towns, however, really go all-out during the most wonderful time of the year; we're talking Christmas carols, tons of lights, community spirit, and maybe even a visit or two from Santa Claus himself. Take a look at the best places to spend Christmas in Florida to consider adding to your bucket list this year or next:
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1. St. Augustine, Florida
City Hall and The Lightner Museum illuminated for the annual Nights Of Lights , St. Augustine, Florida, USA.
The nation's oldest city is lit up in one of the greatest holiday displays in the country. There will also be various events throughout the entire holiday season, but it also is rewarding just to walk around the city at night and enjoy the holiday illumination. St. Augustine is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in FL. Head to the Visit St. Augustine website for more holiday event information.
2. Captiva Island, Florida
Hands-down one of the best Christmas towns in Florida is a little place called Captiva Island. This tropical southwest Florida island hosts festive extravaganzas of sight and sound throughout the holiday season, including a luminary, boat parade, holiday singalong, and golf cart parade. It's sure to be Christmas in paradise. Head to the SANCAP Chamber for more event info.
3. West Palm Beach, Florida
Sandi Land: "Sandi" is a 35-foot Christmas tree made of sand. That's right, we said sand. Come see how this giant sandcastle remains standing throughout the month of December. The event features light and music shows every night, as well as holiday concerts throughout the season as well. Visit the West Palm Beach website for more holiday event information.
4. Sarasota, Florida
Every year, Sarasota, Florida puts on quite the holiday show from decorating St. Armands Circle to lighting up Marie Selby Gardens in the most magical way. Various events take place throughout the holidays, every extending into January with the annual pineapple drop! This is certainly one of the most festive Christmas towns in FL. Head to the Visit Sarasota for additional event information.
5. Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the best places in the state to celebrate the holidays. First, you have Santa's Enchanted Forest: The World's Largest Holiday Theme Park, featuring over 100 rides, shows, games, and attractions. Then, you have Zoo Miami, which features the ultimate holiday light show with your favorite zoo animals. Head to the Greater Miami & Miami Beach website for updated event information.
6. Tampa, Florida
Tampa Sign Downtown Tampa
Tampa, Florida will be lit up throughout the holidays, from residential homes to community areas. If you want to get a true dose of Christmas in Tampa, visit Ybor City for the epic decorations. But also keep an eye out for other holiday events in Tampa, from Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to Busch Gardens Holiday fun. Head to the Visit Tampa Bay website for more event information.
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7. Homosassa, Florida
At Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park there is a celebration of lights each year that brings together the whole community. Enjoy a spectacular synchronized light and sound show, as well as other entertainment and refreshments taking place on certain days throughout December. This is one of the most enchanting holiday festivals in FL. Visit the Discover Crystal Rivers website for more.
8. Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne, Florida has a ton of events taking place throughout the holidays depending on where you go. Space Coast Light Fest in Wickham Park is a great way to see millions of lights in one drive-through experience. Meanwhile, the Brevard Zoo also usually hosts some holiday events and excursions for the whole family. Visit the City of Melbourne website for more on the town's holiday events.
9. Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood beach and boardwalk empty on Christmas morning
Hollywood, Florida is a wonderful place to enjoy festivities for the holidays. For example, every year, Hollywood Beach puts on its Candy Cane Parade, which happens to be one of the longest-running holiday parades in the entire country. Happening for over 60 years, visitors and residents alike get together to enjoy one of the most exciting times of the year. Visit the City of Hollywood, Florida website for more.
10. Pensacola, Florida
Some fun events take place in Pensacola during Christmastime that are always worth the visit. Winterfest, for example, brings holiday performances, trolly rides, hot chocolate, and falling snow! Meanwhile, the annual Christmas parade and Santa tours are other great ways to experience the holidays in the city. Head to the Visit Pensacola for more.
So, what do you think of this list of the best places to spend Christmas in Florida? Have you visited any during the holidays? Make sure to let us know in the comments section what some of your favorite festivities of the season include! And if you want to get your fill of Christmas lights this season, consider this road trip to the best Christmas lights in Florida!
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Visit St. Augustine, the One Christmas Town in Florida That’s Simply Stunning This Season
If you've never experienced St. Augustine at Christmas, you're missing out on the most enchanting Christmas town in Florida. It's the perfect destination to get into the holiday spirit.
There’s definitely a reason why visiting the oldest city in Florida during the holidays will easily become the highlight of the season. St. Augustine at Christmas puts on an enchanting show every year when it comes to the holidays. My family and I have spent countless Christmases here, and it’s one of my favorite places to visit during the winter. In my opinion, you must see it in person to get the full magical experience. From all the twinkling lights to the bevy of holiday decorations, come see why spending Christmas in St. Augustine, Florida will be a perfect choice to get into the holiday spirit.
Are you considering visiting St. Augustine during the holidays? Well, I highly recommend that you begin a new family tradition and add it to your list this year. St. Augustine, Florida is not only the oldest city in the United States, but it also happens to be one of the coolest Christmas towns in Florida.
Not only does the entire town get into the holiday spirit through decorations, events, and Christmas cheer, but also because of the annual spectacular known as the Nights of Lights. Starting the Saturday before Thanksgiving and happening all throughout January, Nights of Lights will bring St Augustine to life with millions of tiny white lights all over the city. The event is free of charge and will showcase the beauty of the holiday season from the ground to the tops of the buildings and beyond.
Listed as one of the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic, this is one holiday event you do not want to miss. Witness in person the millions of lights draping the old Spanish Colonial architecture, the hotels, restaurants, historic buildings, and nearly 20 blocks of the city’s center. Two spots are an absolute must-visit during this Christmas celebration — The Plaza de la Constitucion and The Bridge of Lions, each offering up the perfect holiday photo.
Take a trolley tour, a train, a boat ride, or a carriage through the streets this holiday season and see firsthand why celebrating Christmas in St. Augustine is truly a magical experience.
Have you ever enjoyed St. Augustine at Christmas? There's no better way to enjoy Christmas in Florida than by visiting its oldest and most beautiful city, all decked out in sparkling lights.
For this year's schedule of events, visit the website for St. Augustine's Nights of Lights. Also, when you’re in the area, here are some attractions in St. Augustine that you should add to your list. Or check out our article highlighting the best things to do in St. Augustine. This historic city belongs on your bucket list but visiting St. Augustine during the holidays is extra magical.
