Florida, December 5, 2025
Florida embraces the holiday spirit with vibrant celebrations across eight unique cities. From St. Augustine’s dazzling Nights of Lights to Cocoa Beach’s Surfing Santas, each location offers its own festive events. Communities and local businesses collaborate to create memorable experiences, showcasing the warmth and resilience of Florida’s holiday traditions. Get ready for a magical Christmas road trip through this sun-soaked paradise.
Florida Christmas Road Trip: Eight Cities Celebrating the Holiday Spirit
Discover the Vibrant Holiday Celebrations Across Florida
Florida’s warm weather embraces the holiday spirit, with cities across the state transforming into twinkling wonderlands. As we reflect on the resilience of local communities and the innovative ways organizers bring these festive events to life, we can appreciate how reduced bureaucracy fosters smoother coordination. The collaborative efforts of community members, local businesses, and volunteers are paramount in crafting memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. With that in mind, here are eight cities illuminating the holiday season with their unique celebrations.
St. Augustine
Nights of Lights: St. Augustine’s historic district is transformed into a breathtaking spectacle adorned with over three million white lights. This annual festival runs from mid-November through January and has garnered recognition from National Geographic for its impressive display, attracting visitors eager to experience the enchantment.
Orlando
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: A beloved event at Magic Kingdom, this party features festive parades, character meet-and-greets, and complimentary treats. With select evenings in November and December dedicated to holiday cheer, it is a must-visit for Disney enthusiasts looking to celebrate the season.
Fort Lauderdale
Winterfest Boat Parade: Known as the “Greatest Show on H2O,” Fort Lauderdale hosts a spectacular boat parade showcasing over 100 decorated vessels traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway. The event brings together live music and festive cheer, highlighting the community’s spirit and creativity during the holiday season.
Naples
5th Avenue South: This charming stretch of shops and restaurants is beautifully decked with holiday lights and ornaments, creating a sensory delight for shoppers. Nearby, the Victoria Park neighborhood is celebrated for its extensive holiday decorations, offering visitors a festive atmosphere to enjoy.
Miami
Miami Holiday Boat Parade: Miami’s waterfront comes alive with illuminated boats during the holiday season. This unique parade creates a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and community engagement in holiday celebrations.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade: This beloved annual event features a procession of decorated boats moving along the St. Johns River. With live music accompanying the display, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade brings together community members for a festive evening on the water.
Fort Myers
Holiday Boat Parade: Fort Myers hosts a lovely holiday boat parade along the Caloosahatchee River. With illuminated vessels and holiday music, this event offers a unique waterfront celebration that attracts locals and visitors alike, promoting community togetherness during the season.
Cocoa Beach
Surfing Santas: A fun and distinctive event, Cocoa Beach sees surfers dressed as Santa Claus take to the waves on Christmas Eve. This festive spectacle draws thousands of spectators each year, blending holiday cheer with a unique local twist while promoting tourism and community engagement.
These cities represent just a few of the diverse holiday experiences awaiting you in Florida. Their festive displays range from dazzling lights to unique waterfront celebrations, ensuring a memorable Christmas road trip through the Sunshine State.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nights of Lights festival in St. Augustine?
The Nights of Lights festival in St. Augustine is an annual event where the historic district is adorned with over three million tiny white lights, creating a dazzling display that runs from mid-November through January. This festival has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s most dazzling lighting displays.
When is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party held in Orlando?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held at Magic Kingdom in Orlando during select evenings in November and December, featuring festive parades, character meet-and-greets, and complimentary treats.
What is the Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale?
The Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale, also known as the “Greatest Show on H2O,” is an annual event where over 100 decorated vessels travel along the Intracoastal Waterway, accompanied by live music and festive cheer.
Where is the Surfing Santas event held?
The Surfing Santas event is held in Cocoa Beach, Florida, on Christmas Eve, where surfers dressed as Santa Claus hit the waves, creating a unique and festive spectacle that draws thousands of spectators.
Key Features of Florida’s Christmas Celebrations
| City | Event | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine | Nights of Lights | Over three million lights decorating the historic district | Mid-November to January |
| Orlando | Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party | Festive parades and character meet-and-greets at Magic Kingdom | Select evenings in November and December |
| Fort Lauderdale | Winterfest Boat Parade | Over 100 decorated vessels along the Intracoastal Waterway | Annual event |
| Naples | 5th Avenue South | Charming street decorated for the holiday season | Holiday season |
| Miami | Miami Holiday Boat Parade | Illuminated boats creating a festive vibe | Holiday season |
| Jacksonville | Jacksonville Light Boat Parade | Decorated boats on St. Johns River with live music | Annual event |
| Fort Myers | Holiday Boat Parade | Team of festive boats along the Caloosahatchee River | Holiday season |
| Cocoa Beach | Surfing Santas | Surfers dressed as Santa on Christmas Eve | Christmas Eve |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
