Some time ago, I wrote a similar article about places to enjoy holiday lights and Christmas events around Florida. But a lot has changed in the past four years, so I decided to write a more updated version. From charming towns covered in lights to theme parks that completely transform for the season, there are countless places to soak in the most festive time of the year. Christmas in Florida in 2025 comes with changes, new experiences, and a few classic favorites that remain unmissable. Here are some of my favorite spots to enjoy the holidays in Florida.
South Florida: Lights, Gardens, and Parades
Although Santa’s Enchanted Forest is no longer operating as it used to, Miami still has beautiful options to enjoy the season. Christmas Wonderland is one of those events, filled with attractions, lights, and a great atmosphere for the whole family.
There’s also Fairchild’s Night at the Garden Miami, where you can stroll through the gorgeous botanical garden decorated for the holidays in the evenings through January 11.
In Ft. Lauderdale, one of the region’s most iconic events continues: The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. Boats and yachts decorated with thousands of lights glide along the Intracoastal — it’s a one-of-a-kind Florida spectacle! This event takes place only on December 14, with the pre-show at 5:30 p.m. and the parade at 6:30 p.m.
St. Augustine: Nights of Lights, a Classic
St. Augustine is beautiful any time of year, but during Christmas it becomes absolutely magical. The famous Nights of Lights illuminates the entire city with millions of white lights decorating the streets, plazas, and historic buildings. It’s the perfect place for a stroll, photos, and a hot chocolate while enjoying views of the oldest city in the country. Here I tell you a bit more about this festival.
Orlando and Surrounding Areas: Parks and Towns Full of Holiday Spirit
Walt Disney World
You can’t ignore a place filled with this much magic. Disney always knows how to do the holidays right, and even if you don’t go into the parks, there’s still so much to enjoy. Here’s what each park offers, plus a few extra holiday highlights:
- In Magic Kingdom, the special Christmas party returns on select nights.
- At EPCOT, the Festival of the Holidays brings music, international food, and global traditions from late November through late December.
- Disney Jollywood Nights takes place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights through December 22 with a separate ticket.
- Animal Kingdom offers Merry Menagerie, a charming puppet performance featuring penguins, bears, and other winter animals.
- A stroll through the Resorts is always lovely during the holidays. Each hotel features its own themed Christmas tree.
- At Disney Springs, don’t miss the Christmas Tree Stroll, with decorated trees themed after famous attractions and films.
Celebration, Florida
Just minutes from Disney, this little town transforms again for the season. Celebration is already charming year-round, but during the holidays you’ll find:
- Beautiful decorations
- A large Christmas tree
- “Snow” on the main street
- Restaurants and little shops perfect for a festive walk
And although Jeater Bend no longer puts on its full synchronized light show, the area still has great decorations and is worth driving by. I’ll definitely miss visiting Jeater Bend this year — they announced 2024 was their final show.
Mount Dora
Every year, this small town lights up beautifully. Mount Dora is perfect for a quiet sunset stroll surrounded by lights, local shops, and cozy cafés.
Leu Gardens
Each year, Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms into a magical walk-through experience with light tunnels, interactive projections, and themed areas.
“Dazzling Nights” is perfect if you prefer a peaceful, photogenic walk surrounded by nature and lights. We visited a few years ago, and I’d love to go back this year — here I share more about that visit.
Sanford
The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford brings back its “Asian Lantern Festival” for 2025. With glowing sculptures, nighttime walks, music, and a very family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great option if you want something different without going too far. Plus, it’s a lovely way to support the local zoo. Here I tell you more about that festival.
Daytona Beach: Lights From Your Car
n Daytona Beach, you can drive inside the International Speedway through tunnels of lights and giant holiday displays. It’s the perfect activity for families or a fun night out without leaving your car. The “Magic of Lights” show runs nightly from 6–10 p.m. through January 3. I recommend buying your ticket online (click under the name to go to the official page).
30A: A Coastal and Elegant Christmas
The 30A area, especially Seaside and Rosemary Beach, looks like something out of a postcard during Christmas. Simple but elegant lights, markets, outdoor events, and that coastal charm that makes this part of northwest Florida so special. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed holiday with beautiful views.
Florida changes every year, but its holiday spirit is always alive. Whether you want a big light event, a quiet town to stroll through, or a coastal experience with charm, there are plenty of options to enjoy the season throughout the state.
Have you visited any of these places during Christmas? Which one would you add to the list?
