Best U.S Destinations for Winter & Holiday Escapes
Ultimate Florida Holiday Guide 2025
Whether you are visiting the Central, South, East, West or North
On Vacation, visiting family or a local. Theres
is something for you!
Experience unforgettable holiday magic with dazzling lights, seasonal events, and festive traditions. From historic St. Augustine to beach Santas surfing and jungle festive fever on jungle tropical escapes, this guide has everything you need—All you need to know—to plan the perfect holiday adventure.
1. St. Augustine, Florida – Historic Nights of Lights
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
St. Augustine is great all year for family or couples Trip. My husband and I have gone multiple times it’s so much fun. The Kids loved the lights and the cool weather. It is like seeing Christmas back in time to the colonies.
Why Visit:
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is a big celebration it is a bit crowded, but it is a great experience(Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026) the city transforms nation’s oldest city into a glowing wonderland with over 3 million white lights and history all in one.
Dates:
- Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 nightly, dusk–2 a.m.
Parking & Shuttle:
- Free Park-&-Ride on 33 select nights plus Star Beach Shuttle from Anastasia Island.
Signature Events:
- Nov 15, Light-Up! Night (4–7:30 p.m.): music, switch-on ceremony at City Hall & Plaza
- Holiday Market (Nov 15–Dec 24, 11 a.m.): locally made gifts
- Schooner Freedom & Yacht Cruises (Nov 15–Jan 11): harbor light tours
- Christmas Parade (Dec 6), Barrel Racing & Nutcracker performances
- Nights of Pints & Whiskey Wonderland (starting Nov 14)
Local Events:
- Light-Up! Night: Nov 15, 2025, 4–7:30 p.m. (music, switch-on ceremony at Plaza de la Constitución)
- Holiday Market: Nov 15–Dec 24, 11 a.m. (local gifts, Colonial Quarter)
- Nights of Lights Cruises: Nov 15–Jan 11 (harbor tours by yacht, schooner, or tug)
- Christmas Parade: Dec 6, 2025
- Nights of Pints & Whiskey Wonderland: Starting Nov 14
Pensacola & Panhandle:
- Pensacola Winterfest: Trolley tours, live performances, and themed holiday nights.
- Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade: Floats, marching bands, and a tree lighting ceremony
West Palm Beach & Surrounding Areas-
A Water Front Celebration
Luminary Nights at Palm Beach Zoo (Nov 21st-Jan 4th)
Signature Events:
- Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular (Nov–Dec, weekly performances): Polynesian music, hula, Samoan fire dances [wpb.org]
- Clematis by Night (Dec 1–30, 6–10 p.m., until midnight on Dec 31): Live music, Ferris wheel rides [wpb.org]
- Nights in Northwood Village (through December): Lights, artisan vendors, free entertainment [wpb.org]
- Holiday in Paradise (Dec 4–31, 6–10 p.m.): Sandi the Sand Tree, nightly light-and-music shows; Dec 7 includes pancake breakfast with Santa, Dec 13 boat parade finale, Dec 31 New Year’s Eve [thepalmbeaches.com], [reindeerbros.com]
- Winter Wonderland at The Ben Hotel (Nov 1–Jan 4): Real outdoor ice-skating rink, chalets, crafts, live music [palmbeachnow.com], [palmbeachpost.com]
- CityPlace Snowfall & Santa (Nov 8–Dec 31): nightly snowfalls at 6:30/7:30/8:30 p.m.; Santa Fri–Sun [palmbeachnow.com], [miamionthecheap.com]
- Palm Beach Zoo Lights (Nov 21–Jan 4): Animal-themed lights, s’mores, cocktails [palmbeachnow.com], [palmbeachpost.com]
- Okeeheelee Park Drive-Thru Light Show (Nov 21–Dec 28): 2.5-mile animated display plus Bike Night on Dec 28 [palmbeachnow.com], [miamionthecheap.com]
- ILUMINA Lantern Festival at Mounts Botanical Garden (Nov 12–Jan 11, 6–9 p.m.): 20-acre light installation [mannpublications.com]
- Beachside Igloos at Singer Island (Nov–Mar): cozy fire-pit domes by the ocean [mannpublications.com]
- North Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade (Dec 6, 6 p.m.): Intracoastal cruise with fireworks [modernluxury.com], [happeningnext.com]
Boynton Beach:
- Boca Raton “Centennial Express” Parade (Dec 3, 7:30 p.m.) [miamionthecheap.com]
- Boynton Beach Holiday Parade (Dec 6, 4 p.m.) [miamionthecheap.com]
- Delray Beach Festival of Lights Parade (Dec 13, 6 p.m.): floats, marching bands, Santa arrives by fire truck [miamionthecheap.com]
- Lake Worth Beach “Celebrating Toyland” Parade (Dec 13, 6–9 p.m.) [miamionthecheap.com]
- Christmas at Whitehall (Flagler Museum) (Nov 29–Jan 4): 16-foot tree lighting with choir [reindeerbros.com], [modernluxury.com]
- Delray Beach 100’ Christmas Tree & Village (Dec 2–Jan 1): holiday village with carousel, ice skating [thepalmbeaches.com], [mannpublications.com]
Royal Palm Beach:
- Lights & Safari Nights at Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee) (Nov 1–Jan 18): 60+ illuminated lanterns, glowing tunnels, food, cocktails, Santa on Dec 19–20
- Wellington Holiday Parade (Dec 14, 1:30 p.m.): Floats, marching bands, Santa.
- Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington (Dec 13, 6:30 p.m.): 40+ decorated boats.
- Holiday Cultural Celebration & Tree Lighting (Dec 4, 6–9 p.m.): Cultural performances, toy drive.
Central Florida
Orlando-Tampa Parks
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (Nov 7 – Dec 21, 2025): After-hours parades, fireworks, snow, and festive entertainment—separate ticket required. [thechristmas.com], [holidays.com]
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays & Candlelight Processional (Nov 28 – Dec 30): Holiday kitchens + celebrity-narrated oratorio. [thechristmas.com]
- Busch Gardens Christmas Town, Tampa (Nov 21 – Jan 4): Park-wide light displays, shows, and themed attractions. [holidays.com]
- Universal Resort- Multi Park Event
-
- Grinchmas (Islands of Adventure) Live stage show “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”, character meet & greets, Whoville decor, and Whoville Tree Lot
- Holiday décor in three parks (Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and for the first time, Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe), seasonal treats, Frog Choir, Celestina Warbeck, and “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”
- Universal Holiday Parade; Character floats (Despicable Me, Shrek, Madagascar), Santa, balloon march, capped with an 80-foot Christmas tree lighting
South Florida
Miami Area
Miami is a great place for options for every member of the family.
Holiday Light Displays & Parks
- Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park: A massive holiday carnival with rides, games, food, and immersive light displays. It’s one of Miami’s most popular seasonal attractions, perfect for families.
- Zoo Miami’s Zoo Lights: The zoo glows with thousands of twinkling lights, themed displays, and festive entertainment.
Shows & Cultural Performances
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker: A Miami tradition performed by the Miami City Ballet, bringing classical holiday magic to the Adrienne Arsht Center.
- Holiday concerts and gospel choirs: Local venues host seasonal music events, from classical symphonies to lively carol performances.
Holiday Markets & Pop-Ups
- Bayfront Holiday Village: A pop-up market along Biscayne Bay featuring local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.
- Holiday pop-ups across Miami: From Coral Gables to Wynwood, you’ll find themed bars, artisan stalls, and festive décor.
Coastal & Unique Miami Traditions
- Boat Parades: Miami’s waterways come alive with yachts and sailboats decked out in holiday lights. The Miami Holiday Boat Parade is a must-see.
- South Beach Festivities: Palm trees wrapped in lights, sand sculptures shaped like Santa, and festive nightlife make South Beach a unique holiday destination.
Dining & Festive Nights Out
- Christmas Eve dinners and brunches: Miami’s restaurants host special holiday menus, from Cuban-inspired feasts to luxury buffets.
- Holiday gala nights: Upscale venues offer themed parties leading into New Year’s Eve, blending Miami’s nightlife with seasonal cheer.
Family-Friendly Fun
- Winter Kiddos Land: A seasonal attraction with rides, games, and kid-friendly entertainment.
- Ice skating rinks: Temporary rinks pop up around the city, giving Miami families a taste of winter fun.
Luminosa- A journey Through Light- Jungle Island
Luminosa transforms 13 acres of jungle into an illuminated wonderland filled with towering lanterns, dazzling art, and breathtaking moments at every turn.
Miami is a great place for options for every member of the family.
West Florida & Surrounding areas–
Garden of Light 🌴
Naples Botanical Garden
!Naples Botanical Garden Night Lights
- Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026: Johnsonville Night Lights ($20–40)
- Dec 5–7: Candlelight Carols at Cambier Park & 5th Avenue Christmas Walk
- Mid-Dec: Naples Christmas Boat Parade in Naples Bay
- Naples Christmas Market: European-style market with festive stalls, mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: Downtown Naples hosts a grand lighting event with caroling and family activities.
Sarasota & Ft. Myers – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Lights in Bloom Sarasota
- Nov 15, 2025 – Aug 30, 2026: Lights in Bloom; ticketed paths 5:30–9 p.m.
- Dec 13: All-inclusive gala with buffet & early entry
- Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Winter Estates: Historic homes decorated with thousands of lights, plus tours and live music.
- Sarasota Holiday Parade: Floats, marching bands, and community groups bringing festive cheer downtown.
Selby Gardens light paths, photo station at Wishing Tree
Sarasota – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens:
!Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: illuminated walkways, wishing tree, tropical plants glowing
- Lights in Bloom: Nov 15, 2025 – Aug 30, 2026, 5:30–9 p.m.
- All-Inclusive Gala: Dec 13
Tampa Bay Area
- Jingle Bell Bazaar at Ybor: A lively holiday market with Santa’s Village, local vendors, and festive entertainment.
- Holiday Pops Concert: A Tampa tradition featuring the Tampa Bay Symphony performing classic carols and seasonal favorites.
- Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park: Ice skating, holiday shops, and light displays along the riverfront.
Clearwater
- Clearwater Christmas Market: A waterfront holiday market with artisan gifts, food stalls, and live music.
- Holiday Lighted Boat Parade: Decorated boats sail through the Intracoastal, creating a magical coastal celebration.
Sources
Event dates:
business.nycgo.com
www.jacksonville.com
oldcity.com
today.com
www.naplesgov.com
variedlands.com
www.naplesgov.com
selby.org
www.visitstaugustine.com
