Here’s a breakdown of some of the most interesting and festive events happening around Florida in December. From dazzling light displays and parades to theme-park celebrations and arts festivals, Florida has everything you need for holiday outings full of family fun, beach-side holiday flavor, and cultural outings.
🎢 Theme Parks & Big-Name Holiday Attractions
See our Ultimate Florida Holiday Guide for more
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Magic Kingdom Park (part of Walt Disney World Resort)
Running select nights through December, the party brings holiday parades, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, complimentary treats all with holiday magic at the heart of it. A go-to for families or anyone wanting a cheerful, immersive holiday experience.
Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort — LEGOLAND Florida Resort
LEGOLAND mixes festive LEGO® decorations, a giant LEGO Christmas Tree, seasonal shows, and visits with LEGO Santa for a brick-loaded holiday celebration. Great for families with kids who love LEGO and want holiday fun without the crowds of bigger parks.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (through early January)
Through early January, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with light displays, holiday shows, seasonal treats, and a special Rudolph-themed experience — ideal for both kids and thrill-seekers. Santa appearances, Christmas-town decor, and all the park rides make it a festive adventure.
🎄 Central & North Florida: Holiday Lights, Parades & Family Fun
Nights of Lights — St. Augustine Historic District
From mid-November through early January, the historic streets and bridges of downtown St. Augustine are transformed by more than three million white lights, creating a magical holiday ambience.
Visitors can enjoy evening strolls, holiday-themed tours, seasonal shopping, and live performances, a perfect mix of holiday cheer and historic charm.
Christmas in the Park — Winter Park, FL
In Central Florida, Winter Park’s long-standing holiday tradition brings art, lights, music, and community spirit together with festive decorations, concerts, and a glow of holiday warmth.
It’s one of many tree-lightings, parades, and family-friendly events across Orange, Seminole, and surrounding counties this month.
Winterfest Cocoa Beach — Cocoa Beach, FL
On the weekend of December 6, Cocoa Beach Main Street comes alive with food trucks, craft vendors, live music and even a chance to meet Santa. A great option for a relaxed coastal holiday outing with family or friends.
🌴 South & Coastal Florida: Beach-side Holidays, Community Festivals & Festive Vibes
Holiday Festivities in South Florida — e.g. Boca Raton, FL, Tamarac, FL, Margate, FL, & Hallandale Beach, FL
From December 5 onward: Hallandale Beach hosts a family-friendly “Holiday in the Park” with music, crafts, Santa, and food trucks.
December 12 sees Tamarac’s “Winter Wonderland,” and on December 13 — “Paws with Claus,” a pet-friendly holiday event.
Margate and Boca Raton also join the festive fun with concerts, rides, live performances, and holiday treat events through mid-December.
Coastal Holiday Feel: Sun, Sand & Seasonal Cheer in South Florida
As weather stays mild, many celebrations feature outdoor events: beachside parties, open-air markets, food trucks, and relaxed yet festive holiday vibes — a hallmark of the Florida holiday season. It’s a chance to enjoy the holidays with ocean breezes, palm trees, and coastal charm instead of snow.
🎭 Culture, Arts & Local Theater — More Than Just Lights
Across Central Florida, December brings live holiday concerts, theater performances, classic pantomime-style shows, and seasonal entertainment. Expect caroling, holiday theater, and arts events suitable for all ages.
Many small towns around the state also host holiday markets, craft fairs, light-up nights, and local-community celebrations — a chance to support local vendors and enjoy low-cost holiday fun.
See our December Event Blog for more content about Events and Festivals happening this December.
