With the festive season right around the corner, people all over the world are growing increasingly excited for days filled with festive fun. For those who are planning on jet-setting off to sunny Florida for some winter sunshine, there’s no need for you to miss out on traditional festive activities!
While Florida may not be your typical “Winter Wonderland”, it offers tourists and residents an abundance of festive activities that can be enjoyed in the still-mild temperatures of The Sunshine State. From Central Florida to the Gulf Coast, there’s plenty to get up to during your festive visit.
If you’re taking your family away this year to shake up your usual Christmas traditions, keep on reading! Alistair Brown International Real Estate, a leading boutique real estate consultancy and creative agency, have unparalleled experience of the Florida area, giving us great insight into the range of activities that are on hand this Christmas.
1. Night of Lights in St. Augustine
A firm family favourite amongst Floridians and tourists alike, this event takes part in one of America’s most charming cities. If you visit this attraction, you will be greeted by dozens of brightly coloured Christmas lights, all strung up and working their way towards the grand Christmas tree stood proud in the centre of the plaza.
Being awarded one of the top 10 Best Holiday Lighting Displays In The World by National Geographic, there’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular events to get people into the Christmas spirit.
2. Now Snowing, Celebration
If you’ve planned a festive break to Florida to escape the chill but you’re missing the magic that snow naturally brings, we’ve got the perfect solution. The closest Floridian’s can get to a white Christmas without leaving their hometown is the Now Snowing event in Celebration.
Complete with hot chocolate, carolers, an ice rink and even photo opportunities with the big man himself, Floridians and tourists alike can come together to enjoy a flurry of fluffy white snow falling from the night Florida sky.
We think this is the perfect opportunity for families to get some snowy, Christmas photographs without catching a cold!
3. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Walt Disney World
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of Disney! One of the biggest annual Disney events on the calendar is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Taking place at Walt Disney World Orlando, visitors can experience a day of magic and wonder.
From stunning firework displays to dreamy castle lights and festive parades, this event is perfect for families looking to enjoy the magic of Christmas together. Better yet, all guests are greeted with complimentary hot chocolate as they enter through the gates.
If this sounds like the perfect way to get excited for Christmas, why not do it every year? With a vacation home in Orlando, Central Florida, you can visit this festive occasion year on year with ease. No more trying to find room at the inn at fully booked hotels nearby!
4. Pensacola Winterfest, Pensacola
What could sound more festive than a Winterfest? Located in Pensacola, this event provides everything you’d expect from a Winterfest and then some! With Christmas lights stretching as far as the eye can see, plenty of hot chocolate and an overall feeling of festive cheer, this Winterfest will impress even the Scrooges of the family.
If your little ones want to meet Santa this year, Pensacola Winterfest provides them with the perfect opportunity, as Santa will be sure to make a special appearance for all the good girls and boys.
5. Busch Gardens Christmas Town, Tampa
Every year, the town of Busch Gardens in Tampa completely transforms in light of Christmas. Featuring an impressive display of lights, entertainment and mouth-watering festive drinks and treats, families and couples can experience the dazzling ambience of this Christmas event.
Take a trip into Santa’s grotto and meet his elves, sip on velvety peppermint hot chocolate or sink your teeth into some warming Christmas cookies. This is the perfect event to go to every year, creating new Christmas traditions for your family.
6. Dickens on Centre in Fernandina Beach
Love it or hate it, The Christmas Carol is a Christmas essential! For fans of this traditional festive story by Charles Dickens, be sure to take a trip to Fernandina Beach this Christmas. Downtown Fernandina gets transformed into a classic Christmas village, inspired by the olden-times of England.
As you walk through the streets and listen to the carollers, you’ll feel as though you’ve taken a step back in time. Surrounded by costumed characters and with the appearance of none other than Father Christmas himself, little ones will be left wide-eyed and in awe after a day here.
7. Ice Skating at Light Up UCF in Orlando
When you think of festive activities, there’s no doubt that ice skating will cross your mind. If you’re eager to get your skates on and get into the festive spirit with family and friends, Light Up UCF in Orlando is the perfect venue.
Glide (or stumble) across the ice under magical Christmas lights, and enjoy the sound of your favourite festive tunes as you hold hands with your loved ones on the ice rink. Once your feet get tired, you can check out the other Christmas attractions afterwards.
Make Florida your Go-To Christmas Destination
Have you always done the same thing for Christmas year after year? Florida offers families and individuals with an exciting twist on their usual Christmas traditions, with some events still offering a taste of home. For more information on how you can find your perfect vacation home in Florida, get in touch with Alistair Brown International Real Estate today.
