6 Magical Christmas Towns in Florida To Visit in 2025 – Florida Christmas Vacation

When most people imagine Christmas, they visualize snowy streets, pine trees, and cozy fireplaces. But what if your holiday season could be filled with twinkling lights, warm breezes, palm trees wrapped in garlands, and sandy beaches glowing under festive décor? If you want a unique way to celebrate Christmas, explore the stunning Christmas towns in Florida.

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Christmas Towns in Florida – Magical Places to go for Christmas in Florida

From charming coastal villages to historic cities that transform into winter wonderlands, Florida Christmas towns offer one-of-a-kind ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re planning a cozy getaway, a family vacation, or an Instagram-worthy trip, this guide covers the best places to go for Christmas in Florida, festive things to do, top attractions, and hotels to stay in.

Let’s check the most festive corners of the Sunshine State for a truly unforgettable Florida Christmas vacation.

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St. Augustine – The Nation’s Oldest City Turned Into a Christmas Wonderland

St. Augustine is arguably the most magical of all Christmas towns in Florida. During the holidays, the historic city hosts the famous Nights of Lights, where millions of tiny white lights cover buildings, streets, and historic landmarks. The glow against Spanish-style architecture creates a dreamy, European Christmas atmosphere.

Christmas Festive Things To Do in St Augustine

• Nights of Lights Trolley Tour – Ride through the glowing historic district while learning about the city’s past.
• Light-Up The Beach at St. Augustine Beach – Drive through festive light displays by the ocean.
• Holiday Regatta of Lights – Watch brightly decorated boats sail along Matanzas Bay.
• Christmas Candlelight Tours of Colonial Quarter – Step back in time and see how Christmas was celebrated centuries ago.

Top Tours & Attractions

• Castillo de San Marcos
• St. George Street
• Flagler College
• Lightner Museum
• Ghost Tours (holiday version)

Stay Options

• Casablanca Inn on the Bay.
• Best Western Bayfront.
• Villa 1565.

St Augustine is one of the must-see places to go for Christmas in Florida for travelers who love history, old traditions, and lights.

You may also like to read:👉🏼St Augustine Night Of Lights 2025-26 – Christmas In St Augustine + Best Things To Do

Mount Dora – A Hallmark-Style Christmas Town in Florida

If you want small-town charm, Mount Dora is your answer. This lakeside town transforms into a real-life Christmas movie set with vintage street décor, craft markets, parades, and charming cafés. It’s one of the prettiest and most peaceful Florida Christmas towns.

Festive Things To Do In Mount Dora

• Christmas Walk & Holiday Lighting Festival – Stroll along decorated streets filled with carolers and handmade stalls.
• Mount Dora Christmas Parade – A classic holiday parade through the historic downtown.
• Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Dora – Boats glow with festive lights under a starlit sky.

Tours & Attractions

• Mount Dora Lighthouse (for photos!)
• Renninger’s Antique Center
• Palm Island Park
• Historic walking tours

Stay Options

• Lakeside Inn (historic charm)
• The Heirloom Inn.
• Comfort Inn & Suites Tavares.

Mount Dora is perfect for couples or families looking for cozy Christmas towns in Florida that feel straight out of a storybook.

Key West – A Tropical Yet Festive Christmas Town

Christmas in Key West is warm, quirky, and full of island charm. Instead of snow, you’ll see Santa in flip-flops, palm trees decorated with ornaments, and boats replacing sleighs. It’s one of the most unique and fun places to go for Christmas in Florida.

Festive Things To Do in Key West

• Key West Holiday Fest Boat Parade – A stunning display of decorated boats on the water.
• Christmas at Schooner Wharf – Live music, festive food, and island-style celebrations.
• Santa’s House on Duval Street – A cool tropical photo spot.

Tours & Attractions

• Ernest Hemingway Home
• Southernmost Point Buoy
• Key West Butterfly Conservatory
• Historic Seaport

Stay Options

• NYAH Key West
• The Perry Hotel & Marina
• Ibis Bay Resort

A tropical festive getaway is perfect for travelers looking for a laid-back yet magical Florida Christmas vacation.

Celebration – Disney’s Own Christmas Town

Located near Walt Disney World, Celebration is designed to look like a classic American town—and during Christmas, it becomes absolutely magical. Fake snow falls every evening, families gather around lights, and holiday music fills the air.

It’s one of the most family-friendly Christmas towns in Florida.

Festive Things To Do in Celebration

• Nightly Snowfall in Downtown Celebration — It’s pure, magical theatre — artificial snowfall in a palm-tree-lined, picture-perfect small town creates that improbable “snow-in-Florida” moment, making for unforgettable family photos and a genuine sense of surprise and wonder.

Tip: Arrive 15–20 minutes early for the best photo spots near the gazebo.

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – A slow, cosy carriage ride through the lit streets sets a romantic, old-fashioned holiday tone — perfect for couples or families who want a calm, storybook experience away from theme-park crowds.

Tip: Book for dusk to capture the golden hour and evening light.

• Holiday Movie Nights — free or low-cost community gatherings — are great for soaking up local holiday culture: sing-alongs, warm drinks, and a friendly community vibe add authenticity to a staged holiday experience.

Tip: Check the town calendar for special themed nights (classic holiday films are most atmospheric).

• Santa Meet & Greets – Kid-friendly, hassle-free photo ops and craft corners where you can create holiday memories without requiring a full theme-park day.

Tip: Use off-peak times (weekdays, early afternoon) to avoid long lines.

• Walkable Light Displays & Decorative Home Tours – Celebration’s architecture and curated decorations make strolling through the neighborhoods feel like being in a vintage postcard — ideal for low-effort, high-reward exploration.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — the best displays are found on foot.

Tour & Attraction Bonus:

You’re just minutes away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom Christmas events, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, and Hollywood Studios decorations.

Stay Options

• Celebration Hotel
• Meliá Orlando Celebration
• Parkway International Resort

This town is one of the most magical places to go for Christmas in Florida for kids and Disney lovers.

Delray Beach – Holiday by the Ocean

Delray Beach offers a blend of ocean views and Christmas charm. Downtown Atlantic Avenue sparkles with light displays, a giant Christmas tree, and festive outdoor dining.

Christmas Highlights at Delray Beach

• Visit 100 Ft Christmas Tree at Old School Square – The giant tree beneath historic architecture is a dramatic focal point for photos, holiday concerts, and seasonal markets — it’s a civic gathering place where locals and visitors mingle.

Tip: Visit this place in the Evening after an early dinner so that you can enjoy the lights + live performances.

• Holiday Village with Ice Skating Rink – An ice rink in a warm climate is a novelty — it’s social, active fun for kids and adults. It provides a contrast to beach time, adding variety to your Florida Christmas vacation.

Tip: Reserve skate sessions in advance during weekends and holiday weeks.

• Holiday Parade & Santa’s Workshop – Local parades showcase community spirit, local bands, and creative floats — perfect for families who want authentic small-town holiday charm without the theme-park price tag.

Tip: Arrive early to nab curbside viewing spots and street-food vendors.

• Atlantic Avenue Evening Strolls & Festive Dining – Atlantic Ave’s restaurants light up for the season — combining holiday lights with seaside dining gives you an elevated, relaxed holiday night out.
• Boat Parades & Waterfront Light Displays – Delray’s coastal setting means boats take the place of sleighs — watching decorated vessels glide by is uniquely Floridian and very photogenic.

Tours & Nearby Attractions

• Morikami Japanese Gardens
• Arts Garage
• Beaches decorated with festive lights

Stay Options

• Hyatt Place Delray Beach
• The Atlantic Suites
• Fairfield Inn & Suites

This festive getaway in Florida is perfect for travelers seeking festive + beach vibes on their Florida Christmas vacation.

Orlando (theme park and nearby festive hubs)– The Ultimate Christmas Destination in Florida

No list of Florida Christmas towns is complete without Orlando. Every theme park turns into a Christmas dreamland with millions of lights, themed parades, Christmas food, and dazzling fireworks.

Must-Do Christmas Activities in Florida

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Disney) – It’s an immersive, nostalgia-packed celebration with special parades, stage shows, exclusive fireworks, and character meet-and-greets in holiday attire — if you want a quintessential family Christmas spectacle, this is it.

Tip: Buy party tickets early (often limited per night) and plan must-see parade/fireworks times.

• Universal’s Christmas (Grinchmas) in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal offers high-energy, themed entertainment — Grinchmas is theatrical and funny; Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley with holiday overlays are immersive for fans and atmospheric at night. Visit Hogsmeade at night for wand-lit, snow-flurries-on-the-roofs photographs.
• SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration combines animal exhibits with large-scale light displays, seasonal shows, and family-friendly activities; it’s less crowded than theme-park headline nights but still delivers production-value entertainment.

Tip: Check show schedules on arrival and plan around headliners to avoid back-and-forth.

• Winter Park Holiday Boat Tour – A gentle, scenic cruise through Winter Park’s lakes and canals, decked in holiday lights — it’s a calmer, more romantic alternative to theme-park intensity and showcases elegant local homes and landscapes.
• EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays – A mix of global holiday traditions, seasonal food kitchens, and live music offers cultural variety and foodie experiences — great for adults and families who enjoy tasting traditions from around the world. Use the holiday kitchens to snack and graze rather than sit down for a full meal.

Stay Options

• Rosen Inn
• Wyndham Orlando
• Holiday Inn by Disney Springs

Orlando is unquestionably one of the most exciting places to go for Christmas in Florida.

Valuable Tips for Planning to Visit Florida Christmas Towns

• Book Early: December is peak season for Florida Christmas towns.
• Visit on Weekdays: Avoid weekend crowds.
• Pack Layers: Even in Florida, evenings can get chilly.
• Dining: Make dinner reservations for popular restaurants on festival nights.
• Rent a Car: The Best way to reach all the towns easily.
• Plan Night Activities: Most light displays and festive events happen after sunset.
• Carry a Power Bank: You’ll take A LOT of photos!

There are countless places to go for Christmas in Florida, but what makes the experience special is the diversity — from historic glowing cities to tropical islands, charming small towns, and world-famous theme parks. Whether you want snowy vibes without the cold, or a warm, sunny holiday filled with lights, parades, and joy, Christmas towns in Florida deliver the most magical experience.

Now you know Where to go in Florida for Christmas?
If you’re dreaming of a unique and unforgettable Florida Christmas vacation, these Florida Christmas towns prove you don’t need snow to feel the holiday spirit.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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