In this article, read about some unique Florida Christmas traditions with some amazing Christmas celebration in Florida and unique things to do at Christmas in Florida.
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Florida Christmas Traditions – Christmas Celebration In Florida
With its sunny climate and diverse cultural influences, Florida has developed some unique Christmas traditions that set it apart from other regions. Here are a few distinctive Florida Christmas traditions. Visit Florida at Christmas.
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Weather – Florida At Christmas
The weather in Florida at Christmas, is typically mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for unique coastal celebrations.
Occasional cooler spells may occur, but snow is rare, and the festive spirit is embraced with beach-themed decorations and outdoor activities.
Florida Christmas Traditions – Christmas Celebration In Florida
Florida’s unique Christmas traditions stem from its warm climate, resulting in outdoor celebrations like beachside holiday festivals and boat parades, offering a distinctive blend of tropical festivities that diverge from traditional snowy Christmas traditions.
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Sandman Santas and Beach Christmas Trees:
People get creative with holiday decorations in Florida, where snow is a rarity. Instead of building snowmen, many Floridians create “Sandman Santas” on the beach, with seashell eyes and a beach hat.
Some coastal communities also construct Christmas trees made of driftwood and seashells, adding a tropical touch to the traditional holiday symbol.
Surfing Santa Competitions
Some coastal communities celebrate Christmas with surfing Santa competitions. Dressed as Santa Claus, participants take to the waves on surfboards, showcasing their surfing skills in a festive and lighthearted competition.
Spectators often gather on the beach to enjoy the unique holiday spectacle.
Boat Parades:
Given Florida’s abundance of waterways, it’s no surprise that boat parades are a cherished Christmas tradition.
Cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Sarasota host elaborate boat parades where festively decorated boats cruise through canals and waterfronts, adorned with Christmas lights and decorations.
Flamingo Decorations
In Florida, the iconic pink flamingo takes on a festive role during the holiday season. Many residents embrace the tropical vibe by incorporating flamingo-themed Christmas decorations, from lawn ornaments to festive lights shaped like these elegant birds.
Citrus Decorations
Florida is renowned for its citrus fruits, particularly oranges and grapefruits. During the Christmas season, many Floridians incorporate these fruits into their decorations.
Oranges with cloves, known as pomanders, emit a delightful citrus scent, and citrus-themed wreaths and centerpieces add a touch of Florida’s agricultural heritage to holiday décor.
Holiday Boat Regattas
In addition to boat parades, some coastal communities host holiday boat regattas where boat owners compete for the most creatively decorated vessel.
These regattas often feature a variety of themes, from traditional Christmas motifs to tropical and nautical designs.
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Tropical Christmas Caroling
Instead of the traditional door-to-door caroling through snowy neighborhoods, Floridians may gather for outdoor caroling events in parks or beachside locations.
The repertoire often includes tropical-themed Christmas songs that capture the essence of a warm and sunny holiday season.
Outdoor Christmas Markets
Given the milder winter weather, outdoor Christmas markets thrive in Florida. These markets often feature local artisans, food vendors, and live music, providing a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors without heavy winter clothing.
Manatee and Dolphin-Themed Decorations
Florida’s abundant marine life is celebrated during the holidays with decorations featuring manatees and dolphins. Residents might decorate their homes with lights shaped like these beloved sea creatures or incorporate marine-themed ornaments into their Christmas tree decor.
Some communities even organize events highlighting the importance of marine conservation during the festive season.
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Key Lime Everything:
Key lime, a staple in Florida cuisine, takes center stage during Christmas. Floridians incorporate this tangy fruit into their holiday desserts, creating Key lime pies and Key lime-flavored treats to add a refreshing twist to traditional festive fare.
Key lime-flavored candies and beverages also make popular stocking stuffers.
Everglades Santa:
Santa takes on a unique twist in some regions of Florida, especially those closer to the Everglades. Instead of the traditional red suit, Santa might be seen donning attire inspired by the natural surroundings, incorporating earthy tones and perhaps adding an alligator-skin accessory.
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Cuban-Influenced Nochebuena:
Given Florida’s solid Cuban influence, many families celebrate Nochebuena, the traditional Cuban Christmas Eve celebration. The festival often extends into the night with music, dancing, and the lighting of firecrackers.
Gingerbread Sandcastles:
While gingerbread houses are a common holiday tradition, in Florida, some residents opt for a tropical twist by creating gingerbread sandcastles.
These delicious and decorative structures incorporate edible seashells, beach umbrellas, and even candy sea creatures to capture the coastal vibe.
Tropical Fruit Ornaments:
Instead of the traditional glass baubles, Floridians might adorn their Christmas trees with ornaments shaped like tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts. 
These vibrant and colorful decorations add a touch of the Sunshine State’s agricultural richness to the holiday season.
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Tropical Light Festivals – Florida for Christmas
Florida is known for its elaborate light displays during the holiday season. From palm trees adorned with twinkling lights to entire neighborhoods transformed into dazzling displays of color, these tropical light festivals create a magical and distinctly Floridian Christmas atmosphere.
The state’s multicultural influences also contribute to diverse celebrations, showcasing Florida’s rich cultural tapestry during the holiday season.
These unique Florida Christmas traditions reflect the state’s vibrant culture, climate, and natural surroundings, offering a warm and tropical twist to the holiday season.
These additional Florida Christmas traditions showcase the state’s creativity and diversity, offering a unique blend of tropical influences and cultural heritage during the festive season.
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