Universal Announces Holiday Ticket Deal For Florida Residents

Living within a few hours of so many theme parks is a definite perk of living in Florida and Universal Orlando has announced a holiday ticket deal for Florida residents.

With the holidays right around the corner, you may already be feeling the Christmas spirit in the air. Personally, I like to wait at least another few weeks to put my decorations up, but I saw in my neighborhood in Fort Myers last night, someone already had their lights on. The theme parks go ALL out for the holidays, and if you want to get out of town, maybe take a little staycation to Orlando and experience Universal Orlando has some fun holiday events and of course, the parks are all decked out for Christmas.

Right now, Florida residents can take advantage of the "Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free on a 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket" offer. So, you get two days at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for the price of one- it's a Merry Christmas indeed! The deal is available online only, and there is an option to upgrade to include Universal Volcano Bay water park as well. And if you can't get up to Orlando right away, you do have until 3/6 to use the tickets.

If you do want to enjoy the holiday festivities this year, November 17th is go time. One thing I can't wait to check out is “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I already love that part of the park, so to see it for Christmas sounds like a dream. Universal's Holiday Parade features huge balloons and lots of characters. And if you're a Grinch fan, you won't want to miss The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch™.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here

If you're looking to get out of town and want to feel extra festive this holiday season, there's quite a few must-visit Christmas towns in Florida to put on your list.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... and what better place to celebrate the holidays than in Florida! From tiny towns with amazing holiday displays to larger cities with endless festive events, there's something for everyone in the Sunshine State.

If you're from up north, you know that Christmas looks a little different down here. I always liked the look of the snow, especially at Christmas time, however I'd much rather be in 80 degrees and watching it from afar. Yes, hearing songs singing "Let it Snow" is a little weird, but in my mind, "Let it Snow"- SOMEWHERE ELSE.

No matter where you go in Florida during the holidays, you're sure to find festive fun around every corner. So whether you're looking for a beachside paradise or a charming small town escape, Trips to Discover made a list of of some great destinations to add to your list. After all, what could be more magical than celebrating Christmas in sunny Florida?

So pack your Santa hat and head on down to one of these festive towns for a holiday experience you'll never forget.

Celebration is known for its annual Now Snowing celebration. With white flurries in the sky, carolers on the streets, horse-drawn carriage rides and an ice rink, it's about as close to a white Christmas as many Floridians will get.

St. Augustine has a huge annual Christmas event called the Night of Lights. You catch a ride on the trolley to admire the dazzling light displays, a festive parade and decorated boats at the Regatta of Lights.

Pensacola goes all out for their annual Christmas celebration called Winterfest. You'll find falling snow, hot chocolate, holiday performances and trolley rides with a backdrop of white-sand beaches.

Miami is home to Santa’s Enchanted Forest, the largest Christmas-themed amusement park in the world. Enjoy 100 rides, the park’s interactive games and the petting zoo.

The theme park capital of the world goes all out this time of year. Between Disney, SeaWorld, Universal and nearby LEGOLAND, there's no shortage of great live entertainment, lights, sweet treats and parades.

Each year, West Palm Beach puts on display the world’s only 700-ton, 35-foot-tall tree made of sand called Sandi Land. Kids can enjoy a snowman building area called SnowieVille and glow-in-the-dark putt-putt golf. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens also holds its annual Festival of Trees.

Nicknamed the “Venice of America”, it makes sense that Fort Lauderdale likes to show off its waterways during the holidays with the Winterfest Boat Parade and the “Greatest Show on H20”.

Jacksonville is the perfect town to enjoy a Christmas ambiance. Between the 56-foot-tall tree lighting display, the Deck the Chairs annual lighted sculptural exhibit, you'll be feeling festive in no time.

St. Petersburg comes alive during Christmas. Visit Enchant Christmas at the Tampa Bay Rays stadium to enjoy a Christmas light maze and village. Shop at the Christmas market, try holiday-themed food and drink, and go for a skate on the Ice-Skating Trail. The Florida Botanical Gardens also hosts their annual Holiday Lights in the Gardens and Busch Gardens hosts their annual Christmas Town.

In winter, Tallahassee is covered in twinkling lights for the holiday season and hosts their annual Winter Festival. Downtown transforms into a winter wonderland with live entertainment, a parade, and arts and crafts vendors. Enjoy a candle-lit walk through the gardens while enjoying live holiday music at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Tallahassee is also the site of the first Christmas celebrated in North America!