Must-Visit Christmas Towns In Florida

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!

It's that time of year again! The time when the humidity finally drops, the temperatures dip into the 60s, and people all over the state start putting up Christmas lights. That's right, Floridians, it's time to get ready for Christmas!

And what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by following these simple tips for having a stress-free Florida Christmas? Trust us, with our years of experience dealing with holiday hurricanes, power outages, and heat waves, we know a thing or two about how to make the most of our unique Christmas climate! Running around when it's still warm outside makes you sweat. Almost as much as I would worry about how I'm going to pay for all these gifts! So be sure to make a list—and check it twice!

Once you know who you need to buy gifts for, make a list of everyone and what you'd like to get them. This will help you stay organized and on budget. No need for any extra perspiration here in South West Florida. Not sure what to get someone? Deodorant!  No? Okay, a gift card is always a good choice!

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to have a stress-free Florida Christmas that you'll remember for years to come! And who knows - maybe you'll even set a new tradition or two in the process!

Don't even bother with the hassle of putting up a real tree in this heat - just pick up a nice fake one from your local store and be done with it. Plus, you'll save yourself the trouble of having to vacuum up pine needles every day!

You don't want to be spending your holiday budget on replacing burnt-out light bulbs - LEDs use much less power and will last for years. Not to mention, they don't produce nearly as much heat, so you won't have to worry about them adding to your electric bill.

Who wants to heat up their house by cooking a big bird in the oven? Instead, try grilling some seafood or making a festive salad. Your guests will still be impressed, and you'll stay cool in the process!

Just because it's December doesn't mean you can let your guard down when it comes to sun exposure. In fact, many people find that they burn more easily in the winter months because they don't expect it. So slather on some SPF 30 or higher before heading out to enjoy those beautiful Florida sunsets!

We all know that living in Florida means dealing with the occasional hurricane or tropical storm during Christmastime. The best way to deal with it is simply to be prepared - have an emergency kit ready with non-perishable food items, water, batteries, and first aid supplies. That way if a storm does hit, you'll be able to ride it out without any worries!

It's easy to overspend during the holidays, but it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Determine how much money you can realistically spend on gifts and don't go over that amount. Once you've reached your limit, stop shopping!

Avoid the crowds at the mall and do your shopping from the comfort of your own home. Not only is online shopping more convenient, but you'll also have a better chance of finding deals and discounts. Plus, with sites like Amazon Prime, you can get your gifts delivered right to your door—talk about stress-free!

Don't go overboard with your Christmas decorations—less is more! A few simple pieces (a string of lights, a decorated tree, etc.) will do the trick and save you time and money in the process. Now, where did I put those Santa hats for my Flamingo yard ornaments?

Throwing a holiday party can be fun but also stressful and expensive. Save yourself some money (and hassle) by having everyone bring their favorite dish or beverage to share. Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also give your guests something to do while they're at your party. Just remember those peanut butter cookies with the chocolate kisses on top. We love those.

The holidays don't have to be elaborate or extravagant—keep things simple this year and focus on what's truly important: spending time with those you love. Happy Holiday!