In the Sunshine State, a white Christmas is pure fantasy. However, it is always possible to get into the Christmas spirit thanks to the beautiful play of lights that illuminate, from north to south, all Florida. Since I’ve decided to live in Miami, I’ve had the chance to see several fantastic illuminations, which always attract many visitors in every city in the country. I have selected them, to show you the best places to spend a happy Christmas.
St. Augustine: the nation's oldest light show
This is the most extravagant light show in the entire country. St. Augustine is Florida’s oldest city, and its beauty is unparalleled. I loved and enjoyed this beautiful town and its wonderful historic center that, starting from mid-November until the end of January, is adorned with millions of lights. I still remember the reflection in the Matanzas River, of the lights that adorned the Bridge of Lion. A very impressive show.
Amelia Island: Fernandina Beach a glittering English village
I always go back to Amelia Island, because it’s such a delightful small town, characterized by elegant Victorian-style buildings and a “timeless” atmosphere, just like in a glittering English village.
The historic town of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is where I spent most of my time, exploring the intricate details of these buildings, from historic homes to preserved restaurants.
It’s just so cool to take a stroll around this town, it offers a way from the hustle and bustle of beach life along the Atlantic coast.
Downtown Mount Dora
I go to Mount Dora very often to visit the countless antique stores in the town center. I once found myself at Donnelly Park, near the Donnelly House, in the heart of downtown, and I got to see an unexpected winter light show that you certainly don’t expect to find in such a small urban environment.
Festivities kick off the weekend after Thanksgiving when over 2 million lights get draped over downtown, its historic homes, and Donnelly Park; and the Christmas tree on Main Street is officially lit.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
The Magic Kingdom always organizes a unique Christmas show, a really magical event, suitable for adults and children. During the Christmas holidays, the entrance ticket also allows you to enter the park after sunset. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select evenings throughout November and December.
Festival of Lights, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center and the majestic oaks
I’ve visited the state park in White Springs several times, located on the banks of the legendary Suwannee River, which honors the memory of American composer Stephen Foster, author of the famous ‘Old Folks at Home’, the song that made the river famous.
Every time I return there, I always find something new that fascinates me. The same thing happened to me during the Christmas season. I was able to admire the beautiful show of the Festival of Lights, held right inside the park. I also remember standing in a long queue to get in, not having followed the advice of the rangers to get there well in advance.
Largo: Florida Botanical Gardens
In Largo, a laid-back seaside city set on a peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico, with spectacular white sandy beaches and an Old Florida feel, Christmas lights can be seen everywhere. In the streets, on the buildings, on the trees, on the fountains, etc… Around the city I also found some illuminated statues and figures in the shape of flamingos, parrots, alligators and many others.
Even this year the Florida Botanic Garden for its 21st annual winter event, will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors to wow guests of all ages.
Miami: Santa's Enchanted Forest
In Miami, where I live, I’ve always had a very enjoyable holiday season. Winter in Florida is an enviable season. Temperatures are always temperate, and this allows you to experience the outdoors every day, even during the Christmas period, when you can visit the Tropical Park, where one of the biggest and most attended parties ever is organized. A true Christmas-themed carnival, with live entertainment and lights everywhere.
Scenic Highway 30A
Scenic Highway 30A in the Panhandle connects a handful of beach resorts, from Seaside to Alys Beach. Each town, during the holiday season, turns on all the lights within the downtown area. I drove several times down the road that connects all the areas.
Grand Boulevard, a few miles west of 30A, is one of my favorite spots to get into the Christmas spirit. The highlight of which is the Festival of Trees located in the center’s courtyard. The event showcases Christmas trees decorated by the area’s nonprofits and also offers many family-friendly activities, photos with Santa in Grand Park and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Fort Myers: The Edison & Ford Winter Estate
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison used to spend the winter right here in Fort Myers. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates, is one of the most popular attractions in Fort Myers.
During the annual Edison & Ford Holiday Nights, their historic homes are decorated from top to bottom with thousands of lights and traditional trimmings. Visitors find the grounds opened past sunset, live music, special events, food, beverages, guided tours and a special tree, at the base of the Henry Ford property, adorned with animated lights choreographed to holiday music.
Pensacola Winterfest: a family-themed festival
Pensacola is a family-friendly town. Here, everything is neat and organized. No exception are the Christmas illuminations that change the city into a magic winter wonderland.
Winterfest is a Christmas event very famous in Florida, that starts on the Black Friday with the elf parade and ends on Christmas Eve. It offers daily live performance, holiday trolley tours, cascades of “snow,” twinkling holiday lights everywhere, Christmas songs, dance and even more. Visitors can meet the Grinch, Santa Claus and the characters from “The Polar Express.
Even though Florida is a sun-kissed country and a state with a sub-tropical climate, with warm winters and long, hot summers, the Christmas spirit is alive and strong. You can breathe it every day of December walking through the streets of every city in the state, being enchanted by the magical and evocative atmosphere. I invite you to visit the places that I have presented to you to understand what I’m talking about.
