Florida in December: Five Insane Festivals That Will Completely Redefine Your Holiday Experience and Make You Fall in Love with the Season Again!

Published on December 7, 2025

Florida in December is a magical place. With a perfect mix of sun, fun, culture, and celebrations, the state offers something for everyone this holiday season. Whether you’re a family looking for festive cheer, an art lover seeking inspiration, or a thrill-seeker wanting to dive into themed attractions, Florida has it all. In this article, we’ll take you through the best upcoming festivals and events happening in Florida during December 2024. From grand art shows in Miami to magical Christmas displays in St. Augustine, there’s something here that will surely catch your eye.

Art Basel Miami: The Art World’s Holiday Destination

Every December, the streets of Miami come alive with the world’s most prestigious contemporary art event—Art Basel. It’s not just an art fair, but an experience that fills the city with creativity, culture, and excitement. Thousands of art lovers, collectors, and curious visitors from around the world flock to Miami for this highly anticipated event. Art Basel Miami is where modern art meets glamorous parties, creative exhibitions, and stunning installations. The event is more than just a chance to see art; it’s a celebration of culture and the perfect spot for anyone who enjoys high-end art, design, fashion, and nightlife.

What makes this festival stand out is its sheer size and the vast range of art from all over the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or someone who simply enjoys strolling through galleries, this festival offers something unique. During Art Basel, Miami becomes a hub for creativity, with events, pop-up shops, and gallery tours happening all over the city.

Art Basel in Miami is an unforgettable experience, and it’s not just for those deeply involved in the art world. Visitors who are new to art will also find themselves amazed by the installations, live performances, and creative displays. It’s an event that turns Miami into an outdoor museum, and it’s a highlight of the December festival calendar.

Nights of Lights: St. Augustine’s Glittering Christmas Wonderland

If you’re looking for a more traditional holiday experience, St. Augustine, Florida, is the place to be this December. The historic city comes alive with its famous Nights of Lights festival, one of the most beautiful holiday light displays in the world. The city’s historic district is adorned with millions of twinkling lights that turn the streets into a winter wonderland. As you walk through the cobbled streets, the charm of old-world architecture combined with the sparkling lights creates a scene of pure magic.

St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights has become a must-see attraction for visitors during the holiday season. The lights are not just beautiful—they tell a story of holiday cheer and old-fashioned Christmas magic. It’s an event that brings out the joy of the season and is perfect for families, couples, or anyone who enjoys the warmth of festive spirit.

The beauty of this event is that it’s not limited to just a few days. The lights shine bright throughout the holiday season, allowing visitors plenty of time to explore the city and enjoy the magical atmosphere. Alongside the lights, there are also parades, caroling, and holiday markets where visitors can find unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats.

Winter Wonderland at Disney World Orlando

If you’re in Florida with your family, there’s no better place to experience the magic of Christmas than at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Every year, Disney transforms its theme parks into a winter wonderland full of festive parades, holiday-themed events, and snow (well, snow-like effects, at least). Magic Kingdom hosts a Christmas parade with all your favourite Disney characters, while EPCOT has its own Winterfest event that features global holiday traditions from around the world.

In addition to the dazzling light displays, there are character meet-and-greets with Santa, exclusive holiday performances, and festive dining experiences that make it a truly magical time to visit. Whether you’re in Orlando for a weekend or planning to spend the entire holiday season, Disney World is a place where both kids and adults can create unforgettable memories. The holiday decorations are so elaborate that you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas movie.

The Winter Festival: South Florida’s Seasonal Fun

South Florida is known for its vibrant cultural scene, and in December, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled Winter Festival. Hosted in various towns and cities across the region, these festivals celebrate the joy of the holiday season with family-friendly activities, Christmas markets, and live entertainment. Cities like Margate, FL, and surrounding areas host outdoor festivals complete with snow machines, holiday rides, and visits from Santa Claus.

These Winter Festivals are great for people of all ages. Kids can enjoy rides, face painting, and interactive holiday games, while adults can browse the seasonal craft markets or grab a hot chocolate from one of the food stalls. Local communities come together to celebrate the season with music, food, and friendly holiday cheer.

In addition to the Winter Festival, South Florida is also home to some beautiful holiday light displays. Whether it’s a local neighbourhood decorated in lights or an extravagant commercial installation, the region knows how to bring the Christmas spirit to life. These events offer a relaxed, fun, and budget-friendly way to enjoy the season, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more low-key holiday experience.

The Magical Christmas Parade: Miami Beach

Miami is known for its beautiful beaches and glamorous lifestyle, but during December, it transforms into a holiday paradise. The Miami Beach Holiday Parade is one of the most anticipated events in the city, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The parade features sparkling floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus himself. It’s a festive, family-friendly event that brings people together to celebrate the holiday season.

Held on the famous Ocean Drive, the parade winds its way through the heart of Miami Beach. The combination of holiday spirit with Miami’s lively atmosphere makes for a unique experience. After the parade, visitors can explore the city’s holiday lights, visit the famous South Beach for a festive stroll, or enjoy the many restaurants and shops that decorate for the season.

For anyone looking to combine the fun of a holiday parade with the excitement of Miami Beach’s nightlife, this event is a must-see. It’s an exciting way to celebrate Christmas with the warmth of Florida’s tropical climate.

Orlando’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, doesn’t disappoint when it comes to celebrating Christmas. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a beloved tradition in the city, marking the beginning of the holiday season. Held at various locations, including the Lake Eola Park, the ceremony features a towering Christmas tree lit up with thousands of dazzling lights. As the tree is illuminated, the crowd erupts in cheers, and holiday music fills the air. It’s a heartwarming moment that kicks off the festive season in Orlando.

In addition to the tree lighting, there are also plenty of family-friendly activities, from ice skating and snow slides to holiday markets and performances. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony offers the perfect introduction to the holiday season in Orlando.

The Magic of Holiday Shopping

Florida’s holiday festivals don’t just bring you festive parades and beautiful lights—they also offer the chance to do some serious holiday shopping. During December, many cities across the state host Christmas markets and holiday bazaars where you can find unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious seasonal treats.

The Miami Christmas Market is a must-visit for those who want to shop for special gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere. In Orlando, you can visit the Holiday Market at Disney Springs for a more magical shopping experience. For those who prefer small-town charm, you can head to local craft markets in places like Winter Garden or St. Augustine, where local artisans showcase their best work.

Florida is also home to plenty of luxury malls, such as The Mall at Millenia in Orlando or Bal Harbour Shops in Miami. These malls feature holiday decorations, special sales, and upscale shopping experiences perfect for anyone looking to indulge a little bit this season.

Why December in Florida is Unmissable

Florida in December is not just a holiday destination; it’s an experience that brings joy, warmth, and magic to visitors from around the world. Whether you’re exploring the art scene at Art Basel in Miami, enjoying the twinkling lights in St. Augustine, or taking in the festive atmosphere at Disney World, the Sunshine State knows how to put on a show for the holidays. From parades to light displays, winter festivals to unique shopping opportunities, there’s truly something for everyone.

So, if you’re looking for a memorable way to spend your holiday season, Florida in December is the place to be. It’s a perfect blend of culture, celebration, and sunshine, making it an unmissable destination for anyone looking to enjoy the holidays in style.