While winter may bring chilly temperatures to most parts of the world, Florida is one of those places where people can escape the frigid weather and enjoy a warm, winter vacation. Florida has plenty of winter festivities going on during the season, making it the perfect destination to escape the cold and revel in holiday cheer. Here in this article, we will explore some of the best destinations for winter festivities in Florida.
Orlando
Orlando is a popular winter destination in Florida and is famous for its theme parks and attractions. During the holiday season, Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld all have special events and holiday-themed activities going on.
Disney World transforms into a holiday wonderland with festive decorations, special events, parades, and firework shows. Meanwhile, Universal Studios features the Grinchmas celebration, among other holiday-themed shows.
You may also opt for an ice-skating experience at Rosen Plaza, where you can strap on skates and glide around the hotel’s outdoor rink.
Key West
Key West is known for its warm weather and stunning beaches, making it the perfect spot to visit during the winter season. Experience a magical holiday extravaganza with the Annual Holiday Fest & Winterfest Parade, complete with art fairs, boat parades, and historic tours.
You can also take part in some winter holiday fun with the lighted boat parade held on the harborside. There are plenty of other exciting things to do in Key West during winter, including snorkeling or scuba diving excursions, fishing and dolphin tours, and kayaking.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, Florida’s oldest city, offers an unforgettable winter holiday experience. During the winter season, the streets and buildings of St. Augustine are adorned with millions of beautiful light displays, illuminating the city’s colonial architecture.
One of the most popular winter events in St. Augustine is the Nights of Lights festival, a citywide display of more than three million twinkling lights throughout the city’s historic district. Apart from this, there are also special street entertainment, carriage rides, and holiday-themed music concerts. You can also take a stroll around the beautiful gardens of the Lightner Museum, where you can enjoy the stunning light displays.
Miami
Miami, known for its fun in the sun vibe, has plenty of exciting winter festivities to offer. The city comes alive during the winter months with holiday cheer and celebrations. Several hotels hold holiday-themed events, including gingerbread house decorating, Christmas music concerts, and special holiday menus.
During the holidays, the city’s most popular attraction, the Zoo Miami, transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, zoo animals, and holiday characters. Bayfront Park in downtown Miami also hosts music concerts, carnival games, food vendors, and a dazzling fireworks show during New Year’s Eve.
Sarasota
During the winter season, Sarasota, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is transformed into a winter wonderland. The picturesque city is famous for its warm water, beautiful beaches, and fantastic holiday celebrations.
One of the most significant winter festivals in Sarasota is the holiday-themed light display at Selby Botanical Gardens, where you can walk through over a million twinkling lights and live music performances amid exotic flowers from around the world.
Conclusion
Winter may trace its way to Florida, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a chilly affair. Florida promises its visitors a warm and relaxing experience during the winter season, with festivities and celebrations around every corner. From the theme parks in Orlando to the holiday displays in St. Augustine, there’s something for everyone in Florida. So pack your bags and head on down to Florida, where the sun shines, and the holiday spirit is in full swing!