It’s that time of year again; Florida might not experience the winter wonderland that some northern states enjoy during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean the Sunshine State lacks Christmas spirit. From dazzling light displays to icy adventures, Florida offers a unique and unforgettable Christmas experience. Here are my family’s top holiday attractions that we feel are worth visiting (worth the money and the drive)!
SNOWCAT RIDGE
If you’ve ever dreamed of snow tubing down a snowy hill in Florida, Snowcat Ridge in Dade City can make that dream come true. Florida’s first and only snow park offers a unique opportunity to experience winter activities in a tropical state. The main attraction at Snowcat Ridge is the Arctic Igloo, a massive snow tubing hill with real snow. You can grab a snow tube and slide down the hill, enjoying the exhilarating rush of the cold breeze as you descend.
In addition to snow tubing, Snowcat Ridge offers an Alpine Village with a Christmas market, where you can find a variety of holiday gifts, crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. They also have a snow play area for kids and a Christmas tree forest for the perfect holiday photo backdrop.
Snowcat Ridge Details:
27839 Saint Joe Rd.
Dade City, FL 33525
snowcatridge.com
ICE! AT GAYLORD PALMS
For the most frigid attraction in Florida, take a drive to Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando for ICE!, the award-winning display of millions of pounds of ice hand-carved into amazing sculptures by artisans from China. This year, the theme is a fan favorite: “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The resort also offers indoor snow tubing, snowball toss, a Snoopy scavenger hunt, a Christmas Cirque show and more!
We love staying at this hotel anytime, but during the holiday season it is even better because it feels magical. So many experiences throughout the resort; you never need to leave to have some holiday fun!
Gaylord Palms Details:
6000 West Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
407-586-0000
christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com
Disney World
All Disney Theme Parks are magical this time of year. But on select nights at the Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney World Resort brings extra holiday cheer with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Spectacular decorations, Christmas parade with characters, and an appearance by Santa Claus himself! There’s also a special Christmas fireworks show, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and even wintry snowfall on Main Street.
Plus any Disney hotel you choose to stay out will be decked out in holiday decor. It’s everywhere and it’s beautiful! You definitely can’t feel like a scrooch at Disney during the months of November and December.
Magic Kingdom Details:
Bay Lake, FL 32836
disneyworld.disney.go.com/events/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party
While in Orlando, here is a BONUS SPOT TO VISIT: Before leaving the area, drive 25 miles East to a town named “Christmas.” The city has an old spirit. It is worth the drive to send out a letter from its famous post office with the postmark of yes, “Christmas, Florida.”
Broadway Palm
For those seeking a more traditional holiday experience combined with fine dining and entertainment, the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre right here in Fort Myers is the perfect choice. This theater has been a local favorite of ours for years and offers a variety of Broadway-style shows throughout the year. During the Christmas season, they host special holiday-themed productions that are sure to get you in the festive spirit. We have made it a tradition to go enjoy their holiday dinner show the week of Christmas. This year’s holiday performance is ELF: A Musical.
Broadway Palm Details:
1380 COLONIAL BOULEVARD
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33907
broadwaypalm.com
MIAMI ZOO LIGHTS
The Miami Zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season with its annual “Zoo Lights” event. This attraction offers a delightful combination of wildlife and holiday-themed festivities. Stroll through the zoo’s beautifully illuminated pathways, and you’ll be greeted by thousands of twinkling lights and stunning animal-themed light displays. The ambiance is festive and inviting. You can enjoy photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and festive treats. The event usually features a colorful holiday tree, live entertainment, and a variety of food options, making it a great way to get into the Christmas spirit while appreciating the beauty of the animal kingdom.
Miami Zoo Details:
12400 SW 152 St.
Miami, FL 33177
zoomiami.org/upcoming-events/event/zoo-lights-miami-2023
The following Florida attractions are some that are on my list but we haven’t made it there yet so I can’t speak from experience. However, they are popular and often mentioned by people I know, so worth checking out.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
The world’s largest holiday theme park is a suitable spot to experience Christmas magic and adventure. With a combination of more than 100 carnival attractions, from rollercoasters to a petting zoo, and light-decked holiday displays, including South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree, your family will be immersed in seasonal cheer.
santasenchantedforest.com
Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach
Surfing Santas is an annual Cocoa Beach Christmas Eve tradition that now brings hundreds of surfers of all ages dressed up as Santa. The costumes are diverse, fun, and often tropical! It is fun to watch them ride in on the waves. If you are looking for a fun and unique way to spend your holiday beach-side, then you will love this free event that benefits local charities. Whether you surf or you’re looking to join in the holiday spirit, there’s no other beach having this much fun on Christmas Eve!
surfingsantas.org
Family Memories with a Holiday Roadtrip Around Florida
Consider exploring one or several of these festive attractions throughout Florida this holiday season; most importantly, go create cherished memories with your loved ones.