8 Things to Do During the Holidays in Florida – What You Should Know

If you’re planning a trip to West Palm Beach or Central Florida during the holiday season, you might be wondering what to do. Though you may worry the children won’t see snow, there’s nothing to fear. Though it’s Florida, you can still experience ice and snow!

Below, you’ll find eight things you can do to stay in the holiday spirit when you visit Central Florida for Christmas!

1. Snow in Naples

If you’re planning a trip to Naples in South Florida, you can still have snow during the Christmas season. The Third Street South has a Celebration of Lights, which is one of its most popular special events. This town knows how to celebrate, and you can see all the holiday lights from the major shopping areas.

In fact, many of the shopping areas will host many special events. They start around Thanksgiving and go through New Year’s.

2. Walt Disney World

If you’re heading in the opposite direction of West Palm Beach and have children (or are a kid at heart), you can’t miss Walt Disney World during the holiday season. It’s one of the best theme parks in the world.

All the characters will be dressed in their holiday best, and you’ll feel that the winter park is more magical than ever before. Don’t forget to check out the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade! It’s a Main Street, USA, attraction you just won’t want to miss, and it is one of the most-loved annual events.

Overall, it’s the best time of year to check out Walt Disney World!

3. LEGOLAND

Do you love LEGOs? If so, you’ll want to enjoy one of the best theme parks that focuses on these small building blocks in various colors. LEGOLAND is a top choice when you’re not heading toward Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach.

It’s close to Tampa and found in South Florida near Lakeland. Overall, It hosts its Christmas Bricktacular. Kids will enjoy meeting Santa and the LEGO Toy Soldiers while enjoying holiday music, lights, and all the rest. Plus, they can decorate live trees with LEGO ornaments.

While it might not be a winter park like you’re used to, it will have many fun activities for kids of all ages. For example, you can help build a Christmas tree made entirely of LEGOs. Plus, there are scavenger hunts and fireworks every night! It could be one of your new favorite holiday traditions!

Don’t forget about the Holidays at LEGOLAND event. It’s found in Winter Haven, which is about an hour’s drive from South Florida. You can get a picture taken with the famous Lego tree and also meet a Lego Santa!

4. Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios) in South Florida

If you want to visit a winter park (themed) in South Florida, it’s wise to purchase tickets to Universal Orlando Resort, which houses Universal Studios. You’ll experience festive music and Grinchmas, which is a show about the Grinch who stole Christmas. There are also many holiday parades featuring some of the top Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats.

Also, in South Florida, you’ll find Harry Potter themes, so it’s possible to visit Diagon Alley and enjoy the performances and seasonal decor there. Plus, you can’t miss heading to Hogsmeade at the Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Instead of hot cocoa, you’ll taste some non-alcoholic Butterbeer!

When you’re in Orlando, don’t forget to stop off at some of the tourism districts. There are tons of restaurants to enjoy, including Disney Springs and International Drive. Everyone says that Disney Springs is amazing!

5. Pensacola Winterfest

Can you imagine tons of snow, hot cocoa, and merriment? You’ll find it all at Winterfest in Pensacola. You don’t have to visit Palm Beach in South Florida to have holiday fun! In fact, it’s possible to create new holiday traditions anywhere!

Overall, Winterfest is a fun time for the entire family. You’ll enjoy the Polar Express, Snowball Derby, and Elf Parade. It all starts Thanksgiving weekend, but it goes through to the end of the year!

6. EPCOT

Are you ready for a winter park like no other? EPCOT has you covered with its annual tradition of the Candlelight Processional. It’s a memorable and beautiful holiday event! Overall, it includes an orchestra and a huge choir while telling the Christmas story. Usually, a celebrity narrates it all.

Though the Candlelight Processional is ideal, you can also visit a holiday market. Since this is considered the non-peak season, you might even find discount tickets!

7. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

The light displays are one of the best parts and always bring holiday cheer. You’ll find a beautiful one at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park! Overall, it’s like walking out into a winter garden!

You might decide to make this an annual tradition, whether you live in South Florida or just vacation here. Overall, the winter garden style will make you love nature, even in the cold! Don’t forget to check out the manatees and go see Lu, the hippopotamus known for being in various movies.

8. Gaylord Palms Resort

You can’t have winter without ICE from Gaylord Palms Resort. This experience is something you can’t miss if you’re in Kissimmee, which is in South Florida.

Overall, you’ll don a huge winter coat and step out into 9-degree weather. Though it seems too cold to do anything, you might decide to make it a new annual tradition because it will put you in the holiday spirit!

With the ICE feature at Gaylord Palms Resort, you’ll enjoy 3D ice monuments and sculptures, but there are also various interactive environments. In fact, there are over 20,000 feet of ice sculptures. Each one is carved by hand. If you’re adventurous, the ice slides are quite fun.

Though it’s not a holiday classic, it will definitely be an adventure you don’t want to miss.

Other Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Though these eight exciting things might be plenty, we do have a few honorable mentions to consider. They include:

• Sandi Tree (West Palm Beach) – Many small towns put up large Christmas trees each year, but West Palm Beach has a 700-ton, 35-foot tree made of sand! It’s the star of the Holiday in Paradise celebration, which happens at the waterfront every December.
• Santa’s Enchanted Forest (Miami) – Those who love to go to South Florida will love the holiday theme park called Santa’s Enchanted Forest. It has over 100 games, shows, and rides. Don’t forget to check out the Miami City Ballet and see “The Nutcracker” while you’re there.
• Busch Gardens – Busch Gardens features Christmas Town, which is about 90 minutes away from Tampa. You’ll find the North Pole Experience, Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, and even the Holly Jolly Express train.

Final Thoughts and How Tierra Verde Boat Rentals

Whether you’re in Palm Beach, South Florida, or anywhere else, it’s essential to have fun during the holiday season. Though you might not have snow and ice, many attractions make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.

This is the most festive season, and you deserve to enjoy it, even if you’re on vacation and away from home. Therefore, if you find yourself traveling through Tierra Verde, it might be wise to check out Tierra Verde Boat Rentals. We offer waverunner rentals, sunset cruises, boat rentals, and jetski rentals!