by Bella Scoma | November 30, 2024
What’s Happening in Florida This December
Explore dazzling holiday lights, high-speed races, artisan markets, Sunshine State snow and more in Florida this December.
North
Festival of Trees
Miramar Beach
Dec. 3–24
Stroll through a makeshift evergreen forest of 18 beautifully decorated trees, each designed by local nonprofits such as Boys & Girls Clubs and Dog-Harmony, all vying for $8,500 in prizes. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you cast your vote for the People’s Choice on National Day of Giving and soak in the festive ambiance of this enchanting display, available to enjoy through Christmas.
Snowball Derby
Pensacola
Dec. 4–8
Hit the track at this annual high-speed, heart-racing showdown of stock cars, promising thrilling finishes and fierce competition from top-tier drivers.
Market Days
Tallahassee
Dec. 7–8
Discover over 300 artists showcasing their finest work, from stained glass to beautiful pieces of jewelry, with every purchase helping to shape a brighter future for the Tallahassee Museum’s mission to preserve local heritage.
Jingle at the Joe
Port Saint Joe
Dec. 12
Sip, bid and sway to Billboard top 25 saxophonist Chris Godber’s tunes with festive hors d’oeuvres from Keeper’s Bistro and a silent auction amid dazzling trees, all while supporting the local arts community.
Dickens on Centre
Amelia Island
Dec. 12–15
Step into a Victorian wonderland on Amelia Island. Enjoy carolers, festive characters and sweet treats as the charm of Christmas past comes to life on the historic streets of downtown Fernandina Beach.
Nights of Lights
St. Augustine
Now–Jan. 26
Nights of Lights bathes the Nation’s Oldest City in a festive glow, as millions of white lights illuminate historic streets, rooftops and landmarks in pure holiday magic.
Spirit In The Land
Jacksonville Beach
Now– Feb. 9
Step into “Spirit in the Land,” a world-class exhibit in which vibrant outdoor art celebrates the wild beauty of nature and its deep connection to humanity, now on display at Jacksonville’s Cummer Museum.
Central
Surfing Santas
Cocoa Beach
Dec. 24
Suit up and ride waves with more than 800 Santas on Christmas Eve or watch with 10,000 spectators on shore. Enjoy the Brevard Hawaiian Dancers, live music, vendors and support Grind for Life by helping raise funds for cancer paitents.
Orange Blossom Revue
Lake Wales
Dec 6–7
Sway in the shade of towering oaks and palmetto trees as blues, soul, folk and country music transport you to simpler times. Between sets from artists JJ Grey & Mofro, The War and Treaty and Robert Earl Keen, grab bites and brews from local food trucks and craft beer vendors.
Ybor Cigar Festival
Tampa
Dec. 8
Since 1994, Ybor City’s cigar fest has drawn aficionados to savor hand-rolled cigars, live music, artisanal bites and rare spirits—plus a few hidden speakeasy tickets for the daring.
Beyond the Surface: Capturing Meaning Through Portraiture
Winter Park
Dec. 10
Explore the stories behind “Portrait of Gaëtan Apolline Balthazar Vestris” (1781), “Portrait of a Berber Girl” (1893), and “Young Woman With Red Flowers” (1904) during a guided Spanish tour led by Curator Gisella Carbonell at the Rollins Museum of Art.
Now Snowing
Celebration
Now– Dec. 31
For 26 years, this charming city has turned holiday wishes into winter wonders with synthetic ice skating, carriage rides, photos with Santa and nightly snowfall—a cherished escape into seasonal enchantment.
ICE! Featuring Elf- Gaylord Palms
Kissimmee
Now– Jan. 4
Step into a winter wonderland with a scavenger hunt and a bar serving delicious icy drinks, then explore over two million pounds of ice with frozen slides, tunnels and a thrilling nine-degree chill.
christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com
South
Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival
Palm Beach
Dec. 12–15
Feast, sip and mingle at this year’s four-day fest, featuring dishes from 60-plus restaurants, multicourse dinners, over 100 top wineries and a thrilling chef competition with a star-studded lineup of celebrity judges.
Holiday in Paradise
West Palm Beach
Dec. 1-31
Catch the holiday spirit with Sandi, the world’s only 700-ton Christmas tree made entirely of sand. A nightly light show takes place from 6–10 p.m. throughout December.
Art Basel
Miami
Dec. 6–8
The global art scene converges on Miami Beach, where 238 remarkable exhibitors will showcase their works. Discover innovative galleries and immerse yourself in the dynamic celeb-studded atmosphere of exclusive parties and Miami’s thriving art culture at this world-class event.
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Fort Lauderdale
Dec. 14
Set sail into the magic of the holiday season with this annual 12-mile-long maritime procession. Watch as dazzling, decked-out boats light up the water, bringing holiday cheer to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Quintessentially We
Lake Worth Beach
Now–Jan. 18
Dive into culture, heritage and identity at Palm Beach’s latest artist exhibition. Curated by Wendy Arimah Berot of Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, this viewing brings personal stories to life in a dynamic celebration of what connects us all.
