Best Christmas Events in Florida for 2025

Florida might not have snow-covered streets or frosty windows, but when it comes to celebrating Christmas, the Sunshine State knows how to make the holidays shine. Florida’s celebrations combine tradition, creativity, and that unmistakable coastal flair. It’s not every day you see Santas surfing waves.

We know how overwhelming it can be to search through endless event calendars and travel blogs, so we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. After combing through the top-rated, most talked-about events, we’ve pulled together a list of the very best Christmas events in Florida for 2025. 

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it's  popular or worth knowing about. 

1. Nights of Lights – St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights isn’t just a local favorite—it’s consistently ranked among the best holiday light displays in the country. The historic streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and waterfront views become even more magical under the glow of more than three million white lights. 

• Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
  
• Address: 22 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084 (Historic Downtown)
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: visitstaugustine.com/event/nights-lights

2. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Walt Disney World

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Disney in full holiday mode, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the place to be. This after-hours event at Magic Kingdom features a Christmas parade, festive stage shows, fireworks, and special character experiences that you won’t see any other time of year. 

• Dates: Select nights, November 7 – December 21, 2025 (7pm–midnight)
  
• Address: Magic Kingdom, 1180 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: No (separate ticket required)
  
• Website: disneyworld.disney.go.com

3. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays & Candlelight Processional

EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is a global celebration of seasonal traditions. Guests can taste their way around the World Showcase with special holiday kitchens serving international favorites. The highlight is the Candlelight Processional, a powerful retelling of the Christmas story narrated by celebrities, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir. It’s one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Disney World.

• Dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025
  
• Address: EPCOT, 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32821
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: No (with park admission)
  
• Website: disneyworld.disney.go.com

4. LEGOLAND Florida Holidays

Families with younger children will love LEGOLAND’s holiday event, which brings the park to life with LEGO-themed decorations and holiday shows. Kids can join scavenger hunts, snap photos with LEGO Santa and his friends, and watch nightly performances tailored just for them. 

• Dates: December 2 – 31, 2025
  
• Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (with park admission)
  
• Website: https://www.legoland.com/florida/things-to-do/seasonal-events/holidays-at-legoland/

5. Delray Beach's 100-foot Christmas Tree & Holiday Village

Delray Beach is home to one of Florida’s best-known holiday traditions, the 100-foot Christmas tree - the tallest one in Florida. The city also hosts a Holiday Village that includes a holiday carousel, ice skating and more. 

TheChirstmas.com is proud to feature Delray Beach as an official holiday partners. Fore more information, visit our Delray Beach featured event page. 

• Dates: December 2, 2025, 6-9pm (100-foot Christmas tree lighting celebration)
  
• Address: 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (leashed)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: delraybeachfl.gov

6. European Holiday Market – Bradenton

The European Holiday Market brings a touch of Old World charm to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Think artisan booths selling handcrafted gifts, festive food and drink, and live performances in a cozy, indoor-outdoor setting. It’s the perfect spot to find unique holiday gifts while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

• Dates: December 4–7, 2025
  
• Address: Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Check event policy
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: europeanholidaymarket.com

7. Jacksonville’s Winter on the Water

Jacksonville celebrates Christmas in a big way, with multiple events under the Winter on the Water umbrella. Highlights include the “Deck the Chairs” display at Jacksonville Beach, where lifeguard chairs are transformed with lights and decorations, and the Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting downtown. 

• Dates: Late November – December 2025 (varies by event)
  
• Address: Jacksonville Beach and Downtown Jacksonville, FL
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Many free events
  
• Website: visitjacksonville.com/events/annual/winter-on-the-water

8. Haven Holiday Market – Winter Haven

This massive community holiday market is Central Florida’s largest, with more than 250 vendors offering crafts, gifts, and food. Live music fills the air, kids’ activities keep little ones busy, and the open-air setting makes it a relaxed and fun place to spend the day. With free admission and a pet-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great option for families looking for budget-friendly holiday fun.

• Dates: November 15, 2025 (10:00 am–4:00 pm)
  
• Address: Central Park, 469 W Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33881
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: havenholidaymarket.com

9. Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival – Freedom Factory

If you love over-the-top light displays, this drive-through experience is worth the trip. Families can enjoy custom light installations synchronized to music, a 50-foot Christmas tree, and a Christmas Village with rides, food, and vendors. The festival also includes Santa meet-and-greets, making it a one-stop holiday outing for families.

• Dates: December 5-7, 11-14, 17-27, 2025
  
• Address: Freedom Factory, 21050 SR64 E, Bradenton, FL 34212
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (in vehicles)
  
• Free: No ($25 per carload)
  
• Website: freedomfactoryusa.com/lightsfestival

10. City of Orlando Tree Lighting & Lake Eola Light Show

Orlando turns downtown into a holiday hub with its official tree lighting at Lake Eola Park. The massive Christmas tree features synchronized light and music shows throughout the season, while markets, live music, and snow weekends keep the festive atmosphere going. With free admission and plenty of family-friendly fun, it’s one of the best community events in Central Florida.

• Dates: Tree Lighting: December 6, 2025; Light/music shows run throughout the season
  
• Address: Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (on leash)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: https://www.downtownorlando.com/Fun/Things-to-Do/Downtown-for-the-Holidays

Celebrate Christmas in Florida Your Way

Whether you’re drawn to theme park spectacles, small-town charm, or quirky local traditions, Florida has a holiday event for everyone. From surfing Santas to centuries-old streets glowing with lights, these celebrations capture the spirit of the season in unforgettable ways.

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Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.