The following information has been compiled by the staff at Florida Travel & Life.
Here are our top picks for the best things to do, events and festivals from Key West to Orlando to St. Augustine that are sure to bring out your holiday cheer.
1. Pensacola Winterfest
Pensacola
November 23 – December 24, 2018
A little bit of snow, a lot of hot chocolate and an abundance of Christmas cheer make this the Panhandle’s Christmas stop for the month. Don’t miss the Polar Express, the laughable Elf Parade or the Snowball Derby.
2. ICE! At Gaylord Palms
Lake Buena Vista, November 16, 2018 – January 6, 2019
With over 20,000 square feet of hand-carved ice sculptures and two-story tall ice slides, you won’t even notice the 9-degree temperature inside this winter wonderland. (Don’t worry — coats and gloves are provided). This year’s theme is a tribute to beloved holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas.
3. Annual Key West Holiday Fest
Key West, November 21 – December 31, 2018
Celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus himself at Key West’s Holiday Fest! Grab a glass of eggnog and tour historic inns, be a part of the two holiday parades (on and off the water), and and visit the harbor of lights
4.64th Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade
December 1, 2018
Don’t miss the Nights of Lightscelebration (pictured), the annual Christmas parade weaves up and down the streets of the historic city, starting at 10 a.m. Picture time with Santa himself follows in the Plaza de la Constitucion.
5. Light Up UCF
November 16, 2018 – January 1, 2019
University of Central Florida’s CFE Arena gets into the Christmas spirit with free holiday light shows, film festivals and Orlando’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink. Light Up UCF is offering all the favorite rides and attractions, including the Winter Whirl!
