12 Things To Do In Florida That You Have To Add To Your Winter Bucket List
Winter generally doesn't really feel like "winter" in Florida, and that can really put a damper on your holiday spirit; thankfully the Sunshine State makes up for the lack of seasonal sensations with plenty of Florida things to do in December that will ring in that holiday cheer.
Get ready for a list full of holly, jolly, merry, & bright enchantment — you just may find a little bit of snow this season in the Sunshine State even.
Magic Of Lights Daytona
Price: Tickets start at $17 per vehicle
When: November 22nd - January 1st from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly.
Address: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Why You Need To Go: You can drive through a tunnel of lights at Daytona International Speedway. An affordable way to get your holiday light fix, and without having to ever leave your vehicle.
Go To Frosty's Christmas Time Lounge
Price: 💸💸Address: 50 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Why You Need To Go: Get that holiday feel at a Christmas themed bar! Enjoy a Frosty (what they call a cold cocktail), as well as music, lights, and snow indoors. You can also book a cute holiday party here. They're open year-round if you need a little Christmas cheer later in the year.
Christmas at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Price: $115 for one day pass
When: November 16th, 2019 - January 5th, 2020
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate the way only wizards can; wander through the decorated streets of Potterville & enjoy yourself a holiday butterbeer during your witchy & wizardly shenanigans. Accio Christmas!
19th Annual Holiday Lights In The Garden
Price: FREE — a $5 donation is suggested, but not required
When: Friday, Nov. 29, 2019 through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. It will be open every evening between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.Standard park hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Address: 12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy the beauty and magic of holiday lights in the garden as you wander its winding paths entirely free - a $5 donation is suggested to help keep the gardens beautiful. Pet-friendly if you want to bring Fido along, with hot chocolate and other cozy Christmas treats available for purchase.
Christmas Town - Busch Gardens Tampa
Price: Included with a park admission ticket.
When: Nov. 16th, 2019 through Jan 06th, 2020.
Address: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Why You Need To Go: Walk through a sea of more than a million lights at Busch Gardens. It will really start to feel like the holidays at their Christmas Town, where you can ride the parks decked out Christmas trains, shop for gifts, sing with carolers, and indulge in cozy holiday-themed snacks & drinks. Tons of shows and experiences just in time for the season.
Grinchmas Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando
Price: $115 for a day pass
When: Nov. 17–24 2019; Dec. 15, 2019-Jan. 1 2020.
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate the holidays in Whoville with The Grinch himself!
Bumper Cars On Ice
Price: $30 per adult ticket
When: May 2020
Address: TBA — Orlando
Why You Need To Go: Okay, so this may not be in the winter, but will give you those wintery vibes. Unique to the area, you can drive around in bumper cars all lit up with neon lights on ice all while sipping booze from their winter wonderland themed bar to DJ'd tunes.
Light Up UCF
Price: Free admission
When: November 17 through December 31
Address: 12777 Gemini Blvd N, Orlando, FL 32816
Why You Need To Go: A free to attend winter wonderland! Admire the lights, ice skate, ride rides, and grab a bite to eat. The ultimate Christmasy date night spot on the cheap.
Christmas Festivities At Gaylord Palms Convention Center
Price: $50-125 per adult ticket, bundled package deal depending. All ticket packages, season passes, and single ticket event experiences & price points can be viewed here.
When: November 25th through January 5th, 2020
Address: 6000 W. Osceola Pkwy. Kissimmee, FL 34746
Why You Need To Go: A chance to experience the wonder of winter in the Sunshine State. Go snow tubing, slip down ice slides, view over 2 million Christmas lights, ice sculptures and decor for cute holiday photo ops, holiday dining experiences, Naughty & Nice escape room, The Polar Express experience & more. They even have a hidden indoor jungle oasis that will be decked out for the holidays.
Now Snowing Nightly In Celebration
Price: Free entry and free parking
When: December nights, beginning at 6 p.m.
Address: Market Street, Celebration, FL 34747
Why You Need To Go: Head to Celebration for a snowy white Christmas this December in Florida, a magical experience that's totally free. A huge Christmas tree and lights will also be on display.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
Price: $94-104 per adult ticket depending on which day you go; separate admission to Disney's Magic Kingdom also required.
When: Select evenings throughout November & December.
Address: 1180 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Why You Need To Go: Explore Disney illuminated in lights, truly making it feel like the most magical place on earth. A Christmas themed parade, activities, and festivities will take place all across The Magic Kingdom
Christmas Light Maze & Ice Skating At Enchant St. Pete
Price: $19.99-32.99 per adult general admission ticket depending on what day you decide to go.VIP access is $74.99-84.99, & a season pass to hit up all days of the event is $70.99 per adult ticket.You can view children & senior prices and book your ticket date & timeslot online here.
When: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Nov. 22 - Dec. 29th, 2019.Enchant Christmas will be closed November 25-28 and December 2 and 9.
Address: Tropicana Field — 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Why You Need To Go: Wander the world's largest maze of twinkling Christmas lights, a Christmas market village, ice skating trails, craft your own Christmas Ornament (or make one as an adorable gift), hot chocolate, food, and music as snow gently sprinkles all around you. A magical Christmas wonderland we didn't know we needed.
Nobody ever said we had to accept the lack of snow as a defeat to the winter season & holiday spirit in Florida. Get out there and make memories with your friends & family.
Those holiday vibes always bring an air of romance with them, something that Hallmark Movies really nail. If you're looking for places to sweep your boo of their feet this winter, check out these romantic spots in Miami & Orlando that will make you feel like you're in a Hallmark Movie.
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