The Christmas period is an exceptional time in the state of Florida because the state is not known as the traditional winter Christmas wonderland. The season in Florida is one of the most exceptional times when you can explore the different areas of the state because everyone is in a Christmas mood.
During the Christmas period, the Floridians will gather together and enjoy local cuisine and drinks. There are picnics set up on the beach during this time and it is white sandy beaches that will take the place of the snowy mountains and icy terrains.
If you are planning on spending your holiday in California, then you should be aware of the common traditions in Florida. The Sunshine State is an ideal location for you to explore some of the most common Christmas traditions while enjoying the warm temperatures.
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Is Christmas a perfect time to visit Florida?
The winter period is one of the best times when you can visit the state of Florida because the weather in the region is amazing, and you will not have to worry about cold temperatures or snow.
The average temperature during this time of the year is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and it presents a perfect opportunity for you to see some of the pristine locations around the state. It is recommended that if you are going to visit Florida during the Christmas period then you should pack light clothes.
It is an ideal time to visit because there are no hurricanes, less rain, and lower humidity among other amazing features that make the place a perfect destination for you during Christmas.
Christmas traditions and customs in Florida
The state of Florida is a unique place for you to spend Christmas holidays. There are so many fun activities and traditions that you can enjoy during your travel to the area. Here are some of the common traditions that you will find in the state.
Surfing with Santas
This is an exceptional experience that you are going to try out during your trip to the state of Florida. Cocoa Beach is one of the places where you can enjoy some of the traditional sports and one of them is surfing. There are many costumed surfers during this season, and you will have the best experience when you surf with Santas in the region.
Further read: Best party beaches in Florida
The holiday-themed tropical swimsuits and Santa clothes are some of the features that you will get the best experience in the region. It is a perfect time for you to try some of the best activities and traditions in the state of Florida.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Each year hundreds of thousands of people flock to the area to celebrate their Christmas holiday in Florida. The Santa Enchanted Forest is a decade-old tradition. It is one of the world’s largest theme parks which offers hundreds of attractions, games, rides, and shows.
Here you can enjoy Christmas-themed games, and thrill rides among other fun activities. This park is decorated in a Christmas theme. The light show here is spectacular and is one of the highlights of your visit to the state of Florida because you can enjoy it with your family and friends.
The Town of Celebration
This is a town that is popular in the state of Florida because of its amazing features. It is a fabulous place for you to spend your Christmas vacation. There are various decorations, and street lighting among other unique features. The town is a fabulous place because you can interact with the people around as well as embrace the culture and traditions of the region.
Your celebrations are never complete in this region until you meet Santa. The Floridians enjoy their time in the region because there is so much hype during the Christmas period and you can join in the celebrations.
Nights of lights in St. Augustine
This is a major tradition in the state and during your travel to the region you are going to see some of the exceptional lights and a tradition that has been around for hundreds of years in the region. The 500-year-old city of St. Augustine is considered one of the most festive cities in America.
There are over three million lights that are on the streets, and apart from the seasonal tours, you can see some of the illuminated features that are outstanding. The city is a charming location, and you are going to have the best experience as you will meet individuals who want to enjoy the Christmas celebrations as well.
The Christmas displays in the area run from mid-November through December.
Pensacola Winterfest
This is located in the panhandle of Florida, and it is one of the top traditions that you can join during the Christmas period in Florida. During this time there are over half a million lights that are lit for display.
There is a trolley that will take you on a 2-mile-long route that features some of the historic streets such as Palafox Street and Seville Square. There are various interactive features in The Truly and these include Elvis, the Grinch, and Charlie Brown among others.
Busch’s Gardens Christmas town
This is an ideal spot that you should consider exploring during your travel to the state of Florida. During the Christmas period, everything turns magical in the area, and you are going to enjoy some of the most amazing features in the region. During this period, you will find snowfalls and other Christmas-themed features that make the Christmas celebrations in the state unique. There are horse-drawn carriages and ice here as well.
You will have an impeccable time during your trip to the area as you will get a true Christmas feeling. Here, people can enjoy a theme park experience with various unique features such as handmade gifts, sing-along trains, Christmas lighting, and amazing desserts.
Boat parades
There are hundreds of boats lit with Christmas lights and other enchanting features that light up the shores of the state, especially at night. It is a colorful event that you should participate in as it gives you a better view of this amazing state.
You are not limited to the boat parades; you can enjoy some watersports such as snorkeling and surfing during the day, and in the evening join the local people for the boat parades. There are various decorations that you will see in the area during the December holidays such as wreath decorations which will give you a true Christmas experience.
Mickeys have very merry Christmas parties
This has become a common phenomenon in the state of Florida as people flock to the region to join in these amazing Christmas parties that give them a different perspective of Christmas from the common traditions. The parties are known to take place on select nights from mid-November throughout December.
Further read: Dangerous animals in Florida
It is an ideal time for you to interact with the people in the region and understand their traditions. There are numerous attractions during this period, and you can find special drinks, foods, and other amazing features that you can enjoy in the region.
The Festival of Trees
The festival of trees is a unique tradition that you are going to enjoy during your travel to Florida. You are going to see some of the features that make the state of Florida an exceptional place to visit. The Orlando Museum of Art features dazzling trees and art, elegant décor, and fun vignettes among others.
Your eyes will glow in the beautiful features that are on display during the festive season. There are numerous decorations that are focused on the Christmas theme, and you will enjoy your experience during your visit to the area. If you are not going to explore the festival of trees or one of the Christmas tree farms in Florida, then you can cut your own Christmas tree and decorate it.
Christmas food and drinks in Florida
The state of Florida is a place where many cultures blend, hence you are going to find people from different parts of the world. During the holiday season, you can sample some of the unique dishes that are prepared during this time.
There are various Christmas dishes such as mousse, cakes, mickey-shaped gingerbread cookies, and cinnamon rolls.
You can also sample some of the Olaf-shaped hot cocoa bombs or reindeer-shaped chocolate pinatas. There are various drinks served during this period as well, and adults can try out the amazing drinks such as yule mule, and red-nosed margarita among other types of drinks.
Resort hopping
This is a common tradition for visitors who come to Florida because of the diverse shopping malls and resorts that usually offer larger-than-life displays during this period. You can see the grand Floridian resort and spa fourteen-foot-tall gingerbread house and the modern display of various Christmas decorations in the state among other features.
Not all the hotels in the region will require you to have an admission if you are visiting the Disney-themed Christmas trees. There is faux snow, and this is one of the best experiences that will give you the snow that you would get in Europe.
Christmas decorations in Florida
The state of Florida is a unique place because the Christmas decorations that you are going to see in the region are not the common Christmas trees. Here, you will find fresh pine-scented houses.
Depending on the region that you are visiting you will see full-on themed decorations such as sand and turquoise color schemes as well as seashells, starfish, and pepper trees. Trees are always an important part of the Christmas decorations and the trees in the area might include pineapple form as well.
Christmas dinner in Florida
The people in Florida usually try out other dishes that are not common in the region. Some people can opt for the regular Christmas roast in favor of some of the exceptional seafood dishes in the region.
Since citrus is in season during December you are going to find that the Floridians usually add citrus to their staples. The menu staples will include a roast turkey with lemon and orange.
Lime pie is a common theme, especially during dinner, and it is a perfect fit for you to try some of the unique dishes that you will find in the region.
Learn more about the Christmas traditions in the US:
