While Florida may be best known for its sun-filled summers and gorgeous beaches, there are plenty of other reasons to travel south for the winter. With fall and holiday events lining the coast, you’re sure to make picture perfect memories worthy of next year’s Christmas card. Read on to learn more about our favorite seasonal events and discover how the magic of the sunshine state heats up as the weather cools down.
The sweetest season kicks off at Sweet Season Farm in Milton, FL. Located a few miles east of Pensacola, this family-owned farm is home to classic fall festivities like a massive corn maze, hayride and pumpkin patch, and a few more unique activities like their tube slide, corn cannons, sunflower speedway and cow train. If you start feeling a little snackish after a long day of fall fun, we recommend their fresh kettle corn or boiled peanuts!
This iconic fall festival takes place on select dates from October 1st – November 6th, so mark it on your schedule now so you don’t miss your chance to visit the best pumpkin patch in the panhandle.
While Pensacola may not enjoy white winters, they’ve put their own spin on the tradition at Pensacola Winterfest. While the snow covering historic downtown may be artificial, the excitement is real — you’ll find locals and tourists alike chasing snowflakes as they sip on their second round of hot chocolate.
Attendees can bring their little ones to meet Santa, join the Polar Express Tour, or take part in a performance tour where you may spot a few of your favorite holiday characters. Make your plans now for this event that takes place on select dates from November 18th to December 24th.
Is your favorite part of the holiday season the twinkling lights that adorn every store front, light post and home to brighten up winter nights? Then you’ll want to check out the Night of Lights, a 26-year-old annual award-winning holiday lights display tradition that takes place in one of America’s most charming cities, St. Augustine.
For years, this impressive light display has drawn the attention of visitors from across the nation. With countless lights strung along the bayfront leading to a grand Christmas tree placed in the historic town plaza, this display is dazzling to say the least. Beyond the beauty of the lights, visitors can enjoy the annual Christmas parade, meet Santa or take a carriage ride along the 450-year-old brick streets.
If you’re looking for another opportunity to catch sight of snow in a warmer climate this holiday season, the Now Snowing event in Celebration is the place to be. Every night from November 24th – December 31st, you can stroll underneath the Florida flurries or enjoy the Charles Dickens Carolers, live performances, an ice rink, carriage rides and so much more!
On the morning before Christmas, visions of Surfing Santas cruise by in our heads as we ring in the holiday the only way we know how — at the beach. Hit the sand this season to experience the annual Surfing Santas event that thrills Cocoa Beach locals and visitors alike. Only in the sunshine state will you find hundreds of Santas will take on the waves to celebrate Christmas Eve and raise money for local charities.
There’s always a bit of magic that floats through the air during the holidays, especially when you visit Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami. As South Florida’s premier Christmas celebration, this event will make you want to sing a joyful chorus as you enjoy over 100 rides, animal encounters, interactive games, and endless adventures for the whole family to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking to bring your family to a magical light display or want to get lost in a corn maze with your favorite adventure buddies, the sunshine state has something for every travel whim. Start planning your trip through Florida’s premier seasonal events and ring in the season in style.
