Florida Christmas holidays

Christmas traditions in Florida

As you might expect, Christmas in Florida can be very special. Despite the obvious benefits of swapping snow for sand and grey skies for sunshine, there are many other Floridian traditions that will add real sparkle to your festive holiday. While Floridians love Christmas traditions like decorated trees and special dinners, they like to add their own twist. Expect to see brightly coloured trees decorated with seashells and starfish, or head to Jacksonville, where bright red lifeguard chairs are illuminated with seasonal lights and displayed throughout December to raise money for local charities. Similarly, the traditional Christmas roast is often replaced by fresh or spiced seafood platters with plenty of locally sourced citrus juices. Want to start the festivities a little early? Head to Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve morning to see hundreds of surfing Santas in what has become a tradition attracting thousands of visitors. Or escape to West Palm Beach to gaze at a 35ft fully decorated tree shaped like a sandcastle! Why not make a trip to the town of Christmas and send a few cards back home with the special postmark? Imagine the delight of your recipients when they see that unique postmark on their cards! If you fancy a traditional Christmas you have a couple of options. Try Fernandina, transformed into a Victorian English village in the style of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Or head to Naples for a taste of winter wonderland, where tons of real snow are created by crushing thousands of blocks of ice.

Best hotels to celebrate Christmas in Florida

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Nestled just over two miles from Orlando's Sea World adventure park, the hotel offers an incredible experience with a host of attractions, from a pampering spa to an 18-hole championship golf course. Guests will immerse themselves in luxury with sophisticated marble-clad suites and a wide choice of restaurants to suit all tastes. During the Christmas period, this festive little retreat is the place to be: in December, from Friday to Sunday, children can take a tour of the hotel aboard the Grande Lakes Express, watching the lights and luminaries illuminate the lake and the Christmas trees, with merry carol singers along the way. Don't forget to capture those memories and take a photo at the Festive Gazebo, where you can quench your thirst with hot chocolates, mulled cider, coffee or exclusive festive cocktails.

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney welcomes the Christmas season with a host of festivities for families and couples. Located in Disney's Grand Park, holidaymakers can savour the magic of Christmas, meet some of Disney's greatest characters, enjoy thrilling rides and indulge in festive feasts. Guests can dine at the Michelin-starred Capa Steakhouse, which offers succulent meats and Christmas specialities, or grab a bite to eat at the Ravello Christmas buffet on Christmas Day. One of the Four Seasons' merry traditions is the Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and friends at Ravello every Thursday, Saturday and some Tuesdays in December.