9 enchanting 2024 holiday events in Florida

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to plan for some of the most fun, spectacular events happening in the Sunshine State. 

Even in sunny Florida, where Santa doesn’t leave sleigh tracks in the snow, there’s a change one can feel as the holiday season approaches. A nip in the air, a festive atmosphere all around, and the anticipation that good times are coming to be shared with family and friends. 

In other words: Whether you say it in English, Spanish, or Creole, it’s time to celebrate, celebrar, selebre!

The good news is that the Sunshine State is one of the best places to commemorate treasured holiday traditions. For this reason, we have curated some of the best events around the state for a joyful, fun-filled celebration.

St. Augustine – Night of Lights

Nov. 23 through Jan. 26

The nation’s oldest city is known for its spectacular Nights of Lights, which National Geographic has listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world.

This magical event takes place in Downtown St. Augustine and features more than 3 million tiny white lights that glow from the sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions, and through approximately 20 city blocks in St. Augustine’s Historic District, creating a uniquely enchanting atmosphere you will remember for years to come.  

For more information, visit HERE. 

Jacksonville – Glowing Gardens

Nov. 29 through Dec. 29

For those who like to celebrate the beauty of nature during this special time of the year, Jacksonville’s Glowing Gardens allows visitors to explore breathtaking natural surroundings and gardens while enjoying a uniquely artistic experience. 

Held at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, this show is an extraordinary experience. It features lit art sculptures brought to life, including hummingbirds and bromeliads aglow! 

Visitors will be awed by the amazing hanging stars designed to resemble plants while an illuminated path that resembles a gentle, meandering stream guides them through the enchanted grounds. 

For more information, visit HERE.

Orlando – Christmas Parade

Dec. 7

Is there anything that says ‘holidays’ better than a joyful, colorful parade? At this special time of the year, the city of Orlando takes to the streets in festive parades lined with marching bands, dancers, costumed characters, and floats.

One of the most popular is the Annual 72nd Winter Park Christmas Parade, the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida, and there is a good reason why.

Each year, the parade travels down Park Avenue, featuring marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries, and, of course, ol’ Nick himself, clad in red! Even better, this fun-filled event for the whole family is totally free.

For more information, visit HERE.      

Miami – Christmas Wonderland

Nov. 14 through Jan. 5

With heart-stopping roller coasters, unlimited fun rides, dazzling light displays, and the largest traveling Ferris wheel in North America, Christmas Wonderland returns to Miami’s Tropical Park for its second year. 

This time, the traveling carnival will bring Floridians a Candyland-inspired spectacle with five million lights, giant lollipops, swirly twirly gumdrops, and six immersive installations. 

Of course, culinary pop-ups from local vendors add local flavor to the mix, with munchies for all tastes. A bonus? Parking is complimentary. 

For more information, visit HERE.                                                                                                  

Palm Beach – Chanukah celebration and Kwanzaa Dance & Drums Performance

Dec. 28 and 30

For those who want to share in the traditions of Chanukkah, or as it is also known, Hanukkah, the Palm Beach Synagogue at CityPlace will feature the lighting of the menorah to commemorate the Jewish holiday during which candles are lit on a menorah to celebrate the miracle of a one-day oil supply lasting eight. The free event will include fun holiday activities and treats, such as live music, face painting, menorah lighting, gelt, latkes, and donuts. 

For more information, visit HERE.

Also in West Palm Beach, visitors can Celebrate Kwanzaa—a joyful annual event that celebrates African heritage, unity, and culture—with a stunning performance from Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums. The family-friendly event explores the principles of Kwanzaa through live West African dancing and drumming, making for a fun, rich cultural experience. 

For more information, visit HERE. 

Jacksonville – Fireworks show

Dec. 31

When it comes to New Year’s Eve fireworks, this city holds the title. That’s because Downtown Jacksonville lights up like nowhere else in the Sunshine State to welcome the New Year.

For spectacular views of the light show, you’ll want to make your way down to the waterfront before midnight, as the fireworks to ring in 2025 begin at midnight and will be launched from a barge on the St. Johns River between the Hyatt and DoubleTree hotels, and high above the St. Johns River from the Acosta Bridge. Prepare to be awed!

For more information, visit HERE. 

Miami Beach – New Year’s Eve Celebration 

Dec. 31

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, you can say goodbye to 2024 and ring in 2025 with a Magic City-style celebration like no other in the Sunshine State.  

Orchestra Miami’s New Year’s Eve Celebration in Miami Beach is a free, family-friendly beachfront concert that blends Latin, jazz, and classical music in a unique display of holiday spirit. This year, it also features special guests Negroni’s Trio and Latin diva Marinel Cruz. 

All this leads up to a spectacular fireworks display at midnight that is sure to dazzle.

The City of Miami Beach sponsors the event, which starts at 8:00 p.m. and takes place on the beach between 21st and 22nd Streets.

For more information, visit HERE. 

Tampa – Celebrate Sinatra New Year’s Eve

Dec. 31

And now, for something completely different: a trip to the past courtesy of the Celebrate Sinatra 26th Annual New Year’s Eve event. The 1950s formal nightclub social has been held every year since Frank Sinatra’s passing in 1998.

For those who love romance and a bit of the glamor of years past, this black tie optional night club party dedicated to old blue eyes features great American standards performed by a full big band orchestra with male and female vocalists.

The event features dancing to a big band orchestra from 9 pm until midnight, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, casino gaming tables, and an open bar. Attendees must be 21 years old or older. 

For more information, visit HERE.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.