2024 HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
2024 HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
As the 2024 holiday season draws near, Florida becomes a magical
destination filled with vibrant events, festive parades, and sparkling
light displays. From theme parks to coastal cities, the Sunshine State
offers something for everyone.
SOME OF FLORIDA'S MOST EXCITING HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS THIS YEAR
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT - ORLANDO
is renowned for its enchanting holiday celebrations, and 2024
promises to be no different. Magic Kingdom transforms into a winter
wonderland with holiday-themed parades, seasonal treats, and the
iconic "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party," where guests can enjoy exclusive shows, snow on Main Street, and a fireworks display that fills the night sky.
DAZZLING NIGHTS (SELECT NIGHTS, NOVEMBER 29, 2024–JANUARY 5, 2025)
This yearly event, presented by Creative City Project, is returning
for its fifth year and is more expansive and engaging than ever. The
family-friendly sparkling
Dazzling Nights
welcomes you to join them for an exciting, interactive Christmas
excursion, transforming the 50-acre
Harry P. Leu Gardens
in Orlando into a breathtaking winter wonderland with a million
sparkling lights, shimmering woodlands, spectacular displays, music,
and exquisite sculptures.
NIGHTS OF LIGHTS - ST. AUGUSTINE
St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, creates its winter
wonderland with the
Nights of Lights
celebration. Running from mid-November through January, this annual
event sees the city's historic district twinkling with millions of
tiny white lights adorning every street, building, and tree. You can
take in the mesmerizing lights by strolling through the city,
enjoying horse-drawn carriage rides, or even taking a boat tour along
the
Matanzas River
.
WINTER PARK CHRISTMAS EVENTS (DECEMBER 5–7 & 24, 2024)
For nearly 70 years, the
Winter Park Christmas Parade
(December 7) has brought Santa and Mrs. Claus to its posh namesake
city. It is the oldest continuous Christmas parade in Central Florida,
and a terrific way to see what else Winter Park has to offer.
Additionally, don't miss the enchanting city's yearly
tree lighting event
at Winter on the Avenue (December 6), which includes children's
choirs, a Chanukah menorah lighting celebration, strolling carolers,
Popcorn Flicks in the Park, The Bubble Bus, as well as, Santa and Mrs.
Claus.
HOLIDAY BOAT PARADES (VARIOUS DATES AND LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER)
are a holiday tradition you won't want to miss. Decked-out boats, from
small fishing vessels to luxury yachts, light up the night with
spectacular displays. Major parades include the North Palm Beach to
the
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Boat Parade
on December, 7, and the
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
in Fort Lauderdale on December 14. Each parade has its unique route,
festive decorations, and holiday cheer.
Click here
for a full list of Florida boat parades this holiday season.
PENSACOLA WINTERFEST (NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 24, 2024)
offers a cozy, festive atmosphere, perfect for anyone looking to
immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The downtown area is
transformed with lights and decorations, while the historic
Seville Square
hosts events and activities. Highlights include the
Polar Express Trolley
, where children (and adults) can experience a real-life re-creation
of the beloved Christmas tale. Carolers and performers bring holiday
cheer, and there are plenty of photo ops with Santa and his helpers.
ZOO LIGHTS – TAMPA (SELECT NIGHTS FROM NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 30,
2024)
lights up with an annual display known as "
Zoo Lights
." This event brings together festive light shows, animal encounters,
and special holiday-themed areas. From giant light displays to
animated, colorful installations, it's an enchanting experience for
kids and adults alike. Plus, visitors can enjoy holiday treats and
live entertainment while exploring the zoo at night.
CHRISTMAS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS - LAKE WALES (NOVEMBER 29, 2024 –
JANUARY 5, 2025)
in Lake Wales celebrates the season with
holiday carillon concerts
, festive decorations, and
holiday-themed events
. The gardens have beautiful decorations, and the iconic Bok Tower has
excellent illumination to create a stunning holiday ambiance. You can
also explore
Pinewood Estate
, a historic mansion on the property with elegant Christmas
decorations.
ICE! AT GAYLORD PALMS – KISSIMMEE (NOVEMBER 15, 2024 – JANUARY 5,
2025)
Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee
hosts
ICE!
, a winter wonderland sculpted from over two million pounds of ice.
With indoor ice slides, frozen sculptures, and holiday scenes, this
event is one of the most incredible attractions in Florida. Visitors
can stroll through various frosty displays while bundled up in
provided parkas, making it a refreshing break from the Florida heat.
ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS AT LEU GARDENS – ORLANDO (SELECT NIGHTS FROM
DECEMBER 1, 2024 – JANUARY 7, 2025)
transforms into an illuminated wonderland during the holiday season.
Enchanted Christmas at Leu Gardens
offers a nighttime stroll through the gardens, filled with sparkling
lights, holiday decorations, and themed displays. The serene and
magical atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for family outings and
date nights.
CLEAN CARS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: EL CAR WASH HOLIDAY SPECIAL OFFERS
The 2024 holiday season offers many events throughout Florida to keep you
busy. However, all the fun and excitement, and loads of driving, can
really take a toll on your vehicle.
El Car Wash
makes it easy to keep your car clean with our drive-thru express wash at
over 75 stores
throughout Florida. We offer a
Graphene X Plus Ceramic
premium car wash package for refined services and to achieve a sparkling
clean vehicle.
EL Car Wash
provides
unlimited wash plans
to help you to
Always Drive Clean
throughout the holidays. We are the Official Car Wash of
the Florida Panthers
!
are also a great idea for gift giving this season. In addition to having
the ability to wash your vehicle daily for less than $1 per day at
over 75 stores
throughout the state,
El Car Wash
offers unlimited wash members freebies, including vacuums, mat cleaners,
dash wipes, air fresheners, and glass cleaner. This is the best express car
wash with the most locations in Florida.
