Things To Do On Christmas Day In Florida
One December 25th, I found myself barefoot on Siesta Key, holding a plastic cup of eggnog that was mostly melted ice. A guy in a Santa hat paddled by on a paddleboard, yelling...
One December 25th, I found myself barefoot on Siesta Key, holding a plastic cup of eggnog that was mostly melted ice. A guy in a Santa hat paddled by on a paddleboard, yelling "Merry Christmas!" to a pelican. That's when I realized Florida doesn't do Christmas the way the greeting cards promised.
If you're used to frosty windows and chestnuts roasting, Florida's holiday season can feel like a cosmic joke. But that's the beauty of it — you trade snow boots for flip-flops and still find plenty of cheer. Here are some genuinely fun things to do on Christmas Day in Florida.
Hit the Beach (Yes, Really)
Christmas on the sand sounds absurd until you're doing it. Pack a cooler with sandwiches, sunscreen, and maybe a thermos of hot cocoa for irony. Just don't forget that Florida "winter" can still fry your shoulders.
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South Beach and Clearwater tend to draw crowds, but quieter spots like Lovers Key State Park or Honeymoon Island feel almost sacred on December 25. You might see families building sandmen instead of snowmen. And yes, someone will inevitably be in a Santa suit, sweating through it.
Watch a Surfing Santa
Cocoa Beach and Flagler Beach often host informal Santa surfs on Christmas morning. It's less organized parade, more "hey, let's paddle out in red hats." The sight of a bearded guy wiping out while yelling "Ho ho ho" is a gift in itself.
Theme Parks and Attractions
Orlando's big parks — Disney, Universal, SeaWorld — are open on Christmas, and they go all out with decorations. Expect massive crowds, sky-high prices, and a weirdly magical exhaustion. If you go, arrive early and make a reservation for dinner weeks in advance.
Smaller attractions can be just as charming. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm or Gatorland offer a distinctly Florida twist on holiday fun. Where else can you wish a reptile a merry Christmas?
Boat Parades and Light Displays
Many coastal towns hold boat parades on Christmas night. Fort Lauderdale's Winterfest and Tampa's Holiday Lighted Boat Parade are famous, but even small marinas get in on the action. Grab a blanket, find a dock, and watch floating Christmas trees drift by.
Tampa Area Christmas Lights
If you prefer dry land, drive through neighborhood light displays. Plantation's Holiday Fantasy of Lights and St. Augustine's Nights of Lights are spectacular. The latter uses millions of white lights, and it feels like walking inside a snow globe — minus the snow, obviously.
Eat, Drink, and Be Sweaty
Christmas dinner in Florida often means seafood instead of ham. Stone crab claws, grilled mahi, and key lime pie make a strong case for ditching tradition. Sorry, Aunt Carol, but fresh oysters beat green bean casserole.
Many restaurants stay open, especially in tourist areas. Chinese food and movie theaters are a classic Jewish Christmas combo, and Florida does that beautifully. But you can also grill burgers in your backyard while wearing shorts.
It's weird. It's wonderful. And it beats scraping ice off a windshield.
Make It a Picnic
Pack a basket and head to a park. Myakka River State Park, Oleta River State Park, or any local green space works. Bring a football, a frisbee, and zero expectations.
The lack of snow means you can actually enjoy being outside without losing feeling in your fingers. Just watch for fire ants and overly friendly squirrels. They don't take Christmas off.
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Volunteer or Give Back
If you're away from family or just want meaning beyond leftovers, volunteer. Soup kitchens, animal shelters, and beach cleanups often need extra hands on Christmas. It's a cliché because it works — helping others makes the day feel less commercial.
You can also visit a nursing home or hospital. Sing carols, hand out cards, or just chat. Florida has a large retired population, and many folks would love a visitor.
Warning: you might leave with a new grandma. She'll probably feed you cookies.
Embrace the Absurdity
The best thing to do on Christmas in Florida is to stop comparing it to a Norman Rockwell painting. Build a sandcastle. Wear reindeer antlers with a tank top.
Eat tamales on the beach. Christmas doesn't require cold weather; it requires a little bit of joy and a willingness to laugh at yourself. That's the real Florida holiday spirit.
So whether you're paddleboarding with Santa or watching lights reflect on a canal, Florida offers a holiday that's sunny, strange, and surprisingly heartfelt. Just remember the sunscreen. And maybe a poncho, because it can still rain in December.
