Is December a good month to visit Florida?

Yes. Expect mild days, cooler evenings, and a heavy calendar of holiday events statewide. Crowds rise near Christmas week, so book early.

Which Florida city has the biggest December events?

Miami hosts Art Basel and huge New Year’s celebrations. Orlando theme parks deliver the most immersive holiday experiences. Tampa Bay and St. Augustine shine with waterfront and historic light displays.

Do theme park holiday nights sell out?

They often do. Secure dated tickets for premium events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as early as possible.

How far ahead should I book hotels in December?

Aim for 6–10 weeks in advance. Rates jump for stays between December 23–31.

Florida in December 2025: The Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Why December in Florida just works

Here’s the thing: Florida in December is comfortable. Humidity backs off. Daytime is light and breezy. Evenings call for a light layer. You can walk theme parks without melting and sit by the water without swatting bugs every ten seconds. The event calendar wakes up too—parades, festivals, concerts, bowl games, fireworks, and themed nights everywhere.

Good to know:

Crowds build from mid-month and peak around December 24–31.
Premium holiday nights at parks sell out. Don’t “wait and see.”
Coastal towns book fast on weekends; midweek is cheaper and quieter.

Holiday lights reflecting on a Florida waterfront promenade at night — Waterfront lights and outdoor dining are a December staple across the state.

Orlando: holiday magic at the theme parks Family favorite

Orlando goes all in on December. If you’re coming for that holiday feeling, this is the capital.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)

Parade floats, snowfall on Main Street, fireworks, stage shows, and exclusive treats. It’s classic Disney with a holiday filter. Tickets are limited and dated.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

A world tour of traditions, music, and seasonal bites. If you travel with your taste buds, this is your park.

Universal Orlando Holiday Celebration

The Wizarding World turns cinematic at night with castle projections and hot Butterbeer. Grinchmas brings character shows and photo ops. It’s lively without being overbearing.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration

Big trees, waterfront stages, and an ice-skating show that’s better than you’d expect. Shorter lines, solid value, easy for families.

Park strategy:

Buy dated event tickets first, then build your park days around them.
Arrive 60–90 minutes before showtimes for prime viewing.
Mobile order food during parades and shows to skip lines.

Miami: art, culture, and loud celebrations

Miami doesn’t do quiet holidays. The city blends galleries, music, and late nights with beach weather that makes you forget winter even exists.

Art Basel Miami Beach

The heavyweight. Museum-grade exhibitions, pop-ups across the city, live murals, design fairs, and after-hours parties. Wynwood, Miami Beach, and the Design District stay busy all week.

Wynwood holiday markets and night events

Street art everywhere, indie vendors, DJs, and craft cocktails. Easy to pair with afternoon beach time and an evening gallery crawl.

Miami Beach New Year’s Eve fireworks

Free, open, and right on the sand. Get there early, bring a blanket, and let the night do the rest.

Wynwood walls glowing at night with crowds during a December market — Wynwood turns into an open-air gallery with music, food trucks, and late-night energy.

Local move: Book dinner in advance for Basel week and NYE. Rideshare prices surge late night—Metrorail and free trolleys can help, or stay walkable to your plans.

Tampa Bay: waterfront lights and easy nights

Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular

The Riverwalk lights up with installations, performers, and seasonal menus. It’s relaxed and walkable with plenty of spots to sit and watch the water.

St. Petersburg Holiday Boat Parade

Locals decorate their boats and drift through the bay glowing like floating trees. Bring a camera and something warm to sip.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

Coasters by day, a full holiday village by night. Good balance if you want thrills and lights without Orlando prices.

Holiday boat parade in St. Petersburg with decorated boats and crowds on the pier — Boat parades are a Gulf Coast signature all month long.

Parking heads-up: Weekend nights near the Riverwalk and St. Pete Pier fill fast. Park once, do dinner, lights, and dessert on foot.

Key West: island traditions with character

Schooner Wharf Holiday Boat Parade

Live music, neon-lit sails, and crowds that cheer like it’s a hometown game. It’s festive without losing that laid-back Keys attitude.

New Year’s Eve drops

Only in Key West: the Conch Shell drop, the drag queen in a giant heel, or a pirate ship scene depending on the venue. It’s eccentric, cheerful, and unforgettable.

Plan it: Lodging on the island spikes late December. Book early or base in Marathon/Big Pine and drive down for the show.

Florida’s best beach towns in December

Naples

Calm beaches, Gulf sunsets, and festive Third Street South lights. Great for couples and slower days.

Clearwater Beach

Family-friendly boardwalk, sugar sand, and nightly pier entertainment. Sunsets feel like an event of their own.

Siesta Key

That soft, white sand lives up to the reputation. Evenings glow. Mornings are quiet and stunning.

Fort Lauderdale

Beach meets city. Plenty of dining and nightlife, plus easy day trips to Miami or Palm Beach.

Destin

Emerald water and a small-town pace. Cooler than South Florida, but still a beautiful December escape.

Pastel sunset over Siesta Key beach with people walking the shoreline — December sunsets along the Gulf Coast are ridiculous in the best way.

Sports and concerts in December 2025

Schedules shift year to year, but December in Florida usually means:

College football bowl games in Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.
NBA: Miami Heat and Orlando Magic home stands.
NFL: Dolphins, Jaguars, and Buccaneers closing the regular season.
Latin and international tours routing through Miami/Orlando arenas.

Seat selection: For concerts and hoops, upper sideline beats end-zone nosebleeds. For bowls, pick shade for afternoon kickoffs.

Small-town Florida that shines in December

Mount Dora

Downtown turns storybook with lights and window displays. Slip into cafes, stroll the lakefront, and take it slow.

St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights

Historic streets wrapped in millions of tiny bulbs. Simple, beautiful, and worth the detour.

Cedar Key winter weekends

Seafood shacks, local crafts, and quiet Gulf views. If you want to disappear for a day, go here.

Plan December the smart way

Category	Tip
Flights	Book 6–10 weeks ahead; avoid Friday night arrivals if you can.
Hotels	Rates jump December 23–31. Consider Sunday–Thursday for value.
Driving	I-4 near Orlando backs up on weekends. Keep flexibility in your schedule.
Theme parks	Buy dated event tickets early. Use mobile order and arrive before rope drop.
Beaches	Sunrise is quiet and photogenic. Evenings bring street music and markets.
Dining	Reserve during Art Basel week and NYE. Walk-ins are risky late.
Packing	Shorts for day, light layer for night. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable.

Planning a route? Jump to the top and pick your shortlist, then lock in tickets and rooms before mid-December.

Quick answers

Is December busy in Florida?

Early December is manageable. Crowds ramp up fast from the week before Christmas through New Year’s.

Where should I base myself?

For parks, stay near International Drive or on-site to save time. For Miami/Art Basel, stay walkable to your plans. For boat parades, pick a waterfront hotel or park once and stroll.

Is it beach weather?

South Florida usually is. Central and North Florida can be cooler, but afternoons are often pleasant and sunny.

Do I need a car?

For Orlando and Gulf Coast towns, a car helps. In Miami Beach and downtown St. Pete, you can go lighter with rideshare and walking.

Author: Sunil Shrestha • Last updated: November 7, 2025