Florida, the Sunshine State, is a popular tourist destination known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities. December is a great time to visit Florida, with mild winter weather and a plethora of exciting events and activities to enjoy. From festive holiday celebrations to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Florida during December.
Why Visit Florida in December?
December is an excellent time to visit Florida for several reasons. The weather is mild, with average highs in the mid-70s to low 80s (°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking. Additionally, the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months, which means shorter lines and more affordable accommodations.
Best Places to Visit in Florida in December
In this article, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Florida during December. From theme parks to national parks, and from beach towns to vibrant cities, we’ll cover the top destinations that offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or family-friendly fun, we’ve got you covered.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Florida in December
In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the top 5 places to visit in Florida during December. From Disney World to the Everglades, and from Key West to St. Augustine, we’ll explore the best destinations that offer a unique and exciting experience during the holiday season.
Best Place To Visit In Florida In December
Florida is a popular tourist destination, and December is a great time to visit, with mild winter weather and plenty of festive events and activities. From theme parks to beaches, and from nature reserves to vibrant cities, Florida has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit in Florida in December:
Orlando
Orlando is a must-visit destination in Florida, especially during the holiday season. The city is home to several world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. These parks offer special events and decorations during December, making them a great place to visit with family or friends.
• Disney World’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This annual event takes place at the Magic Kingdom and features festive decorations, holiday-themed attractions, and special character meet-and-greets.
• Universal Orlando’s Holiday Celebration: The Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure parks are transformed into winter wonderlands, with decorations, live music, and special events.
• SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: This event features festive decorations, holiday-themed shows, and special character appearances.
Miami
Miami is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, and December is a great time to visit. The city hosts several festivals and events during the month, including: (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Zambales)
• Miami Beach Christmas Festival: This annual event takes place on Miami Beach and features live music, food, and drinks, as well as a holiday market and children’s activities.
• Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker: This classic holiday ballet is performed at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
• Art Basel Miami Beach: This international art fair takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center and features works by some of the world’s top artists.
Key West
Key West is a charming island at the southernmost tip of Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back atmosphere. December is a great time to visit, with mild weather and plenty of holiday events:
• Key West Holiday Parade: This annual parade takes place on Duval Street and features festive floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus.
• Key West Christmas Festival: This event features live music, food, and drinks, as well as a holiday market and children’s activities.
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This historic house museum is decorated for the holidays and offers special tours and events during December.
Nature Reserves
Florida is home to several beautiful nature reserves, including:
• Everglades National Park: This vast wetland ecosystem is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Oaxaca)
• Blue Spring State Park: This park is located near Orange City and features a natural spring that is home to a large population of manatees.
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: This park is located in Key Largo and features a coral reef that is home to a wide variety of marine life.
Table: Best Places to Visit in Florida in December
| Place | Event/Activity | Description |
| — | — | — |
| Orlando | Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party | Special event at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom |
| Orlando | Universal Orlando’s Holiday Celebration | Festive decorations and special events at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure |
| Orlando | SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration | Festive decorations and special events at SeaWorld |
| Miami | Miami Beach Christmas Festival | Live music, food, and drinks, as well as a holiday market and children’s activities |
| Miami | Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker | Classic holiday ballet performed at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts |
| Miami | Art Basel Miami Beach | International art fair featuring works by top artists |
| Key West | Key West Holiday Parade | Festive floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus |
| Key West | Key West Christmas Festival | Live music, food, and drinks, as well as a holiday market and children’s activities |
| Key West | Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | Decorated for the holidays and offering special tours and events |
| Nature Reserves | Everglades National Park | Home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and numerous bird species |
| Nature Reserves | Blue Spring State Park | Natural spring home to a large population of manatees |
| Nature Reserves | John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Coral reef home to a wide variety of marine life |
Florida is a great place to visit in December, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in theme parks, nature reserves, or vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State.
As we wrap up our article on the best places to visit in Florida in December, it’s clear that the Sunshine State has something for everyone during the holiday season.
We explored the top destinations in Florida that are perfect for a December getaway, from the vibrant city of Miami to the tranquil beaches of the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re looking for a festive atmosphere, outdoor adventures, or simply a relaxing escape from the cold, Florida has it all.
From the stunning light displays at the Kennedy Space Center to the festive events and parades in Key West, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in Florida. And with average temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors without the scorching summer heat.
In conclusion, Florida is an ideal destination for a December vacation, offering a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and holiday magic. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State during the holiday season.
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the best of Florida in December! (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Yokohama)
Here are five FAQs related to the best place to visit in Florida in December:
Best Place To Visit In Florida In December FAQs
What is the best place to visit in Florida in December for a beach vacation?
Key West is a great destination for a beach vacation in December. The weather is warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-70s, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The island also hosts several festivals and events during the month, including the Key West Lobsterfest and the Fantasy Fest.
What are some popular theme parks to visit in Florida in December?
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are all great theme parks to visit in Florida in December. The parks are decorated for the holiday season, and there are special events and festivities, such as the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Additionally, the weather is mild, making it a great time to visit the parks.
What are some romantic getaways in Florida in December?
St. Augustine is a romantic destination in Florida that’s perfect for a December getaway. The city is filled with historic charm, and the weather is mild, making it ideal for a romantic stroll along the waterfront or a horse-drawn carriage ride. You can also visit the famous St. Augustine Lighthouse and take a sunset cruise.
What are some outdoor activities to do in Florida in December?
Florida has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in December, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. The weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring the great outdoors. You can also visit the Everglades National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
What are some budget-friendly options for visiting Florida in December?
If you’re on a budget, consider visiting Florida’s state parks, which offer affordable camping and recreational activities. You can also look for package deals and discounts on accommodations and theme park tickets. Additionally, consider visiting during the week instead of on weekends, when prices tend to be higher.