While most of the country bundles up, Florida celebrates the season in its own sun-kissed way — with ice skating on rooftops, snow tubing down man-made slopes, and holiday lights that reflect across the water instead of snowbanks. Whether you crave a luxurious escape wrapped in five-star sparkle or the nostalgia of a simpler season, the state offers endless ways to embrace the spirit of the holidays.
In West Palm Beach, skaters glide across real ice as ocean breezes roll in from the Intracoastal. Up north, St. Augustine’s centuries-old streets glow beneath three million white lights. Down south, Miami turns up the heat with pop-up holiday bars, culinary classes, and even a full-scale Christmas theme park. Add in a historic mansion dressed in Victorian finery and a vintage train steaming through sugar-cane country, and you’ve got a statewide celebration as dazzling as it is diverse.
Here, ten experiences — from elegant to whimsical — that capture the wonder of a Florida holiday.
1. Stetson Mansion – DeLand
The Gilded-Age estate shimmers with old-world grandeur during its “Christmas Spectacular,” featuring more than 50 nativity scenes and a dozen lavishly themed rooms. Each year’s design is entirely new, ensuring returning guests see something fresh with every visit.
2. Sugar Express Holiday Train – Clewiston / Lake Placid
Journey through Florida’s sugar-cane country aboard a restored steam locomotive decked out for the season. Expect carols, cocoa, and countryside views that harken back to simpler times — a rare, nostalgic experience for families.
3. ICE! at the Gaylord Palms – Kissimmee
A brisk 9° F wonderland carved from two million pounds of ice. Walk through storybook-themed sculptures, zip down ice slides, and watch nightly snowfall — all without leaving Central Florida.
4. Waldorf Astoria Orlando – Nutcracker Suite & Holiday Dining
Orlando’s most refined retreat offers a Nutcracker-themed suite complete with bespoke décor and holiday turndown treats. Downstairs, chefs craft multi-course holiday menus paired with live jazz and champagne toasts.
5. The Ben Hotel – Winter Wonderland Rink – West Palm Beach
South Florida’s only outdoor real-ice skating rink glistens beneath the skyline. After skating, sip spiced martinis at Spruzzo, The Ben’s rooftop bar, surrounded by twinkling lights and palm-fringed views.
6. Real Food Academy – Holiday Cooking Classes – Miami
Perfect for food lovers, this hands-on culinary school turns festive cooking into an art form. From gingerbread to global holiday fare, guests learn, taste, and toast together in a lively kitchen atmosphere.
7. Nights of Lights – St. Augustine
The nation’s oldest city transforms into a glowing dreamscape with over three million white lights illuminating historic buildings, plazas, and waterfronts. See it by trolley, carriage, or sailboat — every view is pure magic.
8. Frosty’s Hideaway – InterContinental Miami
An alpine-themed pop-up bar tucked within a luxury hotel, Frosty’s blends après-ski chic with South Beach sparkle. Think crystal snowflakes, fur throws, and Peppermint Espresso Martinis under twinkling chandeliers.
9. Snowcat Ridge – Dade City
Florida’s only snow park brings a 60-foot-tall tubing hill, a chilled igloo dome for snow play, and a nightly lights-and-music show. It’s a taste of winter that’s pure exhilaration — no mittens required.
10. Santa’s Enchanted Forest – Miami-Doral
Part carnival, part Christmas extravaganza, this legendary holiday theme park features over 100 rides, shows, and millions of lights. From festive funnel cakes to fireworks, it’s Christmas turned up to eleven.
If You Go
Most events run mid-November through early January. Book early for ICE! at Gaylord Palms, The Ben’s Winter Wonderland, and the Sugar Express Holiday Train—they sell out quickly. From Palm Beach to St. Augustine, each offers its own magic, so plan ahead and make this holiday season unforgettable.