People often think that living in Florida means there’s no real Christmas spirit, just decorated palm trees and beach trips all day. You step into a Florida gift shop, and you might spot an ornament of Santa Claus in swimwear or even a flamingo Christmas tree.
But what many fail to mention is that Florida is much more than that. We have beautiful historical landmarks, gorgeous architecture, and cozy coffee shops with Christmas drinks.
Sure, we have the fake snow and wear boots when it’s 70 degrees out, but don’t let that fool you. Christmas in Florida can be quite spectacular if you know where to go!
If you find yourself in Central Florida this holiday season, these are the 15 Florida day trips you should do this Christmas.
15 Central Florida Day Trips You Should Do This Christmas
When it comes to Christmas day trips, I always look for places that look as if they came out of a Hallmark movie. I want the cozy coffee shops, the cobblestone streets, the brick buildings, and the gorgeous Christmas tree. Luckily for me, I live in a spot that takes me to several of these wonderful cities that are known for having the best Christmas decorations, events, and feel different than the beach Santa Clauses and palm trees.
1) Mount Dora
Christmas in Mount Dora is magical. If you’re looking for a Hallmark town, then check out downtown Mount Dora. Aside from quaint shops, cozy coffee shops, and unique restaurants, Mount Dora is a must during the holidays. The streets are decorated with wreaths, ornaments, and lights, and the tall nutcrackers stand near the beautiful Christmas tree. Everything about Mount Dora feels like I’m in a Hallmark movie, and they do have holiday events great for the whole family.
Mount Dora also has Freebee as a service, offering free rides for visitors around the downtown area during the weekends, and there is also the Mount Dora Transit and Tours, which offers tours around the area for $20-$25, depending on the tour you choose.
2) St. Augustine
If you haven’t been to Nights of Lights, you are missing out! St. Augustine does get overpopulated during the holiday season, but that’s because it’s just that magical. During the day, you’re surrounded by beautiful architecture, historical landmarks, and gorgeous Christmas decorations. At night, the whole city lights up during Nights of Lights. It’s the most spectacular thing I’ve ever seen, and it’s even better when you do one of the tours.
I’ve been to this lovely city many times, and while it’s great any time, the best time is Christmas time.
3) Clermont
Clermont is a gorgeous city to visit. Here you’ll see fields, cows, and feel as though you’ve entered the countryside of Central Florida. While there are plenty of things to do in Clermont, downtown Clermont is the spot to visit if you’re looking for all the holiday fun.
With painted Christmas windows and wreaths decorating every lamp post, downtown Clermont has slowly grown throughout the years. There are even more shops and food spots than in previous years, and they also have a great list of holiday events, great for the whole family.
4) Winter Park
Cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and sidewalk cafes, Winter Park has a very European ambiance. It’s actually one of my favorite places to explore. Downtown Winter Park is very walkable with many different cafes, shops, and restaurants along the way. But that’s not all, if you make your way to Hannibal Square, you’ll find even more restaurants and shops.
During the holidays, this spot gets even better with all the beautiful holiday decorations, lights, and events. It’s also fun to check out all the holiday goods the cafes come up with!
5) Winter Garden
The historic downtown of Winter Garden knows how to celebrate the holidays! From mazes to light shows, Winter Garden does a great job of immersing people in their holiday experiences.
From museums to unique shops, you’ll find plenty to do in Winter Garden.
6) Sanford
This may be a smaller downtown compared to Winter Garden, but it is quite wonderful! Here you’ll find a German market, an indie bookstore full of surprises, a free trolley that takes you around downtown, and more!
During the holidays, this spot turns into another Christmas hallmark with parades, events, and cute Christmas decorations.
My favorite is visiting the German Market during the holidays and peeking at all their German Christmas chocolates and surprises. And when the weather is cold enough, you can get hot chocolate from the market and stroll through Sanford.
7) DeLand
I took a trip to DeLand during the holidays last year, and I was so impressed with their decor. They had big ornament balls decorating the streets, wreaths, and lights were hung around the downtown area, and the shops were so lively!
I’ve been to DeLand during a time when nothing seemed to be open, but this spot has since improved and is now a great spot to visit. They also have shops and restaurants to check out, as well as a museum.
8) Lake Wales
Lake Wales does have a Main Street with some shops, and while they may decorate for the holidays, I recommend visiting the Bok Tower Gardens instead.
This place comes to life during the holidays. Don’t get me wrong, Bok Tower Gardens is great all year round, but it’s even more magical during the holidays.
9) Eustis
Downtown Eustis is quite small compared to the other spots mentioned, but the events really make up for it! While I don’t recommend flying from another city to Eustis, this is a fun day trip to make, especially if you’ve already made your way to Mount Dora and would love another nearby spot to check out.
During the holiday season, Eustis has their annual light-up event, where they have the ceremonial tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, food, and craft vendors. Other events they have during the holidays are street parties, snowflakes by the lake, and Winter Fest.
10) Lakeland
Lakeland is such a fun area to visit, but during the holidays, it turns into a dazzling holiday haven. With lights and decorations in many different parts of Lakeland, this is a spot to add to your list!
While Downtown Lakeland is a nice stroll and one you shouldn’t miss out on, there are many places to check out in Lakeland. Bonnet Springs Park has Christmas events with lights and decorations all throughout, Lakeside Village turns into a Winter Wonderland, and many of the farms have fun Christmas events.
Florida offers much more than flamingo Christmas trees and Santa boat parades for the holidays. This beautiful state is home to twinkling historical structures, winter wonderland Hallmark-style towns, and wonderful Christmas displays. So if you’re in the area, be sure to check out these Central Florida day trips.
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