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Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tipsNew Smyrna Beach, Florida, is a charming coastal town known for its surfer's paradise and small-town charm.
Anyone visiting New Smyrna Beach, Florida, for the first time often has the same questions - what’s the New Smyrna Beach weather like year-round? What’s up with New Smyrna Beach sharks? And, are there cool things to do in New Smyrna Beach, Florida? The good news is we answer this and more in our third episode of Not Your Average Bucket List.
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These 7 Christmas towns in Florida are filled with holiday festivities. Come enjoy a charming holiday adventure throughout the Sunshine State.
The holidays are my favorite time of year, and Florida sure knows how to light up the holiday season with a dazzling display of twinkle lights, beloved traditions, and enchantment! The festive spirit in Florida lasts from November through the New Year, which means you have plenty of time to get in on the magic. Here in Florida, we've got some Christmas towns that are so incredible that you'd think they came straight out of a storybook or a feel-good holiday movie. These 7 Christmas towns in Florida go all-in with their celebrations, featuring fantastic festivals with horse-drawn carriages, real-life reindeer, and city-wide parades. As far as Christmas events in Florida go, each city and town offers something unique to visitors. So, are you ready to plan for your holiday state exploration to one of the most festive Christmas towns in Florida?
Celebrating the holidays in Mount Dora, Florida, is a storybook celebration. The town comes alive with its annual Christmas lighting festival, featuring an enchanting display of lights. Visitors can explore a bustling Christmas market with unique gifts and delicious treats. The charming downtown streets are adorned with holiday decorations, creating a picturesque setting for a memorable holiday experience. Mount Dora's festive spirit, cozy atmosphere, and friendly community make it an ideal destination for a joyous Christmas celebration. Come and see why it's one of the best Christmas towns in Florida.
Some might call St. Augustine the unofficial Christmas Capital of Florida, simply because of the annual Nights of Lights event. The Nights of Lights festival transforms the city into a mesmerizing wonderland, with millions of lights adorning its historic streets and landmarks. Visitors can enjoy holiday tours, carriage rides, and festive music, creating a magical ambiance. The city's rich history adds a unique dimension to the celebrations, making St. Augustine a cherished destination to experience the true spirit of Christmas.
Get ready for a truly captivating celebration in Safety Harbor Florida. Every year, the city becomes a festive wonderland with stunning light displays, lively parades, and cheerful community events. Residents and visitors can enjoy ice skating, carolers, and visits with Santa. What's not to love? The charming downtown area and local shops add to the cozy, small-town charm, making Safety Harbor a perfect place to create lasting holiday memories. The city's annual boat parade along Tampa Bay further enhances the festive experience, making it a treasured holiday destination.
One of my personal favorites, celebrating Christmas in New Smyrna Beach, Florida is a truly magic experience. Blending coastal charm and the festive spirit, the city’s pristine beaches provide a unique backdrop for holiday celebrations. Visitors can relish the annual Christmas parade, which winds through historic Flagler Avenue and features colorful floats and cheerful participants. Festive events like boat parades, art festivals, and charming holiday markets create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The town's laid-back coastal vibe is perfectly complemented by the holiday cheer, making New Smyrna Beach a wonderful destination to enjoy the season while basking in the Florida sun and sea breeze. Visit and you'll quickly find out why it's among the most festive holiday Florida towns.
As far as Christmas festivals in Florida go, nothing is better than Sandi Tree in West Palm Beach, which is why this city made our list and usually does. The Sandi Tree in West Palm Beach is a unique holiday attraction, featuring a massive Christmas tree made entirely of sand. It's beautifully illuminated and stands as a testament to the city's creative holiday spirit. As the world’s only 35-foot, 800-ton holiday sand tree, this is truly a sight to see.
Christmas in Winter Garden is a heartwarming celebration that captures the essence of the holiday season in Central Florida. Enjoy stunning light displays, immersive parades, and tons of community events. Residents and visitors can enjoy a bevy of activities all season long. This one might be more of a lesser-known add to our list, but certainly great nonetheless.
Christmas in DeLand, Florida, is like stepping into a holiday wonderland that charms everyone who visits. The town comes alive with festive vibes, decked-out streets, and a jolly atmosphere. One of the big hits is DeLand's annual Christmas Boat Parade on the St. Johns River, where you can watch fancy boats gliding through the water, putting on a dazzling show. DeLand also knows how to throw a good holiday bash with lively events, craft fairs, and a warm, welcoming community spirit, making it a super fun place to celebrate the season.
What do you think about our list of things to do for Christmas in Florida? Have you been to any of these towns or cities to celebrate the holidays? Sound off in the comments section! Also, if you're looking for unique places to go for Christmas and haven't yet booked your accommodations, then we have you covered. Check out all the best vacation rentals in Florida through VRBO. Plus, check out our unique holiday gift guide, featuring the best gift ideas for the traveler in your life!
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LaBelle Florida is a lovely small town that has the natural beauty of a river town mixed with the cowboy history which creates a unique small town we love.
I don’t typically picture cowboys when I think of the Sunshine State, but in LaBelle, Florida, that is a rich history that can still be seen today. It is a small town all about natural beauty and embracing the cow-herding era of old. This charming small town in Florida is filled with little surprises, from beautiful nature walks to proximity to some of the state's top locations. There is a lot to love about this little town, so allow me to take you to a bird's eye view of what makes this such a great place to explore.
It is hard to imagine Florida as a place where cowboys raised their cattle. Picture the flat lands of this coastal state without tall skyscrapers, busy highways, and Disney World, that is what life used to be like for the cowboys known as the crackers. They were known by that name because of the sound their whips made while riding their horses. This history was prevalent in LaBelle, and still to this day, it is a very active part of the community. The LaBelle Rodeo Arena hosts shows that celebrate this rich history of the town.
To dig further into the town's history, you should visit during the Swamp Cabbage Festival. This family-friendly event celebrates the sabal palm, the Florida state tree that also goes by the name swamp cabbage palm, hence the festival's name. This event is the pride of the town, with live music, a parade, delicious food, talented vendors, and, of course, the great community of this small town.
The town is known as “The City Under The Oaks” for all of the oak trees that line the landscape. This makes for a pleasant place to walk as you explore downtown and dip in and out of the unique shops and restaurants. One of the best places to walk is the LaBelle Nature Park. This small park will immerse you in nature and be surrounded by the natural beauty that this small town prides itself on.
The charm is undeniable and you will be tempted to stay and soak up the valuable time in this town. I have good news for you, you don’t have to leave because you can book a stay in the LaBelle Vie. This Airbnb rental offers 3 stunning acres right on the Caloosahatchee River. The water in the area is part of the charm of LaBelle and you can enjoy the calming current of the river without having to even go anywhere else in a hurry.
You can even use the laid-back and peaceful town of LaBelle as your home base for other Florida adventures. Fort Myers is just to the east, Lake Okeechobee is to the west, and (my personal favorite) the Everglades are to the south. There is plenty to see and do surrounding this small town, but you might just fall in love with the area and not want to leave. I wouldn’t be able to blame you.
LaBelle Florida embraces its historical cowboy roots and celebrates the natural beauty all around them. From a pleasant walk under the trees to a rodeo there is plenty to do in this lovely small town.
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