Florida's 7 Most Festive Downtowns For The Holidays
Florida flips the script on the holidays in the best possible way. Snow might be missing, but spirit isn’t. Across the state, small downtowns transform into postcard scenes, complete with twinkling lights, classic parades, and waterfront views that have some of the best sunsets. One lakeside town even strings up more than two million lights each seven, proving the season shines just as bright in the Sunshine State. That same sparkle runs through these nine towns that turn Florida into a true holiday destination.
Mount Dora
The holiday spirit doesn’t just arrive in Mount Dora; it takes over! This lakeside town transforms into a glowing wonderland each holiday season, with more than two million lights covering historic buildings, trees, and the waterfront. The annual Mount Dora Christmas Walk transforms the downtown area into a pedestrian-only party, filled with carolers, live music, and plenty of sweet treats. Over at Donnelly Park, families gather under canopies of colorful lights for photos and a good time.
Nearby, Mount Dora Boating Center adds a Florida twist with its Lighted Boat Parade, where decorated boats cruise along Lake Dora. Between the lights, music, and local shops decorated in red and green, Mount Dora feels both cozy and grand. It’s truly a small town with big holiday charm.
Eustis
Just a short drive from Mount Dora, Eustis brings small-town holiday cheer to a new level. Its brick-lined Downtown Waterfront District shines brightest during the annual Light-Up Eustis Celebration, where thousands gather to see Ferran Park glow with lights, live performances, and fireworks over Lake Eustis. The event sets the tone for a season full of family fun and festive energy.
Throughout December, Eustis keeps the celebration alive with markets, twinkling lights, and community events that fill the streets with holiday cheer. The season peaks during Winterfest, when cookie decorating, craft vendors, and other family activities transform the waterfront into a cozy holiday village. It proves you don’t need freezing temperatures to feel the magic of the holiday season!
Naples
Naples might be known for its palm-lined streets and ocean views, but come December, it transforms into a holiday scene straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie! Along Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South, twinkling lights wrap every palm tree and storefront. The Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony officially kicks off the season, drawing crowds who gather for live music, fresh snow (yes, really), and that famous towering Christmas tree.
Throughout the month, enjoy outdoor dining under strings of lights, festive window displays, and the sweet scent of roasted nuts lingering through the streets. The Holiday Parade and Boat Parade add to the coastal beauty, blending Naples’ love for the water with classic seasonal spirit. Between the seaside glow, nightly events, and luxurious yet laid-back vibe, downtown Naples proves that even in the tropics, holiday magic shines bright.
Ocala
Located in north-central Florida near Lake George, Ocala shines bright all season long. The town’s Historic Square turns into a winter wonderland filled with lights, music, and small-town cheer. The festivities begin with the Downtown Ocala Light Up Ceremony, when thousands gather to count down as the massive Christmas tree and canopy of lights brighten the entire square. From then on, the heart of the city glows nightly, inviting visitors to soak in the festive spirit.
The celebrations continue with the Ocala Christmas Parade, holiday concerts at Tuscawilla Park, and markets that fill downtown with local flavor. With its inviting atmosphere, warm community spirit, and scenic setting, Ocala delivers a holiday experience that feels both traditional and distinctly Floridian.
St. Augustine
As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine knows how to make history sparkle. Each Christmas, this coastal town transforms into a glowing masterpiece during its world-famous Nights of Lights celebration. Millions of lights cover the town’s historic district, from the ground to the rooftops. It creates a warm glow that reflects off the Matanzas Bay and cobblestone streets. The entire city center becomes a walkable holiday paradise, blending old-world beauty with holiday magic.
Get ready for horse-drawn carriages that roll past Spanish Colonial architecture or sunset cruises with beautiful views of the shoreline (it's extra special during the holiday season). Trolley tours and rooftop bars give visitors even more front-row seats to the magic, while the Light-Up! Night event kicks off the season with live music and plenty of spirit. Save the date for the widely known St. Augustine Christmas Market, which takes place in early December. With its glowing streets, gleaming waterfront, and timeless charm, St. Augustine turns the holidays into an unforgettable experience.
Palm Beach
Whoever said beach towns can't do Christmas has never been to Palm Beach! In this sunny place, the holidays come with a tropical twist—and a touch of sand. Just across the bridge in West Palm Beach, the waterfront comes alive each year with Sandi the Sand Tree, a 35-foot-tall Christmas tree made from more than 700 tons of sculpted sand. It's the star of the show, complete with nightly light and musical displays that turn the shoreline into a glowing spectacle of holiday cheer.
Kids can join in the fun with the Glow Fore It Mini Golf, a glowing nine-hole course that brings a playful spin to the season, or explore SnowieVille, where they can build their own virtual snowman (no mittens required). Back across the bridge, Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue has twinkling lights, dressed-up storefronts, and the annual Worth Avenue Tree Lighting. Together, these celebrations make Palm Beach the ultimate destination for festive fun, Florida style.
Fernandina Beach
On Amelia Island’s northern tip, Fernandina Beach brings Victorian holiday magic to life. The celebration begins with the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting, when the historic district glows with twinkling lights, live music, and plenty of happy faces. In December, the historic downtown transforms into a 19th-century English village for the Dickens on Centre festival, complete with carolers in top hats, horse-drawn carriages, and twinkling lights. The streets fill with the scent of roasted nuts and cocoa, while local vendors sell handmade gifts.
Families can also meet Santa in his workshop, take photos with costumed performers, or enjoy holiday classics at the Amelia Community Theatre. Evenings are extra special here, too. Enjoy a night filled with live music, light shows, and a touch of old-fashioned traditions that make the experience feel straight out of a storybook. Blending seaside views with historic charm, Fernandina Beach captures the heart of the season. It's warm, welcoming, and wonderfully timeless.
Experience the Magic of These Festive Florida Downtowns
Florida proves that holiday spirit shines brightest under palm trees and twinkling lights. From lakefront towns glowing in color to coastal cities that sparkle by the sea, each downtown adds its own magic to the season. Whether it’s a boat parade, a historic market, or a sand-sculpted Christmas tree, these small towns turn December into pure joy. Bring on the warm nights, bright lights, and memories that last a lifetime.
