The month of December has officially arrived, and we are ready to close out 2019 the right way with a wide range of things to do happening across the state of Florida.
Whether you are looking for fun holiday activities, exciting parades, seasonal craft shopping, or opportunities to try delicious food, there really is something for everyone happening around the Sunshine State this month.
Here are some of the best opportunities to get out and about this month in Florida.
Holiday Lights & Festivals
Sandi Land: Holiday in Paradise
One of the most popular holiday attractions in all of Florida is Sandi the 35-foot Christmas tree strung with real lights that shows up on the waterfront in West Palm Beach every year. Sandi Land is scheduled to arrive on December 5 this year and there will be fun events scheduled nearby throughout the month.
St. Augustine Regatta of Lights
There are tons of fun holiday events happening in St. Augustine this month, but one of the most spectacular sights in the historic city is the annual Regatta of Lights, which will take place on December 14 this year. There will be an astounding number of boats cruising through the bay for this one, and they will all be decked out in lights.
Three Ball Drop Hot Spots
New Year’s Eve serves as an inspiration for parties all over the state of Florida, but three of the hottest spots to be on December 31 are Destin, Panama City Beach, and Key West. Destin and Panama City ring in the new year with a “Beach Ball Drops” while the people at Sloppy Joe's down in Key West have their own version: “The Conch Shell Drop.”
Holiday Parades
Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade
On December 7, the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk will be hosting its 64th annual Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade. This event will feature local marching bands, dozens of floats, and plenty of candy canes.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Another exciting parade that you won’t want to miss this year will be the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on Saturday, December 14. The long line of lighted boats will cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach.
Snow on 7th Parade
There will also be a more traditional parade happening over in Tampa on Saturday, December 14. The annual Snow on 7th Parade features local middle school and high school marching bands, as well as one very special guest: Santa Claus.
Holiday Craft Shopping
Miami Art Week
While it isn’t necessarily focused on holiday items, there will be more than 260 galleries from all over the world putting their finest pieces on display at Miami Art Week from December 5 to 8. In addition to the main event at the Miami Beach Convention Center, there will also be dozens of art-focused pop-ups all over town during the long weekend.
St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts
Anyone looking for holiday-themed crafts will find more than they can handle at St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts. This two-day festival will take place in Williams Park right in downtown St. Petersburg on December 14 and 15.
Atomic Holiday Bazaar
The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium will be the location of the Atomic Holiday Bazaar in Sarasota on December 14 and 15. Local residents will have the opportunity to check out a wide range of potential holiday gifts that you likely won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world.
Holiday Food & Beverage Festivals
Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival
The best of the best local chefs will be celebrated as part of the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, which is scheduled to run from December 12 through 15 this year. With everything from chef talks to five-course meals on the agenda, there will be events happening all over town for this one that you definitely won’t want to miss.
Wine & Chocolate Festival
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont will be hosting their annual Wine & Chocolate Festival at the winery on December 13 through 15. Guests will have the opportunity to taste locally raised wines paired with locally made chocolate while kicking back and listening to local jazz musicians.
Tastes of Miami
Miami Seaquarium is going to be the place for foodies from December 26 through 30 for Tastes of Miami. This five-day festival is designed to celebrate Latin and Caribbean cuisine served from popular food trucks along with plenty of island music and dancing.
With everything from a giant sand Christmas tree to fabulous food festivals, there is something to keep just about everyone busy happening around the state of Florida this month.
Don’t miss out on your chance to attend some of these festivals, and don’t be afraid to hit up more than one of them!
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