Here are the spectacular Christmas & New Year’s Eve celebration’s events taking place in several regions of Florida. From stunning parades and trampoline jumping with Santa to outdoor ice skating and an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas Stroll, a holiday in Florida includes tons of fun for tourists of every age and interest.
Tampa Bay, Florida
Thanks to the AirHeads Trampoline Arena, you can see Santa fly this year without the help of his reindeer. Hit the trampolines and jump along with jolly old St. Nick himself on December – 8, 15 and 22. Unlimited jumping is just $16.95 per person.
Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens® Tampa into a holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas, Nov. 29 through Dec. 23. Special Christmas entertainment, live music, festive treats, holiday shopping and thousands of twinkling lights will fill the senses with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors to create a memorable new family tradition. Everyone’s favorite attraction, SnowWorld® Presented by Coca-Cola®, returns with three times as much snow! Christmas Town is a separate-ticketed night event, and families with children ages 3 to 9 will enjoy special $10 advance tickets for their youngest members.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay, Florida will host Holiday FantaSea, a family-friendly celebration featuring real snow, dazzling holiday lights and more. From Dec. 26-30, Santa and his swimming elves, as well as special holiday mermaids, will swim throughout the massive tanks alongside all the amazing aquatic creatures each night during Holiday FantaSea. In addition, the Florida Aquarium will host two dazzling light shows each night, a huge holiday model train display, and extended hours during the Holiday FantaSea event.
Meet Santa and his merry mammals – real reindeer – at Wild Wonderland at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Animated displays, a million twinkling lights, free Zoo rides and traditional holiday treats create a whimsical world of holiday magic on Dec. 7, 13-15, 17-23 and 26-30. On Dec. 13, you can also celebrate the season with the Zoo’s primate family as the primates open special presents from Zoo staff and docents as part of their enrichment program. The Presents for Primates is included free-of-charge with Zoo admission.
Experience the warmth and charm of an old-time holiday at Henry B. Plant Museum’s 32nd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll, Dec. 1-23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. There are 14 exhibit rooms, each dazzling with trimmed trees uniquely designed in 19th century themes and antique holiday accessories. This year there will also be a special exhibit, Toys Then and Now, showcasing antique toys and toys from modern times. Complimentary spiced cider and savory cookies will be served on the veranda every day, and each evening carolers will perform. Admission is $13 for adults, $11 seniors and $7 youths (4-18 years).
Panama City Beach, Florida – Sixth Annual Beach Ball Drop: Dec. 31, 2013
The new year’s countdown celebration will begin seconds before midnight, where an 800-pound glowing beach ball will descend, lighting up at the stroke of midnight. The multi-generational portion of the event is held earlier in the evening with fireworks and a family ball drop, consisting of 10,000 inflatable beach balls dropped from the sky. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
Southwest Florida’s Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands. – Christmas Light Canal Cruises – Dec 4 – 31.
Christmas Canal Cruises have been a tradition in Punta Gorda for more than 30 years. These popular, family-oriented cruises tour the residential canals to view Christmas lights, displays and decorations on homes, boats, seawalls and docks. Three departures are offered each night at 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and at 9:00 p.m. Trip length is one hour, cost is $15.00 for adults, half price for kids 3-11, free under 3. Private charters and group rates also available. Call to reserve: 941-639-0969. www.kingfisherfleet.com.
St. Augustine’s , Florida: 59th Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade – December 7
St. Augustine’s Annual Christmas Parade is one of the largest in North Florida and includes floats, marching bands, cars, horses and the arrival of Santa. The parade starts promptly at 10 a.m. by the Mission of Nombre De Dios, continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and ends behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida – New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop – 31st December
The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is bringing back the bang with our New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop Gang. Snap, crackle and pop in our bubble-wrap room as you jump to the jingles of our house band tunes. Create a hilarious hat with eyes that wiggle or make party masks that will make everyone giggle. It all. For more information, visit www.CCpvb.org.
St. Augustine’s, Florida 20th Annual Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour “Christmas Around the World” December 14 – 15:
Christmas Around the World is a two-day tour featuring 24 inns throughout historic St. Augustine. Each day, 12 inns open their doors to display entertaining decorations & scenes based on the culture, history & holiday traditions of colorful places from Spain to Germany to Ireland – and perhaps some imaginative places that may surprise you. Each inn is paired with a distinguished St. Augustine restaurant or other culinary partner offering savory nibbles, sweet treats & refreshments. Tickets are $25. www.staugustinebandbtour.com
Coachman Park, Clearwater Beach, Florida – 2013 Memorial Holiday Boat Parade – December 14,
One of the area’s largest boat parades. Come watch several dozen lighted and decorated boats cruise through the waterways and head toward the judge’s review stand for awards and prizes.
The Chesterfield Palm Beach, Florida
December 24th & 25th – Christmas Eve & Christmas Day celebration at The Chesterfield Palm Beach, Florida
The Chesterfield Palm Beach is hosting a holiday celebration for our guests, families and friends. The festive feast, prepared by Executive Chef Gerard Coughlin, features entrée selections including Prime Rib Roast, Roast Duckling, and Pan Seared Chilean Seabass. Prices are $56.00 per adult and $16.95 for children 12 and under, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.
31st December – New Year’s Eve Gala at The Chesterfield Palm Beach, Florida
Ring in the New Year with the Chesterfield Palm Beach’s annual Gala Dinner. Our enticing four-course New Year’s menu is served in two sittings with dancing and live music entertainment all evening long. Welcome in 2014 with extravagant party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Price is $95 per person for the 6:00 p.m. seating and $125 per person for the 8:30 p.m. seating, including party favors and champagne. Tax and gratuity are not included; reservations are required. Dress code for gentleman is a jacket and tie.
Home for the Holidays Package – December 1st – 30th, 2013 at The Chesterfield Palm Beach, Florida
The Chesterfield Palm Beach offers guests the perfect sun-soaked escape this holiday season, complete with festive cocktails and pre-packaged beach supplies. This relaxing package features two nights in a luxurious bedroom or suite, full English Breakfasts each morning, and a personal mixology lesson from one of the Leopard Lounge’s expert bartenders. Prices start from $234.00 per room per night, including tax, based on double occupancy for a minimum stay of two nights.