1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Florida Travel

The ABC's of Florida Holidays 2009
Holiday Celebrations and Extravaganzas Around Florida

By , About.com Guide

Mickey Wishes You a Merry ChristmasCompliments of Walt Disney Company
It's as easy as A–B–C to enjoy Florida's holiday celebrations and extravaganzas. I've selected some of the best from around the state for your enjoyment.

Artful sweets take center stage at Walt Disney World! Disney pastry chefs create elaborate confectionary creations and larger-than-life, edible displays planned for locations across the Walt Disney World property.

Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa will celebrate the spirit of the season from November 21, 2008 through January 3, 2010. The Marrakesh Theater decks the halls with Christmas from the Heart and the Christmas on Ice show at the Stanleyville Theater is a special treat.

Candlelight Processional at Epcot presents a celebrity line-up to deliver the traditional Christmas story in glorious pageantry. Presentations of Candlelight Processional are daily from November 27 through December 30, 2009, and are included with regular Epcot admission.

Disney World is aglow in decorations, millions of lights, parades, celebrity appearances and more. The holidays are a joyous time at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando!

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Holiday Houses - Dates To Be Announced (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). This Fort Myers landmark will incorporate over a million lights, dozens of decorated trees and inspiring holiday scenes into its 2009 holiday theme presented from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Also enjoy live entertainment and shopping at the Holiday Designer Shop, the Garden Shoppe and Museum Store. The homes are located at 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. Call 239-334-7419 for further information and tickets.

Fort Christmas - Now you can have your holiday cards and letters postmarked "Christmas, Florida!" The small post office near this historical site sees plenty of activity during the holidays. The historical fort is nearby and celebrates an annual festival the first weekend in December featuring holiday arts and crafts. Christmas is located east of Orlando on Hwy. 50 and the historical park and museum is located at 1300 Fort Christmas Road.

Grand style is abundant at Whitehall Flagler Museum in Palm Beach. Beginning with the tree lighting on December 6 and continuing with the guided evening tours December 19-23, 2009, you can experience the sights, sounds and traditions of the holidays in grand Gilded Age fashion.

Holiday shopping is made easier when you can get in the mood. You'll be thinking everything "holiday" when you visit this Rogers' Christmas House & Village in Brooksville.

Ice skating in Florida? You bet! If you’re looking for an activity to chill and thrill your family, how about ice skating? Sound impossible in Florida? Not really. Florida has many rinks and arenas that allow public ice skating. Oh, and just one more question… what are you waiting for? Give it a try!

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra presents "Holiday Pops" featuring Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and the Jacksonville Children's Chorus at the Jacoby Symphony Hall on Friday, December 11 (8:00 p.m.) and Saturday, December 12 (8:00 p.m.). Coffee Pops (Holiday Pops), Friday, December 11 (11:00 a.m.). Call 877-662-6731 for further information.

Kissimmee's Gaylord Resort will feature the coolest winter on record! Gaylord Palms Resort presents ICE! Guests will experience an instant dose of winter from November 14, 2009 through January 3, 2010. This wonderful world of ice includes tons of frolicking polar bears, Santa's workshop, an ice forest and an awe-inspiring nativity.

Leu's Holiday House – The Leu House Museum will be decked out for the holidays November 9, 2009 through January 7, 2010. Christmas trees will be trimmed in ribbons and bows, amazing diorama displays designed by Ron's Miniature Shop & Museum and beautiful ornaments sparkle in every room. Tours are included in the cost of garden admission. The museum will open 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Disney's Magic Kingdom holiday fantasy is the ultimate night of celebration from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade to a sky full of holiday fireworks. Your advance reservations will pay off with unlimited use of select Magic Kingdom attractions, plus a complimentary family photo, cookies and cocoa. Select nights in November and December.

Nights of Lights - Put a spark in your holiday by visiting St. Augustine's Nights of Lights which shimmers from November 21, 2009 through January 31, 2010. Over 25 miles of electrical wire and more than 1,500,000 individual light bulbs are utilized in public and private displays throughout the city. Each night of December features a parade of bands, floats and even Santa Claus!

Explore Florida Travel
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Vacations Made Easy

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Florida Travel

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.