December Weather, Festivals and Events in Florida

Sparkling Mild Nights with Millions of Lights... even SNOW highlight December

By Dawn Henthorn, About.com Guide

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November < December > January

December Weather

Average Temperatures

Daytona Bch: High 70°-Low 50°
Fort Myers: High 76°-Low 55°
Jacksonville: High 67°-Low 43°
Key West: High 77°-Low 67°
Miami: High 77°-Low 62°
Orlando: High 73°-Low 51°
Pensacola: High 63°-Low 45°
Panama City: High 64°-Low 40°
Tallahassee: High 66°-Low 40°
Tampa: High 72°-Low 52°
West Palm Bch: High 76°-Low 59°

10-Day Forecast

Average Water Temperatures
The water temperature for the Gulf of Mexico (West Coast) ranges from the mid to high 60s. The Atlantic Ocean (East Coast) waters are several degrees cooler. The beaches to the south are always several degrees warmer than those in North Florida.

Best Time to Go

Florida's mild climate extends into the winter months, but there is a chance for cold temperatures – even frost – during the month in North and Central Florida.
At Disney World, Christmas through New Year's Day is the most crowded, while the week after Thanksgiving through the week before Christmas is the least crowded. This generally holds true for most other attractions as well.
More Disney World in December Tips.
Universal Orlando in December Tips

Special 2011 Holiday Events

ABCs of Florida Holidays
It's as easy as A–B–C to enjoy Florida's holiday celebrations and extravaganzas. Here are 26 great ideas for family fun!

An Old-Fashioned Christmas
Cypress Gardens - Winter Haven
There will be no holiday display. The park is permanently closed.

Festival of Lights
Silver Springs
December 16-24 & 26-31, 2011
At the end of another perfect winter day in Florida, follow millions of sparkling lights through a maze of illuminated gardens, twinkling topiaries and dozens of animated holiday scenes that come to life to delight the young and old alike.

Disney's Holiday Headlines from Around the "World"
Walt Disney World Resort 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 and we have all the details plus plenty of photos.

Holidays at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Africa - Tampa
November 19, 2011 thru January 1, 2012
Celebrate the spirit of the season with the Christmas on Ice show at the Stanleyville Theater and the Marrakesh Theater decks the halls with Christmas from the Heart.

Gaylord Palms' ICE!... and SNOW!
Gaylord Palms Resort - Kissimmee
November 16, 2011 thru January 2, 2012

This popular family experience gives guests a chance to visit a whimsical winter wonderland of interactive environments and larger-than-life, three-dimensional ice monuments and sculptures. The enormous structure used to house ICE! — dubbed "The Florida Fridge" — is cooled to a chilly nine degrees making it necessary for the resort to provide over-sized winter coats for visitors to wear.

Leu Gardens' Holiday House
November 14, 2011 – January 4, 2012
Some of Orlando's best interior designers deck the beautifully resorted late 19th century Leu House Museum out for the holidays. Enjoy the tour and stroll the gardens. There is an admission charge.

Macy's Holiday Parade & Grinchmas
Universal Studios Orlando
December 3, 2011 thru January 1, 2012
Macy's will bring the magic and excitement of its world-famous parade daily to Universal Studios Orlando with a brand new parade experience and at Islands of Adventure; the popular Dr. Seuss book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is brought to live in Grinchmas, a live stage show; and, an all-new Holiday Village. Enjoy nightly holiday music and don't miss three concerts by top-selling holiday musicians Mannheim Steamroller on December 4, 11 and 18, 2010.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney's Magic Kingdom
November 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, 30 and
December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 & 18, 2011
The Magic Kingdom will "re-open" after regular park hours from 7:00 until midnight on select nights as the theme park celebrates with fireworks, parades, sweet holiday treats, special stage shows and plenty of fun for the whole family.

Nights of Lights
St. Augustine
November 19, 2011 to January 31, 2012
Florida's oldest city becomes a magical city with a grand holiday celebration of lights. The Nights of Lights features over two million lights that illuminate the colonial buildings, downtown parks, and historic bayfront. And, the event has grown to include activities that keep visitors busy well into the new year.

Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival (December 3 & 4, 2011) - Ruskin celebrates its agricultural heritage with this small, but well-attended festival.

The Polar Express Experience & Holidays at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando
HOLIDAYS AT SEAWORLD
Friday to Sunday November 25 thru December 11, 2011 and
Nightly December 16 thru December 31, 2011
Jump aboard The Polar Express Experience for a one-of-a-kind journey to the North Pole that will transport you into the spirit of the season. The experience combines one of the most beloved movies with an actual winter wonderland.

Florida Celebrates New Year In Style - Ring in 2011 with Florida's best celebrations and fireworks!

New Year At The World - Ring in 2011 at Disney World with fireworks, live entertainment and new attraction thrills!

December Weather, Festivals and Events in Florida

Sparkling Mild Nights with Millions of Lights... even SNOW highlight December

December Weather

Best Time to Go

Special 2011 Holiday Events

Related Holiday Links

Disney World in December

Plan a Trip to Florida

Florida Visitor's Guide