Christmas in Florida: Sunshine, Space and Family Time

Christmas in Florida: Sunshine, Space and Family Time...

Sunshine, festive fun and family time in your own space…There’s a natural ease to spending Christmas in Florida. Sunshine instead of frost, palm trees wrapped in fairy lights and days that feel equal parts exciting and easy. For families choosing a villa holiday, it’s a chance to enjoy the festive season somewhere warm, colourful and full of memory making moments. 

If you’re thinking about Christmas 2026, here’s everything you need to know about celebrating in the Sunshine State, plus why villa holidays for families are such a brilliant option at this time of year. 

What the weather is like at Christmas 

December in Florida is comfortably warm with bright days, cooler evenings and low humidity. You can spend Christmas morning by your private pool, head out to the parks without the heat of high summer and enjoy dinners outdoors without needing layers. It’s one of the most pleasant months to visit Florida

Festive magic in the parks for 2025 

• Walt Disney World: Disney takes Christmas seriously. Expect extra shows, themed fireworks, twinkling decorations and plenty of seasonal treats. Magic Kingdom’s festive parade is a firm favourite for younger guests, while EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays offers storytelling, music and traditions from around the world. 

• Universal Orlando Resort:Universal combines high energy rides with plenty of festive fun. Grinchmas brings comedy and charm, the Wizarding World feels even more magical with garlands and warm drinks and the resort has a brand new level of buzz following the 2025 opening of Epic Universe earlier this year. 

• SeaWorld and Busch Gardens: Both parks are known for beautiful Christmas light displays, festive shows and relaxed holiday entertainment. They’re great options if you want a balance between fun and calmer moments. 

Christmas fun beyond the theme parks 

Not every day needs to be ride packed. Florida offers plenty of festive experiences that let families soak up the season at a slower pace: 

• Boat parades filled with lights and music 
• Outdoor Christmas markets with local crafts and food stalls 
• Light trails in botanical gardens 
• Family friendly festivals in towns like Mount Dora, Winter Park and Celebration
• Beachfront fireworks and evening events along the Gulf Coast
• These pockets of festive charm pair perfectly with chilled morning or evenings at your villa
  

Why Florida villas are perfect for Christmas

A villa gives families the freedom to celebrate Christmas their own way. There’s space for presents, space for downtime and space for everyone to be together without feeling crowded. Many families love having: 

• A private pool for Christmas Day swims 
• A full kitchen for either home cooked meals or simple relaxed grazing 
• Spacious living areas for games and movies 
• Outdoor dining areas for warm festive evenings 
• Separate bedrooms so everyone gets proper rest 
• It’s a version of Christmas that feels relaxed, joyful and easy. If you want comfort and flexibility, Florida villas truly shine at this time of year. 
  
  

Festive family traditions with a Florida twist 

• Christmas in Florida lets families create moments that feel familiar, yet totally new. Think: 
• Matching Christmas PJs but with sunshine- no onsies needed! 
• A morning dip before opening presents 
• A trip to the parks for festive photos 
• BBQ Christmas dinner outdoors 
• Evening drives to enjoy neighbourhood light displays 
• It’s the kind of holiday that blends fun days out with simple family rituals. 
  

Who a Christmas villa holiday in Florida is perfect for 

Christmas in Florida works particularly well for: 

• Multi-generational families, where some might want rest and others want rides. 
• Parents with young children, who need entertainment and flexibility.
• Families with teens, who love park days but appreciate their own space to be.
• Groups travelling together, who want to enjoy other's company without hotel restrictions.

A Villa holiday in Florida gives everyone room to enjoy the season their own way. 

Final thoughts 

A Christmas villa holiday in Florida gives families exactly what they need during the festive season. Sunshine, excitement, space to unwind and plenty of opportunity to create special memories. Whether you split your time between the theme parks and your private pool or opt for a slower pace with festive events and beach walks, it’s a holiday you’ll treasure for years to come. 

If Christmas in Florida is on your bucket list, SPL Villas has a portfolio of handpicked Florida villas in fantastic family friendly locations. 

Happy Travels x 

Happy Travels x