While you can dream all you want of a white Christmas in Florida, odds are, you’re not going to get one.

That said, there are plenty of other unique ways to celebrate the season down where it’s green and bright all year long.

Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to dozens of fantastic Christmas festivities. So, no matter where you are, you’re sure to find a few new tropical traditions to help get yourself in the holiday spirit.

Not sure how you’re going to have a holly jolly Christmas without a winter wonderland? Don’t pack up your ornaments just yet! We’re here to help.

Here are 5 ways to celebrate Christmas in Florida.

1. Lighted Boat Parades

Is there anything more festive than Christmas lights?

The Gulf Coast is home to a few of the most unique Christmas light shows you’ll ever see: the annual lighted boat parades.

During these festive events, local boat owners deck their bows with Christmas lights to create some stunning displays. The boat parades are fun for the whole family and a fantastic new Floridian tradition you can add to your holiday celebrations.

2. Holiday Lights at the Florida Botanical Gardens

Are you looking for a more land-based Christmas light display to take your breath away?

The Florida Botanical Gardens’ annual holiday light display couples the garden’s stunning horticultural collection with dazzling Christmas lights, live music, and other can’t miss festivities.

The garden’s Christmas light display is the perfect way to celebrate the season while enjoying the beautiful Floridian winter weather.

3. Christmas Tree Lightings

What’s Christmas without a Christmas tree?

There’s no better way to ring in the Yuletide than with a Christmas tree lighting. And, cities through the Gulf Coast all play host to their own unique holiday events.

Apart from the main event, these Christmas tree lightings can also feature delicious local cuisine, live music, and other holiday-inspired experiences.

4. Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town

If there’s one thing Florida knows how to do right outside of beaches, it’s theme parks. And, you don’t have to make the drive all the way out to Orlando to enjoy a jaw-dropping theme park holiday event.

Tampa’s Busch Gardens is home to one of the country’s premier Christmas events: Christmas Town.

Even if roller coasters, like Busch Gardens’ brand new ride, Tigris, aren’t your cup of hot cocoa, the breathtaking light displays, shows, and tasty holiday treats are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

5. A Christmas Eve Cruise

Finally, what better way to enjoy a silent night, then by hitting the water for a festive Christmas Eve cruise?

Cities up and down the gulf coast play host to dozens of these Christmas cruises.

So, whether you’re looking for a swanky holiday party, or the chance to get a better look at the clear, starry skies, you’re sure to find the perfect cruise to suit your tastes.

Celebrating Christmas in Florida

While Florida may not be the best place to find a good old-fashioned white Christmas, it’s home to dozens of other wonderful holiday events, traditions, and sunny white-sand beaches.

Now that you know some of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Florida, ’tis the season to start planning!

Are you ready to make the move down to the beautiful Gulf Coast? We’re here to help you find your next home.