It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year again. You may be thinking to yourself, “what the hell are you talking about, my face has been in a textbook for the past week hoping for that C on my math final” but that doesn’t mean the holiday season isn’t around the corner. Take a break from your endless hours of studying and check out one of these festive events happening right in our backyard.
1. Pensacola Winterfest (November 29-December 23)
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The Polar Express, the laughable Elf Parade, and the Snowball Derby are just a few of the Panhandle’s Christmas stop for the month. These events are filled with hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, and Christmas cheer.
2. Annual Key West Holiday Fest (November 27-December 14)
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Grab a glass of eggnog, tour historic inns, be part of two holiday parades (on and off the water), and visit the harbor of lights.
3. 26th Annual Holiday Festival and St. Pete Illuminated Boat Parade (December 14)
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Live entertainment on Vinoy Pier, twinkling Christmas lights, and killer buffet style meals makes this a must see event in the Tampa Bay area.
4. Christmas Celebration of Lights Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (December 19-December 24)
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This beautifully synchronized light and sound show will keep you on your feet with snacks and eggnog and an after-party on December 26th to keep the holiday spirit going.
5. Santa’s Enchanted Forest (October 30-January 4)
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Head down to Tropical Park in South Florida for one of the most anticipated holiday events of the year–a carnival with hundreds of rides and fun games to lift the Christmas thrill.
6. 21st Annual Holiday Tour of Bed and Breakfast (December 13-14)
A “Music of Christmas” themed tour that is sure to keep your spirits high. This Bed and Breakfast Tour is a self-guided tour of 24 historic inns decked out in Christmas decorations. Food will be waiting for you at each stop–which is probably why you were doing this tour in the first place. Christmas has never looked so delicious.