Sunshine and Santa: Florida’s Unique Twists on Winter Holiday Cheer

Beneath the ever-present sun and swaying palms, Florida might not be the first state to conjure images of winter holiday frolics—but look a little closer. The Sunshine State offers an array of unique festivities that blend traditional yuletide merriment with its own tropical twist.

In St. Augustine (1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084), the *Nights of Lights* illuminates this ancient city with three million twinkling lights bedecking palm trees and Spanish Colonial architecture alike—a display reminiscent of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' enchanting descriptions in Cross Creek. This historical spectacle is both homage to its past—inspired by the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in windows during Christmas—and a nod to present-day revelry.

Meanwhile, Miami's *Santa's Enchanted Forest* (7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155) throws convention out the window—or rather off the sleigh—with what could be described as Carnival meets North Pole. Herein lies an unusual juxtaposition where tropical climate hosts games like "Skee-Ball" amid faux snowstorms; it’s akin to stepping into one of Carl Hiaasen’s lively Floridian tales wrapped in tinsel.

For something more serene yet distinctly local, consider immersing yourself in Key West's *Harbor Walk of Lights* (631 Greene Street, Key West, FL 33040). As you stroll along this waterfront festooned with nautical themed dcor including fishing buoys for ornaments and lobster traps for Christmas trees it wouldn't seem far-fetched if Ernest Hemingway himself sauntered alongside you discussing his latest short story idea inspired by these very sights.

Venturing inland provides no less charm or peculiarity at places like Mount Dora’s annual *Christmas Light Canal Tour* (100 N Donnelly St., Mt Dora, FL 32757). Akin to something from Tim Dorsey’s whimsical narratives set against Floridian backdrops - here boat tours navigate through illuminated canals presenting residential light displays ranging from elegantly simple to delightfully over-the-top arrangements that reflect their creators’ warmth even without White Christmases.

Food also plays a lead role—from delicate fried plantains adding flavorous flair at religious celebrations such as Three Kings Day ceremonies common among Florida's vibrant Hispanic communities—to tasting spiced eggnog variants customized with nuances only locals would discern at festive markets dotting Orlando or Tampa Bay (think farmers market but sprinkled with fairy dust).

And no recounting would do justice without mentioning Little Havana's famed (*Festival de la Calle Ocho*, SW 8th Street between SW 12th Ave & SW 27th Ave., Miami ,FL), where Nochebuena precedes Christmas Eve coupled with lechn roasting parties richly infused within Cuban traditions—an experience authentic enough that each savory bite seems straight out from Reinaldo Arenas’ memoir "Before Night Falls."

Florida may indeed lack Jack Frost nipping at your nose but amongst mangroves draped in fairy lights or beachside menorahs ablaze against oceanic backdrop New Year Eves—the spirit burns bright in ways only those who venture will fully grasp.

So whether your pleasure is mulling wine under mistletoe while serenaded by carolers dressed in shorts or navigating labyrinths made from sugar sand sculptures—at heart remains an authenticity grounding every celebration rooted deeply amidst Florida’s flora and fauna—welcoming all seeking refuge from typical wintry confines saying Come feel our warm embrace.

Websites:

- Nights Of Lights: [Website URL]

- Santa's Enchanted Forest: [Website URL]

- Harbor Walk Of Lights: [Website URL]

- Mount Dora Canal Tours: [Website URL]

Twitter Handles:

-St.Augustine @NightsofLights

-Miami @EnchantedForestMiami

-Key West @KeyWestHarborWalk

-Mount Dora @MountDoraCanalTours