Christmas is supposed to be about chestnuts roasting on an open fire and snowmen coming to live and sleighs gliding merrily through the snow. So what kind of Christmas vacation could Florida, with its tropical climate, possibly hope to offer? Actually, it is a very nice one. Santa has apparently foregone the North Pole to make frequent appearances in the land of the Everglades, and Mickey Mouse and his magic kingdom also have a thing or two to offer in the way of Christmas delights. This article lists some of the Florida Christmas vacation can’t-miss attractions.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Once a year, this Miami-Dade tropical park is magically changed into a winter wonderland. Imagine three million lights, a 90 foot tall tree, images of Santa in his workshop and strolling characters from popular kids’ series. As if that’s not enough, add a carnival complete with rides, games, and petting zoos. Best of all, kids can actually see Santa, or drop a letter in his magical post box which guarantees on time holiday delivery. The enchanted forest by itself is almost enough to make a Florida Christmas vacation well worth your time, but there’s much more.

The Christmas Trains

Little ones may ask what on earth Santa has done with his sleigh and reindeer, but almost every one will enjoy riding the beautifully decorated Santa Claus Special or the nighttime North Pole Express (which actually whisks children to the North Pole to visit St. Nick). Sing carols and build lasting memories on these two very special train rides. (Trains depart from the Parrish Station in Parrish, Florida).

Disney World (Orlando, Florida)

No one does holiday decorations as beautifully as Mickey Mouse and pals. Look for lights and trees everywhere, and pay special attention to the décor on the rides. Much of it has been touched up for Christmas. Don’t forget to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade. No Florida Christmas vacation is complete without a visit to Disney World.

Monkey Jungle (Miami, Florida)

Enjoy a touch of the natural world with this attraction that cages the visitors and lets the monkeys roam free in their habitats. Kids will be delighted to watch monkeys indulge in their typical amusing behavior, and don’t be surprised if they pester you for a quarter so they can “feed” the monkeys. Adults may not be quite so enthralled with the monkey’s playful charm, but they can enjoy identifying the different species of monkeys. And the gift shop is sure to yield several ideas for last minute Christmas presents.

St. Augustine

From a cozy Victorian feel, to hundreds of lights, to historical pageants, St. Augustine is a wonderful place to experience a Florida Christmas vacation. Try to plan a long enough visit to give you a chance to browse through the historic shops and tour some of the historic homes. Trolley rides and guided lantern tours offer additional insight into St. Augustine’s long, rich history.

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