Unique Florida Holiday Events
Not Every Holiday Event Features a Megawatt of Lights
The Holidays bring out a plethora of unique events around the Sunshine State. Some historic, others cultural and some are just plain wacky.
In southwest Florida just south of Sarasota is Historic Spanish Point . Heritage Holidays will be in full swing from November 23rd – December 31st. Site of the original white settlers along Sarasota Bay, Victorian era decorations festoon the buildings while Living History Performances occur in four locations both inside and outside.
Near Jacksonville, Amelia Island Museum of History, is celebrating its first Annual "Christmas On Centre: Tours, Trains and Trees" on November 30 and December 1. Tours, both Family and the Grand, are available at tickets starting at $5.00. Call (904) 261-7378 for more details.
Pensacola rarely has real snow except for the annual Snowball Derby at the 5 Flags Raceway. Since 1968 many legends of auto racing like Dale Earnhardt Sr, Kyle Petty, Butch Lindley and Kyle Busch have competed. All in all 28 men and one woman – Tammy Jo Kirk have driven the victory lap. This year the race occurs November 30 – December 3.
Naples is known more for their white sand than white snow. Everything changes on December 1st, during Snow Fest, when 70 tons of glittery snow is trucked in. Kids of all ages find delight with typical Northern events like tobogganing and inner tube sledding.
Luminaries in the hundreds light up the way to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum on December 5. Beckon in the holiday season at this beacon.
What are the holidays without caroling? In St. Petersburg on December 8th the 2nd Annual The Great Figgy Pudding Street Caroling Competition will be taking place at North Straub Park. Raising money for local charities – teams of carolers are urged to come in costume and full voice to win accolades in the Wild, Weird or Traditional Choral categories. Call 727-821-1200, ext. 114 for more information.
Also in occurring in the city a Sugarplum Tea will benefit the St Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts on December 19. Reserve your seat by calling 727-252-0540
Everyone gets a holiday gift on December 8, in Palm Coast when Washington Oaks Gardens State Park waves the entrance fee and invites everyone to donate a non perishable item or toy. Once inside the park, Santa and Mrs. Claus await, along with storytellers and complimentary hot chocolate.
Don Fido in their best holiday attire for Fernandina Beach’s Annual Holiday Pet Stroll on December 8th. Prizes will be given, and for more information call 904-321-0020.
The Oxbow Eco Center, in Ft. Pierce, features a fabulous Eco-Holidays and the Enchanted Trail on December 9. Along the trail encounter Mother Nature’s friends like Golly the Gopher Tortoise and learn more about the Earth when most of the world is wishing for peace on it.
