Florida offers a unique setting for December celebrations, blending traditional holiday customs with the warmth and sunshine of a subtropical climate. While many parts of the world associate December with snow and chilly weather, our moderate temperatures and sunny skies create a festive atmosphere that allows for outdoor activities and events not always possible elsewhere. This distinct environment shapes how Floridians celebrate holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and other seasonal festivities.
A special aspect of December celebrations in Southwest Florida is the way holiday lights are displayed. Grandezza’s neighborhoods and entrances are adorned with bright, colorful Christmas lights. Floridians decorate palm trees with twinkling lights, and towns such as Fort Myers and Naples feature dazzling displays of lights and decorations, even if the trees are surrounded by sand rather than snow. Many towns and cities host outdoor holiday festivals and markets. With December temperatures typically ranging from the 60s to the 80s (°F), outdoor celebrations are widespread. Sometimes a tropical twist is added to these traditions—Christmas trees might be decorated with seashells or starfish ornaments, or even replaced entirely with decorated palm trees. We don’t have the same customs I grew up with in the Northeast, such as outdoor ice skating and the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City, elaborate decorated department store windows along Fifth Avenue, or the traditional holiday show featuring the Rockettes’ high kicks in perfect unison. However, December here is distinctive in its own right.
Many festive activities revolve around generosity and connection. Choral groups delight us by caroling and spreading holiday joy. (Note that our Grandezza Singers will perform on December 10 and 11!) Exchanging gifts and spending time with family and friends is customary, and part of the true spirit of Christmas is performing acts of kindness and charity, especially toward those in need. The combination of warm weather and festive Christmas celebrations gives December in Florida a special charm.
Hanukkah is also widely celebrated throughout Florida. Menorah lightings are held in parks and community centers, and both public and small group gatherings often include music, food, and games. Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is observed for eight nights as candles are lit progressively, adding more light each evening. Gathering with friends and family, eating potato pancakes (latkes) and jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot), and playing dreidel are typical Hanukkah customs. The illumination of candles makes it a time to reflect on the positive aspects of life.
December in Florida welcomes an influx of visitors, as many snowbirds arrive to escape the winter chill. This makes Florida’s holiday season not only a time for local celebrations but also a bustling period for tourism. Theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens embrace the holiday spirit, transforming into magical winter wonderlands with elaborate decorations, special parades, and themed events.
December celebrations in Florida blend the warmth of the season with the warmth of the sun. Floridians find creative ways to enjoy the festive spirit in beautiful settings like Grandezza. It’s a time when traditional holiday elements mix seamlessly with Florida’s tropical charm, offering a joyful way to celebrate the season. Whatever your special traditions, may you be uplifted with joy, kindness, and the power of light this holiday season!
