White sands instead of winter snowfalls.
This is what a Florida Christmas is all about.
Carmel Brantley
TheChristmas season in Floridaisn’t a traditional winter wonderland.
Credit:Carmel Brantley
Instead of chestnuts roasting over an open fire, you’ll find burning temperatures over ocean waves.
But the communities that populate the Sunshine State know how to celebrate a snowman, even when beachside.
White sand beaches take the place of snowy landscapes, a holiday twist we can get behind.
Credit:PHOTOGRAPHS BY CARMEL BRANTLEY; STYLING BY PAGE MULLINS
Here, we gathered up our favorite ways Sunshine State natives celebrate thewinter seasonin the most Florida fashion.
Add to that list a parade of lifeguard stands.
As a bonus for those dreaming of northern winters, it snows!
Over 30 dozen ornaments, primarily from Aerin and D.Stevens, accent the lobby tree.Credit:Carmel Brantley; Styling by Page Mullins
Completed decorated, The Inn features poinsettias, garlands, and bows, fitting for the season.
Not so in Florida.
Meanwhile,in Cocoa Beach, Santa skydives to greet eager kids on the beach.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
The Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral does more than send rockets to the moon and beyond.
They also put on a pretty stellarholiday celebration.
A fun luminary-lit stroll in Sanibel and Captiva leads the way between the towns' shops and cafes.
Credit: NPI Productions/ Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism
Downtown Fernandina transforms into atraditional English village, including costumed characters and themed entertainment.
On the opposite coast, there’s also theVictorian Christmas Strollat the Henry B.
The Christmas Eve candlelight caroling has been one of the island’s best-loved traditions since it began in 1950.
Credit: Photo courtesy of City of West Palm Beach
Rock Christmas Flip Flops
Boots?
Sure, we have a pair for that rare occasion.
Although, Floridian cookie cutters (and toppers) come with a coastal flair.
Colorful ornaments abound on trees both inside and outside the inn.Credit:PHOTOGRAPHS BY CARMEL BRANTLEY; STYLING BY PAGE MULLINS
It’s the perfect spot for throwing snowballs, making snow angels, and even tobogganing.
Credit: Photo: Helen Norman
Credit: Louise Hagger
