Best Beach Towns For Celebrating Christmas 2023
UPDATED: November 2023. Christmas on the beach? Absolutely! For me, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, there is no better place to spend time than on the beach. This year, the best beach towns for celebrating Christmas are below by state:
Florida
I love the Atlantic coast from the keys up to Jacksonville but the Gulf Coast also has several cities that put on a huge Christmas display.
This year, my favorite beach towns in Florida for celebrating Christmas are:
Key West
Known for its year-round balmy weather, Key West transforms into a tropical winter wonderland during Christmas.
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The streets are lined with palm trees and twinkling lights, and you can even spot Santa in his island attire. The annual Lighted Boat Parade is a must-see.
Get more information here: Key West Christmas Vacation Packages
Miami Beach
Miami Beach, Florida goes all out with events. Choose from Santa’s Enchanted Forest, Boat Parade, Zoo Lights At Zoo Miami and so much more.
Get more information here: Miami Beach Christmas Vacation Packages
St. Augustine Beach, Florida.
St. Augustine is beautiful all year round but really lights up at Christmas. Night of Lights is available through the end of January. Also like Miami Beach, there is a Regatta of Lights.
Get more information here: St. Augustine Christmas Vacation Packages
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is known for its sugar-white sands, and Christmas here is equally sweet. Catch the annual boat parade, sip cocoa on the beach, and enjoy the warmth of a Gulf Coast Christmas.
Get more information here: Clearwater Beach Christmas Vacation Packages
Naples, Florida
Naples brings a touch of sophistication to your coastal Christmas. The city’s Third Street South district comes alive with sparkling lights and high-end shopping, while the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club hosts a dazzling display of lights.
Get more information here: Naples Christmas Vacation Packages
South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach never disappoints no matter what time of year you visit. This beautiful city puts on the show however in December.
Start with Winter Wonderland at the beach, then mosey over to Nights of a Thousand Candles then finish with fireworks on the beach. More details here: Myrtle Beach Christmas.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is not only steeped in history but also exudes Southern charm during the holidays. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, enjoy the grandeur of plantations, and savor a low-country Christmas feast.
Get more information here: Charleston Christmas Vacation Packages
Massachusetts
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket for Christmas may be what you’re looking for! Stroll over the cobblestone streets window shopping, enjoy the Christmas stroll and meeting Santa then catch the festival of trees at the Whaling Museum.
Get more information here: Nantucket Christmas Packages
Texas
Galveston, Texas
This Texan gem turns into a magical Christmas destination with its Victorian-era architecture and festive events. Moody Gardens hosts a stunning Festival of Lights, and the historic downtown area boasts unique shops and holiday displays.
Get more information here: Galveston Christmas Vacation Packages
California
Newport Beach, California.
And we have another boat parade! In my opinion, you can’t have too many boat parades at Christmas. Don’t forget Christmas at the Beach events that include wagon rides, carolers, and holiday movies and Santa!
Get more information here: Newport Beach Christmas Vacation Packages
Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz offers a mix of surf culture and holiday cheer. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for holiday rides and amusements, and explore the nearby redwoods for a unique Christmas experience.
Get more information here: Santa Cruz Beach Christmas Vacation Packages
San Diego, California
With its mild climate, San Diego is perfect for a beachy Christmas vacation. The city hosts events like December Nights in Balboa Park and a whimsical Parade of Lights on the water.
Get more information here: San Diego Beach Christmas Vacation Packages
These are my top picks for beach towns for a Christmas vacation this year. Be sure to bookmark this page for next year’s update.
The following will help you plan the perfect beach Christmas vacation:
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About Denise
Denise Sanger lives a life split between her love for fitness and her passion for travel particularly to the BEACH. Denise also has a love of marketing and lives in beautiful Suwannee County, Florida. You can find out more about Denise here: About Denise