It's December in Florida. Houses are decked out in Holiday decorations; palm trees are wrapped with lights. Christmas music is playing in every store, songs about a white Christmas, the cold and snow, and I look outside at the sunshine, the still green grass, and the 70-degree weather.
I grew up in Chicago, so I equate the Holidays and December with cold and snow and sitting in the warmth of the house under a blanket with a hot beverage in hand. In Florida, the only way you know it's December is because of the decorations and Christmas music playing everywhere. Over the news, I hear about snow, and I experience it when I visit my family, but here in Florida, it's a different world that's still warm and filled with sunshine. If you ever get the chance to visit Florida at this time of year, here are some things you can expect.
1. Parks are enjoyable this time of year.
In the heat of the summer in Florida, it is hard to be able to appreciate the parks. Florida has many beautiful green parks with lakes, trails, and wildlife. There are many activities you can enjoy in the parks like fishing, biking, hiking, bird watching, picnicking, sports, boating, kayaking, etc.
2. Wild manatee viewing.
On The occasional cold days in Florida, around 60 degrees or below, manatees come in land and gather in streams rivers to stay warm. There are places to view manatees and even snorkel or kayak with them in Crystal River. There is also a manatee viewing center in Apollo Beach near the power plant where you can see dozens of manatees. I enjoyed visiting the viewing center at the power plant and spent over an hour watching the manatees and learning about them. I loved every minute of it and even got to see manatee calves with their mothers.
3. Walkthrough holiday light shows.
Up north where the weather is below freezing, most light shows are enjoyed in the comfort of your car, and while that's nice, it's also nice being able to walk through the park at your leisure while looking at the lights. Throughout Florida, many towns set up lights in their parks. Largo central park has an impressive light display and Ferris wheel. People can stroll through the park every night of December to enjoy them. Theme parks like Busch Gardens also put up lights. There are many to see, and it can all be enjoyed in the Florida warmth.
4. Swimming in December.
Yes, in Florida it is still possible to swim in December. The beach might be a little colder than comfortable, but it is still swimmable with a wetsuit or if you don't mind being a bit cold. If pools are heated, they can be enjoyed year-round in Florida, I went swimming outside the other day, and it was very relaxing.
5. Soak up some much-needed sun and vitamin D.
In Florida, the sun still shines brightly through the winter, and you can still enjoy it throughout the day. Get tan or recover some of your lost vitamin D. And while warm, it's rarely too hot to enjoy in the winter, often the temperature is just right.
These are just a few of the things you can enjoy in December in Florida. I look forward to enjoying the parks often and spending hours outside, kayaking, and biking. Hopefully, I can buy my own bike soon! If you ever need a break from the winter cold, consider escaping it in Florida where it's still summer year-round. Happy December and don't get too cold!
