Ah, December. What a wonderful time of the year. So why not make it a December to remember? It’s that period when you can switch off the A/C, put the dining table on the pool deck, and poke fun at the northern relatives and friends about the weather in Florida.
You know, things like –
“I love looking at the snow – on Facebook!”
“The Palm Tree saw its shadow – six more weeks of Florida!”
“Florida – because winter is just summer but with Santa Claus.”
Yes, there is still the occasional cold front that makes all Floridians dig out their coats for a day or two and think about putting the heating on, but that is usually a fleeting impulse, and they are soon back outdoors again. The bottom line is that it’s a truly blissful time of the year, with plenty of sunshine and enough warmth to ensure you can ditch the long pants without fearing that you’ll get sunburned.
The water parks are still open, the Gulf Coast beaches are quiet and inviting, and it is also manatee “season,” with greater numbers of these captivating creatures in the inland waterways.
Of course, if you are from up north you are going to find it positively tropical compared to the weather you left behind, and many of the beach communities do see a sudden influx of “snowbirds,” those who can afford an alternative residence in the Sunshine State for a few months.
What all this meteorological preamble really means, though, is that if you have an Orlando vacation planned this month, you are in for an absolute treat.
Not only is everywhere in full Holiday mode in December – and you can check out RFA’s blog about ‘Orlando for the Ho-Ho-Holidays’ for the dazzling array of options – but the busy little destination is also hugely popular with RVers, who tend to do what the mercury does and head south.
In fact, it’s hard to think of any real negatives to an Orlando winter. Florida certainly won’t get any snow – unless you count the artificial variety on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom and in the town of Celebration for their ‘Now Snowing’ attraction – and there are no burst pipes from freezing conditions.
The visitors, therefore, benefit from this happy confluence of circumstances and weather, giving Orlando a head start over many other destinations right from the get-go.
In all honesty, it’s also one of the main reasons many live here. There simply is nothing like a typical Florida winter day, with bright sunshine, lunch al fresco, and the chance to wear shorts and flip-flops. Take that, northern states!
So, if visitors can expect an ideal concoction of climate captivation, what is the best way to take advantage of it?
So glad you asked!
Just to start with, most outdoor attractions still have a lot of appeal at this time of year. From a beach day out to a thrilling airboat ride, our active excursion options are a great choice in December.
The end of November marks the official start of the four-month period when manatees are seen in their greatest numbers in our rivers and coastal waterways, which makes our Crystal River snorkeling tour an absolute no-brainer. It’s rarely less than spectacular, but the winter months give it an extra dimension of charm and excitement.
Wildlife is also the essence of the Real Wild Florida Adventure, which takes guests on a real journey of Floridian discovery, featuring a signature airboat ride, a tour of the 14-acre alligator park (with plenty of other animals to see along the way), a tasty barbecue lunch, and then the unique experience of Wild Florida’s thrilling drive-thru safari. Genuinely, a magnificent Sunshine State day out.
Or you might prefer a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure, with another chance to sample the thrills and delights of an airboat ride, then indulge in some true Florida culture at the Native American Village. With the glorious setting on the edge of Lake Tohopekaliga, it couldn’t be more scenic and charming.
And that’s just a small taste of your options for outdoor enjoyment in Central Florida in December. RFA also has boat trips, fishing trips, aquarium visits, and beach bliss-outs. Add in our sporting options, notably Jacksonville for NFL football and the Amway Center for the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and you have an absolute bonanza of vacation inspiration.
Oh, and one other thing. With so much Holiday excitement in and around Orlando at this time of year, it’s easy to overlook the regular, day-to-day delights all around. The Kennedy Space Center remains a compelling and entertaining day out, as does something simple like a walk around Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs.
The latter isn’t actually a tour, but this delightful lake location adjacent to the Altamonte Mall next to I-4 north of downtown Orlando is open to all comers and affords a chance to relax, decompress, and take a break from the general frenzy. It’s a serious message because you just can’t do it all. There’s simply too much to see and do, and trying to jump into the non-stop action 24/7 is a recipe for vacation frustration, not to mention exhaustion!
So, take some time to chill out and de-stress; give yourself some time off at places like Cranes Roost Park (or Lake Eola Park, Kraft Azalea Garden, or Wekiwa Springs State Park), and make sure you go home with nothing but good memories.
Make it a December to remember and be sure to ask about the Price Match Guarantee.
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