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When your dreams of a white Christmas turn into ones of a white sand Christmas, your holiday journey may be bringing you to the Space Coast town of Cocoa Beach, and if that is the case, Happy Palm Stays will be the holiday hideaway that brings you joy and comfort. Offering warm temperatures, sunny skies, and all the traditional trimmings of the most beloved holiday of all, your sugar plum dreams will be happy ones as you keep up with the old traditions while beginning a few new ones. This guide to where to see Christmas lights in Cocoa Beach will paint a Christmas card perfect picture of all the Florida adventures you will experience when December rolls around; these lights may be located in many of the towns that make up the Space Coast.

Holiday Kickoff Weekend at the Brevard Zoo, November 30 – December 1, 8225 N Wickham Road in Melbourne

Thanksgiving falls a little later than normal this year, but that’s ok, it just means Christmas will come all that much faster and the Holiday Kickoff Weekend at the Brevard Zoo welcomes you to the merriest season of all! Offering the first glimpse of their holiday decorations, the lights will be lit, the food will be sweet and delicious, and the hot cocoa will be plentiful on this first exciting holiday event of the season. Offering live Christmas themed performances, and a fun pop up shop that will help you get a jump start on your Christmas gift list and the gifts you purchase there will also be wrapped for free. Rumor has it you will experience a white Christmas as the weather forecast calls for magical snow flurries.

Holiday Movie and Tree Lighting, December 13, Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village

In our homes Christmas officially begins when we put up the Christmas tree and most towns across the nation, maybe even the world, are the same way, and although the day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the opening day of the season, until the Holiday Movie and Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place mid-December, it doesn’t really feel festive to us. (But maybe we are spoiled!) In any case, on December 13, Riverfront Park becomes the southernmost North Pole, offering a showing of a Christmas movie on a big screen after the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree. Offering bounce houses, face painting, food trucks, and a visit from the BMOC (Big Man of Christmas) this annual Christmas event is something that we start looking forward to as soon as the lights go dark in January! The celebration takes up just the one afternoon, but you can see the tree any night in December after it is lit.

Read our Christmas Guide to Cocoa Beach Here!

5th Annual Holiday Boat Parade, December 13, Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village

December 13 is a very important date this year, offering not just the Holiday Movie and Tree Lighting but a beautiful and serene Holiday Boat Parade as well! We truly love a parade at any time of the year but this wonderful parade is the largest charitable parade on the Space Coast making it extra special. Not to mention that a procession of boats dressed in colorful lights is just really, really cool, it doesn’t cost anything to watch, they get their money from the boats that are registered in the parade, which in our minds makes it even cooler. Santa makes an appearance in the procession as well, taking up the anchor position, just as on land, manning a boat that is decked out to look like Santa’s sleigh, much to the delight of everyone who gets to see the display!

Jolly Days at the Brevard Zoo, December 21- 23, 8225 N Wickham Road in Melbourne

Rounding out the light spectaculars, Jolly Days at the Brevard Zoo brings the excitement to a fevered pitch, offering more Christmas activities, music, and the opportunity to watch the animals unwrap their own Christmas presents. The lights, the decorations, the roars of the lion brothers (Chobe, Karoo, and Ruaha) add to the ambience of this super special last-minute holiday celebration and when the good times end, no one will be sad because Christmas Eve and all the wonders associated with that night will be just 24 hours away!

Book Your Ho-Ho-Home for the Holidays

All lighted roads lead back to your Happy Palm Stays holiday hideaways and as you celebrate your favorite holiday, the traditions you participate in at your own homes can be enjoyed here as well. Watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve, wrapping presents after midnight when you are sure the kiddos have gone to sleep, then dragging yourselves out of bed at the crack of dawn when their excitement can’t be contained another minute. Reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today!

The magic of Christmas is not dependent upon blankets of snow and colorful mittens, especially as winters tend to feel as if they go on and on and on. Perhaps your idea of the perfect holiday involves sunny skies, palm trees swaying in sea breezes, and afternoons spent on beautiful beaches while your nights are filled with the happiest of holiday dreams. The latter isn’t just a dream that helps you get through the coldest days of winter; it can be a Christmas reality when you choose to visit Cocoa Beach and our beautiful Happy Palm Stays holiday hideaways for your Noel celebrations. This guide to the top reasons to spend Christmas in Cocoa Beach, Florida will help you see that dreams really do come true in paradise!

Galmont Ballet’s The Nutcracker, December 15-17 at the Historic Cocoa Beach Playhouse

Holiday traditions are important, and if seeing The Nutcracker live is one of your traditions, and you are planning on arriving in Cocoa Beach a little earlier in the month, planning a night out at our historic Cocoa Beach Playhouse will let you keep this very important tradition. Offering four nights of fun and magic, the Galmont Ballet’s rendition of this holiday favorite will bring you to tears and as you and your family watch young Clara dance her heart out, your Christmas spirit will be renewed.

Eternal Summer

With temperatures hovering in the 70s and the turquoise waters matching the air temps, you too can enjoy a Merry “Beachmas” with all the trimmings—and by trimmings we mean golden sands, turquoise waters, and fire in the sky every evening at sunset. Swimming, snorkeling, or simply laying back on your beach towel, your new earbuds that were under the tree just that morning, playing your favorite tunes. Leave the snow shoveling to your family and friends back home and shovel sunshine in Florida, knowing the only salt you will come across is the salt on the rim of your margarita glass.

Christmas Shopping Is Just Better in Cocoa Beach

You have options. You can lug wrapped presents with you cross country, hoping that TSA doesn’t think your gifts look suspicious, or you can spend the days leading up to the holiday shopping in local stores. We think the answer to that dilemma is quite clear, and when you shop till you drop in Cocoa Beach you will always find the gifts that will make recipients cheer, especially when you choose the shops we have listed below.

• Banana River Square, 2005 N Atlantic Ave – Offering an assortment of shops and restaurants in historic storefronts. You’ll find something for everyone to enjoy in these small businesses.
• Cocoa Beach Harley Davidson, 3670 N Atlantic Avenue – The Biker in your life will be thrilled to receive a Cocoa Beach tee shirt (or poker chips, hats, even watches and earrings) from the Harley Davidson Store.
• The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave – Visit some of the classic stores like Bath & Body Works, Kohls, and Lululemon to get the crowd-pleasing shopping experience. Then try some lesser-known stores such as Talbots, Thrive Local, and Belk.
• The Florida Key Lime Pie Company, 102 Dixie Lane – Ok, this last store is more of a gift for everyone, offering the best tasting pies in the state. In our humble opinion, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas in Cocoa Beach, Florida without this delicacy ending the meal.

A Visit with Santa

Of course, we all know that for our kids, it’s a visit to Santa that helps keep the magic of the holiday alive, and while you are doing some more holiday shopping at the Merritt Square Mall, why not set aside some time for a visit with the jolly old elf himself? Appearing at the mall every day from November 30th through Christmas Eve, the bearded wonder can get a little busy so reservations are recommended and can be made here. Offering a guaranteed spot on Santa’s lap, those who make reservations can also expect a phone call from the North Pole and enjoy free access to My Photo (where your special pic will be uploaded to) the entire season.

Home for the Holidays with Happy Palm Stays

The spirit of Christmas is in all of us and can be strengthened by the traditions you keep, many of which will take place without leaving the comfort of our Happy Palm Stays holiday hideaways. Binge-watch all the new Hallmark Christmas movies on televisions offering pictures so clear, you may feel like you are a part of the story playing out on the screen. Sip eggnog on the balconies of your beachfront escape, watching the sun sink into the sea as your children practically vibrate with excitement in anticipation of the late-night visitor you will welcome after all have gone to sleep on Christmas Eve. And dream happy dreams in cozy bedrooms, anchored by soft beds topped with even softer linens. Every Christmas dream can come true when you choose Happy Palm Stays. Reserve your favorite property with us today!

Taking time to enjoy a journey to Cocoa Beach is always a captivating vacation experience. Those who head here for the Christmas holiday have even more to look forward to! The following are just a few of the many exciting Cocoa Beach Christmas activities and events to check out when travel plans bring you this way in 2022. Whether you add one or all of them to your Christmas itinerary, a holiday away in Cocoa Beach is one that promises to thrill from start to finish.

Enjoy or Participate in the 3rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade

One of the most highly anticipated holiday events that Christmas travelers to Cocoa Beach can look forward to is the arrival of the annual Holiday Boat Parade. In its 3rd year in 2022, this exciting moment is shaping up to be unforgettable! The Holiday Boat Parade will be held on Friday, December 9th between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm with prime seating options available at Riverfront Park. The Holiday Boat Parade launches at Barton Avenue and ends at Intercoastal Waterway Park. This illuminating and whimsical on-the-water event is made up of vessels of all sizes decked out in their holiday best. Spectators can watch everything from charter party boats and speed boats to sailboats drift by lit up with lights from stem to stern. Some vessels have even been known to decorate their decks with everything from holiday lawn ornaments and Christmas trees to inflatable reindeer, Santas, and snowmen too. Passengers themselves typically dress up in holiday attire and some boats blast holiday music to make the festive scene even more fun for those watching.

Check Out the Cocoa Beach Surfing Santas & Cherry Down at Hunkerdown Hideaway

Enjoy a fun Cocoa Beach Christmas event this year that’s truly one-of-a-kind when you choose to watch the Cocoa Beach Surfing Santas hit the waves in holiday style! This event is typically hosted on December 24th and sees a variety of surfers wearing their best Santa apparel get out on the water on their surfboards, much to the delight of spectators! Hundreds of Santas participate in this annual event with raises money for the Florida Surf Museum. Once you’ve had your fill of surfing fun, head over to Hunkerdown Hideaway on S. Atlantic Avenue to enjoy performances by Cheery Down and a delicious Bloody Mary bar until 2:00 pm.

Come Watch Santa Freefall at Sky Diving Santas

On December 17th head to the Cocoa Beach Pier and watch Santas fall from the sky at this free event! Come watch professional skydivers dressed as Santa demonstrate a variety of skydiving techniques. Some of those techniques include flying canopies, high-speed landings, and more, all while swerving around an inflatable Christmas tree, carrying flags, and making attempts to land on a giant inflatable Santa chair. The first skydivers will land at 11:00 am and it will continue until 3:00 pm. If you want to book a vacation rental with a great view of the event so you can enjoy it without having to leave your cozy rental, our Chateau by the Sea condo rentals fit the bill! The rooftop deck of these rentals will have a fantastic view of this festive event!

Take Part in Winterfest 2022

Those who make their way to Cocoa Beach, Florida around Christmas will find themselves just in time to enjoy the fun at Winterfest. This annual event will be held on December 3, 2022, from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm along Minutemen Causeway. This is a family-friendly gathering that celebrates the season all day long with Santa showing up from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm to take pictures with little ones and receive gift requests! Organizers of Winterfest even bring in faux snow machines to set a wintery scene for visitors up until noon. The event is brimming over with savory food trucks for guests to enjoy as well as a variety of craft vendors on site and a beer tent as well. There will be live music playing throughout the day to bring even more festive cheer into the experience. At 2:00 pm, guests can enjoy watching a Christmas Parade complete with costumes, floats, and music. This is a fun-for-all experience you won’t want to miss when you’re in Cocoa Beach for Christmas this year!

Spend Time at the Holiday Craft Fair

If you’re looking forward to some holiday retail therapy during your Cocoa Beach getaway, or you simply have some last-minute Christmas gifts to check off the list, heading to a holiday fair is sure to inspire. The 2022 Art & Craft Holiday Bazaar will be in full swing on December 3rd and December 4th between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm and 10:00 am and 4:00 pm respectively. This fun holiday experience is hosted in Cocoa Village and welcomes over 250 vendors showcasing one-of-a-kind arts and crafts. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment, and savory street food to enjoy during their visit. Admission is free and this is a kid and pet-friendly event that welcomes everyone to come and get in on the holiday fun.

Enjoy a Cocoa Beach Christmas Vacation

There’s never been a better time to start planning your next incredible Christmas adventure in Cocoa Beach, Florida. When you know you’ll be needing incredible accommodations to top off your getaway in holiday style, the team at Happy Palm Stays has you covered. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious holiday rental options available and how we can help you turn all of your holiday travel plans into a reality. We’ll make sure you’re set up in a property option that keeps you close to the Christmas fun while infusing style, luxury, and comfort into the experience too. We can’t wait to see you in Cocoa Beach!