How to Spend Christmas in Fernandina Beach, Florida
If you’d rather trade snowflakes for seashells this Christmas, there’s no better place than Fernandina Beach! Here’s how to spend your Christmas in Fernandina Beach where there’s no snow and plenty of sun.
After spending a few Christmases in Fernandina Beach, I can promise you there’s nothing quite like celebrating the holidays in flip-flops and sunshine. This charming seaside town on Amelia Island brings holiday cheer with sunshine, sand, and a splash of Southern hospitality.
From building a beachy snowman in the sand to celebrating Victorian-style, there are so many fun ways to have an unforgettable Fernandina Beach Christmas! This holiday, spend some time soaking up the sun on Amelia Island with these top Christmas events in Fernandina Beach.
So grab your Santa hat and your sunscreen — here’s how to spend Christmas in Fernandina Beach, Florida!
Top Christmas Events in Fernandina Beach
1. Dickens on Centre
Dickens on Centre is Fernandina Beach’s annual Christmas celebration. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, this Victorian holiday festival is a celebration that would warm even Ebenezer’s cold heart.
Dickens on Centre includes weekend festival as well as special events starting early in December.
- Dickens on Centre Festival — December 11, 2025 through December 14, 2025 — This free weekend festival features artisanal vendors, costumed characters, visits with St. Nick, and holiday entertainment on two stages.
- Dickens Illuminated Procession — December 11, 2025 — This walking parade opens the festival. Join in with something that shines, glows, or twinkles and then enjoy food trucks and fireworks.
- Dickens Enchanted Village — December 12, 2025 through December 14, 2025 — Dine inside your own snow globe with a one-hour experience inside festive domes that include a delicious charcuterie picnic.
- Portraits with St. Nick — December 12, 2025 through December 14, 2025 — Get your photo with St. Nick at St. Nick’s Workshop in the Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone.
- Parade of Paws — December 13, 2025 — Watch this adorable parade of festive pups and pets.
- Run Like The Dickens — December 13, 2025 — Enjoy a 1-mile fun run starting at Main Beach. Kids and dogs are welcome to join.
- Dickens After Dark — December 13, 2025 — This adults-only party at the historic Lesesne House features live entertainment, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar.
2. Holiday Home Tour
The Amelia Island Museum of History’s annual Holiday Home Tour in Downtown Fernandina is a unique opportunity to see inside five privately-owned homes. Each home is decorated by professionals for the holiday season.
This year’s Holiday Home Tour takes place from December 5, 2025 to December 6, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
The traditional Christmas Tree Lighting in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The free event near the riverfront is complete with a visit from Santa, music, and vendors selling baked goods and holiday gifts.
This year’s Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on November 28, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m..
4. Lighted Christmas Parade
Fernandina Beach’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade features decorated and lighted parade floats, marching bands, dancers, and more.
The free parade takes place this year on December 6, 2025 at 6 p.m.
5. Parade of Paws
The Parade of Paws is the island’s popular pet parade. Pets dressed in their holiday attire walk with their owners in a parade through Downtown Fernandina Beach. Prizes are awarded for categories such as “Looks Most Like Owner”, “Most Original Costume”, and “Best Victorian Costume”.
This year’s Parade of Paws takes place on December 13, 2025 at from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
More Holiday Activities in Fernandina Beach
6. Neighborhood Christmas Lights
The residents of Fernandina Beach are a festive bunch around the holidays. Take a drive around the neighborhoods to check out Christmas lights all around Amelia Island.
Each year, the entire street of North Ridge Lane is transformed for a neighborhood light show. Each home on the street decks out their house in lights, inflatables, and more.
7. Walk Along the Beach
The weather in the winter is perfect for taking a walk along the beach. Enjoy fewer crowds as you walk along the snow-white sands. A stroll on the beach makes for the perfect Florida Christmas tradition!
8. Watch the Sunset
The sun sets around 5:30 p.m. in the winter in Fernandina Beach. Head to the the riverfront to catch a beautiful Amelia Island sunset. You can find great sunset-watching spots in Old Town, Downtown, over Egans Creek, and Fort Clinch State Park.
9. Holiday Shopping
Get all of your holiday shopping done in Downtown Fernandina. Christmas Shop on the River, which is open year-round, is perfect for finding holiday gifts and ornaments for your loved ones.
If you’re shopping for someone who loves all things lavender, stop by The Lavender Store for an endless array of candles, lotions, essential oils, and treats.
And The Book Loft is a great place to find a gift for the book-lover in your life, whether they like bestselling authors or local writers.
Where to Stay in Fernandina Beach for Christmas
Fernandina Beach’s hotels and B&Bs know how to make the season merry. Here are some of the city’s most festive places to stay.
- Omni Amelia Island Resort — enjoy festive activities like a Holiday Kids Tennis Camp, Holiday Crafts, a Christmas Dinner, and Christmas Day brunch along with the resort’s festive holiday décor.
- Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast — stay in a beautifully decorated Christmas room, enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Night dining at Fernandina’s top upscale restaurants, and enjoy a special Christmas show on Christmas Eve.
- The Fairbanks House — this 1800’s Victorian village is all dressed up for the holidays with all guest rooms and grounds fully decorated in a grand Christmas style. Enjoy events like a special Christmas morning breakfast, Christmas Eve tours of the historic district, a Christmas Eve dinner, daily bedtime sweets, and Christmas Day dinner, and Christmas stockings with special treats in every room.
- Amelia Island Williams House — this beautifully decorated inn offers a gourmet breakfast, Christmas cookies and eggnog in your room at check-in, and a Christmas Day dinner.
Hotels in Fernandina Beach tend to book up quickly for the holidays, so make your reservations sooner rather than later.
What’s the Weather Like in Fernandina Beach for Christmas?
December in Fernandina Beach typically sees temperatures in the 50s and 60s. It typically won’t get any colder than the high 40s, and don’t be surprised if it gets up to the low 80s. There’s much less humidity in December as well.
Don’t expect any snow on Amelia Island! The only time on record that Fernandina Beach had a White Christmas was in 1989 when there was a freak snowstorm.
If you plan on going in the water, ocean temperatures in December are typically between 55°F and 60°F. Most hotels and condo rentals offer heated pools and hot tubs.
For what to pack and wear during winter in Fernandina Beach, I recommend long pants and layers on top. Flip-flops are still perfectly acceptable in the winter, as are shorts if you’re warm-natured. Most people will be comfortable in long pants and short sleeves with a light jacket for the cooler nights.
Christmas in Fernandina Beach Map
Ready to visit Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island at Christmas? Use the map below to plan out your holiday!
I hope this helps you have an amazing Amelia Island Christmas!
Fernandina Beach Christmas FAQ
Does Amelia Island decorate for Christmas?
Yes, Amelia Island is all decked out for the holidays! Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach is covered in lights and decorations. There are holiday celebrations going on all around the island.
What to do on Amelia Island in December?
You can enjoy Dickens on Centre, a Holiday Home Tour, looking at Christmas lights, multiple holiday parades, the start of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, and so much more in December!
What’s the weather like in Amelia Island at Christmas?
The weather is usually pretty mild with a high in the upper 60s and low 70s during Christmas in Amelia Island. It usually gets cooler in the evenings. Winter weather is also drier and less humid, and there isn’t a lot of rain. The only time on record that it has snowed on Amelia Island on Christmas was in 1989 when the island got 1-2 inches of snow.
Can you swim in Amelia Island in December?
If you plan on going in the water, ocean temperatures in Amelia Island in December are typically between 55°F and 60°F. I’d recommend wearing a wetsuit if you do want to swim or surf.
Top Fernandina Beach Tours
With so much to see, Fernandina Beach can be overwhelming for any first-time traveler. To take some of the stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour! Check out this list of the top Fernandina Beach tours to help you make the most of your time on Amelia Island.
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek
- CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach
- Eight Flags Road Tour
Where to Stay in Fernandina Beach, Florida
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Fernandina Beach, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.
- Top Beach Rental — Cozy Log Cabin Directly on the Beach
- Top Hotel — Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front
- Top Resort — Omni Amelia Island Resort
- Great Value — Amelia Hotel at the Beach
- Unique Stay — Amelia Schoolhouse Inn
More Things To Do in Fernandina Beach
Just can’t get enough of this coastal Florida town? Check out these other Fernandina Beach itineraries.
- Top 10 Things to Do in Fernandina Beach, Florida
- The Best Restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Florida
- A Long Weekend Getaway in Fernandina Beach, Florida
- The Best Bars in Fernandina Beach, Florida
- 8 Rainy Day Activities in Fernandina Beach, Florida
Ready to visit Fernandina Beach, Florida? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top beach rentals in Fernandina Beach on VRBO.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you spent Christmas in Fernandina Beach, Florida? Let me know in the comments below!
