Celebrate the Season: Space Coast Christmas Events 2025

Even though it’s not cold winter weather here in Florida, we sure know how to get festive! Christmas lights, decorations, and community celebrations are everywhere along the Space Coast. Each of our beach towns celebrates all month long with golf-cart parades, tree lightings, and holiday magic. In Melbourne Beach, for example, Santa and his helpers travel around town on Christmas Eve from the volunteer fire station, delivering gifts to children. Brevard comes alive during the holidays with family-friendly activities, festive performances, and sparkling neighborhood lights.

Tree Lightings & Neighborhood Lights

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting — Green Gables, Melbourne

Date: November 30, 2025 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL
Description: Kick off the holiday season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Green Gables. Visitors can enjoy festive songs from the youth chorus, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies. Santa will be on hand to greet children, creating a magical start to the holiday season. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for outdoor seating, as space is limited.
Website: https://greengables.org/

Nance Park Tree Lighting — Indialantic

Date: December 5, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Location: Nance Park
Description: Bring the whole family to Nance Park for a festive evening of holiday cheer. The event features crafts, a hot cocoa and coffee bar, and the opportunity for free photos with Santa. Live performances and local musicians set the tone for a joyful night, while food vendors offer seasonal treats. It’s an ideal way to celebrate the start of the holiday season with friends and neighbors.
Website: https://www.indialantic.com/parks-recreation-beautification-committee/page/annual-holiday-tree-lighting

Ryckman Park Tree Lighting — Melbourne Beach

Date: December 5, 2025 - 6:00 PM
Location: Ryckman Park
Description: Kick off the season at Ryckman Park’s Tree Lighting Ceremony with a lively celebration for the entire family. Snow and bubbles create a magical atmosphere for children, while the Gemini Elementary Choir fills the air with festive music. Food and dessert trucks provide holiday favorites, making it a full evening of treats and entertainment. This event is perfect for families looking to enjoy traditional tree lighting with a beachside twist.
Website: https://www.melbournebeachfl.org/Events-directory/Tree-Lighting-Ceremony-2025

Light Up Rockledge & Festival of Trees — Rockledge

Date: December 6, 2025 - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Rockledge Civic Hub
Description: Celebrate the holidays at Rockledge Civic Hub, where beautifully decorated trees light up the community space. Visitors can stroll through the displays, enjoy live performances, and participate in holiday-themed activities. The Festival of Trees offers something for everyone, from crafts for kids to festive treats for adults. It’s a delightful evening to experience the spirit of the season with family and friends.
Website: https://www.visitspacecoast.com/event/light-up-rockledge/

Best Neighborhood Christmas lights on the Island: Verbenia Court, Satellite Beach

Date: Early December (lights fully running first weekend; some go up after Thanksgiving)
Location: Verbenia Court neighborhood
Description: Verbenia Court is a beloved holiday destination for families and light enthusiasts alike. Every evening in December, residents transform their homes into dazzling displays with thousands of lights synchronized to music. Visitors can walk through the neighborhood or enjoy a drive - from Verbenia, continue west along Desoto Parkway and turn North on Caribbean Road, to spot the biggest Santa and Grinch displays in the area. Come back on Christmas Eve to meet Santa and Mrs. Clause! This neighborhood is perfect for family photos and creating lasting holiday memories.

Holiday Shows & Performances

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. — Backstage Theater

Date: December 4–6, 2025 - 06:30 PM
Location: First Baptist Church of Indialantic
Description: This charming theatrical production brings the classic story of Rudolph to life on stage. Families will enjoy colorful costumes, catchy songs, and a heartwarming storyline. The show is perfect for children and adults, offering a festive way to experience holiday magic indoors. Don’t miss this opportunity for a memorable family outing.
Website: https://www.ticketor.com/backstagetheatregroup/Tickets/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-343078

Miracle on 34th Street — Henegar Center for the Arts

Date: December 2025 (check site for showtimes)
Location: Henegar Center, Melbourne
Description: Experience this beloved holiday story performed live on stage. The production captures the magic of Christmas with a mix of music, comedy, and heartfelt moments. Perfect for families or a festive night out with friends, this show brings classic holiday cheer to the Space Coast.
Website: https://downtownmelbourne.com/event/miracle-of-34th-street-henegar-center/

Festivals & Special Holiday Events

3rd Annual Christmas Wonderland — Space Coast Harley-Davidson, Palm Bay

Date: December 13, 2025 - 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Location: Space Coast Harley-Davidson
Description: This unique holiday event combines festive fun with a one-of-a-kind venue. Families can take photos with Santa, enjoy live music, explore local vendor booths, and participate in holiday activities. The event atmosphere is lively, making it a memorable outing for all ages.
Website: https://spacecoastharley.com/event/41155/3rdannualchristmaswonderland

Holiday Illumination Celebration & Tree Lighting — Merritt Island

Date: December 13, 2025 — 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy
Description: A full day of holiday festivities awaits at this community event. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, a Christmas market, bounce houses, and a gingerbread house competition. There’s plenty to keep kids entertained, while adults can shop for unique holiday gifts. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Website: https://www.visitspacecoast.com/event/holiday-illumination-celebration-and-tree-lighting-merritt-island

Children’s Christmas Parade — Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department

Date: December, 13 2025 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach
Description: Established in 1966, this annual parade is a beloved tradition for families in Melbourne Beach. Enjoy festive floats, refreshments, and the chance to meet Santa. The event brings the community together in holiday cheer and is especially magical for children seeing Santa travel through town.
Website: https://www.melbournebeachfl.org/Events-directory/MBVFD-Childrens-Christmas-Parade-2025

Holiday Runs & Active Fun

Jingle Bell 2-Miler — Satellite Beach

Date: December 20, 2025 — 5:30 PM
Location: Satellite Beach Library, 751 Jamaica Blvd
Description: Get moving with this festive 2-mile race through the best local Christmas light displays (yes, including Verbenia Court!). Participants receive medals, tri-blend shirts, and jingle bells for their shoes, plus a kids’ run for the little ones. After the race, enjoy cookies, music, and holiday cheer. It’s a fun way to combine fitness with festive family fun.
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SatelliteBeach/JingleBell2Miler

17th Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza

Date: Dec 20, 2025
Location: Palm Bay • Fred Poppe Regional Park, 1951 Malabar Rd NW
Description: A free, city-wide Christmas party with food, live entertainment, games, pony rides, inflatables, face painting, and local talent performances for the whole family.

Run Run Santa 1-Mile

Date: Dec 20, 2025 • Viera / Dec 21, 2025
Location: Vero Beach
Description: Florida’s merriest 1-mile race, perfect for walking or running with the family while enjoying festive holiday fun.

Manatee Hustle 5K

Date: January 2026 (exact date TBD)
Location: Indialantic • Manatee Hustle 5K
Description: Kick off the new year and get in shape with this fun, family-friendly 5K race that we proudly sponsor and help organize.
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Indialantic/ManateeHustle5K

Unique Holiday Experiences

Skydiving Saint Nicks — Melbourne Beach

Date: December 21, 2025 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront
Description: Watch Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers make a thrilling parachute landing on the beach. The event is a unique spectacle that delights both kids and adults. With music and festive cheer, it’s a truly memorable way to celebrate the season by the ocean.
Website: https://www.visitspacecoast.com/event/the-skydiving-saint-nicks-2/

Holidays in Space — Kennedy Space Center

Date: December 21–30, 2025 (No show Dec 25) — 6:50 PM
Location: Rocket Garden, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Description: Experience the holiday season in a new way with the “Starflake” drone light show. Hundreds of drones light up the sky, accompanied by an original symphonic score. Premium viewing options are available for the best vantage point. This event is perfect for families and space enthusiasts alike.
Website: https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/event/2025-holidays-in-space

Surfing Santas — Cocoa Beach

Date: December 24, 2025 — 8:00 AM
Location: Downtown Cocoa Beach, near Minutemen Causeway
Description: Hundreds of Santas hit the waves for this one-of-a-kind Christmas Eve celebration. Costume contests, live entertainment, and plenty of beachside fun make it an unforgettable experience. This quirky tradition is perfect for those who love the ocean and want to celebrate the holidays in style. Image by @surfingsanta.
Website: https://surfingsantas.org/