The weather might be sunny and warm, but that doesn’t mean Santa and the holiday spirit skip out on the Space Coast. Not only is there plenty to do, but you can do it all without having to bundle up and brave the wind chill! Read on for plenty of fun ways to ring in the holidays in Brevard County.
Tired of shoveling snow and scraping the ice off your windshield? Head down to warmer climes and kiss the snow boots and itchy sweaters goodbye.
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Top Events This Holiday Season
From world-class venues to historic homes and attractions, fairs, museums, farmer’s markets, and art galleries, Brevard County boasts a rich heritage that truly offers something for everyone.
Fairs, Festivals, and Food
From massive fairs to quaint farmers’ markets, wine tastings to baking classes, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your calendar and pick up some one-of-a-kind gifts lovingly made by local artists.
Cocoa Beach Annual Christmas Art Show and Sale, 11/17-11/19
The unique talents of local artists will be on full display at Cocoa Beach’s Annual Christmas Art Show and Sale, presented by the Central Brevard Art Association. The event promises to be a showcase of fine art and prints, photography, jewelry, silks, clay, wood, sculpture, mixed media, and more. There is also a raffle to support the CBAA scholarship fund. Admission and parking are free.
30th Annual Fox Lake Winter Festival of Crafts, 11/18
The Annual Fox Lake Winter Festival of Crafts celebrates its 30th year featuring handcrafted artwork by 150 local artisans. Enjoy food trucks and unique one-of-a-kind holiday shopping at this free family-friendly event.
Christmas in the Park, 12/8
Come celebrate the holidays with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Santa’s workshop, arts & crafts, refreshments and choral performances at Christmas in the Park in Melbourne.
Cocoa/Rockledge Holiday Parade, 12/9
Who doesn’t love a parade? Each year, our community comes together to celebrate the holiday spirit with the beloved Cocoa/Rockledge Holiday Parade. This year’s theme is ‘Gnome for the Holidays.’ Emceeing the event is Mindy from Lite Rock 99.3.
4th Annual Florida Snow Day, 12/10
Head over to the 4th Annual Snow Day Event, hosted by the Learning Forward Education Center, for a community fundraising event that brings a snow day to Florida. Attendees are invited to glide on the snow sock skating rink and join in hourly snowball flights and music. In addition, there will be plenty of food trucks and vendors, plus local performers and the Melbourne district school choirs and bands. The event serves to connect Melbourne and surrounding communities, raise awareness of services to assist them in their daily lives, and promote educational resources available.
City of Melbourne Holiday Market & Snowfest, 12/15-12/16
Need some gifts and a fun-filled way to get them? Head to the Melbourne Holiday Market & Snowfest. It’s a family-friendly event featuring plenty of local homemade crafts, plus a KIDZONE with snow slide, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Concerts and Theater
What’s the holiday season without music and theater? And luckily for residents of Brevard County, there are PLENTY of opportunities to experience it this holiday season.
Where to Go
Catch a show at one of the many excellent venues in Brevard County, including the King Center for the Performing Arts, the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, Titusville Playhouse, the Melbourne Civic Theater, The Henegar Center, Surfside Playhouse, or the Gleason Performing Arts Center.
Need some laughs? The Funky Dog Improv comedy troop, Gregory’s Upstairs Comedy Club, and Space Coast Comedy Showcase provide plenty.
Here are some top entertainment choices to check out.
Sounds of the Season: Brevard Symphony Orchestra, 11/25
Brevard’s favorite holiday concert, Sounds of the Season, returns with a heartwarming collection of seasonal favorites for audiences of all ages! The Brevard Community Chorus joins the BSO for traditional carols and other holiday highlights – and we’ll enjoy a musical gift to the BSO – the World Premiere of Double Christmas by Gregory Smith, composed to celebrate the BSO’s 70th Anniversary Season!
Holiday Spectacular: Glad Tidings at The Henegar Center, 12/14-12/17
Get ready for a musical extravaganza at Henegar’s Holiday Spectacular “Glad Tidings,” featuring live music, a choir, dancers, and specialty acts. This family-friendly event will include tunes old and new and is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. the Holiday Spirit!
The Galmont Ballet presents The Nutcracker: Cocoa Village Playhouse, 12/16-12/17
The Galmont Ballet (the official resident ballet company of the Cocoa Village Playhouse) presents The Nutcracker, the holiday family classic that’s delighted audiences annually at the theatre for over a decade. Sit back and lose yourself in one of the most famous and magical ballets of all time.
Fun Runs
Lace up your shoes and kick some asphalt for a good cause with the many 5ks happening around the region this holiday season.
25th Annual Cocoa Beach Turkey Trot 5K, 11/23
Preempt the afternoon’s feast by kicking off your Thanksgiving at the 25th Annual Cocoa Beach Turkey Trot 5K. Proceeds from the event support the cross country and track teams at Cocoa Beach High School, Kiwanis Foundation scholarships for CBHS seniors, and the purchase of track equipment for CBHS. There’s more than running, though. Post-race refreshments will be on hand, plus raffles and dozens of awesome door prizes giveaways. Costumes are encouraged!
Cape Canaveral Reindeer Run 5k, 12/9
Grab your gear, stretch out those muscles, and head over to the Cape Canaveral Reindeer Run in Cape Canaveral to support another good cause – the North Beaches Police Athletic League – Youth Directors Council Program. In addition to the good deed of taking part, there will be door prizes and other goodies at the finish line.
Run Run Santa 1 Mile, 12/23
If you’re looking at the merriest (and shortest) race around, the Run Run Santa 1 Mile . Put on your best Florida-style Santa suit for a short jaunt, followed by awards, prize giveaways, and festive post-race party food and drink.
Tours and Walks
Whether taking in the sights on foot or cruising around by sea, there are plenty of ways to experience the history and scenery and fun that makes the Space Coast such a beloved destination.
Museums of Brevard Christmas Tour of Historic Homes, weekends 12/1-12/17
Take a tour of 8 Historic Homes in Brevard County with the Museums of Brevard Christmas Tour, where you’ll get to wander through some of the area’s stunning historic homes all dolled up in their best holiday decor. The tour includes a visit to the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. Note: Some homes require reservations.
It Takes a Village Historic Cruise
Set sail from Cocoa Village Marina on a It Takes a Village Historic Cruise and embark on a journey through the intercoastal waterway to experience the fascinating history of Cocoa, from the time the first settlers arrived in 1860 to its transformation into the Space Coast of Florida. Along the way, you’ll pass historic estates adorned with holiday decorations and stunning flora and fauna.
Christmas Park & Walk: LaPorte Farms, 12/28-12/30
Stroll through the Winter Wonderland of magical Christmas displays while sipping fresh hot apple cider and hot chocolate and snacking on s’mores and Santa’s cookie at the LaPorte Farms Christmas Park and Walk.
Calendars to Bookmark
More events are added weekly, so be sure to keep an eye on local calendars and check community websites for updates.
Fun 4 Space Coast Kids Calendar