Christmas on Clearwater Beach looks a little different. The tree goes up next to the pool, the stockings hang over a balcony rail, and the walk after dinner ends with the sun dropping into the Gulf. If your family has been talking about trading a snowy driveway for a sandy one this year, this is our local guide to doing it well.
We live and work here, so below are the Christmas events we actually point our guests to, with 2026 dates checked against each organizer, plus practical tips for a holiday in a vacation rental and a few homes big enough to fit everyone.
The case for a beach Christmas
Why Spend Christmas in Clearwater Beach?
December here is mild compared with most of the country, which means beach walks, outdoor dinners and sunsets are all still on the table. Evenings can turn cool, so pack a sweater for after dark.
Sweater weather after dark, flip flop weather by day.
The bigger draw for families is space. Instead of three hotel rooms down a hallway, you get one home with a full kitchen, a living room for opening presents and a table long enough for everyone. If you are still deciding when to come, our month by month guide to visiting Clearwater Beach covers the whole year.
What’s on
Christmas Events in and Around Clearwater Beach (2026)
Here is the 2026 holiday lineup, in order of when each one starts. Every event below was confirmed with its organizer in October 2026, but plans can change, so tap through to the official page before you go.
Holiday Lights at Largo Central Park
- When
- Nightly from Thanksgiving night, Thursday, November 26, 2026, 5 to 10 pm
- Where
- Largo Central Park, Largo
- Cost
- Free to park and walk; carousel and Ferris wheel rides are $6 each or 10 rides for $50
The City of Largo strings more than 2.5 million LED lights through the park, a short drive inland from the beach. It is a walking display with food and market vendors, a carousel and a Ferris wheel, and leashed dogs are welcome. Check the final night before you plan a late December visit.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
- When
- Nightly from Friday, November 27, 2026 into early January, 5:30 to 9:30 pm
- Where
- Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo
- Cost
- Suggested donation of $10 per adult and teen; children 12 and under are free
Over a million twinkling lights, lighted figures, holiday trees and a laser projection show fill the Florida Botanical Gardens and the neighboring Majeed Discovery Garden. The walkways are ADA compliant, and well behaved pets on a 6 foot leash are welcome. Donations support the gardens through the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation. Check the listing for the final night.
Clearwater’s Bright and Beautiful Tree Lighting
- When
- Sunday, November 29, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
- Where
- Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., downtown Clearwater
- Cost
- Free
The City of Clearwater kicks off the season on the downtown waterfront, just over the causeway from the beach. Expect carolers, food trucks, a snow machine (the only snow you will see on this trip), inflatables, local merchants, dance groups and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Clearwater Illuminations: Lantern Festival and International Night Market
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 9 pm
- Where
- Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., downtown Clearwater
- Cost
- Free
Clearwater Sister Cities fills the waterfront with the glow of Japanese lanterns, inspired by a tradition from Clearwater’s sister city of Nagano, Japan. Make your own lantern for the display, then wander the night market for live music, cultural performances, artisan vendors and international food.
52nd Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 6 pm
- Where
- Clearwater Harbor, finishing at the Clearwater Beach Marina
- Cost
- Free to watch
For more than five decades, boats decked out in lights have paraded through Clearwater’s waterways, raising money for youth sailing scholarships at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center.
The Clearwater Yacht Club says the parade launches just north of the Mandalay Channel Bridge, loops around Island Estates, passes Coachman Park, heads toward the Sand Key Bridge and past the Yacht Club, and finishes at the Clearwater Beach Marina, where the boats are judged. Coachman Park and the marina are both on the route.
Local tip for parade night: the beach gets busy, so get there early and check our Clearwater Beach parking guide before you head out.
Sunsets at Pier 60
- When
- Nightly, weather permitting
- Where
- Pier 60, Clearwater Beach
- Cost
- Free
Not a Christmas event, but no Clearwater Beach holiday is complete without it. The Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival has brought free family entertainment to the beach for more than 30 years, with street performers and local artisans as the sun goes down. Read our guide to Sunsets at Pier 60 and our first timer’s guide to Pier 60.
Ring in 2027
Staying Through New Year’s?
Sunset to Sparkle at Pier 60 Park
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 3 to 9:30 pm, fireworks at 9 pm
- Where
- Pier 60 Park, Clearwater Beach
- Cost
- Free
Clearwater Beach has a new way to end the year, with live entertainment, artisans, street performers and a fireworks finale at 9 pm, early enough for little ones. Event details from the City of Clearwater.
Football fans can stretch the trip to New Year’s Day with our ReliaQuest Bowl trip guide, and for more ideas, browse our Clearwater and St. Pete events calendar.
From our hosts
Christmas in a Vacation Rental: What Works
A few things we have learned from hosting families over the holidays:
- Plan the big meal around the kitchen.Our homes have full kitchens, but they are not stocked like yours at home. Bring the one pan or gadget your family recipe depends on.
- Shop early.Many stores and restaurants keep shorter hours on Christmas Eve or close on Christmas Day, so check hours and do the big grocery run a day or two before.
- Ship gifts ahead, or wrap light.If you are flying, consider sending presents ahead or shopping when you arrive. Ask us before shipping anything to the home so we can tell you the best address and timing.
- Pack for both seasons.Swimsuits and sandals for the afternoons, a sweater or light jacket for evening events on the water.
- Book dinner out early.If you would rather not cook, reserve Christmas Eve or Christmas Day tables well ahead; our favorite Clearwater Beach restaurants are a good place to start.
Coming for Thanksgiving too? Our Thanksgiving in Clearwater Beach guide covers that holiday.
Where to stay
Homes Big Enough for the Whole Family
Christmas is when everyone comes, so here are a few of our larger homes in Clearwater Beach.
Forever Sunshine
9 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
For the truly big family reunion, with room for everyone.
View Forever SunshineSummer Breeze
7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
A private pool for afternoon swims between Christmas plans.
View Summer BreezeIsland Time
6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Room for several families under one roof.
View Island TimeCasa Del Mar
6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Six bedrooms, so everyone gets a door that closes.
View Casa Del MarSee live availability and prices for your dates, or browse all of our vacation homes and our tips for family reunions and large groups.
Search Christmas weekSmaller Groups: Our Clearwater Beach Resorts
Clearwater Beach Suites
Traveling as a couple or a small family? Clearwater Beach Suites sits at 530 Mandalay Avenue with an on-site heated pool, a short walk from Pier 60.
View Clearwater Beach Suites
Coral Resort
On the quieter bay side, Coral Resort faces Clearwater Harbor, with a waterfront heated pool, on-site parking and an easy walk to the Gulf.
View Coral ResortBringing the dog? See our pet-friendly rentals. You can compare every building on our condos and resorts page.
Good to know
Christmas in Clearwater Beach: FAQ
When is the Clearwater holiday boat parade in 2026?
The Clearwater Yacht Club’s 52nd Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 6 pm. It finishes at the Clearwater Beach Marina, and Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater is also on the route.
Are the Christmas light displays near Clearwater Beach free?
The Holiday Lights at Largo Central Park are free to walk, with paid carousel and Ferris wheel rides. Holiday Lights in the Gardens at the Florida Botanical Gardens asks for a suggested $10 donation per adult and teen, and children 12 and under are free.
Can we swim at Christmas?
The Gulf is cooler in December and many visitors find it brisk, so a heated pool is a nice backup. Clearwater Beach Suites and Coral Resort both have heated pools, and some of our homes have private pools; check each listing for pool details.
Can we bring our dog for the holidays?
Yes, at our pet-friendly homes. Both holiday light displays in Largo welcome leashed pets, too. Start with our pet-friendly rentals and our pet-friendly guide to Clearwater Beach.
How early should we book Christmas in Clearwater Beach?
The sooner you book, the more choice you have, especially if you need a large home for the whole family. Call us at (727) 449-2700 and we will help you find the right fit.
Let’s plan it
Ready for a Sunny Christmas?
Pick your events, gather the family and let us handle the house. Explore our vacation rentals in Clearwater Beach, or email [email protected]. We would love to help you plan it.
See you on the sand.