# Spending Christmas in Clearwater Beach (2026) > Christmas in Clearwater Beach swaps snow for warm sand, boat parades, and holiday lights. Here is what to expect in 2026 and how to plan it. - URL: https://sunnyorangestays.com/christmas-in-clearwater-beach/ - Published: 2026-11-08 - Updated: 2026-11-08 - Author: Tory Belloise --- This year, start a new tradition for the holidays. Spending Christmas in Clearwater Beach puts a new spin on the holiday. Trade white snow for white sand beaches, cold days for weather warm enough to spend at the beach, and a cozy fireplace for a beachfront vacation rental to hang up your stockings. [Sunny Orange Stays’ vacation rentals](https://sunnyorangestays.com/clearwater-beach/) in Clearwater Beach are holiday-ready with space to accommodate large families and spacious kitchens for preparing a delicious holiday meal. Book your stay and prepare for your Christmas photos to look a bit more tropical this year. Here's why Clearwater Beach should be the number one thing on your Christmas list this year. ## **2026 Christmas Events in Clearwater Beach** ![](https://sunnyorangestays.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/florida-christmas-tree-and-palm-trees-1.jpg) Photo Credit: [Artiom Photo](https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Artiom+Storojenco) Christmas in Clearwater Beach starts long before Santa comes down the chimney. From a holiday season kick-off to a Christmas countdown, every day will feel festive with family-friendly holiday events. ### **Bright and Beautiful Tree Lighting** - **Date:** Sunday, November 29, 2026, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. - **Location:** [Coachman Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/G4t2heXanP6CJW6X8), Clearwater Gather in Coachman Park to see the city's giant Christmas tree light up for the first time of the season. [Clearwater's Bright and Beautiful Tree Lighting](https://www.myclearwater.com/Events-and-Meetings/Clearwaters-Bright-and-Beautiful-Tree-Lighting) is a sign that the holiday season has officially started. Families can enjoy carolers, live music, food trucks, inflatables, and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There is even a snow machine to transform Clearwater into a winter wonderland. ### **Holiday Lighted Boat Parade** - **Date:** Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. - **Location:** Various The 52nd annual [Clearwater Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade](https://www.clearwateryachtclub.org/special-events/holidayboatparade) puts on a dazzling display of holiday lights on water. Boats go all out for the event to compete in a judged competition for cash prizes and bragging rights. There are various places to watch the parade as it passes through the Mandalay Channel Bridge, Island Estates, Coachman Park, Sand Key Bridge, Clearwater Yacht Club, and Clearwater Beach Marina. [Coachman Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/G4t2heXanP6CJW6X8) offers some of the best views of the boats decked out with ornaments, Christmas characters, creative light designs, cheerful messages, and festive music. ### **Making Spirits Bright Holiday Street Parade** - **Date:** December 18, 2026 - **Location:** Starts at [Clearwater Beach Library & Recreation Complex](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5XZSsqrsGKr7Nwh67) Don your Santa hat and join the fun at the [Making Spirits Bright parade](https://www.instagram.com/reel/De-0xpLNBd0/). You can expect to see festive floats and decorated vehicles from local businesses and charities. Locals and visitors come together to celebrate the festive season. You might even have the chance to meet the Grinch! ### **Winter Wonderland** - **Date:** Select December evenings - **Location:** Downtown Clearwater Our guests staying near downtown will have easy access to [Winter Wonderland Clearwater](https://clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org/ccv-annual-events/winter-wonderland/). Florida feels like the North Pole in a seasonal holiday village decorated with thousands of lights, real pine trees, a holiday train, and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. Admission is free. ### **JW Marriott Gingerbread Display** - **Date:** December - **Location:** [JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FVa28L4goPmWtZEC8) Christmas trees and lights aren't the only decorations you'll see in Clearwater Beach. Step into the lobby of the JW Marriott to see their annual gingerbread display. This dream winterscape is completely edible, but don't touch; it's an art installation. Adults can also try specialty holiday cocktails served at the pop-up holiday bar. ### **Holiday Lights in the Gardens** - **Date:** Select evenings, late November through early January - **Location:** [Florida Botanical Gardens](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zXM7dqqWSAfcU6A2A) Looking for the best lights display? Florida Botanical Gardens features a million LED lights, lasers, lit figures, and other decorations for the [Holiday Lights in the Gardens](https://www.flbgfoundation.org/holiday-lights). It runs every night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with special kids' activities every Thursday and Sunday evening in December. Admission is free (with a suggested $10 donation), and leashed pets are welcome in the outdoor areas. ## **Packing for Your Clearwater Beach Christmas** ![](https://sunnyorangestays.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/woman-packing-clothes-beach-accessories-and-christmas-gifts-at-home.jpg) Photo Credit: [Pixel-Shot](https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Pixel-Shot) Clearwater Beach is a warm winter escape, and you'll feel the difference the moment you land. Beach attire, from bathing suits to flip-flops, will be your daily outfit, and light layers are recommended for cooler nights. Read our guide to Clearwater Beach in winter for more insights into the weather. Since it's the holidays, you may need to pack gifts and definitely leave some extra room in your suitcase to bring back what Santa drops off at your vacation rental (yes, he can still find you on vacation!). ## **Other Christmas-Time Things to Do in Clearwater Beach** ![](https://sunnyorangestays.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/young-mother-and-little-girl-running-at-tropical-beach.jpg) Photo Credit: [TravnikovStudio](https://www.shutterstock.com/g/TravnikovStudio) Design your own holiday adventure by exploring some of these fun [things to do in Clearwater Beach](https://sunnyorangestays.com/things-to-do-in-clearwater-beach/). ### **Spend Christmas Morning on the Sand** The award-winning Clearwater Beach ranks as one of the top beaches in the country. It's a gift in itself to be able to wake up in a beachfront vacation rental on Christmas Day and step onto the award-winning Clearwater Beach. The water is usually a little too chilly to be swimming in December, unless you’re very brave, but it's still nice to walk the shoreline. ### **Shop at One of America's Largest Holiday Stores** It's Christmas all year round at [Robert's Christmas Wonderland](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wyGFyQBhzHJiGVx3A). It's a one-stop shop for everything festive, including decorations, ornaments, gifts, toys for the kids, artificial trees, and more than 10,000 varieties of lights. ### **Catch the Sunset Celebration at Pier 60** Sunset happens early during the short December days. Late afternoon is when the [Sunsets at Pier 60 nightly festival](https://sunnyorangestays.com/sunsets-at-pier-60/) will begin setting up with street performers, music, and craft vendors. It even happens on Christmas Day, so it's an excellent option to spend some of your Christmas cash and capture holiday photos for next year's Christmas card. ### **Book a Dolphin or Sunset Cruise** Boat tours run even during the winter. These are great for group tours and getting to know the waterways and marine life around Clearwater Beach. Your expert captain will take you to where dolphin sightings are common, so keep your camera ready. Sunset cruises give an alternative golden hour experience on the bay after you've already experienced sunset at Pier 60. ### **Plan Christmas Dinner Early** Plenty of [Clearwater Beach restaurants](https://sunnyorangestays.com/restaurants-clearwater-beach-style/) serve holiday menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but some are closed for the holidays, so check before you go. We recommend making dinner reservations early since they're busy this time of year. The ones that open book out weeks ahead. Reserve by early December if a specific spot matters to you. Cooking in is another good option, and vacation rentals offer the benefit of a full kitchen to prepare the special holiday meal. Pick up fresh seafood at a local market one or two days ahead of Christmas Day to enjoy a Florida-style festive feast. ### **Be the Star of Your Own Holiday Movie** You're the main character of your Christmas holiday, and Clearwater can make your trip feel like a movie. The 2026 holiday romance “Christmas in Clearwater” was filmed at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The plot follows the characters as they try to save the aquarium from corporate takeover. The aquarium is open on Christmas Eve for limited hours, so swing by to capture photos and videos reenacting your favorite scenes. ## **Celebrate Christmas in Clearwater Beach** Christmas in Clearwater Beach gives you the full holiday season, just warmer. Lights on the water, a parade of boats instead of floats, and a Christmas morning that starts barefoot in the powdery white sand instead of snow. [Discover Sunny Orange Stays’ vacation rentals](https://sunnyorangestays.com/clearwater-beach/) in Clearwater Beach to find a cozy Christmas waterfront escape that everyone will love. Book early for the holiday week, and prepare for a Christmas in the sun. --- Site index for agents: https://sunnyorangestays.com/llms.txt