Holiday cheer comes, in part, from celebrating traditions with your loved ones, and especially the love of your life. Traditions may include holiday events, festive feasts, winter wanderlust and more. Listen up Orlando couples… we’ve combined these elements to present the most romantic holiday getaways — whether you want to stay in the Sunshine State or venture out of state.

Romantic Holiday Getaways in Florida

Our very own Sunshine State offers a unique blend of comfortable winter weather without compromising holiday cheer.

St. Augustine: A Historic Christmas Wonderland

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Christmas. The annual Nights of Lights event is a must-see, with millions of tiny white lights illuminating the historic district’s Spanish colonial architecture. Stroll hand-in-hand with your partner through the twinkling streets, stopping at quaint cafes, take a dreamy horse-drawn carriage ride and catch the sunrise at Anastasia State Park.

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Stay at one of the charming bed-and-breakfasts in the heart of the city to truly immerse yourself in the historic ambiance. St. Augustine is only a short two-hour drive so just do it!

RELATED: SAVE THE DATE! Lighthouse Illuminations Returns to St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Tini Martini St Augustine Nights of Lights
Photo credit: Jenn Leonard

Amelia Island: Cozy Christmas on the Coast

Amelia Island, located about three hours northeast of Orlando, is the perfect destination for Orlando couples seeking a cozy, coastal vibe. Known for its charming Victorian architecture and quiet beaches, Amelia Island offers an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.

Definitely visit Fernandina Beach for a holiday shopping stroll and explore the historic downtown area that’s decorated with festive lights. Amelia Island hosts the Dickens on Centre Festival, an immersive Christmas event inspired by Charles Dickens, complete with carolers, horse-drawn carriages and festive food.

You can stay at a beachfront resort, a quaint inn or AirBnB. Whatever you decide, be sure to go to the beach for shelling.

Destin: White Sand, Festive Lights & Romance

For couples who love the idea of a white Christmas, but with sand instead of snow, Destin among the most best holidays destinations. Known for its pristine white sand beaches and emerald-green waters, this Panhandle locale offers a mix of beachy relaxation and holiday recreation.

The annual Christmas on the Coast celebration lights up the harbor and waterfront area. Plan to have a lovely dinner with a view of the sparkling lights.

Maybe, book a beachfront cottage and spend your days exploring the shoreline, or take a sunset sail on the Gulf of Mexico. For an extra special moment with you partner, visit the nearby Eden Gardens State Park and explore its holiday lights and beautifully decorated historic mansion.

Palm Beach: Luxury & Elegance

If you and your travel companion are craving a luxurious and sophisticated Christmas escape, Palm Beach may be right for your elegant retreat. During the holiday season, The Breakers Palm Beach is lavishly decorated with thousands of lights, holiday garlands and a towering Christmas tree.

Spend your days relaxing at the beach, then enjoy fine dining at one of the many upscale restaurants in the area. Palm Beach also hosts a number of festive events, including Worth Avenue’s Holiday Parade, where you can stroll along the famous shopping street and take in the holiday decorations.

For a little self-care, make reservations for a couple’s spa day! Or, set sail on sunset cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Key West: A Tropical Christmas in Paradise

Does Key West hold the key to romance? We think the laid-back vibe sure fits the bill.  Couples can enjoy the Harbor Walk of Lights, where the marina is adorned with festive decorations, including a nautical-themed Christmas tree. Explore the lively streets of Duval Street and enjoy the local seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants while sipping on tropical cocktails.

Also, take your favorite on a sunset cruise! Or take a slow stroll along Fort Zachary Taylor State Park beach. Key West blends history, vibrant culture and beautiful sunsets to make it a Christmas destination like none other.

Alternatively, it takes less time to get to Islamorada in the Upper Keys, and you'll find lots of tropical charm here too. And since Islamorada is less crowded and full of local businesses, you'll enjoy a small town Christmas feel.

Beach and cottages at La Siesta Resort & Villas Islamorada - image by Dani Meyering
Beach and cottages at La Siesta Resort & Villas Islamorada – image by Dani Meyering

Miami: Glitz, Glamour & Romance

For couples seeking a more vibrant and glamorous getaway, Miami delivers with its eclectic blend of holiday festivities, luxurious accommodations and impressive dining. Bayfront Park hosts Miami’s Christmas tree lighting, and you can walk along the waterfront together to admire the skyline and twinkling lights.

Miami Beach offers a blend of art deco architecture and lively nightlife, perfect for Orlando couples looking to blend romance with a bit of fun in South Florida. Check out the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to experience its NightGarden display, featuring interactive light exhibits and holiday music. And, for something more serene, take an intimate boat ride on Biscayne Bay.

Romantic Holiday Getaways Out of State

Newport Beach (and surrounding coastline), California

The Pacific Coast Highway’s 123 miles make for one of the most stunning road trips (after flying in from Orlando). From San Francisco to San Diego, you’ll find plenty of date night fun. With a stop into Los Angeles, kiss by the Hollywood sign and stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame to show your leading lady or leading man that you’re starry-eyed in love.

It should come as no surprise that the California coast is home to some of the most uniquely spirited events. Plan to check out the Surfing Santa Competition, which benefits Surfers Healing. Pair your board shorts with a Santa hat and hop onto either a standup paddleboard or surfboard.

In Newport Beach, Santa Claus rides on a boat rather than a sleigh! Now in its 116th year, catch the spectacular multi-day boat parade. And for just $38 per person, you can book a holiday lights cruise!

Oahu, Hawaii

Well, Hawaii is one, without a doubt, among the best romantic holiday getaways. Don't you agree? Hike to Manoa Falls, surf or sunbathe at the North Shore, and sip plenty of Mai Tai cocktails.

Maybe when tired of wearing that big red suit, Santa puts on a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops! Paradise Cove Luau is ready to prove that Christmas tunes inspire hip-shaking dance routines. In addition to traditional fare and music, December shows embrace the essence of the North Pole but with white sand rather than white snow. Stay at the Sheraton Waikiki to admire holiday-themed sand sculptures, or at The Outrigger where Santa arrives via canoe.

surfing santa
photo credit: Surfing Santa competition

Santa Fe, New Mexico

There’s so much to explore with your beloved travel buddy in Santa Fe. Stroll hand-in-hand through cultural museums, shop indie markets in the Railyard District and drive the Turquoise Trail.

Santa in Santa Fe? Yup! Perhaps the name is not a coincidence because the Farolito Walk on Canyon Road is rich with Christmas traditions. Aside from standard holiday lights and decor, the famous path is lined with paper bags illuminated by votive candles. It matches the stunning beauty of this historic neighborhood of art galleries and more.

Cleveland, Ohio

This destination offers fun tailgating with the Cleveland Browns. And plenty of places to visit too like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Theater District.

Um, ever seen A Christmas Story, aka the best holiday film featuring Ralphie, a leg lamp and a bunny suit? Take a tour of Ralphie’s house or, better yet, book an overnight stay. How fun?!

Santa Claus, Indiana

The town of Santa Claus is probably not on your bucket list for upcoming travel. But, during the holidays, it should be. As the name reveals, this place is truly dedicated to Christmas, all year long in fact. The town also has one of the best wooden roller coasters in the nation and Lincoln’s boyhood home.

This place is bursting with holiday opportunities. Have sweets at Santa’s Candy Castle, learn at the Santa Claus museum, attend a Santa Claus training for insider tips and drive-through a grand light display.

Reno, Nevada

Nicknamed the “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno is all about hotels and casinos. Bet it all (or just a little) with your king or queen. Then explore the great outdoors in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

The annual Reno Santa Crawl invites Christmas-costumed drinkers to be more naughty than nice! Drink up this unique holiday experience which includes caroling at midnight.

Holiday Cocktail Crawl in downtown Orlando Frosty's Christmastime Lounge

Fairmont, West Virginia

Those seeking a laidback vacation may enjoy biking on trails and crossing the Barrackville Covered Bridge, a 148-foot single lane bridge built in 1853 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Definitely visit the Heston Farm Winery and Pinchgut Hollow Distillery, a 220-acre farm nestled in the Appalachian Mountains with views overlooking the Tygart River.

West Virginia has a strong Italian heritage, so this site makes our list with festive foodies in mind. Fairmont hosts an annual Feast of Seven Fishes sure to satisfy. Traditionally, Italian communities (especially near Naples and Sicily) would celebrate Christmas Eve with a fast from red meat and consumption of seafood. “Seven” aligns with the seven sacraments of Catholicism.

So… where are you going to go?!