Most people picture Clearwater as a summer destination — sunscreen, flip-flops, umbrella drinks on the beach. What they don’t picture is December.
That’s a mistake worth correcting. Clearwater in December still has 70-degree days, uncrowded beaches, and enough holiday events to fill a proper Christmas itinerary. The water is too cold for swimming, but it’s perfect for boat parades. The crowds that turn Clearwater Beach into a parking lot in July are mostly gone. And the area pulls together a genuinely solid lineup of holiday events — some of which have been running for decades.
This guide uses the classic “12 Days of Christmas” format as a framework — not because the events are numbered on a calendar, but because it gives you a useful structure for planning a December trip. Mix and match based on how many days you actually have. Most of these work as standalone half-day or full-day outings.
Stroll of Trees on Clearwater Beach
Where: Clearwater Beach, FL
Cost: Free
Best for: Families, couples, casual walkers
Every December, local businesses along Clearwater Beach decorate Christmas trees and display them throughout the beach area as part of the 12 Days of Christmas celebration. The result is a self-guided walking route through themed, decorated trees — each one sponsored and styled by a different local business or organization.
It sounds simple. It is simple. But walking Clearwater Beach in December — warm enough for a light jacket, uncrowded, with decorated trees along the way — is one of those things that actually delivers on the holiday atmosphere. No ticket. No schedule. Just walk at your own pace.
The Stroll of Trees runs through most of December as part of the broader beach holiday programming. Combine it with dinner at one of the beachside restaurants and you have a low-effort, high-return evening.
Tree Lighting
December 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Clearwater Historical Society, 610 S Ft Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756
Kick off the 12 Days of Christmas at the tree lighting at the Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center! Enjoy the live holiday music and story time with Mrs. Claus, letters to Santa, crafts, refreshments, entertainment followed by our Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Food trucks will be available.
Making Spirits Bright Parade
Where: Clearwater Beach
Cost: Free to watch
When: Mid-December — check local listings for exact date each year
Best for: Families, kids, anyone who likes a proper parade
The Making Spirits Bright Parade runs through Clearwater Beach in mid-December and is exactly what it sounds like: a full holiday parade with local businesses, community groups, and festive floats moving through the beach area.
It’s a community parade rather than a major production, which is part of what makes it good. The crowds are manageable, kids can actually see what’s happening, and the whole thing has an easy, low-pressure energy. Find a spot along the route, grab something to eat from a nearby spot, and watch it go by.
Practical note: Parking on Clearwater Beach during any large event is limited. Plan to park farther away and walk, or use the Jolley Trolley beach service. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the parade starts to get a decent spot along the route.
Holiday Movie in the Park
December 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Clearwater Historical Society, 610 S Ft Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756
Don’t miss The Grinch on an 80ft inflatable screen! Bring your blanket and pillows for an outdoor movie night complete with food vendors and the Holiday A-Train, sponsored by the Mike Alstott Family Foundation! There will also be photo opportunities with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.
The Holiday A-Train, sponsored by the Mike Alstott Family Foundation is a new addition and is FREE to ride! It will run from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, December 16 during the Holiday Movie in the Park!
Market, Music & Mimosas
December 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cleawater Historical Society, 610 S Ft Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756
Don’t miss the mini Market Marie in the outdoor courtyard at the Clearwater Historical Society! There will be vendors and crafts for kids!
Paw-rade
December 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Clearwater Historical Society, 610 S Ft Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756
Bring your furry friend to participate in the “paw-rade”! Titos Handmade vodka will be sponsoring a huge pet activation and handing out pet swag! There will also be awards and pet-friendly vendors. Suncoast Animal League will be on-site as well with adoptable pets! Event sponsored by Tito’s Vodka
Planning Your December Trip to Clearwater
When to Visit
December weather in Clearwater averages highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 50s. You’ll need a light jacket in the evenings. The water temperature drops to the low-to-mid 60s — too cold for most swimmers, but fine for a beach walk. Rain is less common in December than in summer. Crowds are significantly lighter than peak season (March through August).
Getting Around
Clearwater Beach parking during events fills up fast. The Jolley Trolley runs between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach and is worth using if you’re staying near the beach. For the Botanical Gardens in Largo and Ruth Eckerd Hall, you’ll need a car or rideshare.
What to Check Closer to Your Trip
About the Founders
The 12 Days of Christmas was founded in 2020 by Sheri Aquilar, Director of Special Events and Catering at Baystar Restaurant Group and Juli Norberg, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach and Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club. Both Juli and Sheri share a love of Christmas and a drive to make a difference in their local communities. Over the past two years, the 12 Days of Christmas Events has raised nearly $12,000 for charity.
