The Best Places To Go Holiday Shopping In Florida

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While you won’t experience a white Christmas in Florida, you can expect to see lots of holiday spirit this December. You can share a drink by the boardwalk, attend one of its many splendid holiday events or, most importantly, get your holiday shopping out of the way.

The Sunshine State is home to world-class holiday shopping districts, ranging from outlet malls and quirky kiosks. If you’re in Florida for the holidays and want to take advantage of its many Christmas sales, this roundup will clue you in on the best places to shop.

Where To Shop For Holiday Gifts In Florida

It’s no secret that Florida boasts some of the most impressive shopping malls in the country. However, you never know when you’ll find a holiday gem elsewhere. Here are a few shopping districts to consider for your holiday splurge.

Outlet Malls

Florida’s outlet malls are just as popular as its theme parks. In most cases, you’ll find everything on your holiday shopping list at the Mall at Millenia, International Plaza, Westshore Plaza, or the Florida Mall. Holiday discounts typically start in late November for anything from homeware to fashion and cosmetics.

Boutiques

If you prefer something handmade or vintage, you won’t find any shortage of independent boutiques at Florida’s many weekend markets. You never know what you’ll find at some of Florida’s biggest flea markets. Its weekly Big Top Flea Market stocks accessories, clothing, electronics, sporting goods, and much more.

Theme Parks

Are you shopping for a family full of Disney fanatics? If so, there’s no better place to shop than, well, Disney World! You’ll find no shortage of character shops here or at other theme parks like Universal Studios or Epcot.

Marketplaces

Can’t decide whether you want to shop at a mall or a boutique? Hit up one of Florida’s many marketplaces. Destinations like the Orlando Farmer’s Market have dozens of options for food lovers, fans of bespoke handcrafted goods, and other unique items.

Top Holiday Shopping Destinations In Florida

If you’re on the market for holiday shopping in Florida, add these options to your list of must-sees.

Diamonds Direct – St. Petersburg

If a proposal is on your Florida itinerary this December, Diamonds Direct in St. Petersburg won’t disappoint. For over 30 years, this family-run business has provided custom jewelry designs for newlyweds and diamond rings for every occasion. For bolder couples, their Gary and David wedding collection is a sight to behold (and one that will be your best holiday gift yet).

Not ready to say “I Do”? Or perhaps you already have. This boutique jewelry store is filled to the brim with sparkly treasures for all relationship stages and budgets.

The Spice & Tea Exchange – John’s Pass & St. Petersburg

For cooking and tea enthusiasts, there is no better place to shop than the Spice and Tea Exchange. With two Florida locations in John’s Pass and St. Petersburg, you won’t have any trouble getting Christmas-themed gourmet teas, spice blends, and sugars to warm up your holiday.

Want to arrive at your holiday get-together equipped with cocktails? Explore The Spice and Tea Exchange’s recipe section! Here, you can learn how to whip up a mean amaretto citron sipper or its classic “The Sir” martini.

Christmas Town At Busch Gardens – Tampa

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is Tampa’s biggest and only award-winning holiday event, hosting festive shows, Santa’s North Pole Experience, and dozens of shopping opportunities. Find everything you need at the one-stop-shop Xcursions or head over to the nearby Emporium and Marrakesh Market.

St. George Street – St. Augustine

There is no better place to satisfy your holiday shopping panic than at St. George Street in Florida. Here, you can treat your loved ones to anything from gourmet treats at Claude’s Chocolate or one-of-a-kind treasures from its many vintage shops. St. George Street is also home to fan-favorite Spice and Tea Exchange!

Marge’s Specialties – Orlando

Dubbed the largest Christmas shop in Florida, Marge’s Specialties is a destination you must add to your list. Marge’s stocks everything from ornaments to stockings and, for the extra festive, Christmas-themed furniture.

Are you hosting a holiday office party? Marge’s also offers corporate bulk buys. Whatever holiday gifts you need, this locally-owned 43-year-old Christmas shop can provide!

Robert’s Christmas Wonderland – Clearwater

For over 40 years, Robert’s Christmas Wonderland has been something of a holiday spectacle in Clearwater. Fans of loud and proud holiday decorations will love this shop’s tree skirts, stocking designs, garlands, and lights. You can even personalize holiday gifts like candles and jewelry.

The Christmas Palace – Fort Lauderdale

Located both in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the Christmas Palace is the best place to go for Christmas figurines and other decorations. Walk into the shop, and it’s a sight to behold – you’ll find Christmas lights, full tree set-ups, tabletops, carpets, and even sleigh and reindeer sets!

Disney’s Character Warehouse – International Drive

Visit either of the Orlando Premium Outlets, and you’ll strike holiday gold at the Disney Character Warehouse. Here, you’ll find virtually every Disney character on the spectrum on mugs, t-shirts, sweaters, and in plush form for up to 70% off during the Christmas season.

East End Market – Audubon Park

While known primarily for being a go-to food hub, the East End Market is also home to many festive merchants with unique products. A fan favorite at the East End Market is Freehand Goods, where you can get anything from leather wallets to stickers and soy candles customized for your loved ones. For home embellishments and plants, visit Porch Therapy.

The Wine Barn – Winter Park

If you’re caught up in a shopping frenzy of last-minute gifts, the Wine Barn at Winter Park will do you justice. Here, you can buy delicious dupes of your loved ones’ favorite reds or whites at affordable prices. Can’t quite remember whether a friend or relative prefers Chardonnay or Merlot? Get one of the pre-made holiday baskets.

The Bottom Line

If you’re Christmas shopping in the Sunshine State, you’ll be pleased to know that the options are virtually endless. You might even find it more challenging to narrow down your choices. For shoppers who need a bit of help getting started, we hope this list of Florida’s best shopping destinations has made your holiday frenzy a little more manageable.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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