Who says it can’t snow in Florida?
Sure, snowbirds come to the Sunshine State in the wintertime specifically to get away from all that cold and snow and ice and windshield scrapers and freezing temperatures and shivering and chapped lips and dirty slush. But sometimes we like a little snow down here too. Just a little bit, just for fun, under strictly controlled circumstances.
To cool off in December, we found a handful of Florida events featuring real or fake snow. (Naturally, all of these events feature visits and photo ops with Santa Claus too.)
Snowfest Naples: Billed as Collier County’s biggest annual community event, where 1,200 blocks of ice are trucked in, fed through an ice chipper and turned into 100 tons of snow. Also includes a carnival, entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts. 3-7 p.m. Dec. 6, Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples.
Snowcat Ridge: Located in Dade City north of Tampa, this “alpine winter park” features a snow tubing hill, snow play zone, ice skating rink and snowball target area. 27839 St. Joe Road, Dade City. Open all month, see snowcatridge.com for hours.
Pensacola Winterfest: Features continuous snow flurries and trolley tours titled “The Grinch’s Merry Match,” “The Polar Express” and “A Christmas Carol.” Dec. 5-7, 12, 14, 19-24 at the Old County Courthouse, 223 S. Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. See pensacolawinterfest.org.
Snowfest Lakeland: Snow-themed experience with falling man-made snow, a Christmas tree, food trucks and holiday crafts. 5-9 p.m. Dec. 6, Lake Mirror Park, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland.
Glitter Glisten and Snow: Located in Haines City between Orlando and Lakeland. Features falling snow, a real snow slide, kids’ activities, food and market vendors, and a countdown to the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. 7:30-10 p.m. Dec. 6, Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave., Haines City.