December brings a special kind of energy to Florida—cool breezes, festive lights, waterfront celebrations, and the kind of easygoing weather that makes road trips feel effortless. It’s the time of year when families reunite, school groups travel for holiday events, sports teams hit the road for winter tournaments, and friends escape the cold for sunshine. And for all of these travelers, the biggest challenge isn’t the destination—it’s getting everyone around together. That’s where TPA Van Rentals steps in.
With 12- and 15-passenger vans available near Tampa International Airport (TPA), your entire group can load into a single comfortable ride instead of scattering across multiple cars or juggling rideshare chaos. One van keeps the crew together, keeps the luggage secure, and keeps the holiday stress to a minimum. And when December roads sparkle with light displays and waterfront views, traveling together becomes part of the celebration itself.
Below is your complete December travel guide—routes, tips, and seasonal recommendations—to help you deck the roads in true Florida style.
1) December Travel Trends and Why Groups Choose Florida
Florida becomes a magnet for group travel in December. The combination of warm weather, holiday festivals, and themed events makes it one of the most popular destinations for families, teams, and winter break travelers.
Top reasons groups choose Florida for December travel:
- Comfortable temperatures—mid-70s days and breezy evenings
- Outdoor-friendly activities without frostbite or snow delays
- Holiday events statewide, from boat parades to enchanted theme park nights
- Kid-friendly venues perfect for school breaks
- Year-end reunions made easier by Florida’s central air hubs
When people want sunshine instead of snowstorms, Florida answers—loudly and beautifully.
2) The Power of Traveling Together During the Holidays
Holiday travel is chaotic when groups split between multiple cars or arrive at different times. Someone always gets stuck in traffic. Someone gets lost. Someone texts, “We’re circling—where are you?”
Traveling together in one TPA van solves this instantly. It brings:
- Unified arrival times for dinner reservations, theme park rope drops, and special events
- Complete control over your timing and stops
- Consistent organization—all gifts, gear, and luggage in one place
- More bonding time during the most social month of the year
Kids can swap seats, grandparents can enjoy views, friends can share playlists, and everyone stays part of the same holiday story from start to finish.
3) Comfort and Convenience on Florida’s Winter Roads
Winter is Florida’s golden season. The roads are dry, the skies are clear, and the sun isn’t scorching. TPA Van Rentals’ 12- and 15-passenger vans are built to maximize that comfort:
- High ceilings & wide rows for real stretch-out room
- Rear climate control that keeps the whole cabin comfy
- Massive cargo capacity for holiday bags, strollers, and equipment
- Safe seating for all passengers—no squeezing or makeshift spots
- Sliding doors for easy access at beaches, theme parks, and hotel drop-offs
Whether it’s a 45-minute drive to Clearwater or a 6-hour run down to the Keys, these vans keep the vibes bright and the holiday spirit glowing.
4) Tampa-Based Routes Perfect for December Adventures
Tampa is perfectly positioned for winter road trips. From here, your group can explore holiday events, warm destinations, and coastal towns with ease.
Clearwater & St. Pete (≈40–45 min)
White sand, waterfront fireworks, holiday boat parades, and festive pier activities.
Orlando (≈1.5 hrs)
A December must for families:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Universal’s Grinchmas & Macy’s Holiday Parade
- SeaWorld’s Winter Wonderland
Sarasota & Siesta Key (≈1–1.5 hrs)
Soft sand, waterfront markets, and one of Florida’s best Christmas boat parades.
Naples (≈2 hrs)
Holiday shopping, tree lightings, waterfront light shows, and elegant dinners.
Crystal River (≈1.5 hrs)
Swim with manatees—only possible in winter when they seek the warm springs.
Miami & the Keys (≈4–7 hrs)
Warm-weather holiday lights, tropical energy, decorated palm trees, and colorful island towns.
December offers everything from cozy coastal Christmas towns to thrilling holiday amusement parks, all reachable from Tampa in a single comfortable ride.
5) Holiday Events, Festivals, and Must-See Attractions
Florida turns up the charm in December. Your group will have no shortage of events to explore:
Boat Parades
Cities like Tampa, Clearwater, Naples, and Sarasota host dazzling holiday boat parades—lights reflecting on the water, music, and festive crowds.
Enchanted Theme Park Nights
Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens, and SeaWorld glow with seasonal décor, holiday shows, and themed fireworks.
Lighted Gardens & Trails
Florida Botanical Gardens, Selby Gardens, and Bok Tower Gardens all host brilliant nighttime light displays.
Holiday Markets
St. Armands Circle, Tampa Riverwalk, Miami’s Bayside Marketplace—perfect for gifts, crafts, and festive food.
Coastal Festivals
Beach towns celebrate December with concerts, sand sculpture events, food festivals, and waterside tree lightings.
A TPA van makes it easy to move your whole group from one event to the next without missing a beat.
6) Travel Tips for Smooth, Festive Road Trips
A few smart moves go a long way toward keeping your December adventures cheerful and stress-free:
- Use a holiday tote: ornaments, stocking stuffers, treats, and emergency supplies.
- Pack by category (beach gear, gifts, outfits, snacks) to avoid chaos in the van.
- Rotate seats so every passenger gets a good view of lights or scenery.
- Bring blankets & jackets for outdoor events with breezy evenings.
- Plan efficient stops: combine restroom breaks, fuel, and snacks into one stop.
- Keep a cooler for waters, sparkling drinks, juice boxes, and fresh snacks.
- Use shared playlists to make the drive feel festive.
- Set aside a “photo window”—December in Florida has incredible golden-hour light.
You’ll enjoy the best version of December when the road trip feels organized and joyful.
7) Booking Your TPA Van Rental for December Travel
Holiday availability moves quickly in December, so securing your van early is key. Booking with TPA Van Rentals is simple and convenient:
- Visit www.tpavanrentals.com
- Select a 12- or 15-passenger van
- Add unlimited mileage if you’re exploring multiple cities
- Confirm pickup near Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Share your itinerary and seat assignments with the crew
- Load up and hit the road—your December adventure awaits
Returning the van is just as easy: one vehicle, one drop-off, and straight into TPA for your flight home.
📞 Contact TPA Van Rentals
Website: www.tpavanrentals.com
Phone: (813) 998-7708