Central Florida Santa Events Guide
Central Florida Santa Events Guide – Do you want to find some events where your kids can see or meet with Santa? Check out some of the events we have found below. Also, we will continue to add more events to this guide throughout the season, so be sure to check back for more opportunities to see St. Nick!
As always, our list of events will be updated throughout the season, so be sure to check back often. And, if you’ve found we missed anything, be sure to send the event our way by emailing Newsletter@MyCentralFloridaFamily.com or click here to submit the event.
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Christmas is a fun-filled time in Central Florida and there are many opportunities to meet Santa throughout town. We will work to find all of those events and list our favorites below for you.
Looking for other holiday opportunities for fun, check out our additional guides below.
Winter Fest
U-Pick at Amber Brooke Farms
Saturdays and Sundays December 9-17, 2023
More Info: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit on the farm. Enjoy the sweetness of the season with strawberry u-Pick, Santa, and more! Open 10am-5pm Saturdays & Sundays from December 9-17th!
Breakfast with Santa
Dave & Buster’s
December 10, 2023
More Info: Santa Claus is coming to Dave & Buster’s Orlando! Skip the long line at the mall and score an exclusive meet & greet. Invite your family & friends along to visit our one-stop-Santa-shop and enjoy a morning of holiday fun.
Dinner with Santa (and his Elves!)
Lake Mary Chick-fil-A
December 19, 2023
More Info: Santa and his trusty Elves are popping by to dish out scrumptious candy canes and share an intriguing Christmas Story! It’s a night your kiddos will never forget.
Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Workshop
Orlando
November 4 – December 24, 2023
More Info: Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s!
Events Happening All Season Long
Holiday Nights at Island H2O Water Park
Island H2O Water Park
Nov. 8 – Dec. 31, 2023
More Info: Each evening, Island H2O Water Park will transform into a holiday wonderland, adorned with twinkling island-themed lights that’ll rival the brightest North Star. Check out island-festive immersive light displays and snap some holiday-card worthy photos with friends and family. You can get your holiday shopping done as you surf through the holiday market featuring local vendors with a showcase of unique gifts and handcrafted ornaments. Sip steaming mugs of cider and hot cocoa, enjoy holiday themed bites, and toast s’mores big enough to share all while enjoying unique live entertainment each night. Holiday Nights will light up every Wednesday through Sunday from Nov. 8 – Dec. 10 and every day Dec. 13 – 31.
Cranes Roost Park Light Up the Holidays
Altamonte Springs
November 23 – January 1, 2024
More Info: The City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy celebrate the tradition of lighting up Cranes Roost Park with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and garland.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
St. Augustine
Nov. 18, 2023 to Jan. 31, 2024
More Info: The 2023-24 Nights of Lights festival turns the city of St. Augustine into a dazzling holiday display.
Now Snowing in Celebration
Celebration
November 25 – December 31, 2023
More Info: Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season. Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM. It’s a true throwback to the traditional family style holiday.
Santa Workshop at ICON Park
ICON Park | Orlando
through December 24, 2023
More Info: The jingle bells are ringing at ICON Park – Santa is officially back in town! Now through Dec. 24, guests can enjoy The Santa Workshop Experience at the entertainment destination.
Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island
December 1 – 25, 2023
More Info: This year’s event will feature a 30-foot centerpiece for its sparkling Christmas tree forest, up from 20 feet last year. The month-long celebration of the season packs in holiday cheer and special events from Dec. 1 through Christmas Day.
Holiday Events in Winter Garden
Winter Garden
December 1-30, 2023 | Times Vary
More Info: If you’re looking for holiday events in the Winter Garden area, we have them below for you. Winter Garden knows how to do the holidays for Central Florida families! Outdoor holiday movies, light shows, carriage tours, boutique stroll, farmer’s market, and holiday music on the plaza are here for you.
Multiple Day Events
Orlando Museum of Art Breakfast with Santa
Orlando Museum of Art
November 11, 12, 19, 2023
More Info: A morning of making memories with Santa Claus with exclusive access to the 37th Annual Festival of Trees before it opens to the public during the day. Breakfast with Santa […]
Photos with Santa
Sunsational Farms
November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2023
More Info: Join us on the farm for our annual photo opportunity with Santa .There is no cost to see Santa, or to take your own photos in our beautiful setting.
Photos with Santa at The Showcase of Citrus
The Showcase of Citrus, Clermont
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through 12/24
More Info: We invite children, adults, and pets of all ages to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring your camera and take your own photos. The cost is $10 per child or pet. Each participant receives a special Christmas ornament.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Winter Park Village
Winter Park Village
December 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2023
More Info: Ho Ho Ho! Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to Winter Park Village! Don’t miss your chance to meet the jolly couple and get a keepsake picture taken with them. Bring your camera or phone. Pets are welcome!
Pictures with Santa
St. Cloud Holiday Festival
December 2-3, 2023
More Info: The St Cloud Holiday Festival returns Dec 2nd and 3rd to downtown St Cloud. Don’t miss your chance to visit with Santa!
St. Cloud Holiday Festival
St. Cloud
December 2-3, 2023
More Info: The St Cloud Holiday Festival is a non-profit event presented by the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay supporting the annual holiday event and the community we serve. The Festival features over 100 crafters, carnival-type fare, entertainment, a classic car show and a Kids’ Holiday Fun Zone with Santa. The Festival runs for two days, always the first Saturday and Sunday in December.
Oh What Fun! Holiday Festival
Lake Nona
December 7 – 23, 2023
More Info: Watch as Lake Nona Town Center transforms into a winter wonderland, known as Peppermint Square, with a calendar full of celebrations and events for our 6th annual Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival.
Altamonte Springs Holiday Concerts & Santa
Cranes Roost Park
December 8, 15, 22, 2023
More Info: Enjoy live music from artists performing holiday hits and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Plaza. Food and beverages available for purchase. Admission is free
Santa’s Wonderland Village
Winter Garden
Weekends Through December 23rd
More Info: On Friday, December 8th the switch will be flipped to illuminate more than 10-thousand lights as the inaugural Santa’s Wonderland Village opens in Winter Garden. This NEW holiday tradition will feature over 30 gigantic light displays, Santa’s Magical Midway, delicious fair food and Santa Claus! Santa’s Wonderland Village will be produced by Orlando-based Strates Shows, Inc, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in business during 2023.
Single Day Events
Light Up Eustis
Eustis
November 24, 2023
More Info: This year’s 36th Annual Light-Up Eustis will be held in Ferran Park on Friday, November 24th, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A ceremonial tree lighting will be at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy food and craft vendors in the park, pictures with Santa, and more!
Light Up Mount Dora
Mount Dora
November 25, 2023
More Info: This year brings a new spin to this annual event. The festivities will now be on the downtown lakefront in Evans Park from 3:30 p.m to 9:00 p.m. Watch for Santa to arrive via boat. After dark a fireworks display will take place in Simpson Cove near the lighthouse. Guests wishing to donate a new and unwrapped toy for the Mount Dora Community Toy Drive benefitting local children in need can drop it off at the City’s tent leading to the event (at the top of the hill leading down to Evans Park).
Christmas in the Park
Winter Park
November 30, 2023
More Info: Each year, on the first Thursday of December, the Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park when it lights up Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert. This December is the 44th annual celebration of Christmas in the Park. Christmas in the Park was started by Hugh and Jeannette McKean, the Morse Museum’s benefactors, in 1979 as a way to share a part of their rare Tiffany collection with the public in an informal setting. Today, the Morse and the City of Winter Park co-sponsor the event.
Oviedo Tree Lighting Celebration
Oviedo
November 30, 2023
More Info: A Frosty themed Tree Lighting Experience at Center Lake Park in Oviedo!
Winter on the Avenue in Winter Park
Winter Park
December 1, 2023
More Info: Winter On The Avenue is from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 1. Come out for our annual tree-lighting, strolling carolers, Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony, s’mores, snow slides, the announcement of holiday art contest winners, children’s choirs, The Bubble Bus, Popcorn Flicks in the park, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Apopka Tree Lighting
Kit Nelson Park | Apopka
December 1, 2023
More Info – We welcome you to our annual Tree Lighting, as we light up Kit Land Nelson Park for the holidays. Enjoy holiday music, photos with Santa, kids activities and more!
Edgewood Santa Fly In
Edgewood City Hall
December 1, 2023
More Info: Join us on Friday, December 1st from 6:00-8:30PM for our 8th Annual Santa Fly-In Event! Watch as Santa arrives via helicopter (around 6:30PM) to meet his friends in the City of Edgewood! Event to include a free Santa meet & greet, food/dessert trucks, beer & wine bar, face painting, bounce houses, holiday light & music, and more!
Light Up Sanford – Tree Lighting Ceremony
Magnolia Square
December 1, 2023
More Info: Join us for a magical night at Light Up Sanford, a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 PM. Experience the enchantment of the Magnolia Square Christmas Tree and downtown as we illuminate the night. Get ready for holiday entertainment, a visit from ‘Ole Saint Nick and his helpers, and more!
Lake Mary Holiday in the Park
Downtown Lake Mary
December 1, 2023
More Info: The City of Lake Mary’s “Holiday in the Park” event is one for the books! Our largest event of the year highlights over 1 MILLION holiday lights in Central Park, a visit from Santa Claus, a synthetic ice rink (admission fee), and lots of food trucks!! Kick off the holiday season with your family and friends in one of the best light shows in Central Florida!
Ocoee Evening with Santa
Ocoee Lakeshore Center
December 1, 2023
More Info: The City of Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department will host Evening with Santa on Friday, December 1st, 2023. The event will be held from 6:00pm-8:30pm at the Ocoee Lakeshore center. Visit Santa and his special guest, share Christmas wishes and take pictures. All kids will be able to interact with Santa and his special guest. Space is limited (Registration is now open). Follow the link to register https://secure.rec1.com/FL/ocoee-parks-recreation-fl/catalog. Cost is $10 per person, for more information contact Tracy Wise-Donahey or call 407-905-3180.
Leesburg Tree Lighting
Historic Downtown Leesburg – Town Green
December 2, 2023
More Info: The Town of Leesburg will hold this year’s holiday tree lighting ceremony on Town Green beginning at 6:00pm. Join us for lights, live music, holiday characters and community cheer!
Seminole County Paws & Claus
Greenwood Lakes Park
December 2, 2023
More Info: Join Seminole County Animal Services for our first ever Paws & Claus event! Animal Services will have several available animals to adopt, along with local rescue groups featuring pets of all breeds and sizes. There will also be food trucks, animal demonstrations and pet-themed vendors selling gifts for the holiday season. Best part is…Santa Claus is comin’ to the park for pics with your pets! Don’t miss out on that perfect holiday photo op.
Baldwin Park’s Winter Wonderland
New Broad Street, Baldwin Park
December 2, 2023 | 4-8 PM
More Info: This year’s Winter Wonderland Extravaganza will take place on December 2 right on New Broad Street! The Winter Wonderland Extravaganza will feature a tree lighting ceremony, parade, food vendors, live music, photos with Santa and tons of fun right on New Broad Street! This free, family friendly event will take place Saturday, December 2 from 4-8pm. The parade will begin between 6:45pm – 7pm.
City of Maitland’s Season of Lights
Maitland
December 2, 2023 | 5PM – 8:30PM
More Info: Maitland’s annual Season of Light celebration will be from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lake Lily Park. Bring the family for snow sledding, carnival games, fireworks, vendors, live music, a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa. Admission is free.
Snow in the O Holiday Festival Toy Drive
777 East Princeton Street, Orlando
December 2, 2023
More Info: Join us at Snow in the O in sunny Florida, enjoy festive activities, and spread holiday cheer by bringing toys for local children.
Holiday Jamboree
Seminole Towne Center
December 2, 2023
More Info: *Live Entertainment
*Local Vendors
*Food Trucks
*Santa & Mrs. Claus
**Kids Zone With bounce House & More
**Petting Zoo & More….
*** Be sure to stroll inside Seminole Towne Center mall for our 1st Annual “Parade of Trees” as well as our Indoor Marketplace(Lower Level/Across from JC Penney).
Avalon Aglow
Avalon Park Orlando
December 2, 2023
More Info: This free community event is open to the public and will begin at 3 PM with East Orlando’s premier Holiday Parade. It will conclude with a Firework Show over Avalon […]
Winter Springs Winter Wonderland/Parade/Tree Lighting/Santa Claus
Winter Springs
December 2, 2023
More Info: Tis’ the season for joy and celebration! Stop by and enjoy the festivities this holiday season at Winter Wonderland! Experience an evening with one of the longest-running traditions in our city, the 40th annual Holiday Parade featuring local talent and businesses and the annual Christmas tree Lighting! Enjoy local entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus!
Celebrate the Season
Reiter Park, Longwood
December 8, 2023
More Info: On Friday, December 8, from 6 pm to 9 pm join the festivities at the City of Longwood’s Annual Celebrate the Season Event. This holiday street party will feature an array of activities including photo opportunities with Santa, music by DJ Dennis, performances by One School of the Arts, an inflatable snow maze, giant fun slides, a petting zoo, a trackless train, 10+ food trucks and a major laser light show throughout the event.
Light Up Kissimmee
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
December 9, 2023
More Info: Kissimmee Main Street presents “Light up Kissimmee”. Our Christmas season kick-off begins by lighting up the entire Kissimmee’s Historic Downtown with wonderful holiday decor and lights! We will have parranda, the Broadway Welcome Station tree lighting and the City of Kissimmee tree lighting as well it’s going to be a Jolly Jolly Holiday!
Milk and Cookies with Santa
Oviedo
December 9, 2023
More Info: December 9, 3-6pm Avalon Arts & Culture Center (13013 Founder’s Square Drive) TICKETS: https://www.eventeny.com/events/milk-cookies-with-santa-7860/ Pick up your coloring book at Avalon General or the Arts and Culture Center & Santa […]
Breakfast with Santa
Oviedo High School
December 9, 2023
More Info: Enjoy ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee! Then hop in line for FREE digital portraits of you and your loved ones with Santa! There will be a craft table for kids with a collection of letters for Santa. What better way to start a Saturday during the holiday season?
Christmas Winter Festival
Historic Downtown Leesburg
December 9, 2023
More Info: Join us for a day full of holiday cheer at our annual event that includes a free photo with Santa, where fond memories are created.
-Free Photo with Santa*
-Electronic Device Raffles
-Star 94.5 Broadcasting Live on Campus
-Carnival Games
-Games, and Giveaways*
-Community Partners
-Program Demonstrations
-Campus Tours Available
Ocoee Holiday Tree Lighting & Jolly Jamboree
Downtown Ocoee
December 9, 2023
More Info: The City of Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department will host it’s annual Jolly Jamboree & Tree Lighting Event on December 9th, 2023 from 3-8pm. The event features the countdown to the tree lighting, Santa’s Village, a kids zone, special guest, and much more. This is a free event. For more information contact Adrian Dorsey or call 407-905-3180.
Breakfast with Santa at Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island
December 10, 2023
More Info: Families can get some quality time with the big man himself, while enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet. 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 10. $18.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 10 and under.
Dinner with Santa
Chick-fil-A
December 12, 2023
More Info: Grab your Christmas list and join us for our Dinner with Santa. Santa Cow will also be there! It’s going to be a merry good time!
Dinner with Santa
Chick-fil-A
December 14, 2023
More Info: Santa and his trusty Elves are popping by to dish out scrumptious candy canes and share an intriguing Christmas Story! It’s a night your kiddos will never forget.
Jingle Jam
Historic Downtown Sanford
December 16, 2023
More Info: Join us in beautiful Historic Downtown Sanford for the 6th Annual Jingle Jam Community Holiday Party presented by Wayne Densch! Sanford Jingle Jam has become one of the largest family events in downtown and draws thousands from all over Central Florida! Featuring multiple stages of live music, award-winning food trucks, carnival games, holiday artisanal vendors, drink specials and more! See Santa himself and create lifelong memories and take some family pictures!! Plenty of free parking, pet and family friendly!
Breakfast With Santa
Longwood Community Building
December 16, 2023
More Info: Enjoy Breakfast with Santa sponsored by Advent Health! Santa will be available for photos in addition to kid activities, holiday music, and more!
Skate with Santa
Astro Skate Orlando
December 23, 2023
More Info: Skate with Santa & his helpers all day long. Wear RED and get in for half price!
Surfing Santas
Coconuts on the Beach
December 24, 2023
More Info: You’re invited to join in on this Cocoa Beach tradition that brings hundreds of surfers to the beach… dressed up as Santa, Surfing Santas 2023! We’re looking forward to this event being our best one yet.
Santa Mall Events (click the mall for details)
Florida Mall
November 17 through December 24, 2023
Simon® is pleased to announce Santa visits for families as part of the Simon Santa Photo Experience at The Florida Mall. Santa arrives on November 16 and will be available until Christmas Eve.
The Santa Photo Experience launches on Thursday, November 16 and during the month of November will be open on Monday – Thursdays from 2:00pm-7:00pm, Friday—Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm and 12:00pm- 6:00pm on Sunday. Beginning on December 1, it will be open on Monday – Fridays from 11:00am-7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm and 12:00pm- 6:00pm on Sunday. Reservations are encouraged. Make Santa reservations today by clicking here.
The Florida Mall will also host events with Santa this season including:
- Caring Santa® – Sunday, December 3 from 9:30am- 10:30am
- Pet Photos – Sunday, December 10 from 6:30pm- 7:30pm
- Cookies with Mrs. Claus- Saturday, December 9 from 12:00pm- 3:00pm
The Mall at Millenia
November 10 – December 24, 2023
We’ve created a Santa photo experience to ensure a safe setting for our guests, Santa and his helpers. Advance online reservations are required for photos and visits.
Altamonte Mall
November 16 – December 24, 2023
What’s that sound? Santa’s in town! The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the North Pole, so make this holiday unforgettable and capture magical moments with St. Nick! Visit Altamonte Mall for Santa pictures in Altamonte Springs.
Florida Mall Santa Photo Experience
November 16 – December 24, 2023
Oviedo Mall
November 24 – December 24, 2023
Oviedo Mall is proud to unveil and enchanting and all-new Santa Experience, transforming the traditional “Photos with Santa” into a magical journey for families and children. Beginning on Friday, November 24, 2023, families can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit with a visit to Santa’s brand-new workshop.
Disclaimer: Events and information listed on this site are subject to last minute cancellations and changes which might not be reflected in this MyCentralFloridaFamily.com post. Please always confirm with this family-friendly business by calling or clicking the links for the most up-to-date information.
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