Unique Options
Santa Meet and Greets
11/15 - 12/24 Altamonte Mall 451 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Location: Lower Level Macy's Court. Times: mall hours. Price: Purchase your package before your visit and save 30%*!
11/13 - 12/24 The Mall at Millenia Join Santa at The Mall at Millenia's Hollyville beginning November 7th at 7:30 p.m. and throughout the season during all mall hours. All are welcome and can visit with Santa and get their photo taken: Candid color photos, sepia-hued black and whites, and CD-Rom images are available for purchase. Each child visiting Hollyville will receive complimentary holiday gift.
12/8 - 12/15 Winter Park's Traveling Santa (Times are approximate and subject to change)
- 12/8 Shady Park 6:30 p.m. and Israel Simpson Court 6:45 p.m. and Winter Park Country Club 7:30 p.m.
- 12/9 Lake Knowles, east side 6:30 p.m. and Phelps Park 7:30 p.m.
- 12/12 Brookshire Elementary 6:15 p.m. and Lakemont Fire Station 62 7:15 p.m. and Genius and Mizell avenues 8 p.m.
- 12/11 Briarwood Drive 6:45 p.m. and Harland Park on Blueridge Road 7:30 p.m. and Chelton Circle 8 p.m.
- 12/15 DePugh Nursing Center 6:30 p.m. and Margaret Square 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Disney Marketplace - Santa's Chalet at the Downtown Disney Marketplace operates from noon to 10 p.m. through Dec. 24. Santa Goofy will continue greeting guests Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 from 3-10 p.m.
Epcot - Santa will appear daily at The American Adventure at Epcot through Dec. 24. You can also stop by the countries represented in the World Showcase to hear storytellers describe local holiday traditions or see a representation of that country's "Santa Claus."
Magic Kingdom - Santa greets guests during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and appears in Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade.
11/17 - 12/15 Altamonte Mall Santa Info 451 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Bring your furry friend to see Santa on Monday evenings! We're hosting special Pet Photos Nights at our Santa set on Mondays from November 17 - December 15 starting at 6pm. Purchase your package before your visit and save 30%*!
12/6 + 12/13 PetCo's Santa Paws Photo Event Photo packages with Santa are $9.95 with 100% of the proceeds going to the PetCo foundation for homeless pets. December 6 &13 from 1pm to 4pm
12/13 Rocky's Retreat Canine Health and Fitness Center Holiday Party with a visit from Santa Dec 13th from 2 to 5pm that will benefit Florida Boxer Rescue. Check out their Facebook event!
Orlando Events
November 22
Jingle Eve at Ivanhoe Village Jingle Eve is a neighborhood-wide holiday celebration that always occurs the weekend before Thanksgiving. The 2014 celebration promises to be one of the best yet as we light up the Happy Holidays/Happy New Year sign on top of the historic Ivanhoe building, and light the Christmas tree in Gaston Edwards Park. It’s the start of the holiday season in Orlando and you don’t want to miss it!
The Orlando Museum of Art will become a vibrant wonderland of holiday elegance with designer decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations all for sale, along with stunning holiday vignettes, drawings for dazzling prizes and a Toyland Town activity area and shop for the children including jolly ole’ Santa arriving from the North Pole to greet children of all ages at scheduled times.
Check out our photos from the event.
Holidays at Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens celebrates the holiday season November 24th through January 5th! There are many activities to keep your family busy during this holiday season at Leu Gardens, including:
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Fred Clause 7:00 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
December 4
December 5
Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola Park. Kickoff the holiday season with Mayor Buddy Dyer at the City of Orlando’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration. The highlight of the free event is the traditional lighting of the City’s 72-foot Christmas tree. The event also includes Trinity Lutheran Downtown’s musical, TheDailyCity.com Food Truck Bazaar, gift vendors and the showing of the cartoon version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
December 5
The Rotary Club of Lake Nona 5th Annual Pancake Dinner & the 10th Annual Lake Nona YMCA’s “Jingle Bell 5K." The Rotary Club of Lake Nona’s 5th Annual Pancake Dinner is at Lake Nona YMCA, 9055 Northlake Parkway, Orlando, FL 32827 and will include a wonderful pancake dinner, photos with Santa, holiday arts & crafts; tour a fire truck, touring of holiday lights, and safety exhibits from the City of Orlando Fire Department, the Lake Nona Middle School Jazz Band, Carolers, door prizes, and more. Guests are encouraged to bring their camera to take photos with Santa. In addition, the 10th Annual Lake Nona YMCA will conduct a “Jingle Bell 5K” fun run or walk for the entire family ($10 per person & $25 family of four-includes Pancake Dinner). Each participant will receive a jingle bell to ring in the holiday season! This is not a timed event and everyone is welcome and this is the only 5K to welcome baby strollers, roller blades, scooters, bicycles and more. For more information and to purchase tickets for the Pancake Dinner in advance or at the door, please contact Sonu Shukla at 407-897-2242 or sonu@sshuklacpa.com.
Resort Events
November 22
Jingle Eve at Ivanhoe Village Jingle Eve is a neighborhood-wide holiday celebration that always occurs the weekend before Thanksgiving. The 2014 celebration promises to be one of the best yet as we light up the Happy Holidays/Happy New Year sign on top of the historic Ivanhoe building, and light the Christmas tree in Gaston Edwards Park. It’s the start of the holiday season in Orlando and you don’t want to miss it!
- Historic Sign Lighting 6pm
- Tree Lighting 6:30pm
- Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa;s Workshop from 5pm- 8pm
- Wine Stroll 6pm-11pm
The Orlando Museum of Art will become a vibrant wonderland of holiday elegance with designer decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations all for sale, along with stunning holiday vignettes, drawings for dazzling prizes and a Toyland Town activity area and shop for the children including jolly ole’ Santa arriving from the North Pole to greet children of all ages at scheduled times.
Check out our photos from the event.
Holidays at Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens celebrates the holiday season November 24th through January 5th! There are many activities to keep your family busy during this holiday season at Leu Gardens, including:
- The Leu House Museum fully decorated for the holidays by the students from Seminole State College Nov. 24 – Jan. 5
- Toy Drive to benefit the local Baby DJ Program Nov. 24 - Dec. 12
- Christmas Gift Shop open daily
- Holiday wreaths displayed in the Gallery Nov.24 – Dec. 10
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation movie unedited Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
- Extended garden hours until 7 p.m., Dec. 7 – Dec. 12
- Orlando Sentinel Holiday Art Contest in the Gallery Dec. 10 – Jan. 5
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Fred Clause 7:00 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
December 4
What’s Up Downtown for the Holidays 8:30 a.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. Come see the Russian Ballet Orlando present a scene from “The Nutcracker”, hear the sounds of the season as they are performed by the Mad Cow Theatre, and surprise special guest appearances. In the spirit of giving, we encourage you to bring a gift to benefit the Parramore Annual Toy Drive.
December 5
Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola Park. Kickoff the holiday season with Mayor Buddy Dyer at the City of Orlando’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration. The highlight of the free event is the traditional lighting of the City’s 72-foot Christmas tree. The event also includes Trinity Lutheran Downtown’s musical, TheDailyCity.com Food Truck Bazaar, gift vendors and the showing of the cartoon version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
- 5:00 p.m. Festivities begin
- 6:00 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony
December 5
The Rotary Club of Lake Nona 5th Annual Pancake Dinner & the 10th Annual Lake Nona YMCA’s “Jingle Bell 5K." The Rotary Club of Lake Nona’s 5th Annual Pancake Dinner is at Lake Nona YMCA, 9055 Northlake Parkway, Orlando, FL 32827 and will include a wonderful pancake dinner, photos with Santa, holiday arts & crafts; tour a fire truck, touring of holiday lights, and safety exhibits from the City of Orlando Fire Department, the Lake Nona Middle School Jazz Band, Carolers, door prizes, and more. Guests are encouraged to bring their camera to take photos with Santa. In addition, the 10th Annual Lake Nona YMCA will conduct a “Jingle Bell 5K” fun run or walk for the entire family ($10 per person & $25 family of four-includes Pancake Dinner). Each participant will receive a jingle bell to ring in the holiday season! This is not a timed event and everyone is welcome and this is the only 5K to welcome baby strollers, roller blades, scooters, bicycles and more. For more information and to purchase tickets for the Pancake Dinner in advance or at the door, please contact Sonu Shukla at 407-897-2242 or sonu@sshuklacpa.com.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Pancake Dinner w/Santa
- 6:30 p.m. “Jingle Bell 5K” Starts (Registration 5-6:30 pm)
- $5.00 donation to Rotary Club of Lake Nona (Pancake Dinner)
- Jingle Bell 5K is $10/Individual and $25/Family (includes Pancake Dinner) through November 30th; December 1st – 4th –$15/Individual & $30/Family; and day of race $20/Individual $35/Family, so please contact Jennifer Brumbaugh, Lake Nona YMCA at 407-852-3520 or jbrumbaugh@cfymca.org
December 6
WKMG Local 6 Holiday Concert 6:00 p.m. at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. Hosted by WKMG Local 6 and in support of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Network, the award-winning Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will hold their 7th annual holiday benefit concert featuring all four FSYO orchestras playing holiday favorites. As part of the event, donations and gifts will be collected for kids in need.
December 12
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Elf 7:00 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Elf 7:00 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
December 13
Violectric 7:00 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. This free concert will feature Violetric, an electric string quintet band with keyboards and drums, playing a mash-up of rock, pop and holiday favorites.
December 19
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 7:00 p.m.
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
December 20
The Nutcracker, performed by the Russian Ballet Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. Celebrate the holiday season in with The Nutcracker, featuring unforgettable characters, dazzling costumes, onstage blizzards, timeless choreography and Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Russian Ballet Orlando.
December 20
Santa's Winter Rod Run Car Show & Toy Drive at Artegon Mall, Come vote on your favorite cars from all eras and choose the one with the best holiday spirit and decorations. Create your own gingerbread house in the Artegon Community room with U CAN COOK., make an ornament at the craft table. Have your photo taken on Santa's sleigh!
We're collecting toys to donate to Toys for Tots all day! Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and to be entered in a prize drawing.
December 21
Ventana Al Jazz 5:00 p.m.Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. Join us for a memorable evening of Christmas music with a Latin Jazz flavor.
December 26
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – A Christmas Story 7:00 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
December 19
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 7:00 p.m.
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
December 20
The Nutcracker, performed by the Russian Ballet Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. Celebrate the holiday season in with The Nutcracker, featuring unforgettable characters, dazzling costumes, onstage blizzards, timeless choreography and Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Russian Ballet Orlando.
December 20
Santa's Winter Rod Run Car Show & Toy Drive at Artegon Mall, Come vote on your favorite cars from all eras and choose the one with the best holiday spirit and decorations. Create your own gingerbread house in the Artegon Community room with U CAN COOK., make an ornament at the craft table. Have your photo taken on Santa's sleigh!
We're collecting toys to donate to Toys for Tots all day! Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and to be entered in a prize drawing.
December 21
Ventana Al Jazz 5:00 p.m.Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. Join us for a memorable evening of Christmas music with a Latin Jazz flavor.
December 26
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – A Christmas Story 7:00 p.m. Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Casselberry Events
Kissimmee Events
Letters to Santa Event THE POLAR EXPRESS at Enzian Theater
A special, holiday event and screening. Sunday, December 14. Doors open at 11:00AM | Film starts at 12 NOON. Bring your family to the kid-friendly December matinee screening of THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004). Come early for special holiday treats and fun activities!
Sandford Events
Breakfast or Brunch with Santa at the Central Florida Zoo
Join us this holiday season and enjoy breakfast or brunch with Santa at the Zoo! There will be lots of fun holiday cheer and activities for the whole family. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy up-close animal encounters. Everyone will get to enjoy making a special animal enrichment and join the Zoo Keepers to watch as the animals receive their special holiday gifts. Registration will be available online at www.centralfloridazoo.org beginning September 5th or contact 407.323.4450 ext. 123 oreducation@centralfloridazoo.org for more information. Non-Pass Holders: $27.00 adults, $22.00 children (3-12 years), $12 per 2 year old. Children under 2 are free, but must be registered to attend. Limit two free children per family. Admission to the Zoo is included for non-pass holders. Zoo Pass Holders: $22.00 adults, $17.00 children (3-12 years), $10 per 2 year old/ Children under 2 are free, but must be registered to attend. Limit two free children per family.
Saturday December 13th Reservations are required
- December 12 Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lake Concord Park behind City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, across from Target (map) on Friday, December 12th from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
- December 2-4 Be on the lookout for the Casselberry Fire Truck escorting Santa & his elves throughout the streets of our city tossing candy to all the good girls & boys - maybe a few grown-ups too! Tue., Dec. 2 Northern part of the City - Route 6-9 pm.* Wed., Dec. 3 Central part of the City - Route 6-9 pm.* Thu., Dec. 4 Southern part of the City - Route 6-9 pm.* (*Weather permitting)
Kissimmee Events
Maitland Events
Letters to Santa Event THE POLAR EXPRESS at Enzian Theater
A special, holiday event and screening. Sunday, December 14. Doors open at 11:00AM | Film starts at 12 NOON. Bring your family to the kid-friendly December matinee screening of THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004). Come early for special holiday treats and fun activities!
- Children receive a letter writing kit to craft their wish list for Santa!
- A special menu including cookies and hot cocoa.
- Santa will swing by to pick up all the letters and will be available for purchasable photos after the movie
Breakfast or Brunch with Santa at the Central Florida Zoo
Join us this holiday season and enjoy breakfast or brunch with Santa at the Zoo! There will be lots of fun holiday cheer and activities for the whole family. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy up-close animal encounters. Everyone will get to enjoy making a special animal enrichment and join the Zoo Keepers to watch as the animals receive their special holiday gifts. Registration will be available online at www.centralfloridazoo.org beginning September 5th or contact 407.323.4450 ext. 123 oreducation@centralfloridazoo.org for more information. Non-Pass Holders: $27.00 adults, $22.00 children (3-12 years), $12 per 2 year old. Children under 2 are free, but must be registered to attend. Limit two free children per family. Admission to the Zoo is included for non-pass holders. Zoo Pass Holders: $22.00 adults, $17.00 children (3-12 years), $10 per 2 year old/ Children under 2 are free, but must be registered to attend. Limit two free children per family.
Saturday December 13th Reservations are required
- Breakfast: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m
- Brunch: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Winter Park Events
7:00pm. Show up with a blanket and join us at the park for a FREE outdoor screening of How the Crinch Stole Christmas followed by Jingle All the Way!
Resort Events
(6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 1-407-586-0000)
With more than 2 million twinkling lights, an amazing 54-foot-tall Christmas tree, heartwarming visits with Santa, and captivating musical events, there's no better way to celebrate the season! Don't miss everything there is to see and do!
With more than 2 million twinkling lights, an amazing 54-foot-tall Christmas tree, heartwarming visits with Santa, and captivating musical events, there's no better way to celebrate the season! Don't miss everything there is to see and do!
- Majestic Christmas Tree Lighting: November 21, 2014 – January 4, 2015
- Live Stage Shows: November 21, 2014 – January 4, 2015
- Photos with Santa: November 15, 2014 – December 24, 2014
- Milk & Cookies With Mrs. Claus: November 21, 2014 – December 28, 2014
- ICE! featuring The Nutcracker Experience the magic of The Nutcracker in ICE! Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince for a magical adventure in more than TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and four thrilling slides!
Select dates, visit the Rosen Centre's website for day and times
- Holidays on Ice at Rosen Centre
- Cake Pop Decorating & Lunch with Santa
- Dinner with Santa & Letter Writing
- Christmas Holiday Brunch
This holiday version of our Traditional Tea includes a special gift for the children, an ornament craft and a visit from Santa. Saturdays & Sundays, December 13 - 14 & 20 - 21. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., The Lobby Lounge. $60 Adults and Children. Reservations required call 407-393-4648
Nov 29 - Dec 24, 2014. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes invites you to join the Pastry Team to build your own gingerbread house. Guests can use the life-sized gingerbread house in the Lobby for inspiration as they build and assemble their own creation at Santa’s Workshop. The fun-filled activity begins with guests building the house with pre-baked gingerbread panels on a wooden foundation, then choose from dozens of different types of candy and other edible details to decorate and personalize their house! Treats and to-go kits available. Gingerbread School price includes a $10 donation to The Children’s Miracle Network and a personalized brick on Santa’s Workshop.
Theme Park Events
Legoland
Select dates in December - ‘Tis the season for Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Florida with a 270,000 brick Christmas tree and festive decorations. LEGO Santa Claus makes a great photo opportunity.
SeaWorld Orlando
Enjoy a warm-hearted holiday experience and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa's Fireside Feast, an exclusive dinner featuring an all-you-care-to-eat menu of holiday favorites and delicious desserts. A complimentary family photo is also included to remember the night. Reserve your space now. SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, check out the video here. Select Dates November 22 through December 31
Celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando® Resort December 6, 2014–January 3, 2015. At Universal Studios Florida®, the joy and wonder of the Macy’s Holiday Parade® fills the streets with floats and more. Plus, enjoy incredible live performances by the award-winning Mannheim Steamroller on select nights. The fun continues with Grinchmas™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, featuring the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.- Winter Wonderland on Ice
- Live Holiday Themed Entertainment
- Shamu's Christmas Miracle
- Sea of Trees
- The Polar Express Experience
- O Wondrous Night
- Micky's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom on select dates, ticketed event
- Candlelight Processional & Holidays Around the World at EPCOT
- The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights & Frozen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney