Visiting Florida for the holidays this year? While you won’t be able to go sledding or build a snowman, the Sunshine State still has plenty of festive ways to get into the holiday spirit. From enchanting light displays to giant ice sculptures and surfing Santas, Central Florida has plenty of things to do to celebrate the season. Read on to discover some of our favorite Christmas activities within an hour or two of Orlando!
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1.) ICE! AT GAYLORD PALMS
ICE! at Gaylord Palms is one of our favorite holiday traditions. Located at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, just minutes from the theme parks, ICE! is an immersive experience featuring giant sculptures carved from two million pounds of ice in a 9 degree wonderland.
This year’s theme is Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, and intricately carved sculptures showcase ten different scenes from the classic Christmas story. Within the exhibit are interactive elements and two-story tall ice slides. Outside of the exhibit is an area called Alpine Village where you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, throw snowballs, and go snow tubing. We also recommend walking around Gaylord Palms Resort during your visit, as the hotel is beautifully decorated for the holidays.
ICE! at Gaylord Palms runs from November 14th through January 7th. Tickets start at $33/adult and can be purchased here.
2.) CHRISTMAS TREE STROLL AT DISNEY SPRINGS
The Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs is the perfect way for Disney fans to enjoy themed holiday decor without the prices of the parks! Disney Springs is a large outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment venue located at Walt Disney World Resort. Admission–including parking–is completely free, and guests do not need a theme park ticket to visit. Every year Disney Springs features a collection of Christmas trees themed after various characters and films such as Encanto, Frozen, and Star Wars. We love wandering around Disney Springs enjoying the trees and other beautiful decorations. Last year we made a whole day of it by grabbing lunch, a movie, and some delectable holiday cookies from Erin McKenna’s Bakery.
3.) DAZZLING NIGHTS AT HARRY P. LEU GARDENS IN ORLANDO
Located in Orlando, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis in the middle of the city. We love strolling the different gardens and collections during the day, but on select nights from November 28th until January 4th, the gardens will come alive with stunning light displays and festive live music. Each year offers something different. This year some of the highlights include giant chandeliers hanging from the trees, a forest of candy canes and lollipops, and a Winter Solstice celebration with bonfires and twinkling lights. You can also enjoy special treats and drinks and shop at the Holiday Village. Tickets start at $31.50 for adults and can be purchased here.
4.) WINTER FAIRY FEST AT BOK TOWER GARDENS IN LAKE WALES
Located about ninety minutes from Orlando, Bok Tower Gardens is a lovely place to visit for the holidays. The gardens are abloom with special holiday plantings, and the historic El Retiro Estate is decorated for Christmas. However, this year we are most looking forward to the Winter Fairy Fest. Scheduled for December 13-14, the Winter Fairy Fest will include carillon concerts of The Nutcracker as well as ballet performances and Aerial Fairy Dancing. There will also be crafts and fairy meet and greets. Tickets are free for members, $20 for adults, and $10 for children six and older.
5.) CRACKER CHRISTMAS AT FORT CHRISTMAS HISTORICAL PARK
Fort Christmas Historical Park is a public park in east Orange County which features a full-scale replica of a fort built during the Second Seminole War in 1837. A museum inside the fort displays artifacts from the area. The park also includes several restored pioneer structures, such as Florida Cracker houses and an old schoolhouse, as well as a large playground and picnic areas.
The term “Florida Cracker” historically refers to Florida cattle ranchers and farmers known for their distinctive whip-cracking herding style. On December 6-7, Fort Christmas Historical Park will host its annual Cracker Christmas, an event which celebrates Florida’s pioneer history. The event will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, pioneer demonstrations such as wood carving and cane syrup making, and craft vendors selling unique handmade items. The event is free and a great way to both enjoy the holidays and learn more about Florida history.
6.) WINTER SOLSTICE LUMINARIA WALK IN MERRITT ISLAND
The Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk is an annual event held at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. 300 luminaria line Oak Hammond Trail, and visitors enjoy a self-guided walk in the light of the beautiful lanterns. The wildlife refuge is usually closed at night, so this event offers a chance to experience the refuge after dark. Staff along the trail share about the winter solstice and the nocturnal wildlife.
The luminaria walk will take place on December 20th, coinciding with the winter solstice. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $15 per vehicle. Tickets go on sale December 1st and will be available through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Facebook page.
7.) SURFING SANTAS AT COCOA BEACH
Surfing Santas is a unique Florida tradition that features hundreds of surfers dressed up as Santa, elves, and snowmen catching the waves at Cocoa Beach. The event is free and begins at 7:30am on December 24th at 3 Minutemen Causeway. It includes live entertainment and is a great family-friendly way to begin Christmas Eve!
8.) MAGIC OF LIGHTS AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
Located at Daytona International Speedway, about an hour from Orlando, Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday light display. From the comfort of your car, you can view impressive holiday scenes such as Prehistoric Christmas, the Twelve Days of Christmas, and the amazing 400-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights!
Magic of Lights begins November 21st and runs through January 3rd. Tickets start at $28 per vehicle and can be purchased here.
9.) NIGHTS OF LIGHTS IN ST. AUGUSTINE
During St. Augustine’s annual Nights of Lights, millions of white lights illuminate downtown, the bayfront, and historic buildings. This event runs from November 15th through January 11th.
There are many ways to enjoy the stunning lights. You can take a guided trolley tour, a harbor cruise, or stroll on foot to savor the enchanting views. We do not recommend trying to drive around to see the lights as this event can get very crowded. We do recommend arriving early (by 5:00pm) and taking advantage of the city’s free park and ride shuttles. To use this service, park in one of three designated lots (listed on their website) and take a free shuttle to downtown. This free, award-winning light display is not to be missed!
Central Florida is a fantastic place to visit for the holidays. From awe-inspiring light displays to intricate ice sculptures and illuminated night nature walks, the Sunshine State has plenty of festive events to make the season special!
What is one of your favorite holiday events in Central Florida? Share in the comments below!
Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
