This holiday season, Florida is brimming with magical experiences that go far beyond the theme parks! From dazzling light displays to festive markets and charming small-town celebrations, there's no shortage of ways to soak in the holiday spirit. As a family, we've had so much fun exploring these events, and I can't wait to share some of our favorites with you, as they are our holiday traditions!
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
Dates: Select nights, November 24 – December 30, 2024
Get ready to stroll through a glowing wonderland at ZooTampa's Christmas in the Wild! This annual event features one of Tampa Bay's largest light displays, transforming the zoo into a holiday paradise. Your family can snack on delicious holiday treats, watch festive live performances, and meet the incredible animals that call the zoo home. The event has grown bigger and brighter every year, with new experiences to enjoy alongside fan favorites. I can say one of my favorite parts is meeting Randolph the Reindeer!
The best part? If you're a ZooTampa member or hold a Pay for a Day ticket, you get free admission to this magical event. Whether it's sipping hot cocoa while admiring the twinkling lights, enjoying a photo op with Santa, or listening to story time with Mrs. Claus, it is a must-visit for families. All proceeds go directly to their conservation mission!
*We were invited to this event by ZooTampa, but all my opinions are my own.
Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island
Dates: December 1–31, 2024
Wekiva Island brings the spirit of the holidays to life with its charming Winter Wonderland celebration. From the moment you step onto the property, you're greeted by twinkling lights, a stunning 30-foot Christmas tree, and festive decorations that perfectly capture the season's magic.
The kids' favorite part? Without a doubt, Santa's Workshop! Meeting Santa in this cozy and beautifully decorated space is an unforgettable experience. The smiles on their faces as they shared their wish lists and posed for photos were absolutely priceless.
The snow flurries that fall nightly add a touch of winter magic, and we loved exploring the Christmas tree forest, which feels like stepping into a holiday fairytale. And if you're looking for unique gifts, the specials and discounts at Wekiva's General Store make holiday shopping a breeze.
Though toy donations for Kids House of Seminole County have wrapped up, the spirit of giving lingers at Wekiva Island, reminding us what the holidays are truly about. Winter Wonderland is open to the public, and with a $5 admission fee, it's an affordable way to create festive family memories. *We were invited to this event by Wekiva Island, but all my opinions are my own.
Aqua Lanterns at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Dates: Select nights through February 2, 2025
Imagine strolling through a glowing marine wonderland at night—exactly what Aqua Lanterns at Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers! This stunning Chinese Festival of Lights showcases intricate lantern sculptures, some as tall as 13 feet, depicting sea creatures like whales, penguins, and jellyfish. Over 30 illuminated displays turn the aquarium into a magical seascape, blending the beauty of marine life with holiday cheer. We always love visiting CMA, so seeing all the fintastic lanterns was a bonus!
This event is perfect for families who love unique experiences that are both festive and educational. You'll also visit the aquarium's real-life marine residents as you explore. It's a one-of-a-kind evening that combines wonder, learning, and holiday spirit. This is a separate ticketed event. All proceeds for this event go directly back to help CMA and its mission. *We were invited to this event by CMA, but all my opinions are my own.
YuleTides & Breakfast with Santa at The Florida Aquarium
YuleTides Dates: Select dates, November 29, 2024–January 5, 2025
Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 21 & 22, 2024 | 8:00–9:30 AM
Kick off your day with a magical Breakfast with Santa at The Florida Aquarium! Enjoy a delicious meal, including a festive pancake bar (this was a winner!), and capture a unique family photo with Santa himself before exploring the aquarium. Tickets include breakfast, a commemorative photo, and general admission to the aquarium. This was the kids' favorite as they got more one-on-one with Santa, including throwing "snowballs" at him! Be sure to reserve your tickets for this weekend!
The Florida Aquarium takes holiday festivities to the next level with YuleTides, blending coastal charm with family-friendly holiday traditions. The towering holiday tree made of upcycled beach materials is a breathtaking sight and a symbol of the aquarium's commitment to sustainability.
Our family had an absolute blast decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus! While it's an extra charge, knowing that the funds go directly to the aquarium's conservation efforts made it even more special. All proceeds go directly to their conservation efforts! *We were invited to this event by Florida Aquarium, but all my opinions are my own.
Christmas Lane in Plant City
Dates: Select nights, November 24–December 24, 2024
Located at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, Christmas Lane is a dazzling celebration with over 1.5 million lights and more than 200 beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
We were blown away by the incredible light maze and loved watching the live performances by local entertainers. The KidZone is packed with fun activities like face painting, writing letters to Santa, and even coloring ornaments to hang on the Wishing Tree. Also, they have some rides for the kids to enjoy (extra charge for this). Plus, no trip is complete without seeing Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Tip: I recommend bringing cash, as there is a surcharge for using a card for the ride tickets and food vendors. It's a heartwarming, family-friendly event worth the trip to Plant City. We've been visiting for the past few years, and it never disappoints!
Holiday Happenings at ICON Park
Dates: December 1–31, 2024
If you're looking for a one-stop destination for holiday magic, ICON Park in Orlando has you covered with festive fun for the whole family.
Santa's Workshop Experience: Step into Santa's cozy workshop at the Sky Lounge and capture unforgettable holiday photos. We loved walking through his workshop while waiting in line and then, of course, meeting Santa himself! Afterward, ride on The Orlando Eye, soaring 400 feet above the city for breathtaking views of Central Florida. You can connect your favorite holiday tunes to the capsule's Bluetooth system, creating a personalized festive soundtrack.
Snow on The Lawn: Every evening from 7 to 8 PM, snow machines bring flurries to The Lawn, transforming ICON Park into a winter wonderland. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the nightly snowfall—a perfect Florida-style holiday experience!
Charles Dickens Carolers: These talented singers in Victorian-style attire perform every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, adding an extra layer of charm to your visit.
Deck the Seas at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: Explore an underwater winter wonderland where festive decorations meet aquatic fun. Kids can become "Santa's Sea Scouts," write holiday cards for their favorite sea creatures, and even catch a glimpse of Scuba Claus in action on select days!
ICON Park brings together the best holiday traditions and modern fun, making it a must-visit destination this December. With rides, shopping, dining, and festive entertainment all in one place, it's the perfect spot to kick off the season. *We were invited to this event by Icon Park, but all my opinions are my own.
Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center
Dates: Dec. 20–30, 2024
Blast off into the holidays with Holidays in Space at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This unique event combines the magic of the season with the wonders of space exploration.
We were mesmerized by the nightly projection mapping show Starflake's Holiday Voyage, which takes you on a stunning journey through the stars and beyond. The Rocket Tree Trail, featuring a 50-foot tree with 61,000 lights, is an awe-inspiring sight, and the giant astronaut nutcrackers are a hit with the kids.
Holiday activities like galactic miniature golf and festive photo ops make this event a must-visit for families. Admission includes access to all the space-themed fun, making it a stellar way to celebrate the season. We haven't visited this year, but we had a blast last year! *Pictures are from last year
'Tis the Season in Downtown Winter Garden
Dates: November 27 – December 31, 2024
Step into a Norman Rockwell painting in Downtown Winter Garden, where the holiday spirit is alive and well. During the 'Tis the Season celebration, the historic streets are adorned with twinkling lights, projection shows, and festive decorations. The town square features live music, street performers, and plenty of family-friendly fun—all free unless otherwise noted.
Take your time to explore local shops and restaurants, many of which offer seasonal specials, and enjoy the small-town charm that makes this event so unique. Winter Garden is the perfect destination if you're looking for a cozy holiday experience that feels like stepping back in time.
Now Snowing in Celebration
Dates: Nightly, November 25 – December 31, 2024
For a traditional holiday experience with a touch of Florida magic, visit Now Snowing in Celebration. The streets are filled with snow flurries each evening, and families gather for ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live performances. The atmosphere is out of a Hallmark movie, with carolers dressed in Charles Dickens-style attire and nightly concerts from talented local performers.
Having visited in the past, I can tell you this event feels like the epitome of holiday cheer. Whether taking photos with Santa, exploring the shops, or enjoying hot chocolate while snow falls around you, Now Snowing is a memory-maker for all ages.
Florida is full of festive celebrations that embrace the holiday spirit uniquely. Whether you're strolling through dazzling light displays, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, or experiencing "snow" flurries under palm trees, these events offer magical memories you'll cherish for years.
Which of these events are you excited to visit this year? Let me know in the comments—I'd love to hear about your holiday adventures!
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