So many of us love Santa Claus; (Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, Sinnterklaas, Père Noël, Father Christmas, Papai Noel — whichever name your family uses) this white-haired old man patron saint who is famous for giving generous gifts to the poor and for protecting children. His name lives on as a symbol of Christmas. Kindness, generosity, caring for others that are less fortunate than ourselves — LOVE. I respect others’ ideas and methods of celebrating the winter holidays, but the depiction of Santa is everywhere. Use that to teach our children to be kind to others, not just for Christmas but all year long.
With that said, here is Orlando Mom’s 25 days of Christmas Santa sightings list (in no particular order). Some are free, some with a fee, many need reservations, some are selling out fast, some are festivals, some are just a meet and greet, some are private, some offer times for special needs, some are for pets, and one is hosted by your truly!
Each of these wonderful Santa’s helpers is doing their part to help keep that magic of Christmas alive. Enjoy the upcoming holidays with your family and friends and remember to treat others as you would want to be treated.
25 days of Christmas Santa Sightings
1. Orlando Mom Collective: Snacks with Santa
When: Saturday, December 16th, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: 1 Citrus Bowl PL
What: Enjoy a morning of good ole holiday family fun AND make a difference in our community!
Bring a NEW blanket for the Coalition for the Homeless!
There will be a:
- Cookie decorating station
- Ornament making station
- Dear Santa letter station
- Snow dance party area
- Photo booth area for a family photo with Santa
- Snack area for kids
Admission: $35 per child, $15 per adult
*** Tickets will NOT be sold at the door!***
Ticket sales end December 13th at 11:59 pm
https://www.simon.com/mall/the-florida-mall/stores/santa-photo-experience/stream/time-for-santa-photos-62476422. The Florida Mall
When: November 14th – December 24th, 2024
Where: The Florida Mall
What: Take a pic with St. Nick at the Florida Mall. Reservations Encouraged. Walk-up guests welcome! Picture packages start at $39.99.
Private sessions are available with Caring Santa, a special, sensory-friendly experience for children with special needs and their families on December 3rd. Reservations are required for this private photo experience.
You can also book a session for a baby’s first Christmas photos here.
3. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro
When: November 12 – December 24, 2024
Where: Any Bass Pro Shop
What: Enjoy a FREE 4×6 studio-quality print photo and a shareable video of your time with Santa. Packages start at $20. Reservations are available up to 7 days in advance.
4. Santa at Avalon Aglow – Avalon Park, Orlando
When: December 7, 2024 from 3 – 9PM
Where: Downtown Avalon Park
What: Watch as Avalon Park transforms into a winter wonderland with real snow, train rides, and even an appearance by Santa Claus. After enjoying the festivities, make sure to grab a bite to eat from one of the many vendors and watch the holiday parade or even one of the local live performances. Finish off the night at Avalon Lake to enjoy Orlando’s premier fireworks show! Grab some chairs and blankets to sit back with your family and friends to finish off the night with a bang. This event is free for everyone to enjoy.
5. Mall at Millenia Santa Experience
When: November 15th – December 24th
Where: 4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839
What: Picture packages start at $29.95. Must make a reservation in advance and online. We welcome those visiting Santa and not purchasing photos, a reservation is still required and we request a $10 donation to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
6. Gaylord Palms
When: November 15th – December 24th
Where: 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
What: Mailing a letter to the North Pole is great, but nothing can beat a personal visit with Santa Claus to let him know what you want for Christmas and make sure you’re on his nice list. Capture the moment with a keepsake photo. Reservation required. Photo packages starting at $40.
7. The Paper Store
When: Saturday, December 7th & 21st, 2024 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: 479 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828
What: Free! Take your picture with Santa, write him a letter and listen to Santa read Night Before Christmas during the last 15 minutes of his visit.
8. Disney Springs
When: November 8th – December 24th, 2024
What: A virtual queue will be in place to meet Santa Claus at Santa’s Marketplace – by Disney’s Pin Traders. There will be multiple opportunities to enter the virtual queue throughout the day at:
- 9:00 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 2:00 PM
- 4:30 PM
- 7:00 PM
Important Information: Guests must be at Disney Springs in order to enter the virtual queue.
9. Icon Park’s Santa Workshop Experience
When: November 8th – December 24th, 2024
What: Icon Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland, come and see the new Santa Workshop Experience! Free covered parking, complimentary valet after 4pm and a free ride on the Wheel in a festive capsule for kids with photo purchase, plus discounted rates for additional riders.
Reservations needed, photo packages start at $32.95
10. Now Snowing – Celebration Town Center
When: November 30th – December 31st
Where: 610 Sycamore St Suite 220, Celebration, FL 34747
What: 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.
5:30-9:00 PM Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sunday through December 24th
6:00-9:00 PM Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through December 24th
Prices start at $29.95
For more information: 407-512-0662 or on the web at www.towncenterphotos.com
Pet Photos with Santa: Every Wednesday through December 20th from 5 PM-close
11. Santa’s Cottage Lake Nona Town Center
When: December 6th – 22nd, Wednesday – Sunday
Where:Lake Nona Town Center
What: Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for story time and a sing-along experience, then meet and greet St. Nick and his sweetheart and take the perfect holiday photo with them. Santa has a busy schedule between now and Christmas, so please make a reservation before you come by to visit.
Ticket admission starts at $35 per person. Private experiences available for limited slots.
12. Santa’s Enchanted Workshop Orlando
When: November 19th – December 14th, 2024
Where: 15757 State Road 535 Orlando, FL 32821(321) 775-4001
What: You’re invited to a magical place where childhood dreams come to life. Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience with your little ones during your family’s one-hour private visit with Santa in his workshop. Our artists will then craft hand-finished art pieces for your family to cherish this memory for generations to come.
13. Altamonte Mall – Magic of the Season
When: Now until December 24th
Where: 451 E Altamonte Dr Suite 2165
What: Magic of the Season at Altamonte Mall will be offering three events:
- Pictures with Santa: Don’t miss out on taking memorable pics with the Big Guy
- Santa Pet Pictures: Get your furry friends together to capture paw-fect pics with St. Nick!
- Santa Cares Day: Join us for a sensory-friendly visit and photos with Santa!
Reservations are required.
14. Oviedo Mall – Pictures with Santa
The Oviedo Mall will be hosting three different types of photo sessions you can choose from. Please pay attention to the dates and times for each one. Also, reservations ARe required. Picture packages start at $39.99
- Pictures with Santa: November 22th – December 24th, 2024
- Sensory Friendly Santa | December 8th 10:30am-11:30am | December 15th 10:30am-11:30am | December 22nd 10:30am-11:30am
- Pet Photos With Santa | November 23rd 12pm-3pm | November 30th 4pm-7pm | December 6th 4pm-7pm | December 16th 4:30pm-7pm
15. Annual Tree Lighting (Winter Garden & Clermont)
When: December 6th starting at 6:00 pm
Where: Downtown Winter Garden OR Downtown Clermont
What: Join us downtown for our annual tree lighting at City Hall in either Downtown Winter Garden or Downtown Clermont. There will be live music, food trucks, DJ, music, carolers, a photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more!
16. Amber Brook Farms (Eustis) Winter Fest
When: Saturdays and Sundays from December 6th to December 15th.
Where: 36111 County Rd 44A, Eustis, FL 32736
What: Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a cozy atmosphere. From Strawberry U-Pick to Delightful Treats, there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for more details, ticket information, and special attractions!
17. Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
When: Select nights in December, starting on December 1st.
Where: 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, FL 32779
What: Wekiva Island’s long-awaited Winter Wonderland is back again, and we’re excited to celebrate the festive season all December long. In addition to our well-loved activities like daily “snow” flurries, the Christmas tree forest and our 30-ft tall tree, and visits from your favorite Christmas characters, and Santa is inviting all the good boys and girls to his Workshop, right here at Wekiva Island!
18. The Historic Holiday Experience
When: December 3 – 18, 2024
Where: Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando
What: A unique interactive and intimate holiday experience with seasonal activities, caroling, storytelling, and a private visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. During this one-hour experience, guests will enjoy decorating ornaments, making festive-themed crafts, writing letters to Santa, and playing reindeer games, all while enjoying delicious milk and cookies.
Bring your cameras and phones to snap the priceless moments when your children share their heartfelt wishes with Santa. Our festively decorated setting offers the perfect backdrop for heartwarming photos and cherished memories.
19. Celebrate the Season
When: December 13, 2024
Where: Reiter Park, Longwood
What: Join us to Celebrate the Season!! Photo Op with Santa, Games, 10+ Food Trucks, $2 Snow Maze, Train Rides, Snow Zone and More!!
20. Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo
When: December 13 and December 20, 2024
Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden
What: At the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo, experience aspecial visit from Santa himself in the Wayne Densch Discovery Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
21. EPCOT
When: November 29 through December 24, 2024
Where: In the Odyssey Pavilion (between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion).
What: At various times through the day, check the My Disney Experience app for all the details!
22. Hollywood Studios
When: November 12 to December 24, 2024
Where: It’s a Wonderful Shop
What: Head to the area my Muppets 3D to get into the virtual line to see the Big Guy himself!
23. Animal Kingdom
When: November 12 to December 24, 2024
Where: Left porch of Restaurantsoures
What: Take a quick picture with Santa during a day at Animal Kingdom. At this time there is no virtual queue for this location.
24. Jolly Days at the Brevard Zoo
When: December 21 – 23, 2024
Where: Brevard County Zoo, 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL
What: Put on your jingle bells and head to the Zoo for a flurry of festive fun! Enjoy a blizzard of activities, music and watch the animals “unwrap” holiday treats! All Jolly Days activities are included with general Zoo admission.
Mr. & Mrs. Claus Photo Schedule
· Saturday, December 21 | 11 AM – 1 PM
· Sunday, December 22 | 9 AM – 11 AM
· Monday, December 23 | 11 AM – 1 PM
25. Festival of the Trees
When: November 16 – 24, 2024
Where: Orlando Museum of Art
What: During Festival of Trees, general admission ticket holders will enjoy enchanting décor, more than 30 designer-decorated trees, exceptional gingerbread houses and wreaths. Visitors will also participate in the crowd favorite Entertaining and Design tablescapes raffle, Silent Auction, photo ops with Santa and more. In addition, there will be a holiday shopping experience in our Toyland, pop-up Boutique as well as live entertainment throughout the event.
First published 11/12/22, updated 11/27/23, updated 11/15/24
