Palm trees wrapped in fairy lights, warm evenings filled with festive music, and the smell of hot cocoa mingling with cinnamon churros. Orlando might not have snow, but when it comes to Christmas magic, it more than delivers. Families flock here every year for its theme parks and sunshine, but during the holidays, there’s another reason to get excited. Santa himself makes time in his schedule to appear all across the city. Whether you want a traditional photo with the big man in red or a more unusual Floridian twist, Orlando is one of the best places in the world to meet him.
Here are the top spots where you can find Santa during your
Florida Christmas holiday.
Santa at Walt Disney World
Disney and Christmas go together like stockings and sweets, so it’s no surprise that Santa Claus is part of the celebrations. At EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, families can meet Santa in a beautiful festive setting at the Odyssey Pavilion, perfect for those classic holiday photos – all you need is regular park admission.
Over at Disney Springs, Santa makes regular appearances in a cosy grotto-style setting at Santa’s Chalet near the Once Upon a Toy store. To meet him, you must join the virtual queue using the My Disney Experience app. Then before you know it, you will be surrounded by twinkling decorations and plenty of shops for picking up last-minute gifts.
The magic of Disney means Santa feels right at home, and little ones can enjoy the same sparkle whether they’re sitting on his lap or watching him wave from a parade. And if you’re already planning park days, meeting Santa here is a stress-free way to tick another holiday box.
Santa at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal puts its own stamp on Christmas with larger-than-life celebrations, and Santa is at the heart of it all. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s ends with Santa’s big arrival, complete with festive floats and giant balloons that make it a true spectacle. There are also meet-and-greet opportunities in the parks, where children can chat to Santa and pose for photos against glittering backdrops.
It’s festive fun with all the energy and excitement that Universal is famous for, and it gives grown-ups just as many photo opportunities as the kids.
Viewing Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is included with general park admission, and the parade takes place at
Universal Studios Florida.
Santa at ICON Park
For something a little calmer but still full of cheer, the entertainment complex ICON Park hosts the Santa Workshop Experience from early November right up to Christmas Eve. Families can meet Santa in his charming workshop, snap professional photos, and soak up the festive atmosphere. There are practical perks too, like free covered parking and complimentary valet after 4pm.
With each photo package, children also receive a free ride on The Wheel in a specially decorated festive capsule, with discounted rates available for the rest of the family. Gliding high above Orlando’s skyline with twinkling lights below is a brilliant way to round off your visit and makes this stop feel extra magical.
Santa at the Mall at Millenia
Santa is no stranger to shopping centres, but Orlando’s Mall at Millenia takes it up a notch. Here, Santa greets children in an elegant, festive setting that feels every bit as polished as the luxury shops surrounding it. Professional photographers capture the moment, and the whole experience feels like a holiday tradition wrapped in a bow. You just head to Grand Court, near Macy’s, to find The Santa Photo Experience.
If you’re planning on tackling some Christmas shopping while in Orlando, this is a perfect two-in-one stop. Kids meet Santa, you tick names off your list, and everyone goes home happy.
Santa at Gatorland
If you want a very Floridian twist, visit Gatorland, where Gator Claus makes an appearance. This isn’t your average grotto. Instead, Santa is surrounded by Florida’s famous reptiles, including Krampus Croc, creating a meet-and-greet that’s as unforgettable as it is unique.
These characters appear at Gatorland's annual Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down event, which takes place on select dates in December, and also includes live music and seasonal treats.
It might sound unusual, but it’s a quirky Orlando tradition that children love and parents can’t help but smile at. Only in Florida would you find Santa sharing the spotlight with an alligator!
Santa at Local Orlando Events
Beyond the big-name attractions, Orlando’s neighbourhoods embrace the holiday season in style. Lake Nona Town frequently hosts festive celebrations, featuring Santa meet-and-greets, live music, and sparkling lights. Winter Garden is another favourite, with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and outdoor holiday market, where Santa always makes an appearance.
One of the most charming spots of all is the town of Celebration, just minutes from Walt Disney World. Every evening from late November through December, Celebration transforms into a picture-perfect winter wonderland during its Now Snowing event. Families can enjoy nightly snowfalls, ice skating, carol singers, carriage rides, and meet Santa himself right up until Christmas Eve. There are even special pet photo nights where your furry friends can get in on the festive fun.
Even local farms and orchards get involved. Southern Hill Farms, famous for its sunflowers and blueberry picking, embraces the holidays with Santa visits, seasonal treats, and family activities.
These settings feel more relaxed and intimate, giving families a cosy alternative to the bigger attractions and a different side of Orlando’s Christmas spirit.
Santa at Orlando Hotels
Orlando’s hotels don’t just deck the halls; they practically transform into full-blown Christmas villages. And yes, Santa himself makes plenty of guest appearances.
At the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, you can catch Santa and Mrs. Claus on select nights, complete with twinkling lights, holiday storytelling, and even cookies and milk before bed. Some packages even include stockings delivered straight to your room.
The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa pulls out all the stops with its “Deck the Halls” festivities. Think festive dining, sparkling decorations, seasonal treats, and of course, meet-and-greets with the big man in red.
Over at Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, the Winter Wonderland Market combines artisan stalls, festive drinks, and Santa photo ops, making it feel like a chic European Christmas market under the Florida sun.
Families staying at the Orlando World Center Marriott can enjoy holiday buffets, themed entertainment, and plenty of Santa time, while the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek go all-in with dazzling décor, seasonal cocktails, and their own line-up of festive fun.
Even if you’re not staying in one of these resorts, it’s worth dropping by just to soak up the atmosphere. With giant Christmas trees, live entertainment, and photo-ready lobbies, Orlando hotels turn December into a holiday attraction of its own.
Santa at Leu Gardens and Community Spots
Harry P. Leu Gardens, already a peaceful escape in the city, hosts a magical holiday event each year with dazzling light displays. Santa often makes an appearance, turning the gardens into a Christmas storybook setting. Community spaces like Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs also host light shows and seasonal festivals where Santa is always the star guest.
These experiences might not be as flashy as the theme parks, but they have a charm that feels authentic, especially if you want a quieter evening with the family.
Tips for Meeting Santa in Orlando
- Book photo sessions in advance, especially at popular locations like ICON Park or the Mall at Millenia.
- Check event dates, as some Santas only appear on select weekends in December.
- Arrive early for parades or community events to get a good viewing spot.
- Dress for the Florida weather. A Christmas jumper looks great in photos, but you’ll probably want shorts and trainers for comfort.
- Keep an eye out for themed extras like cookie workshops or craft stations. They add to the magic and make the outing feel like more than just a photo op.
A Christmas Wrapped in Sunshine
From Disney parades to swamp-side selfies, Orlando offers countless ways for families to meet Santa. Some experiences are traditional, others are wonderfully Floridian, but all capture the joy of the season. Imagine swapping frosty mornings in the UK for palm trees wrapped in lights and the chance to see Santa under the stars.
If you want to make your family Christmas truly magical, start planning with our bespoke Orlando Christmas holidays. Santa will be waiting, and in Orlando, he’s got more than a few surprises up his sleeve. 
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