12 Magical Santa Meet‑ups Across Orlando This Holiday Season
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus across Orlando, from iconic theme parks to bustling malls, during the 2019 holiday season.
Meet Santa at Orlando’s Theme Parks
Santa Claus at Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando (Photo by Matt Stroshane & © Disney)
Walt Disney World ® Resort
In 2019, Walt Disney World Resort offers multiple opportunities to meet St. Nick through December 24. This year marks the first time all four Disney Orlando theme parks and Disney Springs host holiday festivities, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom®.
Discount tickets available: Walt Disney World Resort
At Magic Kingdom, Santa flies across the sky in his sleigh as part of the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during the specially ticketed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The event runs on select nights from November 8 to December 22 and features the all‑new “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”
At Epcot, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests at the American Adventure pavilion during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, November 29 to December 30. The festival includes the Candlelight Processional, storytellers from the 11 World Showcase nations, holiday kitchens, and festive décor—all included with park admission.
Beginning November 8, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers greetings from Santa or Santa Goofy, the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection on the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and holiday décor throughout the park, including Toy Story Land.
At Disney Springs, Santa awaits in the Santa’s Chalet on the Christmas Tree Trail, located across from Once Upon a Toy. The district offers everything needed to fulfill holiday wish lists.
Learn more: Disney Springs
Universal Orlando Resort
From November 16, 2019 to January 5, 2020, Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort feature daily appearances by the Minions, Shrek, Madagascar, Santa Claus, and The Grinch. Admission to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure includes all festivities.
Santa headlines the Universal Studios Florida Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, cheering guests while watching the Minions on his “naughty” list. At Islands of Adventure, The Grinch appears in the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and in the separately ticketed The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel’s Harbor Piazza on December 20‑24. Guests of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort—Surfside Inn and Suites—can also enjoy Santa on December 13 and 20, while Santa’s elves visit Cabana Bay Beach Resort on December 1, 8, and 15.
Learn more: Holiday Hotel Happenings in Orlando
SeaWorld® Orlando
During SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (November 23 to December 31), Santa holds court at Wild Arctic® and shares holiday traditions with Rudolph the Red‑Nosed Reindeer and friends.
Discount tickets available: SeaWorld Orlando
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Legoland’s Holiday event runs weekends from November 29 to December 31 and includes meet‑and‑greets with LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier, as well as a life‑size LEGO Santa, reindeer, and sleigh—all included with admission.
Discount tickets available: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Meet Santa Throughout Orlando
Beyond theme parks, Santa will make multiple stops across town. The more you visit, the merrier your holiday experience will be.
The Mall at Millenia
From November 8 to December 24, enjoy the Santa Photo Experience during the Santa’s Magical Arrival. The upscale mall offers paid photo packages and free self‑photography opportunities. It’s only a 15‑minute drive from Universal Orlando Resort.
The Florida Mall®
Central Florida’s largest mall hosts Santa from November 8 to December 24. Located near International Drive and Orlando International Airport, it’s the perfect spot for last‑minute holiday shopping.
Bass Pro Shops
On International Drive, guests receive a free photo with a local Santa, play games, and join a special parade on November 16. Santa remains through December 24.
Holiday on the Drive
Annual free celebration in College Park, north of downtown Orlando, featuring a Santa visit from 5 – 9 p.m. on December 12.
Light Up UCF
Back for its 12th season (November 22, 2019 – January 5, 2020), this University of Central Florida event offers ice skating, rides, and photo ops with Santa. UCF is about 20 minutes east of downtown Orlando.
Light Up the Holidays
Free event lighting Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, north of downtown Orlando, with live music, fireworks, train rides, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus on December 7, 5 – 9 p.m.
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
Experience a winter wonderland in Florida with snow, a slide, and Santa & Mrs. Claus from November 29, 2019 to January 1, 2020. Wekiva Island is 20 minutes from downtown Orlando.
Winter Park Christmas Parade
Annual free parade in Winter Park, 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando. Join the community from 9 – 10:30 a.m. on December 7.
Learn more: Winter Park
UPDATE: Don’t miss Scuba Claus at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium’s Deck the Seas event at ICON Park™ from December 6, 2019 to January 6, 2020.
Discount tickets available: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Santa will also appear at numerous other venues throughout Orlando and surrounding areas—no milk and cookies required!
Cover image: Santa Claus at Bass Pro Shops
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