Jolly up your holiday at some of the best Santa meet and greets in Orlando.
Santa Claus is making his way to Orlando for the holidays, so ready your wish list and get ready to meet the big guy at our world-class theme parks, malls, attractions and festive events. We’re gifting you this top-secret list of Santa’s favorite Orlando hangouts, so treat yourself and your family to a merry meet and greet with the jolliest guy in town.
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The Santa Photo Experience at The Mall at Millenia (Through Dec. 24, 2024)
Kids can drop their letters into Santa’s personal mailbox at The Mall at Millenia, then meet old Kris Kringle with a choice of DIY or professional photo packages. Reservations are required for all Santa Photo Experience sessions, with fun props available for paid sessions. You can also opt out of the professional photography package and take your own photos in exchange for a $10 donation to the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
Discover: Holiday Shopping Tips
Santa Photo Experience at The Florida Mall® (Through Dec. 24, 2024)
Before you start your holiday shopping, be sure to share your wish list with Santa at The Florida Mall®. Walk-ups are welcome, with multiple photo packages and perks available — including a digital welcome message from Santa for advance reservations. You can also bring your pets for a special pet party on Dec. 1, or meet Caring Santa in a sensory-friendly environment on Dec. 8. Reservations are recommended for these one-day events.
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Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park® (Through Dec. 24, 2024)
Santa’s bringing festive cheer, attraction discounts and more holiday fun to the Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park®, hosted inside The Orlando Eye’s Sky Lounge. Score a free carousel ride for children under 13 with your digital or print photo purchase, plus enjoy discounted admission to ICON Park attractions including The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and SEA Life Orlando Aquarium.
Discover: Top Things to Do at ICON Park
You can also spot Scuba Santa in a watery winter wonderland on select dates at SEA Life Orlando Aquarium during their Deck the Seas holiday celebration. Plus, enjoy snowfall, festive decor, carolers and more at ICON Park throughout the holiday season.
Santa’s Christmas Village at Dezerland Park (Nov. 29 – Dec. 29, 2024)
For even more holiday fun, head to Santa’s Christmas Village at Dezerland Park, part of Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District. Their Santa meet and greet includes a train ride to Santa’s Workshop and personalized time with Santa. You can even build a toy together! Plus, enjoy ice skating, snow, holiday treats and more joyous activities throughout the month of December.
Discover: Things to Do on International Drive
Now Snowing in Celebration (Nov. 30 – Dec. 31, 2024)
Located near Walt Disney World® Resort, the postcard-worthy town of Celebration will host their annual Now Snowing event every night in December, with ice skating, snow, carolers, carriage rides, and of course, visits with Santa Claus. You can meet Santa nightly through Christmas Eve, with special pet photos (and a free pet treat with purchase) available Wednesdays through Dec. 20, 2024.
Downtown for the Holidays (Dec. 6 – 22, 2024)
Even Santa can’t resist Downtown for the Holidays at Lake Eola Park, which will be decked out with glittering lights, snowfall, a winter market and more free events celebrating the merriest time of the year. Meet Santa for free at Lake Eola House on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 7 – 22, then stick around for synchronized light shows, holiday train rides, and one-night-only events like a festive drone show and holiday concert. You can also meet Santa and enjoy the festivities in comfort during a special sensory night on Dec. 15.
The Historic Holiday Experience in Downtown Orlando (Select Dates, Dec. 3 – 18, 2024)
Enjoy a private visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during The Historic Holiday Experience, offered on select dates at the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando. This ticketed event also includes caroling, storytelling, crafts, snacks and more seasonal activities for the whole family.
Oh, What Fun!® Holiday Festival in Lake Nona (Dec. 6 – 22, 2024)
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for story time, songs and plenty of Christmas cheer at the Oh, What Fun!® Holiday Festival in Lake Nona. Reservations are required for the 30-minute Santa experience, which also includes a meet and greet and digital photos with the jolly couple inside Santa’s Cottage. After your meet and greet, head outside to enjoy free holiday festivities including snowfall, live entertainment, a tree trail, a holiday market and more seasonal fun.
Discover: Things to Do in Lake Nona
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down at Gatorland Orlando (Select Dates, Dec. 7 – 22, 2024)
Meet Gator Claus, Krampus Croc and more festive friends at Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down, a holiday extravaganza of tunes, treats and distinctly Floridian fun hosted at Gatorland Orlando. It’s all included with admission on select weekend dates.
Dine With Santa
Aurora, High T, Great Southern Box Company Food Hall and more Orlando restaurants will welcome Santa throughout the holiday season — and you are invited to join in the fun. Don your festive best and dig into special themed brunches, teas, breakfasts and holiday spreads where you can meet Santa, enjoy holiday games and crafts, and celebrate a season filled with joy.
Discover: Christmas Dining in Orlando
Meet Santa at Orlando Hotels
You can also expect top-tier holiday fun from Orlando’s hotels and resorts, many of which have invited Santa to stay for the season. Jingle all the way to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the JW Marriott Orlando and Ritz-Carlton Orlando at Grande Lakes, Orlando World Center Marriott, and many other festive properties to make sure you’re on Santa’s good list.
Discover: Festive Orlando Hotels & Resorts
More Places to See Santa in Orlando
You can also meet the big man himself at select one-day celebrations throughout the holiday season, including Winter on the Avenue and The Winter Park Christmas Parade in Winter Park.
Discover: 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Orlando
Meet Santa at Orlando’s Theme Parks
Walt Disney World® Resort
Snap a photo with Santa at all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, including Magic Kingdom® Park, EPCOT®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and a new Dinoland meet and greet Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. You can also use a virtual queue to meet Santa at Disney Springs, spot Santa in his tropical best at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, or catch him vacationing at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course.
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SeaWorld® Orlando
Enter a winter wonderland on the Reindeer Express, a festive train that transports you to Santa's enchanting holiday haven at SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, where you can meet the jolly man himself and capture cherished family photos. You can also meet Rudolph and friends or book a scrumptious dinner with Santa on select dates leading up to Christmas Day. Plus, enjoy ice skating, seasonal flavors, live entertainment and millions of sparkling lights as part of this annual SeaWorld® Orlando celebration, all included with park admission.
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Universal Orlando Resort
Not only does Santa headline Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida, but he also lights the park’s tree during the parade’s finale. Universal Orlando Resort also offers a decidedly grumpier take on the season with Grinchmas™ at Universal Islands of Adventure.
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You can also meet Santa Claus and the Grinch™, plus enjoy reserved show seating, tasty food and an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle when you book The Universal Holiday Tour. Or, savor a Grinchy good morning and feast with the mean green one himself at The Grinch™ & Friends Character Breakfast on select dates (reservations required).
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling. Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2024 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade & Related Characters © 2024 Macy’s, Inc. All rights reserved.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Not only can you meet LEGO® Santa at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort — you can also meet LEGO® Gingerbread Man, LEGO® Snowman, LEGO® Nutcracker and two all-new LEGO® Holiday Elves, Frode and Ivy. Find them away from the North Pole during Holidays at LEGOLAND®, hosted from Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, 2024.
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Santa Map: Where to Meet Santa in Orlando
Where will Santa land next? Use this interactive map to find Santa’s favorite hangouts and photo spots in Orlando for the 2024 holiday season.
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