8 Best Places to See Santa in Orlando this Christmas
Santa is returning to Orlando!
Not even St. Nick himself can resist our beautiful weather, tropical palm trees, and theme park entertainment.
Luckily, he’s carved some time out of his vacation itinerary to greet and take photos with kids and families in Orlando.
If you’re looking for picture-perfect opportunities to see Santa this holiday season, here are the 8 best places to see Santa in Orlando this Christmas.
The Mall at Millenia
The Santa Photo Experience at The Mall at Millenia is a high-end take on your classic mall Santa meet-and-greet.
Every year, the luxury indoor mall comes to life with beautiful Christmas decorations worthy of St. Nick himself. Twinkling lights, whimsical trees, and fancifully wrapped packages set the scene for festive holiday photos.
Reservations are required, whether you plan on purchasing one of their photo packages or simply stopping by for a visit with Santa (a $10 donation to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is recommended if not purchasing a photo package).
Children can also bring their wish list to drop into the special Santa mailbox to make sure it gets to the North Pole in plenty of time.
The Florida Mall
When Santa visits the Florida Mall, there are opportunities for everyone to be included.
In addition to Santa’s regularly scheduled visits to the mall, selected dates feature a Caring Santa, created exclusively for children with special needs. This gentle interaction is an inclusive, sensory-friendly experience featuring reduced lighting and music, specially trained staff, and advanced registration to reduce crowds and wait times.
They also offer pet photos with Santa on select dates, so your fur-babies can get in on the Christmas cheer, too.
Make a reservation online for your visit and you’ll get a bonus free phone call from Santa.
Icon Park
Every Christmas, Icon Park hosts Santa in his workshop. This beautiful, interactive space is perfect for capturing magical photos as you make your way to see Santa.
Icon Park is known for offering some of the best Santa photos in Orlando, both in photo quality and cuteness. Your kids will be guided through adorable poses to ensure you get the perfect holiday photo worthy of a Christmas card.
Plus, when you purchase a photo package, your child will receive a free ride on the ICON Orlando Eye observation wheel in a festive capsule decorated just for the holidays (with discounted rates for grownups and siblings).
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival in Lake Nona
The Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival in Lake Nona has become one of Orlando’s favorite holiday celebrations. In addition to festive food, nightly snowfalls, and live entertainment, it’s a great spot to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in their Florida winter home.
The Santa’s Cottage experience lets children join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for a joyous story time and sing-along experience. Then, enjoy a meet and greet with the couple of the hour before taking photos with both of them.
Advanced booking is required for the Santa’s Cottage experience, so be sure to claim your spot early.
Eola Winter Wonderland at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola is at the heart of downtown Orlando, and every year it transforms into a winter wonderland. Thousands of Christmas lights illuminate the walking path along the lake, a Merry Market pops up every weekend, and snow falls on special nights of the holiday season.
Santa arrives at the Eola House every weekend to greet families and take photos. The experience is absolutely free, and no reservations are required. Just be prepared to wait in line a little longer at peak times.
Ice Cream for Breakfast with Santa at Give Kids the World Village
Give Kids the World Village is an incredible organization in Orlando that provides children with critical illnesses and their families weeklong, cost-free vacations.
This year, everyone can join Give Kids the World Village for Ice Cream for Breakfast with Santa. This fundraising event held on Sat., Dec. 7 and 14 at 11 a.m. features a make-your-own-ice cream sundae station, as well as holiday crafts, a dance party, village attractions, and more.
Of course, Santa will be joining the party for photos, ice cream, and lots of Christmas cheer.
Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island
Amidst the beautiful Wekiva River is Wekiva Island, a welcoming attraction with a bar, General Store, cabanas, a sunny boardwalk, and more.
In December, this charming family-owned spot transforms into Winter Wonderland, with snow-flurries, a Christmas tree forest, and an impressive 24-foot tall decorated Christmas tree.
This year, your family is invited to visit Santa’s picturesque workshop and spend some time taking photos with Santa himself. Mrs. Claus will be waiting for you in her Bakery for pictures, too!
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is always an amazing place to experience theme park magic without the theme park admission prices. Even Santa can’t resist a little Disney holiday cheer!
While you’re out doing your holiday shopping, you can stop by Santa’s Chalet, located near the Christmas Tree Trail, to meet and take photos with Santa.
The best part is that you’ll be able to pick up a pager once you check-in and join the virtual queue, so you can wander Disney Springs and shop while waiting instead of standing in line.
This Santa meet-and-greet experience is totally free. Use your own camera or use PhotoPass services for an extra special Disney touch.
Santa Stays at Rosen Inn Closest to Universal
The holidays are all about comfort and joy, both of which you can find year-round at Rosen Inn Closest to Universal.
Our amazing location puts us right in the midst of Orlando’s best holiday celebrations, which is convenient for everyone – Santa included.
