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Theme Parks in Florida Gear Up for Epic Holiday Season

Author Budman

It’s that time of year when Florida’s theme parks go full-on Santa mode, and the crowds come rolling in with the Holiday craze. Between Christmas and New Year’s? You better believe it’s gonna be wall-to-wall people. But which one’s really got the holiday mojo?

Well, according to Theme Park Insider, Walt Disney World, the granddaddy of ‘em all, is kicking off the holiday spirit early with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom. This event is running on special nights until December 20th. I’ve been lucky to go to one before and it’s amazing. And for the old-school glamour crowd, Hollywood Studios is throwing Disney Jollywood Nights through December 21st. EPCOT gets all fancy with its International Festival of the Holidays, Even Animal Kingdom’s got in on the act with some giant puppets and their Tree of Life going full holiday magic. I say, if you’re not feeling festive there, you might be the Grinch.

Florida’s Theme Parks Shine Bright:

The First Lady Shows Off White House's Holiday Decor. Meanwhile, Florida’s theme parks are launching their festive holiday celebrations with unique events and attractions, making the season a must-see for visitors.
(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Now, Universal Orlando ain’t playing around either. Their holiday season runs from November 22 to December 31, and it’s got all the hits. You’ve got Macy’s Holiday Parade stomping through Universal Studios, and the Grinch stealing the show over at Islands of Adventure. Plus, both parks get into the wizarding spirit with holiday magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complete with an amazing light show at Hogwarts and festive performances in Diagon Alley.

Animals love the holiday too! SeaWorld Orlando has its Christmas Celebration lighting up from November 16 to January 5, 2025. Think glowing trees on water, holiday ice shows, and every kids’ favorite… Sesame Street! Throw in some penguins and the chance to meet Santa and Rudolph, and you’re basically at the north pole!

And Finally, one of my favorite theme parks, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! They’re bringing the cozy vibes with their Christmas Town starting November 15. Ride the Holly Jolly Express, meet Santa, catch storytime with Mrs. Claus, and enjoy some holiday shows and fireworks that’ll light up your night. So now the question is, which one of these theme parks will your holiday spirit be taking you?

Meet Budman, dynamic host of Marconi Award winning radio station WXKB's WiLD Bunch Morning Show, on B1039. Budman likes to write about funny news, a good Florida man story, stupid criminals or anything involving a superhero. Budman, a comic book and pop culture enthusiast, even named his daughter Kara Zor-El, after Supergirl. His only child is his true passion beyond the mic. Being a dad is his favorite role. Budman, a true family man, balances his love for radio with quality time spent with loved ones and his trusty dogs.

Christmas Photos With Santa At These Locations In Southwest Florida

Was there anything better as a child than preparing for your visit with Santa Claus?

We made our Christmas lists, checked them twice and prepared to sit on the jolly man’s lap as we listed off all of the things we wanted him to bring on Christmas.

Heck, we even dealt with the itchy and scratchy Christmas outfits we were forced to wear for the special day.

And how could we forget about the moms and dads and grandparents standing at the beginning of the sometimes hour long lines we waited in?  There they were in all of their glory trying to get us to smile so they could snap our picture with the big guy and have another Christmas memory.  Truly a wonderful tradition.

While visiting with Santa was exciting for most kids, there were some kiddos who left terrified and maybe a little traumatized.  They did make for pretty good pictures though.  Haha

So, where can you make these memories with Santa in Southwest Florida this holiday season?  Of course he will be at the local malls, but we’ve found some other fun events where he’ll make an appearance too!

At this time The Edison Mall does not have dates/times posted for photos with Santa during the 2024 season.

Here’s A List of locations in Southwest Florida where you can get Christmas Photos With Santa.  There are a couple of places you can take your pets as well

  • Coastland Center Mall in Naples

    Don’t miss Santa pictures at Coastland Center! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time.

    MORE INFO

  • Bass Pro Shops at Gulf Coast Town Center in Ft. Myers

    Santa’s Wonderland is open now thru December 24, 2024 at Bass Pro Shops In Gulf Coast Town Center

    MORE INFO

  • Holiday Nights at Edison Ford Winter Estates in Ft. Myers

    Don’t miss thousands of lights, hundreds of historic decorations, and one unique holiday experience! Returning for the 49th year, Holiday Nights has been revamped with new light displays and much more.  Plus, on select nights, there will be refreshments available for purchase, Santa visits, and carolers! 

    MORE INFO

  • Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Bell Tower in Ft. Myers

    Mark your calendars for the Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting, Friday December 6th 6pm-9pm! Santa Claus will arrive to Bell Tower at 6:30 p.m. in a South Trail Fire Department fire truck at the main entrance near Grimaldi’s and Blue Pointe. Following his arrival, the festivities will commence in Center Court with a special tree lighting ceremony and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.

    MORE INFO

  • Yappy Hour Pet Photos With Santa

    Join us Friday December 13th from 6pm to 8pm for our Pet Photos with Santa Paws Yappy Hour! Featuring music from DJ Robert McDonald, vendors, games and pet photos with Santa Paws! A minimum of a $20 donation is required to Gulf Coast Humane Society for photos. 

    MORE INFO

  • 3rd Annual Breakfast With Santa at Cantina Laredo

    Join us for Cantina Laredo’s 3rd Annual Breakfast with Santa, Saturday November 30th 9am to 12pm benefitting Valerie’s House!

    MORE INFO

  • Strolling Santa at Bell Tower

    Snap selfies with Santa this holiday season at Bell Tower from December 6th – December 23rd at Bell Tower’s many holiday events and on select nights.

    MORE INFO

  • Helping Hands For The Holidays

    The Aubuchon Team of Companies is hosting it’s 26th annual Helping Hands for the Holidays charity fundraising event from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at their Corporate Headquarters in Club Square, 4707 SE 9th Place, downtown Cape Coral.

    The event is free and open to the public. The evening will include delicious food and drinks, a Rockefeller-style Christmas tree, fun holiday-themed photo booth and complimentary photo sessions with Santa Claus!

    MORE INFO

  • Christmas Street Parade in Marco Island

    Saturday, December 14th 2024 from 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Free to attend!

    *Parade begins at Balfour and San Marco Road and will end at San Marco and Barfield.
    San Marco Road is lit up every year for the annual Marco Island Street Parade! The parade will feature floats, marching bands, music, costumes, candy and Santa Claus!

  • Gulf Coast Town Center 7th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

    This year’s event promises to be a memorable evening, showcasing live holiday performances that bring the magic of Broadway to life. The event is from 5-8 PM, with the Tree Lighting beginning at 6 PM.  Get a picture with Santa!

    MORE INFO

  • Santa Paws in Naples

    Santa Paws Returns! On Saturday December 14th from 1-4pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos with your furry, four-legged, and feathered friends. Bring your pet on its leash and pose with Jolly Old St. Nick for a treasured memory. A professional photographer will be on site, capturing memorable photos.

    MORE INFO

  • Third Street South Tree Lighting In Naples

    Monday, November 25th. Spend the evening strolling along Third Street South and the avenues listening to live musical performances, viewing elaborately decorated storefront windows with scenes of the North Pole and Santa’s Workshop with St. Nick himself. Snow will fall, restaurants and shops will be open extended hours, and the street will be lined with local vendors selling North Pole Treats and Sweets. 6pm – 9pm. Dining reservations are highly recommended at restaurants.
    3:00 PM Street Closure
    6:00 PM Santa’s Arrival
    6:20 PM Tree Lighting and Snowfall

    MORE INFO

  • South Cape Business Gift-Or-Treat & FREE Santa Photo Booth

    Saturday, November 30th from 12pm-4pm.  This South Cape Gift-or-Treat is a family friendly event. Also, snap a FREE picture with the Santa Claus at the official photo booth!

    MORE INFO

  • Holiday Celebration Car Show Tropical Parade at Coconut Point Mall

    Saturday, December 7th.   Don’t miss the colorful parade at 6 PM featuring local high school bands, bright floats, and lots of holiday spirit. Then join Santa Claus for the annual tree lighting ceremony!  The excitement starts with a Car & Truck Show from 11 AM to 2 PM.

    MORE INFO

  • Santa Paws Photos at Gulf Coast Town Center

    Join us for Santa Paws on Saturday, December 7th! Santa will be making a special stop in our courtyard, ready to take photos with every pet on the “nice” list. Pet parents can capture festive memories with their furry friends at this event.

    MORE INFO

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