Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner?! Parents in the Orlando area, or those visiting Central Florida in December, looking for magical, over-the-top holiday destinations within driving distance, look no further! We rounded up places to take kids to see incredible decorations, visit Santa, enjoy seasonal activities, and possibly stay overnight for a holiday-themed getaway. With so many great Orlando Christmas events during the month of December, the most difficult choice you will have to make is deciding where to go!

For more info and ideas happening this holiday season in Central Florida, check out our massive Christmas Activities Guide for Orlando Families.

Hang out with Mr. & Mrs. Clause while vacationing at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin! Photo courtesy Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

Why These Holiday Getaways are Worth the Trip

There is nothing more magical than Christmas lights, and the warm feelings only get warmer with entire towns and neighborhoods sparkling with those holiday decorations. Holiday getaways are great ways to enjoy family-friendly events and dining, as well as make easy day trips (or even overnight stays).

Insider Tips for Visiting Christmas Hotels & Towns with Kids

Christmas is quickly coming up so it's time to plan now. When planning the perfect holiday destination consider these factors:

Arrive before dusk for parking and exploring.
Book hotels early! 
Though it doesn't get too cold in Florida, pack festive Christmas sweaters and other fun winter gear.
Check event calendars for parades and tree lightings.
Combine day trips with an overnight for extra magic.
Make it a tradition! Visit a new town or hotel each year!

Gaylord Palms is the ultimate Christmas hotel that every family will LOVE! Photo courtesy Gaylord Palms

Festive Hotels Near Orlando

1. Gaylord Palms - Kissimmee

What do you get when you pair three million lights and two million pounds of ice? You get wonderful holiday memories! From November 14, 2025 - January 7, 2026, Gaylord Palms Resort in Central Florida offers amazing holiday food and drinks, fantastic shows and holiday activities, including the beloved ICE! event -- this year's theme is "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." In addition to admiring beautiful ice art, go snow tubing and shop the holiday market. Various packages are available, whether you want to spend the night or just visit for a day trip.

2. The Gasparilla Inn - Boca Grande

Located on the west coast of Florida, just north of Sanibel Island, The Gasparilla Inn gets everyone in the holiday mood with the 12 Days of Christmas. In addition to the beautiful holiday decor inside and out, each day is themed with special activities such as caroling, holiday movies, and gingerbread cookie decorating. Events run December 19-31, 2025, with special holiday options Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

3. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek - Orlando

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a magical (and delicious) gingerbread village created by the pastry team. Suites are decorated for Christmas including a beautifully adorned tree, custom stockings, and festive sweets. Here, you can visit Santa, attend a tree lighting ceremony, and enjoy The Polar Express movie night. 

4. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes - Orlando

Located in the heart of central Florida's theme parks, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes gets everyone in the holiday spirit with Gingerbread School, Tea Time with Santa, and the Winter Wonderland Market that offers local artisan goods.You'll love sampling a variety of holiday food and drinks at the hotel as well.

5. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort - Lake Buena Vista

Disney knows how to do holidays! Enjoy cookie decorating at Santa's Holiday Hangout, a nightly light show, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus (milk and cookies included)! Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus available certain nights. Rooms can be furnished with a Christmas tree, lights, and decor. Christmas present deliver and stocking stuffing services available as well!

6. The Breakers Palm Beach - Palm Beach

A historic and charming venue in South Florida, the holiday festival at The Breakers Palm Beach is a great place to make holiday memories. In addition to the beautiful lights, trees and decor there are a variety of events and activities such as carnivals with balloon making, animal encounters, and games as well as fireside s'mores, and laser tag! The holiday festival runs December 19, 2025 - January 4, 2026. 

Enjoy countless holiday events during a trip to Seaside during the winter! Photo courtesy Seaside, Florida

Christmas Towns Worth the Drive

7. St. Augustine

Nights of Lights is a special time of year when historic St. Augustine decorates the ENTIRE town with lights. Starting November 15, 2025 with Light-Up! Night, the switch to turn the lights on happens at 6:30pm. There are plenty of places to dine, shop for gifts, and enjoy the charming cobblestone streets. If you are looking for another way to see the lights around town, take a trolley tour or river cruise. Tickets for both fill-up quickly, especially on weekends, so book early!

In addition, Regatta of Lights is a tradition since 1980. This charming boat parade features boats decorated in holiday lights and festive decor. Occurring the second Saturday of December, the parade starts north of the Bridge of Lions with three cannon rounds shot from the Castillo de San Marcos. The parade can be viewed almost anywhere near the river.

8. Amelia Island

The annual Dickens Illuminated Procession occurs on the eve of the Dickens on Centre Christmas Market & Festival on Thursday December 11, 2025. Entertainment begins at 5pm, along with a variety of food trucks. The procession begins at 6:15pm and ends at the illuminated riverfront around 6:45pm.

And speaking of the Dickens on Centre Christmas Market & Festival, this event is inspired by Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, as historic Fernandina Beach transforms to a Victorian Age Christmas village and marketplace. Characters are adorned in fine Victorian dress (guests are welcome to dress-up, too!). Highlights include a 1K beach run, costume dog parade, and live entertainment. Tiny Tim's Kid Zone offers holiday movies throughout the weekend, letter-writing to St. Nick, and Santa photos. This event is free and runs December 12-14, 2025.

Enchanted Village Snow Globe Experience also takes place on Amelia Island December 12-14, 2025 (requires advance ticket purchase). Tickets include entrance inside a human-sized snow globe and is unlike any experience you have had before!

9. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach has a variety of holiday events to get you in the holiday spirit. Winterfest, December 6, 2025, kicks off the holiday season with food trucks, pictures with Santa, and a foam party! The following Saturday features the boat parade when Cocoa Beach lights up the intercostal! However, the most famous way Cocoa Beach celebrates the holidays is with their Surfing Santas! A unique tradition that started in 2009, this event happens annually on Christmas Eve, 7:30am until noon. This event turns out over 800(!) surfing Santas, with thousands of spectators. This free event raises money for local non-profits. 

10. Seaside

Located on the gorgeous Highway 30A, family-friendly Seaside, Florida loves Christmas as much as the North Pole! The panhandle's Seaside is about a 5.5-hour drive from Orlando and goes all out for the holidays. 2025 events include an outdoor screening of The Grinch, a holiday parade, Children's Theatre holiday shows, a whimsical Christmas village, photos with Santa, and much more!

Looking for a unique way to explore Florida? Climb aboard one of these family-friendly Florida train rides and enjoy a journey filled with fun, scenery, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for a scenic day trip by train, a theme park train ride, or a special Christmas train like The Polar Express, there are scenic train rides in Florida to please every age and interest. Train enthusiasts—both large and small—will love riding the rails on these Florida train rides. For more family fun around the Sunshine State, visit our Florida Family Travel Guide. All Aboard Scenic & Holiday Train Rides in Florida 1. Florida Railroad Museum – Parrish, Florida At this unique train museum, visitors don’t just view the exhibits - they ride them! The museum hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. During the fall, take a train ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express to the museum’s own pumpkin patch. During the winter holidays, take a magical trip on the North Pole Express to visit Santa himself. Other themed adventures include an Old West train robbery ride and Von Kessinger’s Express, taking riders to World War II. Beyond special events, visitors can take a 13-mile, round-trip train ride, with a stop in Willow, FL, to see more of the museum’s exhibits and artifacts year-round. 2. Georgia Coastal Railway – St. Marys, Georgia This railway sits just across the Florida state line, about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville, and is popular with north Florida families. Scenic 1.5-hour train rides from St. Marys to Kingsland are offered on Saturdays, passing through the marshlands of south Georgia. The railway also offers a variety of themed and holiday train rides throughout the year, including the Jurassic Dinosaur Exhibit and Train Ride, Cottontail Special Easter Train, Halloween Train, and Christmas Train. Get more information about the Santa special holiday train ride on their website. 3. Gold Coast Railroad Museum – Miami, Florida This historic South Florida railroad museum features over 40 railcars, a model train display, and multiple train ride experiences. The 25-minute Standard Gauge Train ride runs the first Saturday of each month, offering a scenic loop around the property—guests can even ride with the engineer. Every Saturday, the railroad speeder car offers a 20-minute ride, while a kid-friendly link train operates on weekends and select weekdays with views of the rail yard. Special events include Track or Treat Spooktacular, Miami Railfest, Free First Saturdays, and more. For a truly unique adventure, try the Engineer Experience, where you can drive a historic NASA locomotive from the Space Shuttle era. Bonus: the museum is right next to Zoo Miami, so guests can visit two great attractions in one day! Kirby Family Farm offers trains, rides, and a petting zoo. Photo courtesy of the farm 4. Kirby Family Farm – Williston, Florida Families can explore Florida’s rich railroad history at this nonprofit educational family farm, which combines hands-on learning with classic family fun. The farm features a historic collection of locomotives and open-air passenger cars. Popular annual events include the Six Gun Territory Wild West Weekend, Rock-N-Roll Easter Train, Scary Halloween Train, and Christmas Train. Beyond the rails, visitors can enjoy carnival rides and a petting zoo as well. 5. Largo Central Railroad – Largo, Florida Largo Central Railroad offers a fun outing for families, where kids can enjoy riding miniature trains through beautifully maintained tracks at Largo Central Park. One of the seasonal highlights is the Rudolph Limited, a holiday train ride that entertains guests with lights, music, and visits from favorite Christmas characters. The trains are run by volunteers and operate on select days. 6. Seminole Gulf Railway – Fort Myers, Florida The Seminole Gulf Railway is an operating freight railroad that also offers murder mystery dinner trains, including themed mysteries for Halloween and Christmas. The 3.5-hour trip travels from Fort Myers across the Caloosahatchee River, up into rural Lee and Charlotte Counties, and back to the Colonial Station. Note: The dinner show is best suited for ages 8 and up, due to its PG-13 content, adult themes, and the long duration with limited mobility. There is no children’s pricing or menu, making it most appropriate for older kids who can fully enjoy the experience. Kids (and many adults) love riding trains, especially the SunRail. Photo by the author 7. SunRail – Central Florida Known as Central Florida’s commuter rail, SunRail offers a convenient and affordable way for Orlando families to explore the city, and it makes for a fun train ride, too. Our family especially loves hopping on at the Sanford station and riding down to the AdventHealth stop. From there, it’s just a short walk to some of Orlando’s best attractions for kids, including the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Family Stage, and Orlando Fire Museum. 8. Amtrak Silver Service – Florida With stations all across peninsular Florida, Amtrak is a fun way for families to explore the state without stressing about traffic. Some of the best family-friendly destinations include Winter Park, with its charming historic district and Central Park; Kissimmee, the gateway to Walt Disney World; Delray Beach, close to the beach and downtown; Palatka, home to a fun railroad museum; and Tampa Union Station, minutes from Ybor City’s shops, eats, and the TECO Line streetcar. 9. Brightline - Florida Experience the best of Florida aboard the sleek Brightline trains, which connect South Florida cities like Miami and West Palm Beach with Central Florida’s hub in Orlando. Families will love the BrightKids Zones at the stations, where kids can play before boarding. Once on board, enjoy comfortable group seating, tasty snack options, and a smooth, stylish ride along the scenic Atlantic coast. 10. Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida Hop aboard the Sugar Express for train rides through Florida's sugarcane country. Beyond its regular year-round trips, the Sugar Express shines during the holidays with the beloved Santa Express. This magical two-hour journey features sparkling lights, Christmas carols, a special visit with Santa, cookies, and a commemorative gift. Harry Potter fanatics love the enchanting train ride aboard the Hogwarts Express Train. Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Theme Park & Attraction Train Rides 11. Animal Kingdom's Wildlife Express Train – Lake Buena Vista, Florida The Wildlife Express Train at Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes guests on a peaceful 7-minute ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, passing behind-the-scenes areas like animal housing and veterinary facilities. The journey offers a unique look at how the park cares for animals such as rhinos and elephants. After exploring hands-on exhibits and conservation displays, guests return by train to the Harambe station. 12. Brevard Zoo's Cape to Cairo Express – Melbourne, Florida The Brevard Zoo’s Cape to Cairo Express provides guests a 10-minute ride through the back of the African‑habitat zone past camels, exotic cattle, and antelope. Note: The train has a $4 fee for ages 3 and up in addition to zoo admission. 13. Busch Gardens' Serengeti Railway – Tampa, Florida The Serengeti Express Train at Busch Gardens offers a relaxing way for families to experience the beauty of the Serengeti Plain. With stops in Nairobi and Stanleyville, this Florida train ride provides incredible views of free-roaming African wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, antelope, ostriches, and more 14. Central Florida Zoo's Train Ride – Sanford, Florida Located near the entrance of the Zoo, families can hop aboard The Champion Miniature Train, a one-quarter scale replica of the historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner. This attraction offers guests of all ages a scenic ride around the Zoo’s grounds, winding through Florida landscapes and over realistic crossings before returning to the depot.  15. Gatorland's Express Train – Orlando, Florida Tour the Alligator Capital of the World on a small steam train to learn about the history of the park and get a unique view of the breeding marsh and animal exhibits. The round-trip ride takes about 20 minutes. Note: The train has a $3 fee in addition to park admission. 16. Gulf Breeze Zoo's Safari Express Train Ride - Gulf Breeze, Florida Hop aboard this Florida train ride for a narrated 15‑minute excursion through the Gulf Breeze Zoo’s 30‑acre free‑range preserve, where you’ll see rhinoceros, deer, and antelope roaming as well as hippos, gorillas, and orangutans. The ride is included with general admission and departs hourly throughout the day. 17. Universal Orlando Resorts' Hogwarts Express – Orlando, Florida Harry Potter fanatics will love this enchanting train ride that transports guests to and from both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley (at Universal Studios) to Hogsmeade (at Universal’s Islands of Adventure). Passengers will encounter favorite characters from the popular book and film series while on the ride. 18. Walt Disney World Railroad – Lake Buena Vista, Florida Walt Disney loved trains; he actually built his first train in his own backyard! Because of his love for trains, the Walt Disney World Railroad is a great attraction for guests (and a wonderful place to rest your feet). The train is located at Main Street USA, just inside the entrance of Disney’s Magic Kingdom park. Disney runs four historic steam trains on the railroad, all originally built between 1916-1928. Visitors can enjoy a 20-minute, scenic tour around the park, with stops at Frontierland and Fantasyland.

Explore the outdoors with your family on one of the many amazing hiking trails around Orlando. Family hikes are a great way to unplug together, boost mental and physical health, and enjoy beautiful Florida scenery. We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly hiking spots around Orlando and beyond. Many of these trails are stroller-friendly, easy enough for little legs, and even feature extras like playgrounds and picnic areas to make a full day of it. Don’t forget your outdoor essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, water, and a few snacks to keep everyone fueled for the adventure. Hiking is also an option at many of Central Florida’s natural springs. Add to the outdoor fun with a geocaching scavenger hunt or by hiding painted rocks for others to find. Central Florida Hiking Trails for Families 1. Bear Creek Nature Trail—Winter Springs This hidden gem trail is a short, shaded trail perfect for little legs. The peaceful creek, wooden bridges, and chances to spot birds, turtles, and butterflies make this an easy and enjoyable introduction to hiking for little ones. Admission: Free 2. Big Tree Park—Longwood Home to some of the oldest and largest trees in Central Florida, Big Tree Park features a short, stroller-friendly boardwalk trail. Afterwards, kids can play at the fenced-in, shaded playground. Admission: Free 3. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake—Orlando Locally known as Turkey Lake Park, this family-friendly spot is packed with activities for a full day of fun. Start at the animal farm, home to goats, pigs, horses, and more, then explore the nearby nature trail with interactive play stations for kids. The park also features paved and natural walking trails, two playgrounds, fitness stations, picnic areas, a fishing pier, disc golf, sand volleyball, and even a drone flying zone. Admission: $5 per car; $2 for single-occupant vehicles 4. Bonnet Springs Park—Lakeland This beautifully designed urban park in Lakeland is worth the drive and makes for a great day trip from Orlando. It features wide, accessible walking paths that loop through gardens, art installations, and several playground areas. There is also an on-site children's museum! Admission: Park is free to explore; the children's museum has an admission fee 5. Disney Wilderness Preserve—Kissimmee Spanning11,500 acres, this massive preserve began as a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the Walt Disney Company. Visitors can hike miles of color-coded nature trails leading to the headwaters of the Everglades, while enjoying Florida’s wildlife and natural beauty. There is also an eco-friendly education center and butterfly garden.  Admission: Free, donations appreciated 6. Gemini Springs Park—DeBary Gemini Springs features a scenic 0.75-mile nature trail, a one-mile bike loop, and a short 0.25-mile bridge trail showcasing the twin springs and crystal-clear waters (swimming is not allowed). The park also offers a playground, picnic pavilions, a fishing pier, and a spacious dog park for families to enjoy. Admission: Free 7. Geneva Wilderness Area—Geneva While hiking the almost two-mile loop trail at the Geneva Wilderness Area, visitors can sight a variety of wildlife, including wild turkeys, alligators, white-tailed deer, and more.  The onsite Ed Yarborough Nature Center includes exhibits and live displays to educate guests about the ecology of Central Florida.  Admission: Free 8. Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trailhead—Minneola This spot offers one of the best views in Central Florida, and kids will love climbing the wooden observation tower for a bird’s-eye look at Lake Apopka. The connected trail system is well-marked and shaded in parts, with plenty of rest stops and benches along the way. Admission: Free RELATED: Best Places to View Manatees Near Orlando Hidden Waters Preserve boasts a number of short trails perfect for kids.  9. Hidden Waters Preserve—Eustis As the name hints, this preserve boasts hiking trails leading to a large sinkhole and ravine. The trails are color-coded and range from 0.2 to 1.5 miles. There are bridges and crossing beams along some of the trails. Kids are sure to enjoy exploring the shallow crystal-clear ravine waters, so be sure to bring a towel to dry off. Admission: Free 10. Hontoon Island State Park—DeLand This unique park is an island on the St. John’s River, accessible only by free park ferry or private boat. The park has eight miles of hiking trails for families to explore, many of which include evidence of Native American habitation. The most popular hiking trail is 3 miles round-trip and leads guests to Indian Shell Mound. Hiking maps can be picked up at the ranger station. Other amenities include a museum and visitor center, playground, and picnic pavilions. Admission: Free 11. Horseshoe Park and Fairy Trail—Cassadaga This magical trail is a short, whimsical walk through the spiritualist community of Cassadaga, dotted with fairy houses, painted rocks, and hidden treasures. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, it’s more of a nature-based scavenger hunt than a hike. Admission: Free 12. Kelly Park/Rock Springs—Apopka While most people flock to this park for tubing the turquoise spring run, there is also a 2.5-mile trail loop visitors can explore, as well as a full-service concession area, playground, and picnic pavilions. Due to the park's popularity, expect high volumes of visitors in the summer months. Admission: $3 for vehicles with 1-2 people or $5 for vehicles with 3-8 people 13. Lake Lotus Park—Altamonte Springs This park is only open Thursday-Sunday each week. This 120-acre preserve offers a peaceful escape with a one-mile boardwalk through woods and wetlands, ending at a scenic lakefront pavilion. Visitors can also enjoy looped nature trails, a playground, fishing pier, education center, and picnic pavilions. Admission: Free 14. Lake Mills Park—Chuluota Two new trails wind through this park: a wide, ADA-accessible concrete path connecting the campground to the central park area, and a scenic boardwalk that leads through a canopy of cypress and oak trees. Additional amenities include a beach volleyball area, playground, fishing dock, picnic pavilions, and amphitheater. Admission: Free 15. Little Econ Greenway—Orlando This 7.4-mile scenic paved trail is ideal for walking, jogging, biking, or skating. It is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as osprey, hawks, turtles, and gators.  There are picnic areas, a butterfly garden, and canoe trails as well.  Admission: Free 16. Mead Botanical Garden—Winter Park Close to downtown Orlando, Mead Botanical Garden offers the perfect blend of learning and play. Kids can wander nature trails, watch for wildlife, explore the butterfly garden, and cool off in a shallow creek during warm days. Admission: Free 17. Oakland Nature Preserve—Oakland This 128-acre preserve is just west of Orlando. Start your visit with a trip to the museum and education center to see the live fish and turtle exhibits. From there, families can explore a boardwalk that leads to a pavilion overlooking Lake Apopka, or one of multiple color-coded hiking trails. Kids love the nature play area, with stations set up to explore and play. The preserve also hosts annual events like Nature Fest and Pumpkin Glow. Admission: Free, donations appreciated 18. Orlando Wetlands—Christmas The Orlando Wetlands is a 1,650-acre manmade wetland, as well as a top birding destination and home to an estimated 1,700 alligators. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails within the park. Trail maps are available at the education center and at the visitor pavilion, which also houses live animals and multimedia displays. Bicycling and horseback riding are popular on the trails as well. Admission: Free, but donations are accepted RELATED: Dude Ranches and More Places for Kids to Play Cowboy in Florida Trails at Palm Island Park lead to Mount Dora lighthouse and the Gilbert Park playground.  19. Palm Island Park—Mount Dora A family favorite of ours, this 8-acre preservation area includes a boardwalk overlooking Lake Dora as well as a one-mile looped nature trail. Nearby, visitors can enjoy a paved walking trail and playground at Gilbert Park, the Mount Dora lighthouse, and a short walk to the shops and restaurants in beautiful downtown Mount Dora. Admission: Free 20. Peghorn Nature Park—St. Cloud Peghorn Nature Park offers a mix of nature and history with scenic trails, an old schoolhouse, blacksmith area, and educational center. Families can enjoy a small playground, outdoor classroom, community gardens, and shaded picnic spots. Admission: Free 21. Shingle Creek Regional Park—Kissimmee Visitors at this park can choose from a variety of paved trails, accessible for stroller and wheelchairs. Guests can also enjoy a visit to Pioneer Village, a collection of historic structures including a 1898 Cracker House and a 1900 general store. There is also a playground that kids will love. Admission: Park admission is free; Pioneer Village costs $8 for adults, $4 for kids ages 4-12, under 4 free 22. Tibet-Butler Preserve—Orlando This wildlife preserve near Orlando's theme parks includes miles of easy hiking trails and a large nature center with a variety of displays and exhibits. There is also a butterfly garden, sandbox, and picnic area. Admission: Free 23. Trimble Park—Mount Dora Overlooking the Harris Chain of Lakes, this shaded park and campground offers a 1.3-mile loop trail that is easy for all ages. There is also a boat ramp, fishing piers, two playground areas, and picnic pavilions. Admission: Free RELATED: Family-Friendly Boat Trips in the Orlando Area Kids will love the "cat walk" at Trout Lake Nature Center. 24. Trout Lake Nature Center—Eustis This 230-acre wildlife preserve features family-friendly interpretive trails, a scenic boardwalk to a lakefront pavilion, narrow “catwalk” boardwalks, and a fun swinging bridge for kids to explore. The onsite museum includes wildlife displays, outdoor turtle exhibits, and a hands-on touch table in the educational center. Admission: $5 per vehicle 25. Wekiwa Springs State Park—Apopka The highlight of this park is the first-magnitude natural spring, but there are more than 25 miles of trails to explore as well. Visitors might spot white-tailed deer, gopher turtles, turkeys, and possibly a bobcat or Florida black bear. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping are also popular at this park. Kids can enjoy a playground area as well. Admission: $6 per vehicle Photos by Charlotte Blanton