Best Places to See Santa Claus in Orlando with Kids – Free Photos, Breakfast Events, and More!
During the holiday season, taking the kids to see Santa Claus is usually at the top of the to-do list. Thankfully we have a lot of options to choose from here in Orlando. With so many options, we’ve narrowed down the best places to see Santa Claus in Orlando based on the best value and atmosphere. Keep reading for the important details.
Many of these places to see Santa are free, and pair nicely with other free holiday events in Orlando.
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
Photos with Santa Claus Orlando
Below we’ve listed the best places for your kids to meet Santa Claus around Orlando, and we put them in chronological order.
- Bass Pro’s Santa Wonderland
- The Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park
- Festival of Trees
- Santa at Disney Springs
- Santa’s Workshop at Oviedo Mall
- Santa at Celebration Town Center
- Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island
- Oh What Fun It Is! Lake Nona
- Holiday Concerts & Santa Cranes Roost Park
- Santa at Brevard Zoo Jolly Days
BONUS IDEA! Order your child’s Letter from Santa by November 30th!
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Bass Pro’s Santa Wonderland
November 3 – December 24, 2024
Bass Pro Shop on International Drive
Visit their Santa Wonderland to get a FREE 4×6 photo and experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland! During your visit, you can mail your letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Reservations open October 27.
Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shop.
The Florida Mall
Daily, November 14 – December 24, 2024
Santa Claus is coming to town and The Florida Mall is excited to invite Orlando families and visitors to experience the festive, holiday season with a series of Santa-focused photo opportunities.
Shoppers are encouraged to bring the whole family to create memories with Santa during the following events:
- Santa Photo Experience: Make sure to sign up for photos with Santa early and secure a spot starting Thursday, November 14, through Christmas Eve.
- Baby’s First Christmas: Celebrate your baby’s first Christmas! The first 50 guests will receive a complimentary ornament and holiday gift back with photo purchase on Sunday, December 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Holiday Movie Experience: Visit the mall on Saturday, December 7 and 14, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a holiday movie, themed entertainment and more in the Grand Court by MAC Cosmetics.
Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art
Daily, Saturday, November 16 – Sunday, November 24, 2024
A beloved way to kick of the holiday season in Orlando, the Festival of Trees has delighted families for over 38 years. Besides viewing gorgeously decorated trees and a gingerbread village, there is a unique setting to meet Santa.
You can meet Santa Claus in an elaborate, charming setting perfect for family photos. The line can get pretty long, so make sure you visit the restroom and your kiddos are prepared to wait before getting in line.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, November 16th – Sunday, November 24th
- Adult: $20
- Children: $12 (3-12)
- Senior: $12 (60+)
- Military personnel and first responders with ID: $12
See Santa at Disney Springs
Daily November 9 – December 24, 2024 – to be confirmed
You can see Santa for free at Disney Springs, but you’ll need to get there early. To see Santa at Disney Springs, you’ll need to sign up through the virtual queue. When you arrive, check for a sign with a QR code.
Santa is at Once Upon a Toy which is in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. The virtual queue signs are near the entrance to Once Upon a Toy as well as once you’ve entered Disney Springs from each parking area.
Once you’ve entered the virtual queue you’ll get a notification on your phone when it is your turn to see Santa. You can check the MyDisneyExperience app, under Virtual Queues to see how much longer you have to wait.
While you wait go explore the rest of Disney Springs, though you’ll need to get to the Santa greeting area within 45 minutes of notification that it is your turn. So don’t go too far.
You can also have Breakfast with Santa at Disney Springs, at Maria and Enzo’s Italian Restaurant.
Santa’s Workshop at Oviedo Mall
November 22 – December 24, 2024
Oviedo Mall
Families will have the chance to capture the holiday spirit with professional photos with Santa, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. This year, Oviedo Mall is offering a variety of experiences for all families to enjoy:
- Photos with Santa: Available from November 22nd through December 24th. Families can visit Santa’s all-new workshop, designed to transport guests into a magical holiday wonderland, and take unforgettable photos with the big man himself.
- Pet Photos with Santa: On November 23rd, November 30th, December 6th, and December 16th, pets are invited to join in the holiday fun! Bring your furry friends to pose with Santa and capture their holiday cheer.
- Sensory-Friendly Santa Experiences: Oviedo Mall is also offering sensory-friendly visits on December 8th, December 15th, and December 22nd. These experiences are designed to create a calm and welcoming environment for families with sensory sensitivities.
Winter in Wonderland
Select dates, November 29 – December 29
HighT Orlando
Winter in Wonderland is coming to HighT this year! This Holiday Installation, is complete with a new feature specialty cocktail menu, homemade family recipes, festive bites, live Christmas entertainment from Merrily, and a chance to meet Alice & Mrs. Claus!
Reservations are required for this special holiday installation. Make reservations online.
Deck the Halls with Raptors
November 30 – December 1, 2024
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
1101 Audubon Way, Eatonville, FL
Kick off the holiday season with crafts, a scavenger hunt, all-new Raptor Chats, and more…plus, be on the lookout for surprise appearances by Santa! Enjoy the decorations in the historic Audubon House and spread holiday cheer throughout the Center as you visit our resident raptors.
This event is included with regular daily admission to the Center.
Celebration Town Center 25th Annual Now Snowing
November 30 – December 31, 2024
Main Street Celebration, Florida
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season.
Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating, and nightly snowfall.
Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island
Select Days, December 1 – 25, 2024
Wekiva Island, near Apopka
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland is a special place to see Santa in Orlando because it is truly a Florida experience.
In addition to their well-loved activities like daily “snow” flurries, the Christmas tree forest and their 30-ft tall tree, and visits from your favorite Christmas characters, Santa is inviting all the good boys and girls for the first time ever to his Workshop, right at Wekiva Island!
Besides the main workshop area where Santa and Mrs. Claus await, there is a gingerbread room and Santa’s very own office!
Winter Wonderland is open to the public. There is a $5 admission fee, and select events require an additional ticket.
Santa’s Workshop is open on select hours and select days, usually Friday evenings, and midday Saturdays and Sundays.
Ho, Ho, Ho-Down Christmas
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17, 2023 (2024 Dates TBA)
Gatorland
Gatorland’s signature holiday extravaganza unfolds with a delightful mix of music, festive displays, interactive characters, and an array of tempting seasonal treats available for purchase. Capture the essence of a distinctively Floridian holiday by snapping a photo with Gator Claus aboard his swamp-worthy sleigh. Meet the mischievous Krampus Croc, and sing along with the Florida Skunk Ape as he performs his favorite “Cryptid carols.”
Discover an array of unique arts and craft vendors strategically placed throughout, providing a treasure trove of holiday shopping options to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Cost: Included in park admission; Florida Resident rate available during December
Oh, What Fun!® Holiday Festival
Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays, December 6-22, 2024
Lake Nona
Enjoy all your favorite chilly-weather foods as sweet-treats stations and pop-up stands offer specialty snacks and beverages made especially for the season. Enjoy classic Christmas tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Cottage.
Stroll through Lake Nona’s very own Holiday Market for some Christmas shopping or explore the Evergreen Christmas Tree Trail. Snap memories in front of the picture-perfect photo walls and Peppermint Square’s 24-foot Christmas tree centerpiece with family and friends.
Holiday Concerts & Santa Cranes Roost Park
December 13 & 20, 2024, 7-9pm
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
One of the best places to see Christmas lights in Orlando is Cranes Roost Park. Now imagine how much fun it will be to see Santa and Mrs. Claus there too!
Enjoy live music from artists performing holiday hits and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Plaza. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission is free.
Santa at Brevard Zoo Jolly Days
December 21 – 23, 2024, 10am – 3pm
Brevard Zoo
Put on your jingle bells and head to the Zoo for a flurry of festive fun! Enjoy a blizzard of activities, music and watch the animals “unwrap” holiday treats! All Jolly Days activities are included with general Zoo admission.
Mr. & Mrs. Claus Photo Schedule
- Saturday, December 21, 11 AM – 1 PM
- Sunday, December 22, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Monday, December 23, 11 AM – 1 PM
The Santa Workshop Experience
2024 TBA
ICON Park
This Santa experience is second only to a visit to the North Pole. Families can partake in the annual tradition of taking holiday pictures together and the kiddos can meet Old St. Nick. Each child that participates in The Santa Workshop Experience will receive a free ride on the new Carousel on The Promenade.
They’ll also be provided a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a holiday-decorated capsule and access to the VIP no-wait line. Guests accompanying the child can get 50 percent off their tickets to The Wheel.
To register for The Santa Workshop Experience, click here.
Packages start at $30
Other Holiday Character Appearances
LEGO Santa, LEGO Gingerbread Man, and more
Select dates | November – December, 2024
Included in regular admission
LEGOLAND Florida
Even though we already have some amazing theme parks right here in Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida is a MUST visit! Our team has visited LEGOLAND many times over the years and the Holidays at LEGOLAND continues to impress.
LEGO Santa is a precious character meet and greet, especially with the new adaptable sleigh so all guests can experience being in the sleigh.
Plus you can meet other festive characters like LEGO Gingerbread Man, and Holiday Unikitty. And there are TONS of photo opportunities all around the park.
One of the most precious holiday activities in LEGOLAND Florida is the North Pole Postal Service. Kids get to write a letter to the North Pole with the help of official elves, and then watch as it is sent and arrives in the North Pole! Truly a special moment.
READ MORE: 2024 Holidays at LEGOLAND, including a schedule, itinerary, map, and photos!
The Grinch and The Whos
Universal Islands of Adventure
Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2024
Included in theme park admission
Among our favorite places this time of year are Orlando theme parks. Over at Universal Islands of Adventure, Seuss Landing™ is fully decorated and full of character. Get together with the resident Whos and put a little snark in your holiday spirit with the Grinch™. Enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular. Plus meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity.
Keep an eye out as you roam Seuss Landing, especially near the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train for adorable and funny resident Whos.
Breakfast with Santa in Orlando
Breakfast with Santa at Festival of Trees
Orlando Museum of Art
November 16, 17, & 23, 2024, 8:30am
A morning of making memories with Santa Claus with exclusive access to the 38th Annual Festival of Trees before it opens to the public during the day. Includes Hot breakfast served to everyone, Face-painters, Crafts, Balloon Artists, Games, Treats, and Full access to Festival of Trees.
Cost: $40 per person
Breakfast with Santa at Disney Springs
Maria and Enzo’s Italian Restaurant, Disney Springs
December 14, 15, 21 – 24, 2024
Seating times, 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10 a.m
Enjoy a family-style breakfast with a visit with Santa and elves. Everyone gets a family photo with Santa plus takeaway treats. There are holiday activities and one complimentary Prosecco mimosa (for guests 21+).
Cost: $45-$79 per person
Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, & 24, 2024
Teddy Bear Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes welcomes you to step into the holidays with the most cherished tradition. Sip on an elegant selection of tea, delight in thoughtfully curated sweet and savory culinary delights.
Engage with crafts, storytelling, live entertainment, and a special visit from Santa Claus. All while taking in the holiday atmosphere with incredible views.
Children will take home a special gift as will each adult, as a little something to remember the day by. Share the miracle of Christmas to the life of others in the form of a new unwrapped gift which will be donated locally to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital.
Cost: $158 – $189
Breakfast with Santa
December 7, 2024, 8 am and 10am
De Leon Springs State Park
Enjoy breakfast with Santa in beautiful De Leon Springs. Ticket includes holiday craft, letter to Santa, breakfast (pancakes), and photo opportunities with Santa. **Please be aware that this event takes place outdoors, specifically in the park pavilions.
Cost: Adults (ages 13+): $8.99 + tax, Children (ages 3-12): $14.99 + tax. Price does not include park admission of $6 per vehicle.
Santa Breakfast at Unreserved Food Bazaar
Sunday, December 15 and 22
UnReserved Food Bazaar at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Orlando
Start your morning in the most enchanting way possible by joining us for a festive holiday feast hosted by none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves! UnReserved Food Bazaar at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Orlando is set to transform your day into a magical wonderland, with a sumptuous breakfast buffet that’s sure to delight every member of your family.
This breakfast buffet will include a holiday carving station and an array of morning pastries. Experience the heartwarming spectacle of our favorite jolly couple as they prepare the best holiday cookies, filling the air with the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats.
Capture these precious moments by taking a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, immortalizing the excitement as they count down the final days until Christmas.
Cost: $48.00 per person
More Places to See Santa in Orlando
- Sunsational Farms Umatilla
- Winter Park Village
- The Mall at Millenia
- The Florida Mall
- Holinights Celebration at Sunset Walk
- Altamonte Mall
