The holiday season in Volusia County and Central Florida offers a dazzling array of festivities to make your days merry and bright. From enchanting light displays and icy adventures to magical lanterns and heartwarming traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood to stroll through glowing pathways, bundle up for a frosty experience, or simply soak up the spirit of the season with your loved ones, these top holiday attractions promise to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Here’s a curated list of top events to make your holidays memorable.
1. Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Eustis, FL
Looking for a unique holiday experience in Florida? Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis offers the perfect mix of festive cheer and outdoor fun. Nestled on a 17-acre farm brimming with over 17,000 trees, this spot invites you to cut your own Choctawhatchee sand pine, red cedar, or Arizona cypress. This year, the farm celebrates its 35th anniversary with a special – any tree you can cut and carry yourself is just $35 (extra fees apply for larger trees that require assistance). If you prefer a traditional spruce, fir, or pine, fresh-cut trees from Michigan and North Carolina are also available.
But the magic doesn’t stop with the trees. Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest is packed with family-friendly activities that make it much more than just a tree farm. Upgrade your visit with the Jolly Acres package for even more fun, including a giant bounce pillow, handpump duck races, elf mazes, a sand play pit, and more fun.
Feeling adventurous? Add zipline tickets to your day and soar over Jolly Acres like one of Santa’s reindeer. Kids can try the lower zipline for a gentler experience, while thrill-seekers will love the larger line.
When hunger strikes, Santa’s Village has you covered. Enjoy hearty snacks, refreshments, and craft beer or wine at The Thirsty Elf. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for handmade ornaments, wreaths, and other holiday treasures.
Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your visit. Tickets often sell out, so book in advance to secure your spot. Whether you’re after a tree or just looking for festive family fun, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest is a holiday destination worth adding to your annual traditions.
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS TREE FOREST
35317 Huff Road, Eustis, FL 32736
(352) 357-9863
SantasChristmasTreeForest.com
Admission:
General: $9.95, includes entry, hayride, and
petting zoo | Additional fees apply for Jolly
Acres, Zipline and Horse/Pony Rides
Hours vary; check online for availability and ticket purchases.
2. Asian Lantern Festival
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens | Sanford, FL
Add a touch of magic to your holiday season with the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford. This dazzling event celebrates Asian culture, wildlife, and art along a 3/4- mile walking trail. Now in its fifth year, the festival offers new, breathtaking displays each season.
The event features glowing lanterns handcrafted from specialty fabrics, with many that move and interact. Towering flamingos, fluttering butterflies, and a 50-foot-long phoenix are just a few highlights. A prehistoric zone with roaring dinosaurs and glowing landscapes adds excitement for kids and adults alike.
Interactive exhibits make the festival even more engaging. Kids can dance with a dinosaur that mimics their movements or play music on a giant illuminated piano. Guests can also explore the Chinese zodiac exhibit to learn about their birth year’s animal, adding a fun cultural element.
Each year brings new lanterns and themes, creating a fresh experience for returning visitors.
Snacks and drinks are available throughout the trail, including soft pretzels, hot chocolate, and cocktails for adults.
The festival runs on select nights from 6–10 p.m. through January 19, 2025. Tickets start at $24.99 per person, and children under 2 are free. Advance ticket purchase is required, with scheduled entry times to manage crowds as most nights sell out.
Whether you’re exploring illuminated wildlife or strolling through a glowing wonderland, the Asian Lantern Festival offers an unforgettable holiday outing. Perfect for families, friends, and couples, it’s a seasonal tradition to look forward to each year.
ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL: INTO THE WILD
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
3755 W. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771
CentralFloridaZoo.org | (407) 323-4450
Admission: $24.99 per person
3. Magic of Lights
Daytona International Speedway
Experience the holidays in spectacular fashion at Daytona International Speedway’s Magic of Lights, a 1.5 mile drive-through display of over 400 illuminated and animated scenes. Running through January 4, this festive event is perfect for creating holiday memories without leaving your car.
The journey begins with a glowing archway leading to scenes like a tropical Christmas display, mythical fairytales, and a bustling toy land. Highlights include a Victorian winter village, a candy land wonderland, and a vibrant Nativity scene. The magic continues with a tour through space featuring UFOs, a retelling of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and playful polar bears and penguins engaged in a snowball fight.
The finale takes visitors through a massive “12 Days of Christmas” display, culminating in a multicolor, 200 foot light tunnel. Along the way, Santa makes a daring motorcycle jump, and elves race NASCAR-style at the iconic speedway.
Created by FunGuys Events, Magic of Lights transforms the speedway’s grounds into a glowing wonderland. Vehicles tune into a dedicated holiday music channel for a festive soundtrack. Tickets are $30 per car on weekdays, $35 on weekends, or $22 online (plus fees) in advance.
This event is ideal for family outings, romantic dates, or hosting out-of-town guests. Grab some hot cocoa, put on your Christmas pajamas, and explore this magical holiday tradition!
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
Daytona International Speedway
441 Midway Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(800) PITSHOP |DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com
Dates & Times: NOW – Jan. 4, 6 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $30 – $35 per car at the gate, $22 online
4. ICE! At Gaylord Palms
Kissimmee, FL
For a true winter wonderland in Florida, visit the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee. Back and cooler than ever, ICE! returns with an all-new theme based on the beloved holiday movie Elf. This frosty spectacle features over two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, bringing Buddy the Elf’s adventures to life.
The 20,000-square-foot walk-through experience includes iconic scenes from Elf, such as Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to New York City and his mission to spread Christmas cheer. With temperatures kept at a brisk 9 degrees, complimentary parkas are provided, but hats, gloves, and warm layers are recommended to stay cozy.
Fan-favorite features like the ice slide are back, now with a Buddy twist. Kids and adults alike can enjoy unlimited trips down this icy attraction, while little ones under 40 inches have a smaller slide designed just for them. Most visitors spend 20-40 minutes in the exhibit, but there’s no time limit, so you can linger as long as you like.
ICE! is crafted by expert ice carvers from Harbin, China, who travel thousands of miles to create these stunning sculptures. Visitors can even watch live carving demonstrations during their visit. With new themes each year, even returning guests will find fresh wonders to explore.
Beyond ICE!, the resort transforms into a holiday hub. Visit Alpine Village to decorate gingerbread cookies, join the Elf Training Academy, or meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. At the Snow Factory, enjoy tubing on Snow Flow Mountain or snowball battles.
Evenings feature millions of lights, synchronized atrium shows, and festive performances. ICE! runs daily through January 4, 2025, with entry from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Start – or continue – your holiday tradition at Gaylord Palms ICE!, where every visit is magical.
ICE! AT GAYLORD PALMS
6000 W. Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 586-0000
ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.Marriott.com
Admission: Ranges from $30 to $40 for adults and $19 to $29 for kids
