When you think of holiday magic, you might picture snow, pine forests, or cozy cabins — not palm trees and riverside boardwalks. But Wekiva Island in Longwood, right outside of Orlando, turns the Sunshine State into a whimsical winter escape every December.
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland 2025
Photo courtesy of Wekiva Island
From November 30 to December 25, 2025, Wekiva Island will transform into a festive holiday destination complete with:
- Festive lights and decorated Christmas trees, including a “Christmas Tree Forest.”
- Nightly “snow” flurries to bring that wintry feel.
- Santa’s Workshop, complete with a cozy Santa’s office, Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and photo ops for kids.
- A brand new “North Pole Nook” Cabana Pop-Up, decked out in holiday décor, with s’mores, hot cocoa, firepits, and festive seating.
- Visits from holiday characters like The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Whoville elves — even Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie make a cameo.
- Outdoor holiday movie nights by the river.
Cost & Where to Go
Admission to Winter Wonderland is just $5 per person.
Some special events (like breakfast with Santa and ornament decorating) require additional tickets.
Address:
Wekiva Island
1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, FL
2025 Family-Friendly Activities
There’s something for kids (and adults) of all ages. Some are included in your entrance fee, and others require a separate ticket.
Here are a few highlights:
Breakfast with Santa
December 14 & 21, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. ($29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids 10 & under)
Ornament Decorating with Elves
December 15, 22 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. ($10/child includes cocoa and cookie)
Stories with Mrs. Claus
December 17 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. ($10/child)
Reindeer Feed Making
December 18, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. ($10/child)
The Grinch Visit
December 13, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Clark Griswold & Cousin Eddie Visit
December 20, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Outdoor Movies
December 14, 21, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs.
See the whole list of activities here.
Give Back While You Celebrate
A nice bonus: Wekiva Island is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Kids House of Seminole County until December 15.
If you bring a toy to their “Sip & Shop” event, you’ll even get a free ornament.
Other Holiday Perks & Amenities
The General Store at Wekiva Island will run specials, and there are free gift wrapping days (Dec. 17 & 19) so you can drop off your gifts and let the elves do the work.
You can rent the North Pole Nook Cabana, a private holiday retreat for up to 25 guests. It includes hot cocoa, s’mores, cozy decor, and a firepit.
For a truly unique experience, check out holiday-themed boat tours on the Wekiva River through Wekiva Wild River Tours.
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland is one of the most affordable and charming holiday experiences around Orlando. It gives families a chance to feel that classic Christmas magic with a Florida twist, beside the river, under palm trees.
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