Trade snow and sleighrides for manatee encounters by kayak, alligator-spotting on air-boat rides, and gentle strolls through shaded cypress creeks this holiday season in Orlando North! From key lime pie to Krampusnacht, the experiences are as unforgettable as they are unexpected – and you’ll only find them in Central Florida’s Orlando North.
Paddle All the Way: Seeing Manatees by Kayak at Wekiva Springs
While the rest of the country shivers, soak in the year-round temperate climate of Orlando North’s springs by kayak. You won’t believe your eyes on the waterways as you happen upon 1200-pound manatees, which are quite the snowbirds themselves. Each winter, these massive beauties nestle into the warm, 72-degree waters of the Wekiva Springs to wait out the cold weather on Florida’s coasts.
Skip the Sleigh, Ride an Airboat
We opt for beautiful sunny weather in Orlando North over dismal snowstorms and airboats over one-horse open sleighs. With a Black Hammock tour during the holiday season, you can take advantage of experiences you can only have in Orlando North: temperate weather blasting through your hair, mufflers on your ears (instead of earmuffs), and an expert local air-boat guide pointing out a handful of the thousands of alligators that live in Florida’s most gator-heavy lake: Lake Jesup.
Fa-La-La-La-Footpaths: Holiday Hiking in Orlando North
Leave the snow boots behind and step into an entirely different kind of Winter Wonderland right here in Orlando North! The cooler weather means less sweat and fewer bugs, making it the perfect time of year to revel in some of Central Florida’s most beautiful hikes through cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and shady hammocks. Whether you prefer the ADA-compliant, shorter paved trails at Big Tree Park or the rugged ruins of the old Flagler railway within the Little Big Econ State Forest, you are sure to find something to your liking amongst the 130 miles+ of paved and wilderness trails in Orlando North.
Carols on the Current: Holiday Steamboat Cruises
Navigate the verdant Central Florida waterways aboard the Barbara Lee steamboat, the only authentic sternwheeler sailing the St. Johns River. This year, the Barbara Lee is hosting a variety of special holiday meal cruises, including weekly caroling cruises on Wednesday nights, several holiday High Tea cruises on select days throughout December, and a special Christmas Eve caroling Lunch Cruise.
Krampusnacht Celebrations in Historic Downtown Sanford
Each year, Hollerbach’s German Restaurant in Historic Downtown Sanford hosts a spooky Krampusnacht event in honor of the half-goat, half-demon of Deutsch Christmas folklore that punishes the naughty. On December 4th, you’ll be able to witness an epic boxing match between the Krampus and the Jolly man, St Nick himself, in a battle between Good and Evil. They’ll also have live music and a special Christmas market. No Krampusnacht would be complete without schnitzel or sausage from Hollerbach’s award-winning menu, paired with one of the unbelievably delicious holiday desserts from their bakery.
Let It Snow (Sort Of): Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island
Snow isn’t just for the country’s northern climates! In the evening, experience nightly “snow flurries” at Wekiva Island’s 10th annual Winter Wonderland event that runs throughout December. Catch these flurries in your hair as you witness thousands of dazzling lights and festive decor against the classic palm-tree-and-cypress-knees aesthetic that Orlando North is famous for. Various special events (and warm weather) beckon you to revisit time and time: the lighting of their Christmas Tree Forest, donuts and breakfast with Mr. Claus himself, ornament decorating, storybook character visits, outdoor movies, and more.
Asian Lantern Festival: Holiday Lights at the Zoo
There is nothing like this perfectly Instagrammable and family-friendly three-quarter-mile winding path through the Central Florida Zoo. Central Florida’s only Zoo by day, come nightfall, the entire space radically transforms into The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, replete with stunning, larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns illuminated by thousands of LED lights. Think ocean-inspired landscapes, ice dragons, unicorns, and a new twist on their beloved showcase dragon that has been a feature of the festival year after year.
Winter Birdwatching Along Lake Jesup’s Shores
While birds have flown south in many parts of the country for the winter, Florida is home to dozens of magnificent bird species year-round! Set up on the banks of Lake Jesup, one of Orlando North’s premier spots for bird watching. The Lake Jesup Wilderness Area, managed by Seminole County, is a wonderful location to catch sight of Bald Eagles, Limpkin, Purple Gallinules, and even the occasional Great Horned Owl during the cooler months. Keep a special eye out for winter visitors to the area, including the American White Pelican (which gather in huge flocks and glide over the lake), Blue-winged Teal, American Bittern, and Northern Shoveler. You may find that the best carolers this season come from the tree tops!
A Very Florida Christmas: Key Lime Pie for Dessert
Ditch the Pumpkin Pie, and embrace Florida fare this holiday season with our state pie: the Key Lime Pie. Luckily for Orlando North visitors, Lake Mary may just have one of the state’s best Key Lime Pies. Lighthouse Seafood Café’s owners proudly serve their mother, Evelyn’s, Key Lime Pie recipe in slices, small pies, and large pieces, perfect to complete your holiday spread. Their menu describes their slices as: “Tart but not too tart, gently sweet with a creamy texture, crisp graham cracker crust and real hand-whipped cream (not from a can) on top.” We’ll take several!
Holiday Home Tours in Historic Downtown Sanford
Photo Credit: John Pierce
Ever walked past beautiful historic homes, dying to know what they look like inside? Orlando North is home to some of Central Florida’s oldest and most beautiful homes – and this is your opportunity to see inside. This December 6th, step back in time with the annual Sanford Tour of Homes event in the heart of the Historic District – Sanford’s longest-running holiday tradition, operating since 1989. Tour the neighborhood’s most historic homes decked to the nines with holiday lights and decor, paired with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. All tickets help support the efforts of the Sanford Historic Trust, which works to protect and preserve the city’s rich heritage.
Winter Biking on Orlando North’s Cross Seminole Trail
Trade icy roads for sun-dappled paths as you bike along the 23-mile Cross Seminole Trail that begins at the border of Winter Park (at the intersection of Aloma and Howell Branch) up toward Lake Monroe, which crosses over into DeBary. Stop at Big Tree Park, Greenwood Lakes Park, and the Spring Hammock Preserve for a stroll through shaded cypress forests on the boardwalk to Lake Jesup’s glistening shore. The Cross Seminole Trail is part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail that spans from the Atlantic to the Gulf – perfect to experience in winter.
Outdoor Holiday Movies Under the Stars
The holidays are all about coziness and time with those you love, making it the best time to lay out a blanket and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie outdoors in one of our city’s parks. Several holiday Movies in the Park events occur in Orlando North each winter – without needing a bulky winter jacket or hand-warmers. Notably, Altamonte Springs’ Crane Roost pairs its dazzling Cranes Roost light display with its festive movie night, while Lake Mary and Longwood host their special Holiday Movies in the Park on December 19th. Cozy up and enjoy!
Tree Lighting and Live Jazz in Downtown Longwood
Kick off the holiday season with an evening of sparkle and song in Downtown Historic Longwood! Their annual tree lighting celebration comes alive with an outdoor live jazz performance, festive décor, and small-town charm. Gather with friends and family under twinkling lights, sip a warm drink from local vendors, and sway to the music as the holiday spirit fills the air – no winter jackets required!
Deck the Boat: Private Holiday Cruises Through the Springs
Trade holiday bustle for serene waterways only accessible in Orlando North. Navigate springs on a luxury private river tour by Wekiva Wild. During the holiday season, the charter company offers special open-air boat tours with cheerful seasonal decor that is sure to put you in the spirit. At the same time, take in breathtaking views of Florida’s famous palms, cypress, and marshes in wonderfully temperate weather – and keep your eyes peeled: you may even spot an alligator or manatee!
Visit DoOrlandoNorth.com or @DoOrlandoNorth on Social Media for more holiday excursion ideas!
