Wekiva Island celebrates 10 years of holiday magic with Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland: Wekiva Island Celebrates a Decade of Holiday Magic

While Florida might be known for sunshine and palm trees, a wintery chill and a blast of holiday spirit are on their way to Seminole County. Wekiva Island is celebrating 10 years of its Winter Wonderland tradition from November 30 to Christmas Day, transforming its riverside oasis into a festive, family-friendly destination.

Related-Orlando’s Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland Returns December 1st

The attraction will be decked out with thousands of twinkling lights, festive décor, and nightly “snow” flurries that almost feel like the real thing. “We started Winter Wonderland to give Florida kids a taste of the holiday magic the Weinaug family had growing up in western New York,” said Carrie Vanderhoef, Wekiva Island’s manager. “It’s incredible to see it hit 10 years and know what a tradition this event has become for our community.”

Related-Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcomes Wekiva Island

A Winter Wonderland of New and Classic Events

This year’s celebration includes all of the favorite events from previous years, plus some new additions. The festivities officially kick off with the Holiday Market, a new event on November 30 from 1 to 5 p.m., where you can find unique gifts from local vendors.

Afterward, stick around for the official Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. to see the Christmas Tree Forest, anchored by a 30-foot tree, light up the night.

Upstairs, Santa’s Workshop will be overflowing with cheer, featuring Santa’s office, Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and tons of photo ops. Santa will be meeting children every weekend through December 21. For a sweeter visit, try the new Donuts with Santa on December 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. ($12 per person).

Or, you can enjoy the popular Breakfast with Santa on December 14 and 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. ($29.95 for adults, $19.95 for those 10 and under).

More family-friendly fun includes:

• Ornament Decorating with Elves: Let the kids make a Christmas keepsake on December 1, 15, and 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. ($10 per child).
• Stories with Mrs. Claus: Children can enjoy beloved holiday tales on December 3, 10, and 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. ($10 per child).
• Reindeer Feed Making with Mrs. Claus: Help Santa’s reindeer prep for the big night on December 8 and 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. ($10 per child).
• Holiday Outdoor Movies: Bring a blanket and enjoy a holiday classic riverside on December 7, 14, and 21 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Fans of classic holiday films can also meet some special guests. The Grinch and Whoville Elves will be visiting on December 13 from 2 to 6 p.m., while Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie will be inspecting the holiday décor on December 20 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Shop, Give Back, and Explore

The Wekiva Island General Store will feature a variety of unique gifts, and you can get a head start on your shopping list at the Sip and Shop event on December 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. The Island elves will also offer free gift wrapping on any gifts you bring on December 16 and 22.

In the spirit of the season, you can also give back. Wekiva Island is accepting new, unwrapped toys for Kids House of Seminole from November 28 to December 15. Those who bring a gift to the Sip and Shop event will receive a free ornament.

For a different view of the festivities, Wekiva Wild River Tours will offer special holiday boat tours with festive décor. You can also elevate your experience by renting the special holiday-themed VIP Cabana, complete with a hot cocoa bar and s’mores on the firepit.

Admission to Winter Wonderland is $5, and some events require an additional ticket. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit https://wekivaisland.com/winter-wonderland-2025/.