Looking for something a little different to celebrate Christmas in Central Florida this year? Seminole County has plenty of holiday magic planned for 2026, from a festive riverboat cruise and illuminated boat parade to a snow maze, live reindeer, waterfront festivities, and Santa traveling through local neighborhoods.
Here are 10 Christmas events happening throughout Seminole County in 2026 that families, couples, and holiday enthusiasts may want to add to their calendars!
1. Santa & Mrs. Claus High Tea Cruise Aboard the Barbara Lee — Sanford
Date: Monday, December 21, 2026
Time: Boarding at 11:30 AM; cruise from 12–2 PM
Location: 433 N. Palmetto Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
Admission: Paid tickets required; verify current pricing when booking.
Celebrate Christmas aboard the Barbara Lee, a paddlewheel-style riverboat operated by St. Johns Rivership Co. This two-hour holiday cruise travels along Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River while guests enjoy a special high tea experience.
The menu includes savory finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, sweet treats, and tea selections. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be aboard for meet-and-greets and holiday photographs.
Guests can enjoy reserved seating in climate-controlled dining areas and step outside onto the viewing decks to take in the scenery. It’s an especially memorable way to celebrate the season on the water.
Pricing note: Published ticket prices differ between the Seminole County Chamber listing and the Eventbrite ticket page. Check the booking page for current prices and age categories before purchasing.
View event details and tickets
2. Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland — Longwood
Dates: Select dates beginning November 29, 2026, with holiday activities throughout December
Time: Varies by activity
Location: 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, FL 32779
Admission: $5 general admission; select activities cost extra.
Wekiva Island transforms its scenic riverside property into a holiday wonderland with Christmas decorations, seasonal entertainment, and family activities.
The festivities kick off November 29 with a holiday market, stilt walkers, Santa’s Workshop, and a Christmas tree-lighting celebration featuring a towering 30-foot tree.
Throughout December, visitors can find activities such as ornament decorating with Santa’s elves, stories with Mrs. Claus, Donuts with Santa, visits from the Grinch and Whoville characters, and outdoor holiday movie nights.
With the natural beauty of the Wekiva River as its backdrop, this is a distinctly Florida-style Christmas celebration. Check the schedule carefully because individual experiences take place on different dates and some require separate tickets.
View the official Winter Wonderland schedule
3. Light Up the Holidays — Altamonte Springs
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 5–9 PM
Location: Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Boulevard, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Admission: Free; food and beverages available for purchase.
One of Seminole County’s most dazzling Christmas traditions returns to Cranes Roost Park for an evening of sparkling lights, live entertainment, and holiday excitement.
The celebration features a magnificent 60-foot Christmas tree, illuminated park displays, a choreographed fireworks show, live music, dance performances, train rides, children’s activities, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The beautiful lakeside setting provides a wonderful backdrop for an evening walk and holiday photographs. It’s a great choice for families looking for a large-scale Christmas celebration without an admission fee.
4. Oviedo’s Little Drummer Tree Lighting — Oviedo
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Time: 5–8:30 PM; tree lighting at 6:30 PM
Location: Center Lake Park, 299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo, FL 32765
Admission: Free; no registration required.
Oviedo is bringing a Little Drummer Boy-inspired theme to its 2026 Christmas tree-lighting celebration at Center Lake Park.
Families can enjoy live animals, holiday characters, carolers, free photographs with Santa, and live entertainment at the amphitheater. Activities from community vendors include face painting, coloring, and caricatures, with food trucks and other vendors on-site.
The main tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 PM, and the city is teasing a special surprise when the lights come on.
With its themed festivities and lakeside setting, this is a fun choice for families who want more than a traditional tree-lighting countdown.
5. Sanford Holiday Parade of Lights — Sanford
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 6–8 PM
Location: Downtown Sanford, First Street, Sanford, FL 32771
Admission: Free to watch.
Historic Downtown Sanford will shine after dark during its annual Holiday Parade of Lights.
Illuminated floats, decorated vehicles, dancers, and marching bands from local schools, businesses, and community organizations will travel along a one-mile parade route through downtown.
Unlike a daytime parade, this celebration is all about the glow of Christmas lights against the evening sky. Families can line the route to enjoy the festive procession and the atmosphere of historic Sanford.
Visitors should plan ahead for road closures. The city advises that First Street will close beginning at 1 PM between Mellonville Avenue and Elm Avenue.
View official parade information
6. St. John River Holiday Boat Parade — Sanford
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026
Time: 5–8 PM
Location: Sanford RiverWalk, Sanford, FL
Admission: Check organizer updates for viewing details.
Christmas lights aren’t just for houses and trees! Project Sanford is bringing holiday cheer onto the St. Johns River with a festive boat parade.
Boats decorated for the season will take to the water, creating a holiday spectacle for spectators watching from shore.
Sanford’s waterfront makes this a particularly interesting holiday outing, combining river views with the excitement of illuminated vessels passing through the area.
The city has announced the December 19 event and its 5–8 PM time window, but additional details are still forthcoming. Check the official event page closer to the date for the best viewing locations, route information, and any updates.
View official boat parade updates
7. Celebrate the Season — Longwood
Date: Friday, December 11, 2026
Time: 6–9 PM
Location: Reiter Park, 311 Warren Avenue, Longwood, FL 32750
Admission: Check the city event page for activity details.
Want to experience a little winter fun without leaving Central Florida? Longwood’s Celebrate the Season event brings a packed holiday street party to Reiter Park.
Highlights include a snow maze, giant slides, train rides, live music, dance performances, games, holiday shopping at Santa’s Workshop, and the city’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.
Families can also look forward to photo opportunities with Santa and live reindeer, while a laser-light show is planned as the evening’s grand finale.
Between the winter-themed attractions and the lively entertainment, this is one of the most activity-filled Christmas celebrations on the list.
8. Casselberry Santa Run — Casselberry
Dates: December 7–10, 2026
Time: Approximately 6–9 PM each evening
Location: Neighborhood routes throughout Casselberry; routes begin and end at Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707
Admission: Free community event.
Instead of waiting in line at a shopping center, Casselberry residents can watch for Santa traveling through their own neighborhoods!
During the annual Santa Run, the Casselberry Police Department and Seminole County Fire Department escort Santa and his elves through city streets, spreading holiday cheer and tossing candy to spectators along the route.
The event takes place over four evenings, with different neighborhood routes each night. Families can follow the city’s published routes and Facebook updates to see when Santa may be approaching their area.
Routes may change or be canceled because of weather or road conditions, so be sure to check for updates before heading outside.
View official Santa Run routes and updates
9. Breakfast with Santa — Longwood
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 9–10:30 AM
Location: Longwood Community Building, 200 W. Warren Avenue, Longwood, FL 32750
Admission: Check the official listing for registration or ticket information.
For families who prefer a cozy morning Christmas experience, Longwood is hosting Breakfast with Santa at the Longwood Community Building.
The event includes breakfast, opportunities for children to meet and take photographs with Santa, holiday music, and children’s activities.
It’s a smaller, more relaxed alternative to some of the large nighttime celebrations and a fun way to make a special Christmas memory with younger children.
Check with the city for any registration requirements or additional instructions before attending.
10. Santa Visits Longwood — Longwood
Dates: Saturday, December 19, and Sunday, December 20, 2026
Time: 11 AM–1 PM each day
Location: Neighborhood routes within incorporated Longwood, FL 32750
Admission: Free community experience.
Longwood is bringing Santa directly into local neighborhoods during the weekend before Christmas.
Santa will travel through areas within the city limits on December 19 and 20, giving residents an opportunity to spot him close to home and enjoy a little extra holiday cheer.
Unlike a traditional Santa meet-and-greet at a single venue, this event is designed around neighborhood visits. Families should check the city’s announcements for route information and updates as the event approaches.
View official Santa Visits Longwood details
Make the Most of Christmas in Seminole County
Whether you’d rather cruise the St. Johns River with Santa, watch illuminated boats along Sanford’s waterfront, experience a snow maze in Longwood, or stroll beneath the Christmas lights at Cranes Roost Park, Seminole County has a variety of holiday celebrations to enjoy in 2026.
Some events are free, while others require paid admission or advance reservations. Dates, schedules, pricing, and activities may change, so always check the linked organizer pages before visiting.
Looking for even more places to explore and things to do? Visit Central Florida Local to discover local businesses, events, and hidden gems throughout Central Florida.
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