Wekiva Island brings the festive fun with Winter Wonderland from Nov. 29 - Dec. 25

Christmas celebration brings themed pop-ups, magical décor, special events, and Santa Claus!

Wekiva Island has become known as one of the most magical destinations for the most wonderful time of the year over the last decade. Winter Wonderland is back for 2026, and the Island will be more festive than ever.

The beloved annual tradition will run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 25, with the Island transformed into a wonderland complete with a twinkling Christmas Tree Forest, nightly “snow flurries”, visits from familiar characters and more.

Santa’s Workshop offers an explosion of Christmas joy, complete with Santa’s office, Mrs. Claus’ bakery and plenty of picture-perfect moments.

Also returning is the wildly popular North Pole Nook Pop-Up Cabana, a rentable space that transports visitors to a holiday escape, riverside. New this year is another pop-up, the Elf Lounge—offering Island-goers even more magical options.

Guests can also discover many favorite festive experiences and events.

• Holiday Market—Wander a unique wonderland of local vendors and find something for everyone on your list. 1-5 p.m. Nov. 29.

• Tree Lighting—Stick around after the market for the official kickoff for Winter Wonderland as we light up the Christmas Tree Forest. 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 29.

• Donuts with Santa—Make the holiday season even sweeter with gourmet donuts and a hot chocolate bar while visiting Santa. 9-11 a.m. Dec. 6 and 20, $15 per person.

• Ornament Decorating with Elves—Bring the kids to make a Christmas keepsake and enjoy a cookie and cup of cocoa with Santa’s helpers. 6-7 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21. $15 per child.

• Stories with Mrs. Claus—Let the kids enjoy some special time with Mrs. Claus as she reads beloved holiday tales. Children will also receive a cup of cocoa and a cookie. 6-7 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 and 16, $10 per child.

• Reindeer Feed Making with Mrs. Claus—Santa’s reindeer deserve a treat too! Let the kids prep for the big night with Mrs. Claus while they enjoy a cup of cocoa and a cookie. 6-7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, $15 per child.

• Visit from The Grinch and Whoville Elves—Meet The Grinch and friends on one of the biggest weekends of Winter Wonderland. 1-5 p.m. Dec. 13.

• Outdoor Movies—Enjoy a holiday classic, riverside. Bring blankets/lawn chairs. Hot cocoa and popcorn for purchase. 7-9 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20.

Wekiva Island will also offer special discounts at its General Store, plus free gift wrapping for all gifts brought to the Island on Dec. 17 and 19. Guests can grab a beverage, sit back and let the Island elves take care of the rest!

In the spirit of the season, Island-goers can also give back. Wekiva Island will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for Kids House of Seminole from Nov. 24 to Dec. 15.

Santa’s Workshop will be open, with Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting visitors, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the Winter Wonderland period.

Wekiva Island will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 25. Admission to Winter Wonderland is $5, with some events requiring an additional ticket.

For the full schedule, visit https://wekivaisland.com/winter-wonderland/

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