Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. It was always celebrated big each year with my family. I vividly remember decorating the tree with popcorn strands, my mom sewing our pajamas year after year, and the big Christmas eve party with my dads side of the family. It was always celebrated with family, and I love that about Christmas. I love that you spend the entire season doing things with your family. As the boys get older we are able to fill our calendar with fun events around the state–I’m excited to share my favorite events going on this holiday season.
1. Disney Christmas
Disney is magical–but mix it with Christmas, and it’s all sugar cookies and cocoa magical. Throughout the entire park they are passing out fresh cookies and warm drinks. The characters are all decked out in their holiday best, and Santa is even visiting! One thing we all love about The Very Merry Christmas Party are the shorter lines on the rides throughout the park. During the party they have special eats and specialty items that can only be purchased during the party.
2. Gaylord Palms ICE
One of my favorite holiday events of the season has to ICE! at Gaylord Palms. My recommendation is to stay the night and have an atrium view room. It’s absolutely gorgeous and you can watch the laser light show right from your balcony. The decorations inside the atrium are magical at night when viewed from your balcony. After the laser light show make your way over to see the magnificent ice sculptures–and this year its’s Polar Express themed! After a walk through the ICE! you can visit Santa, go tubing, decorate gingerbread houses, and even throw some snow balls. Make sure to pack all your warm weather clothing as the ICE sculptures are kept at a frigid 9 degrees.
3. Santa’s Flight Academy
You visit Santa every year, why not make it an experience? We love visiting International Plaza and going through the Flight Academy to visit Santa. Each cadet receives their own flight crew badge and suited with their own virtual suit. From there they help Santa’s sleigh get moving by working the flight deck, and it finishes up with a snow fall dance party before seeing the man himself–Santa. The Flight Academy is found at the Dolphin Mall and the Mall at University Town Center, as well as International Plaza.
4. LegoLand Florida Christmas
This year we will be visiting Legoland the first weekend in December. We booked a birthday trip for both boys for December because of the gorgeous weather–and we were excited to see all of the activities that will be going on for the Christmas season. They have two new holiday shows featuring a visit into Santa’s workshop. My boys are so excited to see the Lego Santa and his toy soldier, and to see all of the LEGO snowmen and LEGO reindeer and their sleigh. If you’re visiting at the end of the month they will have a special New Years celebration.
5. Polar Express Train
We have a train loving boy in our house this year, so what better way to celebrate the season then a train ride–and not just any train ride, a ride on the Polar Express. This magical train will take you to the North Pole–with your golden ticket in hand you will have it punched by the conductor, experience the dancing chefs who deliver you fresh hot chocolate, and even hear a special reading of the book. When you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will climb aboard and visit each family. At the end of the night you will received a bell as the first gift of Christmas. We are very excited to go right before Christmas, and know it will be a new tradition.
