Searching for Santa?
Here’s where to find him this holiday season in Central Florida
While Santa Claus won’t make his trip around the world delivering gifts to good boys and girls until the end of the month, he is making local appearances. Here are a few places to find Saint Nick and snag a photo in the Orlando area.
Santa’s stopping by Princesses and Princes (1637 E. Silver Star Road in Ocoee) from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13 to read a holiday story and take photos. facebook.com
Not only can humans snag a pic with the big man himself daily through Dec. 24, but pets can also get in on the fun from 5 p.m. to set close on Mondays at the court between Macy’s and Center Court. 451 E. Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs; altamontemall.com
Visit Santa’s Wonderland and get free photos with Kris Kringle — in addition to gratis crafts and activities — through Dec. 24 at Bass Pro Shops. 5156 International Drive in Orlando; 407-563-5200; basspro.com
Enjoy a buffet and snag photos with Santa from 8-11 a.m. on Dec. 14 at Joe’s Crab Shack, 8400 International Drive in Orlando. eventbrite.com
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus while you mix and mingle with critters at a wildlife sanctuary. 3-8 p.m. Dec. 14 at Amazing Animals Inc., 4235 Rambler Ave. in Saint Cloud; $10 per person (free for ages 2 and younger, plus $2 off for teachers, military, police officers, firefighters and EMTs); facebook.com
After the Dec. 14 parade, get photos with the big man at Vance Harmon Park in Poinciana. facebook.com
Head to the Christmas Tree Trail chalet to meet Santa and his helpers. Free with option to purchase a Memory Maker photo package; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily through Dec. 24; 1486 Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista; disneysprings.com
Santa Claus visits the Eola House (512 E. Washington St.) from 4:30-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5-8 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22. downtownorlando.com
Meet several Santas while touring the World Showcase at Epcot (200 Epcot Center Drive in Orlando), including Père Noël in France. To meet
Santa and Mrs. Claus, head to the American Pavilion at 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. throughout the holiday season.
Santa has moved into Center Court at The Florida Mall for the holiday season. 407-851-7234; simon.com
Book a Santa Photo Experience ($22.95-$25.95, plus add-ons) in advance and get free park admission, free parking, a free Carousel ride, a free train ride aboard Santa’s North Pole Express and unlimited phone photos and videos. Through Dec. 24; 5700 Fun Spot Way in Orlando; 407-217-2110; fun-spot.com
Part of the fun at this annual celebration is getting your photo taken with Santa. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 14 at Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave. in Gotha; nehrlinggardens.org
Get photos with Santa at the Once Upon a Time store at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 351 S. Studio Drive in Lake Buena Vista.
Before the parade, stop by the Holiday House at the Kissimmee Civic Center from 4-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 for photos with Santa. facebook.com
On select nights, Santa will make appearances at the Barnes and Noble next to Addition Financial Arena. 12777 Gemini Blvd. N. in Orlando; 407-823-6006; lightupucf.com
Guests to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can get photos with Santa Claus intermittently from 7 p.m.midnight at the Candy Cane Garden toward the front of the park. 1180 Seven Seas Drive in Lake Buena Vista
Through Dec. 24, visit with Santa Claus and choose from a variety of photo options from professional shots to pictures with your personal camera or phone. The photos help raise money for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. 4200 Conroy Road in Orlando; 407-363-3555; mallatmillenia.com
From 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 16, get photos with Santa at Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves, 3251 Daniels Road in Winter Garden.
Not only does Santa parachute into this event, but he’s also stopping to