The best Christmas tree farms and Santa villages near Orlando

Holiday Stroll and Scavenger Hunt at Lake Catherine Blueberries

5849 Lake Catherine Road, Groveland; 352-551-4110

A holiday stroll and scavenger hunt, face painting, lights, music, and hayrides -- all included with admission on the idyllic lake’s enchanted forest. As a bonus, a full liquor bar with winter cordials and specialty cocktails are available. Children ages 3 and younger get in for free; admission is $7 for everyone else. Open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. through December 23.

Photo via Lake Catherine Blueberries/Facebook

Ergle Christmas Tree Farm

3325 Treiman Blvd, Dade City; 352-583-3647

The Ergle farm is like something out of a holiday greeting card. They have pristine trees, hand-made wreaths, train rides, kettle corn and hot dogs, and cute farm animals you can visit. They also have Christmas ornaments available for purchase. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through December 23.

Photo via amberveatchdesigns/Instagram

Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest

35317 Huff Road, Eustis; 352-357-9863

Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest is one of the most dynamic Christmas tree spots around Florida. Cut your own sand pine or dish out some extra cash for “Jolly Acres” mazes, tire mountain, barrel tram rides, and zip lining, and pony rides, just to name a few. Pricing for admission varies from $2 to $20.

Photo via Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest/Facebook

Lazy Lay Acres Christmas Tree Farm

14920 Swift Road, Dade City; 352-567-6808

The Lay family’s farm has a way of making you feel you’re not in Florida -- that is, until you realize it’s over 70 degrees outside in December. It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy looking for trees but hate the fuss of perfecting them. Don’t fret; farm helpers are there to shake, bale, and help you escort your tree into your car. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through December 24.

Photo via Lazy Lay Acres/Facebook

Long and Scott Farms

26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora; 352-383-6900

Scott’s Maze Adventures aside, Long and Scott Farms’ country market and cafe offer actual farm-to-table goodies so you can snack while watching your family attempt to fit a 6-7 foot tree into their mini SUV. The market is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

Photo via longandscott/Instagram

Watson’s Cedar Grove

198 Cedar Grove Road. Oak Hill; 386-345-2940

Watson’s is great for snobs who insist on buying only Northern trees. They also have jams and crafts -- from Florida, of course. Open from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Christmas Day.

Photo via amykaymusic/Instagram

Nicholas’s Christmas Tree Farm

14260 SE 80th Ave., Summerfield; 352-245-8633

The calm of the Nicholas’s farm alone is worth the drive, so pack up the family (don’t forget a blanket for your tree) and hit the road. Did we mention each tree is $6 per foot and the farm is open daily from 10 a.m. until dark? See, told you it was worth the drive.

Photo via jackiwolfe/Instagram

Christmas Village Orlando at Dr. Phillips Center

445 S Magnolia Ave.

Christmas Village take a 500-year-old European tradition and places it smack dab in the middle of Downtown Orlando. The old world village has seasonal treats like potato pancakes, fruit cake (the good kind), and holiday and Holiday beer and Glühwein -- the wine and spice-infused drink -- for adults. Of course, Santa Claus will also be there for the kiddos. The village takes place in Dr. Phillips’ Seneff Arts through January 1 and is free for kids 5 and younger; for everyone else, tickets are $10-$15.

Photo via christmasinorl/Instagram

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

6000 Osceola Pkwy

For many Orlandoans, Gaylord Palms’ Christmas celebrations are rites of passage. Put on that parka you‘re anxious to use, slip on some comfy gloves and snow-tube down a hill covered in real snow or wander around two million pounds of ice. Yeah, you’re going to need that jacket. The Christmas celebration happens through January 7.

Photo via Gaylord Palms

Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village

4650 Marion County Road

Enjoy hayrides and take a tour of Santa’s “southern home” in Lake County. Trust us, you’ll want to upgrade for the tour; it includes cookies and hot cocoa. Try not to get too cozy; there’s nothing more disorienting than falling asleep on a hayride. Open from 6 to 8 p.m. on weeknights and 6 to 9 p.m. on weekends. Tickets are $3 for children ages 4-10 and $5 for adults.

Photo via Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village/Facebook

Holidays on the “I”

8401 International Dr #100; 866-228-6438

I-Drive isn’t just for tourists to enjoy during the holidays, and if you were ever dragged to the Orlando eye or Fun Spot on a family day, then you know what we mean. Take the fam on a North Pole express train or take them to one of the many I-Drive restaurants for a break from the holiday cheer. Snag a picture with the man in red (Santa, that is) on weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and from noon to 9 p.m. on weekends. Prices start at $20 and increase with admission to the Orlando Eye.

Photo via the Orlando Eye

Santa Tuesdays at Cranes Roost Park

274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs

see Santa and Mrs. Claus under the tower in the Cranes Roost Plaza. Make sure you bring your best camera and wishlist for an ideal photo-op.Every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Photo via Altamonte Springs

Santa’s Chalet at Disney Springs Marketplace

1486 Buena Vista Dr.; 407-939-6244

Santa’s Chalet at Disney Springs is perfect if you want to join in on the sparkly perfection that is a Disney Christmas celebration without throwing down some major cash. Check in at the podium and walk around the marketplace until it’s your turn to see the jolly dude. Monday to Thursday from noon to 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Photo via disneysprings/Instagram

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village

413 North Alafaya Trail

Central Florida residents can’t miss this annual holiday festival, especially when holiday foods and carnival rides are involved. Check out the Christmas lights and holiday displays or take the kids to see Santa in his workshop. Hours of operation vary, though they usually close at 11 p.m. on weekends and a little earlier during the week. Get yourself a $25 wristband for unlimited rides or -- depending on how much of a carnival/Christmas junkie you are -- get 2 tickets for $1, 40 tickets for $20, or 120 tickets for $50.

Photo via candidlyshady/Instagram

Stanley Pond Adventure Farm

15426 County Road 48, Astatula; 352-742-8180

This adventure park gets a Christmas-themed makeover for the holidays, with attractions like a giant jumping pillow, Christmas festivals, and Santa appearances and winter hay rides. Tickets are $16.95 online and $18 at the gate.

Photo via Stanley Pond Adventure Farm/Facebook

Light Up UCF

12777 Gemini Blvd.

You definitely don’t have to be a UCF student to enjoy the Ice skating, movies, ferris wheels, and an arctic glide slide at Light Up UCF. through December 31, you can also enjoy carriage rides, photos with Santa and outdoor movies, along with other select events for each night. Single tickets vary from $4.23 to $12 per person.

Photo via Light Up UCF/Facebook

Now Snowing Celebration

701 Front St., Celebration

Pretend that you don’t live in a state without seasons and create some snow angels with the family. You can also get a photo with Santa, see strolling holiday carolers or embarrass yourself on the ice rink. Snow falls on the hour between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. through December 31.

Photo via paulajschmitt/Instagram