Extended Weekend Getaways Holidays in Space – Festive Space-themed Décor and Family-Friendly Fun
Holidays in Space, presented by PEPSI®, returns brighter than ever to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From December 20 – 30*, the visitor complex will be transformed into a spectacular, holiday-themed space wonderland, with vibrant decorations and the return of Starflake’s Holiday Voyage inspired by the adventure of space travel. Guests will find larger-than-life holiday installations, breathtaking photo opportunities, and an expanded Rocket Tree Trail, sponsored by L3Harris Technologies. Combining the magic of the holiday season with the spirit of discovery, Holidays in Space promises unforgettable experiences that immerse visitors of all ages in the wonder of space exploration.
Expanded Rocket Tree Trail: Each evening, visitors can marvel at the lights along the Rocket Tree Trail where themed Christmas trees line a path through the visitor complex, creating a stunning display.- Iconic 50-foot tree: Illuminating the Rocket Garden and Gateway, the tree features more than 61,000 pixels of light.
- Starflake’s Holiday Voyage: A nightly projection show on the massive exterior of Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®. Guests will embark on a breathtaking journey with Starflake as she travels through the stars, Earth, and beyond, visiting familiar places – like the Vehicle Assembly Building, the International Space Station and the James Webb Telescope – along the way.
- Festive Photo Opportunities: Whether one of the 6-foot-tall astronaut nutcrackers or the NASA meatball-turned-holiday-
ornament, the photo opportunities are sure to brighten up any social feed or become family keepsakes for years to come.
More information may be found at https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
YuleTides: Florida Aquarium
Guests can enjoy enchanting decorations, photos with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, live performances, and much more. The Florida Aquarium is unveiling more details about its all-new holiday event for 2024: YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium! is an immersive seasonal celebration, inspired by coastal holiday traditions from around the world, inviting guests to experience a fresh and festive take on the season. The attraction is included with general admission and runs through Jan. 5, 2025 (excluding Christmas Day), with exclusive events and activations every weekend.
Reclaimed Beach Treasures Tree: As guests arrive at The Florida Aquarium, they will be greeted by a towering holiday tree creatively crafted from upcycled beach toys, symbolizing the Aquarium’s dedication to sustainability.- Lighthouse Icon: Standing approximately 20 feet tall in the main lobby and styled with seashell garland and seaside lanterns, the lighthouse serves as the welcoming beacon and signature icon of YuleTides.
- Tree Regatta: Explore a trail of trees inspired by Tampa Bay’s cherished boat parade tradition, with themed trees “floating” in boats.
- Santa’s Winter Wharf: Meet Santa Claus in his elegant, ocean-blue robe with rhinestone waves. Saint Nick will be making several stops at The Florida Aquarium. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the moment, photos with coastal Santa are free for members and included with general admission from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates.
- Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus: Guests can purchase a sea star-shaped cookie kit, complete with sprinkles and icing, and decorate with Mrs. Claus up on the rooftop.
More information may be found at https://www.flaquarium.org/events/attend-an-event/yuletides/
Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade
Now preparing for its 41st year, the Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15. he Parade is expected to retain its stature as the largest lit boat parade in the State of Florida and the third largest in the country. The Parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the Cochise Waterway and head south to the Grand Haven gazebo where it will turn and boats will return to their home ports. The City is providing viewers with free shuttle service between the Palm Coast Community Center, the Daytona State College parking lot and European Village. Buses will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Boats in the Parade will be accompanied by the Marine Unit of the Flagler County Sheriff’’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service, and TowBoatUS. “Reel Freedom,” a 46-foot Ocean Yacht Sportfish, will serve as the Parade’s lead boat.
Icon Park – REAL Snow in Florida
The holiday season is in full swing and ICON Park is Orlando’s home for the holidays! Located in the heart of the Orlando Entertainment District, ICON Park and its tenant partners are spreading holiday cheer and a variety of seasonal experiences and specials throughout the month. Inside the Sky Lounge at The Orlando Eye, Santa is ready to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories with festive photo sessions in his workshop. After their photoshoot, families can board The Orlando Eye for a 360-degree view of the city, soaring to heights of 400 feet to enjoy breathtaking views of central Florida. Guests can even connect their favorite holiday tunes to their capsule’s Bluetooth system, adding a personal touch to this magical seasonal experience.
You don’t have to travel far to experience the magic and wonder of a snowy holiday season. Every night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31 snow machines will create flurries to dazzle guests and cover The Lawn and other areas around ICON Park from 7 to 8 p.m. The Charles Dickens Carolers will also spread holiday cheer with performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., plus appearances on Dec. 23, 24 and 25.
This holiday season, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium invites guests to explore a wintery underwater wonderland brimming with seasonal magic and festive fun! Guests can journey through enchanting habitats to discover holiday-themed facts about sea animals, collect stamps for a special prize, and become “Santa’s Sea Scouts.” On select days, Scuba Claus will dive into the Atlantic Ocean habitat to check if the sea animals have been naughty or nice, and Santa Sharky will make appearances throughout the attraction. Visitors can hear the tale of “‘Twas the Night Before Fishmas,” write holiday cards for their favorite aquatic animals, and soak in the sparkling holiday decorations.
Helena Modern Riviera has transformed itself into an Après-ski experience — a lively post-skiing tradition where skiers and snowboarders unwind with drinks, food, and good company. From now through January 15, guests can immerse themselves in a beautiful winter wonderland, complete with décor, whimsical cocktails, hearty comfort food and more. The restaurant will also host a Christmas Day Brunch Buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about Helena Modern Rivera’s holiday offerings, visit https://helenamodernriviera.
Frostbite’s Winter Wonderland Adventure transforms the Museum of Illusions into an immersive winter-themed quest from November 22 through January 31. This seasonal experience invites guests on a magical scavenger hunt adventure to find “Frostbite,” an elusive winter creature, hidden within various areas of the museum. With each step of the journey, visitors will discover interactive clues, engaging activities, and surprises, making it an ideal event for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts.
When you head to Florida for an extended weekend holiday getaway, be sure to include these delightful celebrations in your itinerary. And may you have the very BEST of “Happy Holidays” !
