Cryptid carols, Gator Claus, unique gifts and more. It’s how Gatorland celebrates the ‘Ho, Ho’ holidays

Annual Florida holiday festival starts Dec. 7

The iconic alligator mouth entrance at Gatorland Orlando. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

ORLANDO, Fla. – There are theme park Christmas events. Then there’s Gatorland.

The “Alligator Capital of the World” is bringing back its own Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down for the fifth year, every weekend starting Dec. 7.

Recommended Videos



Visitors can hang out with an assortment of holiday characters with a distinctly Florida flair. Gator Claus and Krampus Croc pose for meet-and-greets, complete with a sleigh fit for the swamp.

The elusive Florida Skunk Ape, the Sunshine State’s own Big Foot, makes a rare appearance with friends to perform “Cryptid Carols.”

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

All of the animals that call Gatorland home are also hanging out, while guests check out holiday displays, sing along to classic songs and buy festive seasonal treats. Gatorland is also inviting arts and craft vendors to set up booths and sell their unique gifts. Vendors interested can find more information on the Gatorland website.

The Gatorland Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down is included with regular park admission and takes place on Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.

Gatorland is one of Orlando’s oldest attractions, open since 1949, with a free-flight aviary, a petting zoo, animal encounters and shows, and gators and crocodiles of all sizes.

You can get tickets on the Gatorland website.