The impending holiday season will most likely find travelers looking for yuletide destinations where they can take a getaway filled with holiday cheer—and while Christmas, Florida certainly has the right name to fit the bill, it’s actually famous for something other than the December holiday.
Home to the world’s largest alligator (not real, of course!), Christmas is a quirky small town that is worth a stop—if only to see the famous 200-foot long gator named Swampy. Below are some reasons to visit Christmas the next time you’re in the Orlando area.
Why Is It Named Christmas?
The story behind the small Florida town’s namesake is a simple one—on December 25, 1837, soldiers came to the area and were tasked with building a fort, which they then named Fort Christmas. Since then, the town has been a popular destination for those who want to send Christmas cards postmarked in the town—though, admittedly, outside of certain holiday-themed street names, the town does not overly embrace its holiday heritage.
About The World’s Largest Gator
Christmas’ most famous attraction is neither its Post Office nor its Fort Christmas—it’s the 200-foot long building in the shape of an alligator named Swampy. Swampy takes roadside attractions to the next level not only because of its size; but because it’s home to Jungle Adventures, an animal park that is known for its variety of local wildlife, and events like tours and hands-on experiences that make it more of a theme park than a zoo.
Other Attractions In Christmas
Though the town does not celebrate the holidays as much as other well-known holiday attractions—you won’t find it brimming with Christmas cheer, even throughout the holiday season—but it’s still a fun afternoon trip from Orlando that has a charm all its own.
- Visit historic Fort Christmas Historical Park
- Mail a card from the Christmas Post Office (you may even catch Santa there during the holiday season)
- Take a photo while strolling down St. Nicholas Avenue or Rudolph Street
- Take a Jungle Swamp Cruise at Jungle Adventures
- Scope local wildlife in their natural habitat at the Orlando Wetlands Park
- Take a hike at Tosohatchee State Reserve
Where To Grab A Bite
Worked up an appetite after all the Christmas gator-peeping (both IRL and in the form of Swampy)? Then be sure to grab lunch in one of these towns just a hop, skip, and a jump from Christmas.
- If you want to try some of the best home-cooked Florida fares on the St. Johns River, then stop by Jolly Gator Fish Camp in nearby Geneva. Be sure to try the Gator Po Boy and Swamp Cabbage!
- Headed back to Orlando? Then be sure to check out some great restaurants in nearby Avalon Park, including NOLA Avalon Park and the Avalon Eatery, just a short 20-minute drive from Christmas.
- Titusville is just 20 minutes from Christmas and is home to the Blue Heron Restaurant & Café, where visitors can grab a great breakfast like Country Fried Steak or a quick to-go sandwich for lunch.
Christmas, Florida may not be overflowing with holiday cheer, but it’s still a fun place to visit—and a perfect side trip for those visiting Orlando. Whether you go for the world’s largest alligator, or for a photo op at the Christmas post office, this small Florida town is more than just another roadside attraction.