Overview
For travel during the Christmas holiday season, see Christmas and New Year travel
Christmas is a small town in Orange County, central Florida. It is located just off State Road 50, 20 miles east of Orlando en route to Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville.
2 sights · 4 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Christmas
Fort Christmas Historical Park
Historical military fort built on December 25, 1837 during the Second Seminole War and since rebuilt for display. Inside are displays of a wide variety of military and Seminole Indian artifacts. Much of the old town of C…
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area
Jungle Adventures Nature Animal Park
FL-50 Boat Ramp
Boat access to the St. Johns River east of Christmas.
Orlando Wetlands Park
Several miles of trails through a wetlands environment. The main attractions are a boardwalk on-site, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and a guided tour around the park's ecosystems. Common animals found in the …
Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area
A part of the larger Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, the staging area for the 6,000-acre WMA is opposite Orlando Wetlands Park and is accessible via Wheeler Rd.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 50°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Orlando)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MCO Orlando International Airport, Orlando — 19 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SFB Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando — 21 mi away (major hub). Directions
The access road by car to the town is FL-50, which approaches the town from both sides. The historic downtown area is near Fort Christmas Rd, which turns to the north of the highway.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fort Christmas Historical Park, Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area
- Lunch Heart of Christmas Farms
- Afternoon Orlando Wetlands Park
Day 2
- Morning Jungle Adventures Nature Animal Park, FL-50 Boat Ramp
- Afternoon Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
Christmas was founded on Christmas Day of 1837 as a fort during the Second Seminole War, but most of the historic sites date to the early 20th century as the town grew due to settlement of eastern Orange County. The old town has been well-preserved but has chosen to remain off the beaten path and lacks chain restaurants, hotels or facilities, leading most visitors to commute from surrounding cities.
The town's proximity to the St. Johns River, a few miles to the east, and its adjacent wetlands have led to the creation of conservation and wildlife areas. The most notable of these is Orlando Wetlands Park, a natural filtration wetland which is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities.
Get in
The access road by car to the town is FL-50, which approaches the town from both sides. The historic downtown area is near Fort Christmas Rd, which turns to the north of the highway.
See
See Fort Christmas Historical Park
Historical military fort built on December 25, 1837 during the Second Seminole War and since rebuilt for display. Inside are displays of a wide variety of military and Seminole Indian artifacts. Much of the old town of Christmas dating from the early and mid-20th century to the south of the fort is preserved intact with furniture displays and memoirs from those who have historically lived in the town.
Do
Do Orlando Wetlands Park
Several miles of trails through a wetlands environment. The main attractions are a boardwalk on-site, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and a guided tour around the park's ecosystems. Common animals found in the park include alligators and various species of birds such as herons, egrets, bald eagles, hawks, spoonbills, and anhingas.
Buy
Eat
Sleep
Further options for lodging can be found about half an hour away in Orlando or Titusville.
Go next
- Greater Orlando via FL-50 to the west
- The St Johns River and the Space Coast via FL-50 to the east
Nearby
Titusville
City / town · 27 listings · 13 mi away
Mims
City / town · 10 listings · 14 mi away
Oviedo
City / town · 3 listings · 15 mi away
Winter Park
City / town · 27 listings · 20 mi away
Kennedy Space Center
Park · 10 listings · 20 mi away
Casselberry
City / town · 11 listings · 21 mi away
Orlando
City / town · 144 listings · 21 mi away
Maitland
City / town · 10 listings · 22 mi away
My experience
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