Throughout the summer months, Wekiva Island works on a couple of different levels. The entertainment and activities complex, about half an hour north of Orlando, is a spot to grab a bite or a brew and relax. It is also a place that serves as the launching point for paddleboarders, canoers and kayakers heading down the Wekiva River to birdwatch, photograph Florida's natural splendor and get some respite from the heat in the natural springs.
But in December, Wekiva Island lights up with the sights, sounds and delights of the holidays.
This year, Wekiva Island's fourth annual Winter Wonderland event kicks off on Nov. 25 and continues throughout the month of December with activities to celebrate the holiday season. Past events have included a snow slide, train rides, holiday movies on the lawn, breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus and nightly snow flurries (supplied by a snow machine, of course).
New events this year include "sleigh rides" on the river, where guests will board a pontoon boat customized to look like a sleigh and enjoy a scenic ride down the Wekiva River, with one of Santa's elves at the wheel. The rides will be available Mondays to Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The cost for the sleigh rides will be $20 per adult and $10 per child. The ride will last 35 minutes and will include history, wildlife and environmental facts.
A previous version of this report included details about a boat parade on the Wekiva River. The boat parade will not be taking place this year.