Although we love heading to Disney World and Universal Orlando for the holidays, we celebrated Christmas a little differently this year!

We were invited to go to Jolly Creek‘s Holiday Festival and Marketplace with live concerts, food, a scavenger hunt, Christmas lights, and more! And, the best part is that a portion of the proceeds goes to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to help those in need.

As we put on our coziest holiday clothes, we got ourselves ready to go to the event over at the Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee, Florida! Masks are required at the event, where we were temperature checked when we first arrived.

There were distancing markers, as well as verbal and sticker reminders to stay distanced and keep your masks on.

The tables and chairs were distanced from one another, so guests could stay apart from other parties during their visit.

Food and Drinks

Guests are able to buy themed food and drinks at the bars and food kiosks around the area…

…where they can find a special holiday menu complete with snacks and even meals!

While we were there, we tried the Thanksgiving Feast Tots that were piled with turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry for $12…

…as well as the Gator Bites that come with a sweet and spicy holiday sauce for $10!

The bar was serving up specialty drinks with wine-based liquors for grown-ups to sip on during their time at Jolly Creek.

The Florida Frosty is mixed up with winter spiced cranberry Sprite and Svetlana wine-based vodka…

…while the Christmas Coca Cola is Coke with wine-based cinnamon whisky! And, they’re each only $5, so you can try both while you’re there!

The bar is also offering other beers, ales, and wines, in case you want to skip the specialty drinks!

Guests can also make S’mores during their visits for an extra special treat for the holidays!

S’mores kits are $6.50 with a gluten-free option available for $9…

…where a team member is available to help you toast that marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker goodness!

Entertainment

Jolly Creek had a viewing area for sweet baby gators, who were happy to celebrate Christmas too…

…before everyone went on the Gator Scavenger Hunt! Guests have to find 5 or 6 Allie the Alligator toys around Jolly Creek…

Guests have to find five or six Allie the Alligator toys around Jolly Creek…

…take photos of them…

…and then show the photos to receive a prize sticker!

After the Gator Scavenger Hunt, you can visit the jolliest man ever during the Santa Claus Meet-and-Greet!

Santa is on a stage, distanced from guests as a health and safety measure.

But, you can still let him know what you would like for Christmas and take a selfie or two with him!

The entertainment doesn’t stop there, though! Jolly Creek has live concerts happening throughout the evening with regular and reserved seating available to guests.

Since we were invited to the event, we were able to watch the show from the reserved seating area! And, we had a GREAT view of the stage!

Performers like the Jolly Creek Society Orchestra…

…the Mistle-tones a cappella group (also known as the Frog Choir at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter)…

…and the retro trio of Vocalitas took the stage. We thought they all did such an amazing job with holiday music that really put us in the festive spirit!

There was even snoap floating about the area…

…along with DANCING Christmas trees!

The trees would light up and glide around, jamming along with us to the Christmas music playing! HOW COOL!

Be sure to check the Jolly Creek website before you go because the entertainment will change based on the night!

Shopping

Guests can even do a bit of their holiday shopping at the event by making crafts at the craft table, ranging from $4 to $9…

…before checking out all the booths with items from local Florida vendors!

We spotted so many different items for sale, including candles…

…cozy blankets…

…ornaments…

…jewelry…

…personalized cups…

…pet goodies…

…and wreaths to hang on your front door!

There were even a few local food vendors selling treats like shaved cream and ice cream…

…as well as sweet kettle corn!

Overall

We had a really nice time at the event as we explored Jolly Creek and watched some awesome entertainment. While we aren’t sure if we would tell someone visiting Disney World to leave the parks for the event, Jolly Creek is a great holiday trip for local families. We experienced a night with less people, but some nights may be more crowded than others! We were happy to be invited to such a fun event and to support local vendors, entertainment, and charity while we were there!

The Jolly Creek event has different tickets, including advance options, a flex ticket, the “Silver Night” Pass, and the “Gold Night” Pass. During our visit, we had the Silver VIP Package, which allowed us to have reserved seating and discounts on different items around the event. Tickets and pricing are available through Jolly Creek’s website as you plan your trip to the Holiday Festival and Marketplace!

As we hop around to Christmas events throughout the holiday season, we’ll give you a look at all the festivities we visit this year!

There’s another classic Christmas tree that’s arrived in Disney World!

Disclosure: We were invited by to attend the Jolly Creek Holiday Festival. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.

Are you going to go to Jolly Creek with your family? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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