Many states across the South offer fun events and holiday programming for family travelers this season. Whether you’re in Texas or Florida this winter, head to these areas to create memorable experiences for all.
© Visit Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas
Experience a cowboy-inspired Christmas getaway in Fort Worth. In the city’s historic Stockyards District, visitors can take a step back in time to the Wild West. This holiday season, the front lawn of the Exchange Building turns into a winter wonderland, complete with warm holiday drinks, an ice-skating rink and a cowboy Santa. Cowtown Coliseum will host Christmas-themed rodeos Dec. 14–17, accompanied by festive country music performances. Fort Worth also hosts Lightscape at Fort Worth Botanic Garden. This event includes trails of illuminated art installations, tunnels of light and a fire garden. Lightscape runs through Jan. 8.
© Caribe Royale Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Head to the happiest place on Earth with a stay at Caribe Royale Orlando. The hotel sits near Walt Disney World and Orlando’s other top theme parks. Spend a day in the theme parks before returning to the hotel to continue the festive celebrations. Caribe Royale Orlando features seasonal movies under the stars on weekends, daily hidden holiday gnome hunts with special prizes, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa check-ins on weekends, and more. The hotel also boasts a 32-foot-long chocolate train, all handcrafted by the hotel’s pastry team.
© Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
For a warm-weather holiday vacation, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico serves as the perfect hub for a tropical trip. Located in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, the hotel offers new holiday programming each day between Christmas and New Year’s. Events include meet and greets with Santa, a Coca-Cola parade, outdoor movie night on the lawn and more. Family fun continues Dec. 27–29 with the resort’s and island’s first ice-skating rink on the beach. Music, food trucks and an open bar surround the rink.
Hollywood, Florida
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort launches its first Winterwonderville this year with activities lasting through New Year’s Eve. Throughout December, the resort features a surfing Santa on the wave-simulating FlowRider, a beachside skating rink and live entertainment.
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