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Florida: Staewide, Santa Trains and Holiday Lights - Create Your Own Holiday Traditions. Mount Dora Santa Express, Florida tDoraExpressEven with sunshine and palm trees swaying in the breeze storybook travel is pure fun and during the winter months Florida destinations adorn trees with twinkling lights and excursion trains run just for fun. 
Here's the scoop. Pretend journeys to the North Pole and miles of magical lights this season will be more fun than ever. From twinkling lights in St. Augustine and Orlando to festive boats on the Gulf Coast, the holiday season offers rewarding ways to celebrate together. Featured below you will find our favorite train excursions for families.
 
Ft. Myers: Seminole Gulf Railway - Jingle Bell Special and a Christmas Rail/Boat Train (Mid December). Seminole Gulf Railyway Christmas Train ToddlerTrainDuring the holiday season the Seminole Gulf Railway runs a daytime excursion train – the Jingle Bell Special. Passengers are invited to engage in holiday arts & crafts, fun and games, then relax and enjoy some holiday punch and a snack during a reading of the popular children’s story The Polar Express. Passengers are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” program, or alternatively canned food for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. In addition, Seminole Gulf Railway is featuring its annual Christmas Rail/Boat Train which will whisk passengers to the old Punta Gorda train depot and then onto boats to experience the famous Punta Gorda Isles holiday light extravaganza complete with a five course dinner. Bonus points: Ride the Plymoth Rock Special and enjoy a traditional New England Thanksgiving Feast on the train.  Daytime Excursion travels north through Fort Myers and then across Caloosahatchee River via the railroad drawbridge and into Northern Lee County, with views only accessible by rail. (Seminole Gulf Railway, Ft. Myers, FL. Toll-free 1-800-SEM-GULF or www.semgulf.com)
 
 Parrish: Florida Gulf Coast Railroad – Hop Aboard North Pole Express & Santa Claus Special (Early December). Parrish Florida Holiday CelebrationThe Florida Gulf Coast Railroad is the home of Florida’s railroad history and this holiday season it celebrates that history with holiday-themed events on board their trains. The North Pole Express invites passengers on a journey to visit with the jolly old elf himself at the North Pole including time for a special gift from Old St. Nick. Along the way carolers regale passengers with songs full of holiday spirit, and everyone enjoys complimentary hot chocolate. In addition to the North Pole Express there is also the Santa Claus Special train which allows passengers to ride the rails with Santa Claus himself – a true holiday treat. Bonus points: This rolling rail museum hosts a variety of unique rail experiences throughout the year including a great train robbery. Ride in the caboose or if you are daring rent a locomotive complete with and engineer and learn what it takes to drive the train. (Florida Gulf Coast Railroad, 12210 83rd Street East, Parrish 34219. Toll- free 1-877-869-0800 toll-free or www.fgcrrm.org)

St. Augustine, Annual Nights of Lights (Mid November to January). The Nation’s oldest (continuously settled) city is alive with the holiday spirit during the Nights of Lights with millions of white lights throughout the historic downtown area. The event has its origins in the Spanish tradition of displaying lighted white candles during the Christmas holidays, and ties in to the city’s 433-year history. In addition to the stunning light displays, the city hosts a dazzling array of special events and activities including nighttime tours led by costumed storytellers, train and trolley tours, art walks, Florida ice skating, holiday concerts, a parade and much more. (Nights of Lights St. Augustine, 32084. Toll-free 1-800-653-2489)

 Lake Buena Vista: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (Early November to January). The Streets of America back lot area of Disney-MGM Studios will sparkle with millions of lights during this year’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Features of the presentation include choreographed “dancing” lights which swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music and “Florida snow” flurries. In addition to the lights, the back lot will host three-dimensional and motion-based displays which celebrate the spirit of the season. Discovery: There are over 40 hidden Mickey Mouses present in the display, so be sure to keep your eyes open for the little rascal. (Spectacle of Dancing Lights (407) 824-4321 or www.disneyworld.com)


Content researched and updated by the FamilyTravelFiles.com and images provided by Florida Gulf Coast Railroad and FTF staff. Copyright 2011.
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