Here Comes Santa Claus... Florida-Style

     It isn't hard to believe that after Santa spends much of the year at the North Pole that he wouldn't enjoy the warmer climate of Florida. It seems he gets away to the Sunshine State about this time every year for a little R&R before his all-night Christmas Eve sleigh ride because he is sighted in the most unlikely places.

You might see Santa riding the rails...
     Florida Gulf Coast Railroad's annual Christmas Trains depart Parrish Station at 2:00 p.m. on December 10 & 11 and 17 & 18. The daytime trains are Decked to the Halls for Christmas. The night time North Pole Express departs at 6:00 p.m. on December 9-11 & 16-18. It carries guests on a delightful ride where you'll join carolers in song and arrive at the North Pole where Santa will greet every child. Tickets are $10 & $12 for adults and $6 & $8 for children ages 3-11. Call 877-869-0800 for advance reservations.

Water floats Santa's boat...
     You most likely will see Santa Saturday, December 3, in the Venice Christmas Boat Parade amid the glittering of holiday lights.

Santa's magically aPIERs...
     A chance to visit with Santa that no child will want to pass up! Santa is expected to make an a-PIER-ance at The Pier in St. Petersburg where kids can have breakfast with the jolly red guy at the Columbia Restuarant from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17. Reservations are required. Call 727-821-6443, ext. 17.

Santa's a little Goofy...
     At Camp Minnie-Mickey in Disney's Animal Kingdom, guests may meet Disney characters dressed in their holiday best at Santa Goofy's Holiday Village beginning November 14 and continuing through January 8, 2006. The village is decorated festively for the holidays and features live entertainers and photo opportunities.

And finally, where does Santa stay in shape while he's in Florida?
     You won't find him at the gym. Remember round is his shape. You're more likely to find him at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show in Orlando. And, if your appetite is as big as Santa's, you'll enjoy Christmas at Dixie! that includes dinner, nostalgic holiday entertainment with all your favorite Christmas songs and Santa arriving in the traditional way... his sleigh.