Gatorland’s seventh Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down runs just six days, the first three December weekends, and it’s free with regular admission. The lineup includes Gator Claus, a Krampus Croc and a Skunk Ape singing “cryptid carols.”
Orlando’s most Florida holiday party is back, and yes, Santa is a reptile.
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down returns for its seventh year on Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, the Saturdays and Sundays of the first three weekends in December, WKMG News 6 reported Monday.
It’s included with regular park admission. There’s no separate event ticket, which already puts it ahead of most Orlando holiday events on price.
“Our Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down has become a favorite family tradition for our visitors,” Gatorland president and CEO Mark McHugh said.
Six days total is not a lot of runway, so anyone hoping for a gator-themed Christmas card photo should circle a weekend now. Gatorland also notes the dates are subject to change.
What is there to do at Gatorland’s Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down?
Gatorland’s event page and WKMG list the lineup:
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Gator Claus: Gatorland’s Santa stand-in rides in a sleigh and poses for photos.
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Krampus Croc: A “mischievous” interactive character, per Gatorland, and the swamp’s answer to Krampus.
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Florida Skunk Ape: Florida’s own Bigfoot-style legend leads a sing-along Gatorland calls “cryptid carols.”
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Holiday music and displays: Seasonal decor across the park.
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Arts and crafts vendors: Local sellers with one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
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Gift shop: Exclusive items and Gatorland collectibles.
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Seasonal treats: Available for purchase. Gatorland hasn’t listed specific items yet.
Gatorland’s regular gator, wildlife and live shows run alongside the holiday stuff, so the gators don’t get the day off.
WKMG also pointed visitors to the Guzzlin’ Gator Waterin’ Hole, the park’s newest spot, which is serving holiday drinks during the event.
How much does Gatorland cost in December?
The Ho-Down is included with a regular day ticket. Gatorland’s ticket page currently lists:
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Adults (13 and up): $34.99 plus tax
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Kids (3 to 12): $24.99 plus tax
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Seniors (60 and up, with ID): $31.99 plus tax
Gatorland says buying single-day tickets online saves $3 each. Annual passes run $54.99 for adults and $39.99 for kids, plus tax.
Florida residents get a break, too. Gatorland’s event page says its Florida Resident rate is valid for the whole month of December. Check the park’s Florida resident page for the current price before you go.
What are Gatorland’s hours?
Gatorland is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, including holidays, according to its website. Gatorland hasn’t posted separate Ho-Down hours, so plan around regular park hours.
The park is at 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail in south Orlando. Questions go to 407-855-5496.
When did the Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down start?
The first one ran in December 2020, on the same three-weekend schedule it uses now, Attractions Magazine reported at the time. That debut had an Oh No Snowmen display, a Giant Gingerbread Village Trailer Park with life-size gingerbread versions of Gatorland personalities, and Gator Claus on a festive airboat.
The cast has gotten stranger since. Krampus Croc and the Skunk Ape carols are now the headliners. Gatorland itself has been around since 1949.
Last year’s sixth edition started Dec. 6, 2025, and ran select dates through Dec. 21, WKMG reported then. So 2026 keeps the same rhythm, just one day earlier on the calendar.
What other Orlando theme park holiday events are happening?
If one weekend of gators isn’t enough, the bigger parks have longer seasons. SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration brings back its Miracles show this year, which PNP covered last month.
Gatorland’s version is smaller, cheaper and a lot more swampy. That’s the point.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
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WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando (Nov. 9, 2026), event dates, characters, the CEO quote and the Guzzlin’ Gator mention
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WFTV (Nov. 5, 2026), the seventh-year announcement and event lineup
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Gatorland (Nov. 9, 2026), event page, Florida resident rate, ticket prices and park hours
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Attractions Magazine (Dec. 4, 2020), the first Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down
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WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando (Nov. 7, 2025), last year’s dates
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