Yes, Virginia… there really is a Christmas. At least, there is a Christmas, Florida. While this charming town may not enjoy snowy winters, the active post office near historical Fort Christmas draws visitors eager to have their holiday cards and mail postmarked “Christmas, Florida!”

Consequently, it is no surprise that this community, where it is Christmas year-round, is brimming with festive surprises. From the impressive Christmas tree at the town’s intersection to Santa’s reindeer adorning a building in an RV park, it is evident that the residents embrace the town’s joyful name delightfully.

The area was originally named Fort Christmas, commemorating the time of year the fort was established in 1837. The title of “fort” was dropped when the first post office opened its doors in 1892, marking the beginning of a rich local history.

Fort Christmas Historical Park

Located just a few miles north of the main highway, Fort Christmas Historical Park offers visitors a rich experience. The park features a replica of the original fort built during the Seminole Indian War in 1837. Covering 25 acres, the park also includes a traditional Florida “Cracker” house, several pioneer homes, a sugar cane mill, and historical farming equipment. The replica log house Visitor Center provides a wealth of historical insights alongside a gift shop.

Furthermore, the park incorporates multiple picnic pavilions, including a large covered and screened one, restroom facilities, a creative children’s playground, and various sports courts for baseball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball. The park welcomes guests from Tuesday through Sunday, operating from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the summer and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter. The fort museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the facility is closed on Mondays. Best of all, admission is free.

Jungle Adventures Nature Park

On the eastern edge of town, Jungle Adventures Nature Park serves as a nostalgic reminder of roadside America’s past. The entrance to the park features a once-majestic alligator statue, now faded, leading visitors to a variety of exotic animals housed within. In addition to animal exhibits, the park offers jungle adventure shows, a jungle cruise, and other attractions. The park operates daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., rain or shine. Although our visit was too late to experience Jungle Adventures firsthand, the admission price of $23.95 plus tax (or $16.95 plus tax for children ages 3-11, with children under 3 admitted free and seniors over 60 at $20.95) may intrigue prospective visitors.

Getting to Christmas

Christmas is located approximately 20 miles east of Orlando along Highway 50, a popular route for travelers heading to Titusville on the Space Coast. The modern post office is easily spotted on your right shortly after passing the “Christmas” welcome sign. Adorned with festive decorations year-round, it features a holiday wreath outside and a Christmas tree in the lobby. While the town is generally quiet in the summer, it becomes bustling with holiday spirit as the festive season approaches, with people queuing to mail holiday cards bearing the unique postmark of “Christmas, FL 32709.”

Although a small Christmas gift shop exists, there are limited options in town, with a Circle K convenience store being the most notable. For those traveling with campers, Christmas RV Park offers convenient parking. Additionally, primitive camping is available at Tosohatchee Reserve State Park. If lodging is necessary, the nearest options can be found in either Orlando or Titusville.