Looking to attend a masks mandatory, socially distanced, music-filled, Santa-on-an-airboat, Florida fun Holly Jolly Christmas event? The Jolly Creek Holiday Festival and Marketplace at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee hits all the right notes (figuratively & literally) and runs through select nights through January 2, 2021.
My family and I were invited to visit the Jolly Creek Holiday Festival*. The Music Festival was created and performed by furloughed entertainers of Disney and Universal, headlined by The Jolly Creek Society Orchestra. 
The Jolly Creek Society Orchestra, comprised of former members of Disney’s Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, performs most nights. Jazzy arrangements of holiday favorites have fingers snapping and toes tapping. Lots more happy holiday music provided by The Vocalitas, a swingin’ trio and The Mistletones, by Caroling Co. Consult the event calendar for all the entertainment particulars.
Hungry? Bring your appetite for Florida favorites. On the menu: Feast Fries (think Thanksgiving meets French Fries), Florida Frosty (a vodka cranberry toast to the holidays), eggnog, hot chocolate and more. We tried the BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich, fried pickles, and Gator Bites, which I can confirm are some of the best, most tender, we’ve ever had!
For dessert, 
make some s’mores (I feel like I’m repeating myself!). For an additional fee, you can cozy up to the fire pit with marshmallow-on-a-stick in hand, and make the quintessential outdoor family treat. Additional craft kits are available, too.
Local goods can be found at the Merchant Village. We picked up some Elf Sweat (yes Elf Sweat, LOL) candles from Machado Farm Foundation and dog treats from Pet Wants Kissimmee for our neighborhood pups.
Since the event IS at Boggy Creek, you know you’ll see Florida’s past and present. In the Native American Village, you may see the Big Mountain Family members crafting or see a canoe that was hulled using primitive tools. Modern boats, airboats, are there including one piloted by none other than Santa, himself. An adventure package is offered, combining admission and a night-time airboat tour. We opted to arrive before the events, and scheduled a sunset airboat ride.
Tickets start at $10 for kids (under 13), and $18.99 for adults, with a portion of proceeds supporting Second Harvest Food Bank. Dog tickets are available, too ($10), so fur babies can get their “paw-liday” picture taken, or just to stroll the holiday lights with their humans.
As a family, we’ve committed to attending only outdoor events this year, which has seriously limited our options. Jolly Creek Holiday Festival has been a welcome BRIGHT spot and festive find that provided a relaxed, Florida-forward evening to cherish.
Enjoy a short video preview here.
*Disclosure: We were provided 3 admission tickets to attend, in exchange for an honest review. All other expenses were paid personally.
SeaWorld Mommy 