MEDLEY, Fla. – A decades-old South Florida holiday tradition won’t be happening this Christmastime.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest announced on Instagram Tuesday that it will be “closed for the 2024 season as we reflect on four magical decades of cherished memories and plans for the future.”
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The attraction has been integral to many South Florida families’ holiday seasons for about 40 years.
In 1984, the owners of Santa’s Enchanted Forest began leasing land at Tropical Park, located at 7900 SW 40th St., from Miami-Dade County. That agreement expired in March 2020. Park management said more than 1 million people visited Santa’s Enchanted Forest each year.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest did business at the site from 1984 to 2020.
After its lease expired, it moved to Hialeah and then, most recently, a site at 7400 NW 87th Ave. in Medley.
In its place, a holiday attraction called Christmas Wonderland replaced Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Tropical Park. A holiday light-fight of sorts unfolded during the 2023 season over the Tropical Park site and the competing attractions.
This year, Christmas Wonderland will stand alone.
“As a beloved South Florida tradition, we have been honored to be part of countless family celebrations, filling the air with twinkling lights, laughter, and holiday spirit,” the Santa’s Enchanted Forest announcement reads. “While we won’t be welcoming visitors this year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you for being an integral part of our journey. Your support has been the true magic behind our story.”
It’s not clear whether Santa’s Enchanted Forest will make a comeback in 2025.
“As you celebrate the holidays this season, we hope you’ll carry with you the warmth of the memories we’ve created together,” its post reads. “Wishing you and your loved ones abundant joy, love, and the special wonder that this time of year brings.”