Put a little sparkle in your season by visiting some of the best holiday light displays in Florida. Here are some of our favorites.
Check with venues to confirm current hours and details before you head out to celebrate.
Central Florida
Mount Dora Christmas Lights Festival
Downtown Mount Dora
Go back in time to the charming town of Mount Dora for a picture-perfect holiday experience. Over three million lights make this historic community sparkle.
Enjoy the annual evening holiday street party. Shop local until 9:00 p.m. while musicians and entertainers perform along the downtown streets.
The kiddos will enjoy the Children’s Snow in the Park event featuring real snow at Donnelly Park. Mount Dora also features one of Florida’s most spectacular holiday-themed boat parades. Prepare to be delighted here.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista
The Magic Kingdom gets more magical during the holidays! “Holly-Jolly Evenings” take place nightly during November and December.
Activities include holiday-themed events throughout the park. Keep an eye out for your favorite Disney characters in holiday finery. Seasonal snacks and beverages are available throughout the park. Get the details here.
Santa Over the Rainbow
Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon
Each December this natural oasis gets a magical transformation. Half-a-million lights turn evenings at Rainbow Springs into a winter wonderland. Live music is offered some evenings.
You might even catch a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Claus cruising on the River! Prepare to be dazzled here.
North Florida
Festival of Lights
Stephen Foster State Park Folk Culture Center, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs
For a holiday experience off-the-beaten-path head to the Stephen Foster State Park Folk Culture Center. You’ll be dazzled by the Festival of Lights. The park’s historic museum building and acres of majestic oaks sparkle in lights.
Weekends bring “Holiday Magic Nights” featuring exhibits with craftspeople, artisans, and sweet treats. Don’t miss out on the family-friendly marshmallow roasts. Plan your visit here.
St. Augustine
Historic Old Town
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights has been a tradition for over 25 years. From mid-November to late January you can experience America’s oldest city sparkling under millions of shimmering lights. Over 20 blocks of the Old Town historic district are draped in holiday lights.
There is no charge to stroll the illuminated streets of St. Augustine. For a special treat you can reserve a horse drawn carriage, trolley tour, boat tour, or even a luxury golf cart excursion!
Get all the details here.
Florida’s Space Coast
Space Coast Lightfest
2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne
The Space Coast is home to one of the best holiday light displays in Florida. Over three million lights shine at Wickham Park from mid-November to early January – even on holiday evenings.
Lightfest’s “drive through” experience allows you to enjoy the 1.1-mile long festival from the comfort of your own vehicle. Check out the light tunnel and animated displays. Book a private hayride tour for a more memorable adventure! Learn more here.
South Florida
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
7900 SW 40th Street, Miami
Santa knows where to go to beat the North Pole chill — he has been setting-up shop in Miami’s Tropical Park for over 35 years! Santa’s Enchanted Forest is considered the world’s largest holiday theme park!
Throughout December you too can join in the tradition and stroll multiple acres among the millions of lights. Choose from over 100 rides. Take-in musical performances, including “singing” Christmas trees. Plan your enchantment here.
Florida’s Panhandle
Winterfest
221 Palafox Place, Pensacola
Head to Downtown Pensacola for the holidays! You’ll be rewarded with lively evenings of lights, music, and crafts. There’s something for the whole family at this annual event.
Enjoy falling snow and hot cocoa Hop aboard a holiday-themed train or trolley ride. Reserve your visit and photo with Santa or the Grinch! Get the schedule of festivities here.
Scenic Highway 30A
South Walton County
Cruise along historic highway 30A and check out the many charming towns all aglow, like gemstones sparkling along the Gulf.
Get into the holiday spirit with a stroll around the Seaside’s Ruskin Place. Head over to the Seaside Amphitheater to check out the town’s central tree.
Enjoy the tropical holiday vibe of Alys Beach’s massive tree. Even the palm trees are wrapped in lights. It’s the perfect backdrop for holiday photos!
Explore the winter wonderland of Rosemary Beach. The town’s fountain on Highway 30A is surrounded by majestic live oaks. The trees are draped with thousands of twinkling lights.
Map your scenic tour here.
Tampa Bay Region
Florida Botanical Gardens
12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo
Each December the Florida Botanical Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland. Select evenings feature lights, music, and holiday craft vendors.
Get some sunshine and holiday spirit! Explore the decorated gardens during daylight, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Plan your visit here.
Southwest Florida
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
The historic estates of neighbors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford span 21-acres of waterfront property. The lush gardens sparkle with thousands of lights.
Check out seasonal nightly activities. Join a tour. Catch a musical light show, strolling carolers, or performances. You might even spot Santa Claus coming for a visit! Check out the full schedule here.
Don’t Miss the Boat!
Florida’s miles of coastline and inland lakes make for unique holiday traditions. There are over 45 annual holiday boat parades throughout the Sunshine State each year! Check out our list of best holiday boat parades in Florida.
The Brightest and Best of the Season
No matter where you celebrate the holiday season, bring a little light into your life! Create new memories with Florida’s best holiday light displays.
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