The Best Christmas Lights in Florida
Christmas in Florida is magical.
It doesn’t usually snow in Florida, but we’ve got our own unique style of holiday spirit.
One of the best parts about Christmas in Florida is the amazing and unique array of Christmas lights.
Here are our picks for the best Christmas lights in Florida.
Note: We tried to ensure the accuracy of all details in this guide, but things change! Be sure to check the individual event websites for the most up-to-date information, and be sure to verify details when planning.
If you notice anything that needs to be updated or corrected please let us know!
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg
“The Christmas House” is an annual tradition for many families in St. Petersburg. Every winter the surrounding streets swarm with visitors who come to see the Christmas lights and spectacle.
St. Petersburg’s Christmas House is so popular that volunteer staff are needed to help direct traffic and prevent chaos in the neighborhood streets.
The Christmas House has been featured on HGTV’s “All Out Christmas”, NBC News, and in People Magazine!
The light display includes millions of Christmas lights and covers almost every inch of the ½- acre residential lot.
The over-the-top display includes a 70-foot tall Christmas tree of lights, bubble machines, holiday music, and every type of Christmas decoration imaginable.
Informative signs are posted to answer frequently asked questions and share crazy statistics, like the amount of electricity the display uses.
Be warned, parking can be scarce and you should be prepared to walk if you visit during a busy time.
Address: 2719 Oakdale Street South in St. Petersburg
Dates: The display lasts from November 25 until January 3
More information: https://christmasdisplay.org/
St. Augustine Night of Lights
Organized by the city of St. Augustine, the “Night of Lights” has been a holiday tradition of the nation’s oldest city for almost 30 years.
Spanning several blocks and covering every building, this dazzling display of over 3 million lights ignites the historic downtown area with holiday cheer! It is a holiday favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.
To kick off most evenings, the St. Augustine City Hall features a holiday concert. Local orchestras take the stage to play holiday music classics. Downtown restaurants get in on the fun with festive decor and holiday-themed drink offerings.
While you can easily walk the downtown area to enjoy the lights, the city also runs a trolley tour to help avoid traffic congestion and parking hassles.
Trolleys run throughout downtown St. Augustine and stop at notable landmarks such as Flagler College and the Lightner Museum, which are also decked out in lights.
The Trolley Tours range from $69 – $89 and run for 30 – 45 minutes. They also include holiday music, cookies, and cider.
Parking in downtown St. Augustine can be difficult, especially on weekends and holidays. To help, the city offers a free park-and-shuttle service for the holiday season.
Address: 1 Cathedral Street in St. Augustine
Dates: The display lasts from November 19 until January 31
More information: https://www.visitstaugustine.com/event/nights-lights
Downtown Mount Dora Christmas Lights Festival
Mount Dora has a famous month-long celebration of the holiday season with various activities and light displays.
“Light Up Mount Dora” kicks off on November 26th with light displays and Santa visits at Elizabeth Evans Park and Sunset Park. The displays typically remain throughout December.
On December 3rd, Mount Dora holds their annual Lighted Boat Parade and “Toys for Tots Night of Lights” at the marina.
An immersive snow experience is held at Donnelly Park on December 10th. The event features faux snow, sledding, games, music, food, and a visit from Santa!
Various other events also take place throughout the city during the holidays, from Christmas light walking tours to holiday music nights. Be sure to check the city of Mount Dora’s website for more details.
Address: Multiple locations (see website for details)
Dates: The festival runs from November 26 to December 26
More information: https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/972/Special-Events
Dazzling Nights in Jacksonville
Dazzling Nights in Jacksonville is a walkable, interactive holiday light show held nightly at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Visitors can walk through tunnels of lights, under falling snow, and sip on hot chocolate while live performers sing and dance.
The display also features an 8,000-square-foot lighted holiday maze and laser light shows.
Dazzling Nights is a popular event and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for children. Children under 2 are admitted for free. Parking is $12 on-site or free from an off-site lot with shuttle access.
Snacks, beer, wine, and hot chocolate are available for purchase or may be included in their premium package offerings. Premium packages start at $55 and include offerings like drinks, souvenirs, and parking passes.
Address: 1445 Millcoe Road in Jacksonville
Dates: The display runs from November 25 to January 1
More information: https://www.dazzlingjax.com/
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden
The holiday season brings forth a magical time at the Naples Botanical Garden. The trees become adorned with thousands of lights, colorful lanterns hang from the walkways, and live musicians play holiday tunes.
One of the highlights of this display is the very Florida Christmas Tree made up of hundreds of tropical bromeliad plants.
The Cafe at Naples Botanical Garden sells festive drinks like eggnog and cider. There is also a Johnsonville grilling station offering up hot dogs and brats for purchase.
Children will enjoy the Johnsonville exhibit featuring camping tents and artificial campfires where they can make smores.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children 4-17, and children under 4 are free.
Address: 4820 Bayshore Drive in Naples
Dates: The display runs from November 25 to January 1
More information: https://www.naplesgarden.org/calendar/night-lights-in-the-garden/
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
Disney is known for bringing childhood magic; during the holidays they bring it even more!
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is a special event that runs throughout the holiday season and offers guests some free family entertainment.
Elaborate light displays, costumed characters, and many, many, Christmas Trees adorn every inch of the entertainment complex.
Guests can simply stroll the area and admire all of the Christmas trees, or participate in a number of family-friendly games and activities, including scavenger hunts.
Maps with scavenger hunt activities are available. Visitors who find all of the trees will receive a prize, usually a pin commemorating the special event.
While Disney World offers some fantastic holiday events at its parks, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll remains a family favorite and a rare free activity which is budget-friendly.
There is no fee to enter Disney Springs or participate in the Christmas Tree Stoll.
Address: 1486 Buena Vista Drive in Orlando
Dates: Typically runs from late November until December 31st (2022 dates not yet released)
More information: https://www.disneysprings.com/holidays-at-disney-springs
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Disney’s Epcot comes alive during the holidays with stunning light displays, Christmas trees, music, special holiday treats, and more!
The World Showcase is the main stage for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Each country is meticulously decorated in its own special holiday theme. Some offer special activities based on the cultural holiday traditions of each country.
A nightly candlelight processional starts off the evening celebrations with a live narrated story and orchestra performance. During the festivities, Disney characters in holiday-themed costumes as well as Santa will make some appearances.
At the end of the evening, Epcot’s famous light show takes place. Dazzling the crowd with laser lights, fireworks, and music with some added holiday flair.
There is no additional fee to attend the nightly holiday festival at Epcot but you’ll need a current day pass for the park itself. Current ticket prices for Walt Disney World Parks start at $109 per person.
While a visit to Epcot during the holidays is certainly magical, visitors should be aware, it’s one of the busiest times of the year. Expect long lines for rides and attractions.
Address: 200 Epcot Center Drive in Lake Buena Vista
Dates: The Festival runs from November 25th to December 31st
More information: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/holiday-festival/
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Of all the Disney holiday events none are as famous as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It is one of Disney’s most commonly sold-out events.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event that takes place after hours at Magic Kingdom. It includes costumed character performances, parades, music, snow machines, hot chocolate, and a firework show.
To partake in Mickey’s Very Christmas Party it is recommended to buy tickets in advance as they do sell out. Ticket prices range from $139 to $199 with the dates leading up to Christmas being in the higher range.
It’s important to note that the ticket price does not include a daytime park pass. Those are ticketed separately (currently starting at $109).
Address: 1180 Seven Seas Drive in Lake Buena Vista
Dates: The event runs from November 8th to December 22nd
More information: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/
Festival of Lights at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center
The Festival of Lights at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center is a family-friendly holiday event with activities for all ages.
The festival features epic light displays, free hot chocolate, popcorn, and a visit from Santa, this event is a holiday favorite amongst local families. Music, food, vendors, and crafts are also available.
Tickets are $4 per person with Children under 3 being free. Opening night, December 9th, will feature a special holiday parade.
Address: 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive in White Springs
Dates: The festival runs from December 9th to December 24th
More information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/events/festival-lights-opening-night
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular
The Stetson Mansion is a historic 3-story property built in 1886 that is now a museum and event venue. The exquisite architecture makes the perfect backdrop for their annual “Christmas Spectacular”.
The Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular is known as a Central Florida Holiday Tradition. It was featured as the #1 Holiday Home Tour by USA Today in 2021. Thousands of lights adorn the property and every room in the mansion is decked out in a different holiday theme.
Reservations are required and tours take approximately one hour. Tickets are $28 for adults and $15 for youths (ages 1 – 22).
While the holiday lights and decor inside the mansion are picturesque, visitors should know ahead of time that photography is not allowed.
Address: 1041 Camphor Lane in Deland
Dates: Tours run from November 1st to January 21st
More information: https://www.stetsonmansion.com/christmas-tours
Dickens on Centre Festival in Amelia Island
Dickens on Centre is a 3-day Victorian Holiday Festival inspired by the classic Christmas tales of Charles Dickens. The event takes place in the historic section of downtown Fernandina Beach.
The festival features Victorian-themed holiday decorations, light displays, and costumed characters. Local shops and restaurants partake in the event and vendors selling food, crafts, and other items, line the streets.
The festival encourages attendees to get in the Victorian Holiday spirit by dressing up for the event. They even offer a costume guide on their website.
The festival is free to attend but parking in the downtown area usually carries a cost. Prices can vary per different parking venues.
Address: Multiple locations (see website for details)
Dates: The event runs from December 8th to December 11th
More information: http://ameliaislandtdc.com/events/dickens-on-centre
Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami
A Miami Christmas staple for over 30 years, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the #1 Christmas attraction in Miami.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest boasts “over 100 rides, games, shows, and attractions”. This Christmas Theme park offers carnival rides for all ages, holiday shows, music, food, visits with Santa, and of course lots and lots of lights!
Santa’s Enchanted Forest is also home to “South Florida’s Tallest Christmas Tree”.
Single-day tickets start at $34 for children and $42 for adults. Season passes are also available starting at $43 for children and $52 for adults.
Park guests should be aware the park does get busy, especially on weekends so be prepared to wait in line for rides. Due to the nature of the fairgrounds and South Florida’s unpredictable weather, comfortable, closed-toed shoes are recommended.
Address: 7400 NW 87th Avenue in Miami
Dates: The event runs from November 9th to January 8th
More information: https://www.santasenchantedforest.com/
Pensacola Winterfest
The Pensacola Winterfest is a month-long holiday celebration. The festival features holiday-themed activities, tours, and celebrations, and more.
Without a doubt, Winterfest is one of the best ways to spend the holidays in the panhandle!
During Winterfest Downtown Pensacola is transformed into a winter wonderland to celebrate the holiday season.
Snow machines, music, lights, and live performers take over the streets with unique events every night.
Visitors can take a ride on the Polar Express or on the Grinch’s “Bah Humbus” for immersive storybook experiences.
Food, music, and photos with Santa are also available.
Tickets range from $13 to $37 depending on the experience. Tours last about 25 minutes. Most tours depart from the downtown courthouse area, but visitors should check individual tickets for more details.
Parking is free in some areas where available. Otherwise the courthouse may offer parking in its parking garage. Fees and details may vary, be sure to check before visiting.
Address: Multiple locations (see website for details)
Dates: The event runs from November 20th to December 24th
More information: https://pensacolawinterfest.org/
Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park
The Tradewinds Holiday Fantasy of Lights is a unique drive-through holiday light experience that’s become a South Florida tradition for over 20 years.
The park features a 3-mile drive-through course with hundreds of light installations, animatronic characters, holiday music, and more.
The entire light show takes about 15 minutes to drive through.
This year’s tickets have not been released yet but prices in previous years have been around $22 per car. Keep an eye on their website for more ticket details.
Address: 3600 West Sample Road in Coconut Creek
Dates: Typically runs from late November until late December (2022 dates not yet released)
More information: https://holidaylightsdrivethru.com/
“Home for the Holidays” at Bok Tower Gardens
The beautiful and historic Bok Tower Gardens hosts a yearly “Home for the Holidays” event featuring dazzling lights, live music, and a children’s scavenger hunt.
The entire estate and gardens will be dressed up with holiday lights and decorations. While roaming the grounds, children should look out for “Tucker & Tilly” the two jolly Christmas squirrels that are hanging around waiting to be found!
The “Sunset & Symphony” event is highlighted by a special holiday performance by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Tickets start at $30 for adults and $10 for children.
Address: 1151 Tower Boulevard in Lake Wales
Dates: The event runs from November 23rd to January 6th
More information: https://boktowergardens.org/
Holiday Lights at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo
The Florida Botanical Gardens shine for the holidays with over one million sparkling lights!
Visitors can stroll the walkways under canopies of lighted trees and holiday character displays.
Although the entertainment schedule has not yet been posted, in years past there’s been live music, model trains, and vendors selling food and drink. Check their website for updates.
The event is free but donations are welcomed and encouraged. There is also free parking on-site but it does fill up so plan to arrive early. The festivities start at 5:30 pm.
Address: 12211 Walsingham Road in Largo
Dates: The event runs from November 25th to January 1st
More information: https://www.flbgfoundation.org/holidaylights
Enchant St. Petersburg
Enchant St. Petersburg is a true winter wonderland with millions of Christmas lights, holiday music, food, Santa’s Workshop, and even ice skating!
The event is truly massive, and consumes the entire floor of St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field Stadium.
Guests can make their way through a lighted holiday maze and other enchanting light displays and photo ops.
The crown jewel of the event is the ice skating rink. Guests can skate through a “frozen forest” surrounded by glittering trees and icy decor.
A “Vendor village” is set up with arts and crafts, games, shops, and restaurants so guests can eat, drink, and be merry!
Tickets start at $34 for adults and $18 for children. The ice skating rink is a separately ticketed attraction and is $15 per person, including skates.
Additional packages and VIP passes are available starting at an additional $25. Children are free on Wednesdays with a regular adult ticket purchase.
Address: 719 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg
Dates: The event runs from November 25th to January 1st
More information: https://www.flbgfoundation.org/holidaylights
Garden of Lights at Flamingo Gardens
Every December, Flamingo Gardens lights up with stunning nightly holiday light displays, animatronics, and visits from Santa.
This 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary is a South Florida family favorite. During the holidays it becomes even more popular. Guests can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens enjoying all the holiday lights and decorations.
Holiday music treats, and visits from Santa are usually also available.
While this year’s event is to-be-announced, tickets are known to be around $13 from past events.
Potential guests should be aware that the Garden of Lights is a separate, after-hours event. The wildlife exhibits and tram tours are closed during this time.
Address: 3750 South Flamingo Road in Davie
Dates: Typically runs throughout December (2022 dates not yet released)
More information:https://www.flamingogardens.org/
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is known as “The Venice of America” for its over 300 miles of inland waterways. These waterways come alive in a brilliant display every December during the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
Hundreds of boats decked out in holiday lights sail the waterways in one of the largest events in Fort Lauderdale. Every year has a special theme that boats adhere to with lights, music, decorations, and costumed characters.
Thousands of spectators line the banks of the river and intracoastal waterway in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The parade route is 12 miles long and takes about 3 hours.
Attending the parade is free but the city does offer tickets for a special event package. The tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and include seating in the prime viewing area at Las Olas Intracoastal Park. There is also a courtyard area with vendors, food, and live music.
Downtown parking on the day of the event gets very full so plan to arrive early. Spectators can also expect heavy traffic approaching the downtown area and delays due to the bridges being up for boat traffic.
Address: Multiple locations (see website for details)
Dates: December 10th
More information: https://winterfestparade.com/
Santa’s House by The Bigda’s
Every December a small community in Winter Haven becomes transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with “Santa’s House by The Bigda’s”. One of the homeowners, Tony Bigda, calls it their “Christmas Card to the community”.
Over 100,000 lights and holiday displays cover almost every inch of the Bigda house. A process that takes over 500 hours to set up according to the Bigda Family. In 2020, they were featured on and won ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight”.
There is no charge to visit the Bigda House but they do collect donations for local charities. Parking can be tricky, especially on weekends but there are usually signs to help direct traffic.
Official dates for this year have not been released yet but you can follow “Santa’s House by The Bigda’s” on social media for updates. Recent postings indicate they are plotting out this year’s light displays.
Address: 4314 Shadow Wood Trail in Winter Haven
Dates: Typically runs throughout December (2022 dates not yet released)
More information: https://www.facebook.com/santashousebythebigdas/
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best Christmas lights in Florida. If we missed anything please let us know!
