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The Best Christmas Lights in Florida To See This Year
🎄 Ready to see the best Christmas lights in Florida? The Christmas season in Florida is a magical time of the year. Although it may not snow in the Sunshine State, Floridians know how to celebrate the holidays in style.
From the Panhandle to the Keys, cities and towns all over Florida light up with spectacular Christmas light displays, parades, and festivities.
So if you are planning a visit during the holiday season, there are plenty of places to see dazzling Christmas lights and get into the holiday spirit. Let’s find the perfect one for you below!
Best Christmas Lights in Florida
Below is a quick list of the various events we’ve curated for you in Florida, organized by geographical area for quick reference!
Florida Panhandle Christmas Lights
The Florida Panhandle is home to some of the most spectacular Christmas light displays and events in the state. From Pensacola to Destin, you can find a variety of events that will surely get you into the holiday spirit.
Pensacola Winterfest
📍 Website: Pensacola Winterfest 📅 Date Range: November 26 – December 24 🌍 Location: Pensacola, FL
Pensacola Winterfest is a month-long celebration of the holiday season with a variety of events and activities for the whole family. From trolley tours to visits with Santa Claus, there is something for everyone at Pensacola Winterfest.
Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display
📍 Website: Sowell’s North Pole 📅 Date Range: November 25 – December 25 🌍 Location: Milton, FL
Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display is a family-friendly event full of holiday cheer. There is a drive-thru wonderland of lights with over one million Christmas lights on display. There are also train rides, camel rides, photos with Santa Claus, popcorn, hot cocoa, and more!
Suwannee Lights
📍 Website: Suwannee Music Park 📅 Date Range: November 22 – December 31 🌍 Location: Live Oak, FL
The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park is the site of Suwannee Lights, the perfect event to get you in the holiday spirit! The light experience includes millions of lights with both drive-thru and walk-thru options.
Thursdays through Sundays, kids can meet Santa Claus in the Country Store. Suwannee Lights also have campfires, s’mores, and caroling in addition to the holiday light show.
Destin Boat Parade
📍 Website: Destin Harbor Boat Parade 📅 Date Range: December 11 🌍 Location: Destin, FL
The Destin Harbor will dance with holiday lights and cheer during the annual Destin Boat Parade. Come enjoy live music, children’s arts and crafts, and hot chocolate. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m.
Participating boats will make their way from the east side of the harbor, near Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House, to the west side near Harborwalk Village and Emerald Grande, ending near the Destin Bridge and East Pass area.
Gulf Coast Christmas Lights
The Gulf Coast of Florida, from Tampa to Naples, is another region with spectacular Christmas light displays and events. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these events will surely get you into the holiday spirit.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa
📍 Website: Tampa Bay Holiday Boat Parade 📅 Date Range: December 18 🌍 Location: Tampa, FL
The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa is a one-of-a-kind event that you won’t want to miss. Boats decked out in holiday lights and decorations parade along the Hillsborough River for all to see. It’s a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
📍 Website: Busch Gardens Christmas Town 📅 Date Range: November 12 – January 2 🌍 Location: Tampa, FL
Busch Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland during Christmas Town, featuring millions of twinkling lights, holiday shows, and visits with Santa and Rudolph. It’s a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family (and one of my personal favorites).
Holiday Lights at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo
📍 Website: Holiday Lights at Florida Botanical Gardens 📅 Date Range: November 26 – January 2 🌍 Location: Largo, FL
The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo is transformed into a holiday wonderland during the Holiday Lights in the Gardens event. With over one million LED lights, the gardens are aglow with holiday cheer. There are also festive decorations, live entertainment, and visits with Santa Claus.
It’s a smaller location and a great place to have a relaxed night enjoying the atmosphere.
Enchant St. Petersburg
📍 Website: Enchant St. Petersburg 📅 Date Range: November 26 – January 2 🌍 Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Enchant St. Petersburg is a magical, immersive holiday light experience. The event features a light maze, an ice-skating trail, and a Christmas market with over 40 local vendors. There are also live musical performances, delicious food and beverages, and visits with Santa Claus.
Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park
📍 Website: Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park 📅 Date Range: November 25 – January 2 🌍 Location: Largo, FL
Largo Central Park is transformed into a holiday wonderland during the Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park event. The park is adorned with over two million LED lights, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere. There are also carnival rides, food vendors, and visits with Santa Claus.
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg
📍 Website: Oakdale Christmas House 📅 Date Range: November 25 – January 3 🌍 Location: St. Petersburg, FL
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg is a must-see during the holiday season. The display features over half a million lights, animated figures, and holiday scenes. It’s a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family.
Northeast Florida Christmas Lights
Northeast Florida, from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach, is home to some of the most iconic Christmas light displays and events in the state.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
📍 Website: St. Augustine Nights of Lights 📅 Date Range: November 19 – January 31 🌍 Location: St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is a world-renowned holiday light display that’s a must-see during the holiday season. The entire town of St. Augustine is lit up with over three million white lights, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for a romantic evening or a fun night out with the family.
TOUR RECOMMENDATION:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I love this Nights of Light Private Golf Cart tour because you can see the St. Augustine Night of Lights by Boat – BOOK IT HERE!
Dazzling Nights in Jacksonville
📍 Website: Dazzling Nights 📅 Date Range: December 1 – January 2 🌍 Location: Jacksonville, FL
Dazzling Nights is a magical, immersive outdoor holiday light experience. This 3/4 mile journey weaves through a 50-acre botanical garden and features a brilliant light show, beautiful custom installations, and a festive holiday soundtrack.
Dickens on Centre Festival in Amelia Island
📍 Website: Dickens on Centre 📅 Date Range: December 9 – December 11 🌍 Location: Amelia Island, FL
Dickens on Centre is a Victorian-inspired holiday festival that transforms downtown Fernandina Beach into a bustling town center filled with costumed characters, themed entertainment and performances, visits from Saint Nick, and a variety of vendors selling seasonal gifts and wares.
Central Florida Christmas Lights
Central Florida, from Orlando to Sarasota, is home to some of the most famous Christmas light displays and events in the state. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these events will surely get you into the holiday spirit.
Mount Dora Christmas Lights Festival
📍 Website: Mount Dora Christmas Lights Festival 📅 Date Range: November 26 – December 30 🌍 Location: Mount Dora, FL
The Mount Dora Christmas Lights Festival is a month-long celebration of the holiday season. The entire town of Mount Dora is adorned with over two million sparkling lights, creating a magical and festive atmosphere. There are also holiday-themed activities, live entertainment, and delicious food and beverages.
TOUR RECOMMENDATION:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Want to check out the Mount Dora Christmas Lights on a private golf cart tour – we’ve found a great one for you – BOOK IT HERE!
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
📍 Website: Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll 📅 Date Range: November 12 – January 2 🌍 Location: Orlando, FL
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season. The event features a collection of elaborately decorated Christmas trees, each inspired by a different Disney character or theme.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
📍 Website: Epcot International Festival of the Holidays 📅 Date Range: November 26 – December 30 🌍 Location: Orlando, FL
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is a celebration of the holiday season from around the world. The event features holiday traditions, performances, and cuisine from various countries, as well as a spectacular display of holiday lights and decorations.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
📍 Website: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 📅 Date Range: Select nights from November 8 – December 22 🌍 Location: Orlando, FL
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season. The event features a magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., a holiday parade, fireworks, and live entertainment.
It’s really one of the BEST Christmas light shows you can see – and worth the drive even if you aren’t super close.
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular
📍 Website: Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular 📅 Date Range: November 15 – December 15 🌍 Location: DeLand, FL
The Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular is a guided tour of the historic Stetson Mansion, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The tour includes the mansion, the schoolhouse, and the chapel, all adorned with elaborate holiday decorations.
“Home for the Holidays” at Bok Tower Gardens
📍 Website: “Home for the Holidays” at Bok Tower Gardens 📅 Date Range: November 26 – January 2 🌍 Location: Lake Wales, FL
“Home for the Holidays” at Bok Tower Gardens is a month-long celebration of the holiday season. The event features holiday-themed carillon concerts, seasonal garden tours, and festive holiday decorations.
Santa’s House by The Bigda’s in Winter Haven
📍 Website: Santa’s House by The Bigda’s 📅 Date Range: December 1 – December 25 🌍 Location: Winter Haven, FL
Santa’s House by The Bigda’s is a private residence in Winter Haven that goes all out for the holiday season. The house is adorned with thousands of lights, animated figures, and holiday scenes. It’s a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family.
Southeast Florida Christmas Lights
Southeast Florida, from West Palm Beach to Miami, is home to some of the most vibrant Christmas light displays and events in the state. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these events will surely get you into the holiday spirit.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami
📍 Website: Santa’s Enchanted Forest 📅 Date Range: November 4 – January 2 🌍 Location: Miami, FL
Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the world’s largest holiday theme park featuring over 100 rides, shows, games, and attractions. Millions of sparkling holiday lights, delicious food, and magical displays make this a must-visit event during the holiday season.
The NightGarden in Miami
📍 Website: The NightGarden 📅 Date Range: November 12 – January 2 🌍 Location: Miami, FL
The NightGarden is an immersive, outdoor experience that features a stunning light display, interactive elements, and a festive holiday atmosphere. It’s a magical and enchanting way to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale
📍 Website: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade 📅 Date Range: December 10 🌍 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is the “Greatest Show on H2O” and the traditional kickoff to the South Florida Holiday Season. The parade features a fleet of boats adorned with holiday lights and decorations, parading along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway.
Tradewinds Park Holiday Fantasy of Lights in Coconut Creek
📍 Website: Tradewinds Park Holiday Fantasy of Lights 📅 Date Range: November 22 – January 2 🌍 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
The Tradewinds Park Holiday Fantasy of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light display that features over three miles of illuminated displays and animated scenes. It’s a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season from the comfort of your own car.
Southwest Florida Christmas Lights
Southwest Florida, from Anna Maria Island to Naples, Sanibel, and Port Charlotte, is home to some of the most beautiful Christmas light displays and events in the state. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these events will surely get you into the holiday spirit.
Anna Maria Island Christmas Tree
🌍 Location: Bridge Street Bradenton in the Beach Post Office parking lot. 📅 Date Range: Throughout December 📍 Website: More Info
One of the best spots to check out the holiday lights is right on Bridge Street in the heart of Anna Maria Island. This year, the beautifully lit 2021 Christmas tree will stand at 32-feet and is the perfect background for family photos. If you aren’t in the holiday spirit already, the beautiful lights and full tree will be sure to get you in it. Head to Bridge Street at any point leading up to Christmas to savor some holiday cheer and pick up gifts for family and friends.
Annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
🌍 Location: Longboat Pass Bridge from about 6-6:30 p.m. and from the Bridge Street Pier from about 6:30-7 p.m. 📅 Date Range: December 4, starting at 6 p.m. 📍 Website: More Info
Organized by Bradenton Beach Marina owner Mike Bazzy, this is the third annual lighted boat parade. The parade will travel northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and then head north up the Intracoastal Waterway, passing by the Bridge Street Pier and ending at the marina. The best-decorated boat will earn a $200 cash prize.
Hunsader Farms Country Christmas
🌍 Location: County Road 675, Bradenton, FL 📅 Date Range: Dec. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 6pm-10pm 📍 Website: More Info
On weekends leading up to Christmas, more than 300,000 lights can be seen at this family-friendly holiday event in Bradenton. The event includes hayrides, train rides, a petting zoo, live music, Santa greetings, snow tubing, and an outdoor Christmas movie display. There will also be food vendors, pony rides, markets, and an antique store.
Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
🌍 Location: 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 📅 Date Range: December 11 to 23, 26 to 30, 2021; and January 1 and 2, 2022, 6 to 9 p.m. 📍 Website: More Info
Wind your way through tunnels and pathways of lush green gardens illuminated with dazzling Christmas lights at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. More than two million lights will illuminate Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus. Nightly visits from Santa and his elves will keep kids entertained while parents sip cocktails and listen to live music.
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden
📍 Website: Naples Botanical Garden 📅 Date Range: December 3 – January 2 🌍 Location: Naples, FL
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden is a magical event held at the Naples Botanical Garden. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the garden, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere. There are also live musical performances, family activities, and delicious treats and beverages available for purchase.
Florida Keys christmas Lights
The Florida Keys are arguably one of the most beautiful areas of Florida. During the Christmas season, the Keys come alive with a variety of festive events that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
Annual Key West Holiday Parade
🌍 Location: Truman and Eisenhower to Duval and Front Streets, Key West, FL 📅 Date Range: December 3, 7pm 📍 Website: Mallory Square
Join Santa and get into the Holiday Spirit. The parade starts at 7pm and begins in front of Truman and Eisenhower and ends at Duval and Front Streets.
Historic Inns Holiday Tour
🌍 Location: Key West, FL 📅 Date Range: Date Coming Soon 📍 Website: Mallory Square
During the holidays, a variety of properties decorate their exteriors with lights and, over the years, tours started to develop. This year, you’ll have 2 nights to enjoy the guided tour of the Historic Inns. Check the link above for the updated dates as the season gets closer.
Annual Lighted Boat Parade
🌍 Location: Key West Bight, Key West, FL 📅 Date Range: December 10 📍 Website: Mallory Square
Boat owners and holiday light enthusiasts work tirelessly for weeks planning and executing their custom designs for the Lighted Boat Parade. This annual, uniquely Key West extravaganza brings in thousands of viewers and an esteemed panel of judges that vote for winners in several categories. The judge’s stand is located at Schooner Wharf Bar and the processional travels throughout the Key West Bight.
Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Lights Tour
🌍 Location: Mallory Square, Key West, FL 📅 Date Range: Select nights from December 8-23 📍 Website: Mallory Square
Enjoy cookies, cider and a 60-minute Key West tour that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Check out the Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square, and then jump on the trolley at 6:00pm for the start of your tour.
Conch Tour Train Holiday Light Tours
🌍 Location: Key West, FL 📅 Date Range: Throughout December 📍 Website: Mallory Square
As one of Key West’s most long-standing and instantly recognizable attractions, this little-train-that-could has been delighting visitors to the Conch Republic since the 1950s! When the holidays come around, though, the holiday spirit becomes electric on the annual Holiday Lights Tour. Before boarding, indulge in some cookies and warm cider and don’t forget to study up on your caroling. Once the holiday cheer has been stoked, it’s time to light up the night as we cruise through Key West and marvel at the shimmering dance of color emanating from the thousands of lights adorning the light posts, businesses, and homes throughout the island. You’ll also receive a very special pair of glasses that enhances the light show to dazzling new levels!
Final Thoughts: Best Holiday Lights in Florida
Florida is a magical place to celebrate the Christmas season. From the Panhandle to the Keys, there are a variety of festive events and holiday light displays that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. We hope you’ve found our list of the Best Christmas Lights in Florida helpful and enjoy the season even more by visiting some of these great events.
