Even though Florida stays warm all year round, it doesn’t mean families can’t celebrate the holiday season. A tradition among many families involves driving around in search of the best Christmas lights. Many of the best holiday lights are scattered throughout Florida, so you don’t have to drive several hours just to get into the holiday spirit.
Many spots in the sunshine state not only has Christmas lights but also additional activities like meeting with Santa and watching live performances.
Usually, the light shows will begin in late November and continue into early January, but each event may differ.
Whether you're looking for drive-thru Christmas lights to catch the twinkling lights or walk through a trail with candy canes, keep these locations on your list for your next holiday family event!
Here's the scoop on drive thru and walk thru Christmas lights in Florida!
1. Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Located in Coconut Creek, Florida, this tourist attraction is a high priority for locals and visitors alike. This holiday attraction in Tradewinds Park has larger-than-life light installations and illuminated trees that continue on for three miles. The dazzling lights are set to return this November as a local tradition. This holiday light show is a fantastic Christmas light experience that features miles of Christmas lights.
2. Space Coast Lightfest
This drive-thru Christmas celebration in Melbourne has more than just light displays. The holiday celebration in Wickham Park has a calendar of special events to place you in the holiday spirit. Bring your kids to participate in activities with Santa while also singing along to Christmas music.
3. Festival of Lights
Featuring unique holiday light displays, the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State park has some of the best drive thru Christmas lights in Florida with the majestic oak trees. The festival in White Springs park begins on December 9th and ends on December 23rd.
Some of the events expected to take place are the downtown parade and marshmallows by the bonfire. The festival is sure to put your family in the holiday mood with hot cocoa and interactive holiday scenes.
4. The Wonderland of Lights
Located in Auburndale, The Wonderland of Lights comes to life in the International Market World. America's Christmas Village is open for a month starting November 25th with select dates reserved for drive-thru.
A Christmas light display that you can't find anywhere else is the Star Spangled Christmas tree bringing the patriotic spirit to life. Your family will have the opportunity to visit Santa at Santa's Village, enjoy pony rides, and take part in games.
5. Magic of Lights
The Magic of Lights in Daytona is an epic drive thru of Christmas lights in Florida. The holiday light display takes place on the International Speedway and continues for one and a half miles. Depending on the type of vehicle you have will determine the pricing for the drive-thru.
This event in Daytona is a great opportunity to see your favorite holiday scenes and characters come to life through animation and LED technology. So head on over to the Daytona International Speedway and enjoy a great Christmas light fight display!
6. Sowell's North Pole Christmas Light Display
It's almost time to bring on the Christmas cheer by visiting Sowell's North Pole Christmas light display in Milton, Florida. Moreover, the lights are locally owned and can vary each year. The best part of this drive thru with Christmas lights in Florida is the train where you have a better view of the lights.
7. Jax Illuminations
Jax Illuminations is a festival with the best drive-thru experience in Jacksonville. Since the 2021 show was canceled, the holiday lights are set to resume this year at a new location. This holiday festival has also become quite the tradition for Floridians as the drive-thru allows them to see the twinkling holiday lights sync to their favorite holiday songs.
8. Suwannee Lights
A Christmas light display at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak offers more than just admiring the holiday lights. This stunning celebration also comes with campfires, caroling, Santa's Workshop, and live music. Get ready to make the best holiday memories with photo opportunities!
9. Night of Lights
One of the best drive thru Christmas lights in Florida returns this year with Night of Lights in St. Augustine. It is not a surprise that St. Augustine has award-winning holiday lights as the historic town comes to life. During the holiday season, businesses and trolleys want to make sure you're getting the most out of the town with special tours and dining experiences.
If you want to capture some photos, consider visiting the bayfront and the Plaza de la Constitucion for a look at the beautiful holiday tree.
10. Mount Dora Christmas Lights
Most of the Christmas lights are located in downtown Mount Dora in Donnelly Park. The best parts of this celebration include the Christmas tree in Sunset Park and the animated displays near the boating center. As you take in the lights, don't forget to stop by a restaurant for a nice dinner with your family. Enjoy some holiday music and spend the end of the year in the midst of a beautiful light show.
11. Pensacola Winterfest
Opening on November 20th, Pensacola Winterfest will bring the holiday spirit to life with various fun activities. On select nights, Scrooge and Tiny Tim will make their appearance. Winterfest will also have the Grinch's Best Trolley that will take you on a chaotic adventure.
The most magical part of the Winterfest is enjoying the holiday lights and the falling snow on a mini train that reminds families of the train rides on the Polar Express. Every event offered requires a different entry fee for kids and adults.
12. Santa's Enchanted Forest
Located in Miami, Santa's Enchanted Forest begins on November 9th with extravagant family fun. The holiday event offers fun shows, games, photo opportunities, and thrill rides. Santa's Enchanted Forest light displays are unique and fun to interact with.
13. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
When the magic of Christmas and dreams collide. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will begin on November 8th at Walt Disney World. The celebration features a parade, fireworks, and Disney characters as they dance through the park. A bonus to the magic is the complimentary treats throughout the park.
14. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
This museum in Fort Meyers comes to life for the holidays with thousands of lights and a gorgeous tour of Edison and Ford's homes alongside the 21-acre botanical garden. Join in on the annual tree lighting ceremony and the food for a holiday-filled night.
15. The Oakdale Christmas House
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg opens to the public the day after Thanksgiving. Even though it might not be the best drive thru for Christmas lights in Florida, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful walk through of holiday lights.
The seasonal lights take over a residential neighborhood with an amazing light display from a house featured on HGTV. This holiday display spot occurs every year since 1977 and always appears on the latest news around the holidays.
16. Santa Over the Rainbow
In the past, the Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon turned into a winter park wonderland with Santa and his sleigh and thousands of lights. If they have this park decorated for this year, expect to hear live music on most days.
17. Lights 4 Hope
Lights 4 Hope is all about spreading happiness and holiday cheer. The event in West Palm Beach is held at Okeeheelee park. It is one of the best drive thru with Christmas lights in Florida due to the messages and meaning behind the project. The Lights 4 Hope is a charity organization that works with local hospitals to bring families Christmas joy.
18. Winter Village
The holiday celebration in Tampa is located at Curtis Hixon park and will open on November 18th. This Winter Village looks like a stunning rendition of a town only seen in Hallmark movies with cozy cafes and shops.
Get ready to soak in the beautiful lights and the sound of children as they attempt to ice skate for the first time. To end your adventure, take a ride on the Winter Village Express.
19. Light Up The Holidays
The holiday tradition returns with spectacular holiday displays, fireworks, and promotional booths. The event in Altamonte Springs offers free admission and is welcomed with live music and even Santa Claus himself. The lights display in Cranes Roost park has a giant Christmas tree filled with garments and ornaments. With free entry, the best Christmas Lights and a visit with Santa Claus and maybe even Mrs. Claus, this would make the perfect free outdoor light show to take your family and friends to!
20. Holidays Palmetto Bay Lights and Dine
This wonderful holiday tradition requires reservations but is also kid-friendly with entertaining shows. Holiday Lights and Dine in Palmetto Bay serves a buffet as you admire the holiday lights and the Christmas tree.
21. Tampa Bay Festival of Lights
An extravagant drive thru of Christmas lights in Florida, the Tampa bay Festival of Lights takes place at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Santa's Village will also be present as you walk through the festive decorations. From mischievous elves to a giant gingerbread house and Santa's helpers, this holiday light display will amaze you.
22. Zoo Miami Lights Display
Even though there hasn't been any news on whether the Miami Zoo will have a Christmas light display, we can greatly assume that news of an event will happen soon due to the demand.
It might just be a petting zoo during the day, but the added lights and crafts at night will bring in the holiday cheer. You can even write a letter to Santa. This event is best experienced while staying in Coconut Grove vacation rentals.
Make sure to check out these fun zoo lights this Christmas season!
23. Enchanted Place
One of South Florida's hidden secrets, Enchanted Place of North Miami brings together unique traditions. A group of 30 houses goes all out on light displays and holiday decorations. The tradition has continued for 29 years as people from around the area admire the beautiful lights. Enjoy new light shows until New Year's Eve!
24. Shops at Merrick Park's Tree Lighting Ceremony
Get ready to be inspired by the holidays with dazzling lights and activities. Even though this event hasn't been announced yet for this year, be on the lookout for information on one of the largest celebrations in South Florida.
25. Nights of Lights
The Nights of Lights in Pinecrest Gardens is expanding this year with more lights and a holiday-themed maze. While taking in the whimsical landscape of the botanical gardens, indulge in yummy treats and enjoy a holiday concert experience. So what are you waiting for? Grab some friends and visit the Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights and why not listen to some festive music and stop by some food trucks on the way?
26. Light Up City Hall
City Hall in Plantation, Florida has been lit up with Christmas lights in 2020. However, there has yet to be any news on whether or not they will cover the building in lights this year.
27. Winter on the Avenue
Time to get the holidays started with Winter on the Ave! Starting early December, you will have the opportunity to listen to carolers, eat s'mores, enjoy snow slides, and have popcorn flicks in the park. This holiday celebration also includes an annual tree lighting ceremony in Central Park.
28. Holiday Tree Lighting and Stroll!
It's time to gather your friends and family to go on a Christmas adventure. In Largo Central Park, you can admire the beautiful lights or watch performers as you shop for gifts in the nearby vendors. The special event that everyone looks forward to is the Christmas tree lighting at 6pm on December 3rd.
29. Christmas in Color Animated Light Show
Located in the Island H20 Live! Water Park in Kissimmee, the colorful Christmas lights will make you feel like you're in another world. Some of the most memorable displays are the LED tunnels, singing snowmen, and the giant candy canes. Due to unique holiday decorations, this light show is one of the best drive thru for Christmas lights in Florida.
30. Gaylord Palms Resort Holiday Celebration
It's time to get in the Christmas spirit with Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center! As you admire the Christmas lights outside the luxurious hotel, consider buying tickets to spend the Holidays sliding down an ice coaster or watching The Grinch Stole Christmas on Ice. You can also decorate a gingerbread house and watch the light show.
31. Symphony of Lights
A free light show to spread the holiday cheer. The Symphony of Lights at Gulfstream Park Village is a plaza filled with dining, shopping, and a light display that is animated to your favorite tunes from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and other artists.
32. Dazzling Lights
A magical experience for everyone, Dazzling Lights in Harry P Leu Gardens will immerse you into a winter wonderland. This Orlando holiday display begins on November 25th. With over 500,000 lights decorating the gardens, visitors will be dazzled by a variety of synchronized shows. Plus, enjoy an array of one-of-a kind attractions including live entertainment, holiday shopping and more. Experience the enchantment of the dancing lights in Harry P Leu Gardens in central Florida this season and get into the holiday spirit! Bring your whole family to this family-friendly event this Christmas season.
33. Main Street USA
The Main Street at Walt Disney World is a great opportunity to see various types of holiday lights as you wait for the holiday parade to start. Disney's decorations never fail to live up to people's expectations, especially with the giant Christmas tree in the center of the plaza.
34. Tampa Chick Fil A
Most fast food restaurants don't have the time to put up holiday decorations, but the Chick Fil A on Waters Ave in Florida goes all out for the holidays with lights and decorations in the parking lot and the drive thru.
As the weather starts to cool down, some states are left to hold holiday events inside but Florida is determined to take advantage of the warm weather to create light displays throughout the state. Depending on the holiday event, the ticket prices can be expensive, so make sure to search for the right events for you.
The best part about drive thru Christmas lights in Florida is that no two will be the same with some events expanding for the most wonderful time of the year.
Which drive thru Christmas lights locations in Florida would you visit?
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