When you think of the Sunshine State, you wouldn't initially think that some of the best Christmas light displays are in Florida. From spectacular holiday festivities to enchanting gardens bejeweled with dazzling lights, you’ll be delighted with the breathtaking Christmas light displays that Florida has to offer! Here are a few of our favorites!
St. Pete's Holidays in the Sunshine City
Enjoy a dazzling multi-park light show at the Holidays in the Sunshine City, featuring thousands of holiday lights and decorations across Downtown St. Pete's Parks. Throughout the season, you can enjoy an unforgettable lineup of fun holiday events and activities, like Snowfest, Holiday Movies in the Park, Santa’s Calling, and more!
- Where: North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier
- When: November 30, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Price: Free admission (some activities are paid and some require registering in advance).
Holiday Lights in The Gardens in Largo
Treat yourself to a magical experience at the Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights display in Pinellas County. With 1 million twinkling LED lights in a stunning array of colors, vibrant laser lights, and beautifully crafted lighted figures creating a breathtaking display that’s sure to delight visitors of all ages.
This year, the event gets even better with the grand opening of the new Majeed Discovery Garden, offering an exciting new addition to explore. Whether you're strolling through the illuminated pathways or marveling at the creative installations, this one-of-a-kind event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season.
- Where: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.
- When: Friday, November 29th, 2024 to Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every night.
- Price: The suggested donation for admission is $10, and free for children 13 and under.
Holiday Lights & Carnival Rides in Largo Central Park
With over 2.5 million twinkling LED lights the Holiday Lights & Carnival in Largo Central Park promises unforgettable holiday fun. Whether you’re strolling through the Christmas market or taking a ride on a 110-foot Ferris wheel that offers a breathtaking aerial view of the 70-acre Largo Central Park, you can admire dazzling light displays throughout the entire event. Plus, food and market vendors will be on-site to add to the experience.
- Where: 101 Central Park Drive, Largo
- When: Event hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Thanksgiving Day to Sunday., Dec. 29th.
- Price: Admission is free. Rides are $6 each or 10/$50. Parking is free every day except Dec. 7, when it costs $10 to park on site (credit card only) or $5 to park and walk from Largo High School.
The Lights of Lake Park in Largo
Don’t miss the chance to see over 3 miles of stunning Christmas lights and decorations light up the park and surrounding neighborhoods during the Annual Lights of Lake Park Estates. Along with the Lakes Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village come alive with festive displays in support of Suncoast Hospice. While you enjoy the festive sights, you can also give back—donations are accepted at the Suncoast Hospice Cart along the route, with 100% of the proceeds supporting vital community activities.
- Where: Lake Park, Largo, Pinellas County
- When: December 1st through December 31, 2024, 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. Nightly
- Price: Free
Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival at the Freedom Factory
The Freedom Factory car racing track in Bradenton is revving up the Christmas spirit this year with a drive-thru holiday light experience. During the Freedom Factory’s Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival, cars will be guided along a route illuminated by over 100,000 lights synchronized to music.
The route includes a light tunnel and an opportunity to drive your own vehicle on the popular racetrack. At the end of the drive, visitors can park and go inside to experience a Christmas village with a 50-foot Christmas tree, a Santa meet-and-greet, games, rides, Christmas movies, vendors, food, and drinks.
- Where: Freedom Factory, 21050 E. S.R. 64, Bradenton.
- When: Dec. 6th to Jan. 4th, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
- Price: $20 per vehicle.
Winter Nights Under the Lights at Palma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton
This year, there will be lots to see and do at the Palma Sola Botanical Park’s fifth annual Winter Nights Under the Lights display. Take a stroll and snap family photos among acres of illuminated Florida foliage. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch will make appearances.
Other attractions this year include live holiday music, a gift market, a tree decorating contest, and crafts. Food trucks will offer bites to eat, and hot cider, cocoa, coffee, tea, beer, wine and seltzers will be available for purchase.
- Where: Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton.
- When: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Dec. 13th,14th,15th, 16th, & 17th.
- Price: Admission is free; donations are requested.
Holidays at UTC’s Nightly Light Shows in Sarasota
Celebrate the holidays in Sarasota with festive fun at University Town Center. The Holidays at UTC event features dazzling nightly light shows that run every 30 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Take part in seasonal activities like carriage rides, holiday markets, ice skating, and even meet Santa Claus at Santa’s Flight Academy!
- Where: 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
- When: November 9 – January 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Price: Free admission (some activities are paid).
Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota
Marie Selby's is the perfect place for nature lovers to view Christmas lights in Sarasota, Florida. With over two million lights and 15 acres of land to explore, you'll quickly feel the magic of the holidays as you walk through glowing tunnels and under banyan trees. Bring the kids because there will be nightly visits from Santa, children's activities, and festive food and drinks.
- Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- When: December 6th - January 1st at 5:30 p.m. for early entry and 6:30 p.m. for general entry.
- Price: Starting at $34 for non-members, $29 for members, $19 for children 5–17, and free for children 4 and under.; Add-ons available.
Edison and Ford Holiday Nights in Fort Myers
The 49th Annual Edison and Ford Holiday Nights celebration is a festive and unique holiday experience illuminated by thousands of lights and adorned with hundreds of historic decorations. Set to take place from November 29, 2024, through January 5, 2025, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the event offers visitors the chance to enjoy guided Holiday Tradition Tours at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each night or explore at their own pace with self-guided tours.
- Where: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- When: November 29th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025 (closed on December 24th and 25th), from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Price: $20 for adults, $10 for teens (ages 13–19), $2 for children (ages 6–12); free for members.
Lakes Park Holiday Express in Fort Myers
Hop aboard the Holiday Express train at Lakes Park, which takes you on a whimsical ride through the heart of this sparkling paradise. The Lakes Park Holiday Express Festival of Lights is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit, Lights of Lakes Park is a must-visit destination this season.
- Where: Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr Fort Myers, FL 33908
- When: December 13th to December 30th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Price: Free for children 1-5 years; $6 for those 6 years and older
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers
Stroll through beautifully decorated nature trails and exhibits at the Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers! Experience the beautiful light displays while enjoying holiday music, hot chocolate, and marshmallow roasting by the firepit.
- Where: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium - 3450 Ortiz Ave Fort Myers, FL 33905
- When: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 6th to December 29th.
- Price: $10 for adults and $5 for children and members.
Christmas isn't complete without enjoying one, two, or all of these Christmas light displays. Looking for more things to do nearby? Take the family mini golfing with live alligators at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf! All of our courses feature a unique, one-of-a-kind layout full of extraordinary obstacles amid a beautiful landscape. We are open all holidays! Visit our pirate-themed courses throughout the season, including Christmas Day, for an awesome holiday adventure!
