Florida may not have the traditional “white Christmas,” but it certainly knows how to dazzle with festive holiday lights and Christmas villages! Here are some of the best places in Florida to enjoy the holiday season:
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1. Nights of Lights – St. Augustine
Where: St. Augustine
When: November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025
What: St. Augustine is famous for its stunning holiday lights. The historic district transforms into a winter wonderland, with millions of tiny white lights adorning the city’s landmarks, buildings, and trees. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride or stroll through the charming streets. The Lightner Museum and the historic bayfront also offer great views of the displays. Read our article about our experience at the Nights of Lights here.
2. Christmas Town – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Where: Tampa
When: Select dates from November 15, 2024 – January 5 2025
What: Busch Gardens is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with millions of lights, festive performances, and a holiday market. It also features unique attractions like the “Holiday in the Sky” fireworks show and a chance to meet Santa Claus.
3. Florida’s Largest Christmas Light Display – The Christmas Lights at the Miami Seaquarium
Where: Miami
When: November 24 – December 30, 2024
What: A bit of a hidden gem, the Miami Seaquarium features impressive light displays along with holiday-themed performances, Santa meet-and-greets, and a chance to see the marine animals.
4. Lights at the Lake – Winter Park
Where: Winter Park
When: December
What: Central Park in Winter Park becomes a stunning showcase of lights. Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the park’s lake, take in the twinkling lights, or explore the town’s decorated streets. This charming small-town setting adds to the magic.
5. Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll– Walt Disney World Resort
Where: Lake Buena Vista (Orlando area)
When: November 8 – December 30, 2024
What: Disney Springs transforms into a holiday haven, with gorgeous lights, themed decorations, and performances. The huge Christmas tree and the magical Christmas projections on the buildings are particularly spectacular.
6. Johnsonville Night Lights at the Garden – Naples Botanical Garden
Where: Naples
When: November 29 – January 5
What: The Naples Botanical Garden hosts a dazzling light display set in beautiful tropical surroundings. It’s a family-friendly event with a wide variety of light installations, live music, including themed sections and interactive exhibits. Nominated for USA Today’s Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights.
7. Deerfield Beach Holiday Lights
Where: Deerfield Beach
When: December 7th, 2024
What: This annual display features more than a million lights set around a beautiful park, complete with animated displays and festive music. The event includes holiday-themed crafts and a chance to meet Santa.
8. The Dolphin Mall – Miami
Where: Miami
When: Late November – December
What: The Dolphin Mall, one of Miami’s largest shopping centers, goes all-out for the holidays with elaborate light displays, Santa visits, and seasonal performances. The mall’s outdoor areas, with giant Christmas trees and festive decorations, are especially fun to explore.
9. Christmas in the Grove – Coconut Grove
Where: Miami
When: December 1, 2024
What: Coconut Grove’s famous street festival transforms into a holiday wonderland. The event features a beautiful tree lighting, a visit from Santa, and plenty of holiday music, all with the tropical charm of Miami.
10. The Seminole Hard Rock Holiday Winterfest Parade – Fort Lauderdale
Where: Fort Lauderdale
When: December 14, 2024
What: This event is one of the largest in Florida. Yachts and boats decked out in Christmas lights parade through the Intracoastal Waterway, creating a stunning display. It’s best viewed from the waterfront, and some of the nearby hotels and restaurants offer great views.
11. Holiday Lights in the Gardens – Leu Gardens
Where: Orlando
When: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
What: The Harry P. Leu Gardens hosts an annual Holiday Lights display featuring over 100,000 lights adorning the beautiful gardens. It’s a peaceful and picturesque holiday experience.
12. Christmas at Lake Eola Park – Orlando
Where: Downtown Orlando
When: December
What: Lake Eola Park is decorated with thousands of lights during the holiday season. The centerpiece is the giant Christmas tree that’s perfect for photos, and there are often special holiday events and performances in the park.
13. St. Petersburg’s Downtown Holiday Lights and Other Events
Where: St. Petersburg
When: December
What: St. Petersburg’s downtown district lights up with holiday displays, including the popular “Holiday Lights in the Park” at North Straub Park. The area’s festive atmosphere and proximity to the water make it a great place for a holiday stroll.
Whether you’re looking for something traditional, like a Christmas village, or a unique experience with boat parades and garden displays, Florida offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the holiday season in style.