15 Florida Cities Featuring Christmas Light Displays Everyone Should Experience
Florida transforms into a winter wonderland every December, proving you don’t need snowflakes or scarves to celebrate the season in spectacular style.
Instead, the Sunshine State swaps icy chills for ocean breezes, palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and streets that sparkle brighter than ever.
From historic cities draped in millions of tiny bulbs to theme parks that turn into full-blown nighttime holiday extravaganzas, Florida delivers some of the most breathtaking Christmas displays in the country.
Whether you’re a local hunting for new festive traditions or a visitor craving warm-weather holiday magic, these dazzling destinations promise to fill your heart and your camera roll with pure seasonal joy.
1. St. Augustine – Nights of Lights
Picture this: America’s oldest city bathed in the glow of over three million tiny white lights, turning centuries-old Spanish architecture into a fairytale landscape.
Nights of Lights at St. Augustine, located throughout the historic downtown district centered around St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, runs from mid-November through January and is absolutely free to enjoy. The tradition began in 1993 when a handful of residents decided to honor the city’s Spanish heritage by recreating a lighting custom from Spain.
Now it’s grown into one of the Southeast’s premier holiday attractions, drawing visitors from around the globe.
Walking through the cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time, except with better lighting.
The Plaza de la Constitución becomes especially magical, with lights draped across ancient live oaks creating a canopy of sparkle overhead. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past glowing buildings while street musicians add festive melodies to the atmosphere.
Restaurants and shops stay open late, making it easy to grab hot chocolate while you wander.
Pro tip: visit on a weeknight to avoid the weekend crowds and catch the holiday boat parade if you’re there in December.
2. Jacksonville Beach – Deck the Chairs
Only in Florida would lifeguard stands become canvas for holiday creativity, and Jacksonville Beach absolutely nails this quirky tradition.
Deck the Chairs transforms the oceanfront along 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, into an open-air gallery of illuminated lifeguard towers, each decorated by local businesses, organizations, and families competing for the most spectacular display.
Although often described as running “throughout December,” the event actually begins in late November and continues into early January each year.
Some towers feature classic Santa scenes while others get wildly creative with themes ranging from tropical Christmas to pop culture references.
The best part? You can stroll the beach completely free, with sand between your toes and ocean breezes in your hair while admiring the glowing artwork.
Many visitors make an evening of it, grabbing dinner at nearby oceanfront restaurants before taking the illuminated beach walk.
The contrast of Christmas lights against crashing waves creates a uniquely Floridian holiday experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Bring your camera because these decorated lifeguard stands are ridiculously photogenic, especially with the moonlight reflecting off the Atlantic as your backdrop.
3. Orlando – Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
When a 50-acre botanical paradise gets the holiday treatment, magic happens on a spectacular scale.
Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens, located at 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803, transforms this urban oasis into an enchanted wonderland of lights from late November through early January.
Thousands of twinkling lights wind through tropical foliage, drape over ancient oak trees, and reflect off tranquil ponds, creating scenes straight out of a holiday dream.
The gardens showcase themed light displays including tunnels of illumination, glowing floral installations, and interactive elements that delight kids and adults alike.
Live entertainment, food vendors, and visits from Santa add extra festive touches throughout the season.
What makes this display particularly special is how the lights complement rather than overwhelm the natural beauty of the gardens.
Paths wind past rose gardens, bamboo groves, and historic buildings, each area offering different visual experiences.
The reflection pond becomes especially mesmerizing with lights dancing across the water’s surface.
However, because the event’s location and format have varied in recent years, visitors should verify the current year’s venue and dates, as Dazzling Nights has not always been held at Leu Gardens recently.
Tickets are required and typically sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential for this popular Orlando holiday tradition that proves Christmas and palm trees make perfect companions.
4. Miami – Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
Combining wildlife wonder with holiday spectacle, Zoo Miami creates an after-dark experience that’s equal parts educational and magical.
Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami, located at 12400 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33177, runs select nights from late November through January, transforming the nation’s only subtropical zoo into a glowing celebration of both animals and the season.
Larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures line the pathways, some reaching heights of over 20 feet and featuring incredible detail that showcases everything from elephants to flamingos.
The displays incorporate energy-efficient LED lights in dazzling colors, creating Instagram-worthy photo opportunities around every corner.
Beyond the lights, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, carousel rides, and encounters with some of the zoo’s animal ambassadors during special presentations.
Food trucks and holiday treats keep everyone fueled for exploring.
What sets this display apart is the educational component—many light installations include facts about wildlife conservation and the animals represented.
Kids especially love the interactive light displays and the chance to see the zoo in a completely different atmosphere.
The tropical setting adds unique charm, with palm trees silhouetted against colorful lights creating that distinctly South Florida holiday vibe.
5. Fort Myers – Edison & Ford Holiday Nights
Where genius inventors once wintered, holiday magic now illuminates their historic estates in breathtaking fashion.
Edison & Ford Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, located at 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901, offers a unique blend of history and holiday cheer throughout December.
The event typically begins in late November and continues into early January.
The 20-acre botanical gardens become a wonderland of lights, with hundreds of thousands of bulbs highlighting the historic homes, laboratory, and lush tropical landscapes that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford once enjoyed.
Period-appropriate decorations adorn the buildings, giving visitors a glimpse into how these famous families celebrated Christmas in early 20th-century Florida.
Live musical performances on the estates’ lawn stage add nostalgic ambiance, with everything from carolers to jazz ensembles entertaining visitors.
The massive banyan tree—one of the largest in the continental United States—becomes especially spectacular when wrapped in lights, its sprawling branches creating a natural cathedral of illumination.
Strolling through Edison’s experimental gardens while surrounded by twinkling lights feels like stepping into a gentler era.
The Moonlight Garden takes on new beauty at night, and the riverfront location provides cool breezes and peaceful views.
This display beautifully honors the innovation of these American icons while creating new holiday memories.
6. Tampa – Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
When a world-class theme park goes all-out for Christmas, the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa, located at 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, transforms the entire park into a holiday extravaganza from mid-November through December with millions of lights, festive shows, and seasonal treats.
Multiple themed areas each offer distinct experiences: specific areas and themes may vary from year to year, but the park consistently features holiday villages, shows, and entertainment throughout the season.
The Sesame Street Christmas Parade delights younger visitors with beloved characters in holiday costumes.
Thrill-seekers can ride roller coasters under the stars surrounded by twinkling lights—imagine screaming down SheiKra with Christmas displays glowing below.
Live shows include spectacular performances like the ice skating extravaganza and acrobatic holiday productions that rival Broadway quality.
Santa’s House provides meet-and-greet opportunities, and countless photo ops exist throughout the park’s transformed landscape.
The sheer scale impresses even the most jaded holiday enthusiast, with towering light displays, animated scenes, and festive music creating immersive environments.
Food stalls offer seasonal favorites like hot chocolate, roasted nuts, and holiday cookies.
Admission requires tickets, but the experience combines theme park thrills with holiday magic in a way few destinations can match, making it worth every penny for families seeking ultimate Christmas excitement.
7. St. Petersburg – Waterfront Parks Holiday Lights
Coastal charm meets Christmas cheer along St. Petersburg’s stunning waterfront, where multiple parks create a festival of lights with bay views.
Although not an official event name, the holiday lights throughout St. Petersburg’s waterfront parks—including North Straub Park—are a longstanding city tradition.
The Waterfront Parks Holiday Lights displays, concentrated around North Straub Park at 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, and extending to nearby waterfront areas, run throughout December and offer free admission to all.
Lights drape across palm trees and native landscaping, reflecting beautifully in the calm waters of Tampa Bay and creating double the visual impact.
The downtown location means you can easily combine light-viewing with dinner at one of St. Pete’s excellent restaurants or visits to nearby museums and galleries.
Families spread blankets on the grass for picnics under the lights while kids run through illuminated pathways.
The casual, accessible nature of these displays makes them perfect for spontaneous visits—no tickets required, no crowds to fight, just pure holiday enjoyment in a gorgeous waterfront setting.
Sailboats and yachts often decorate their vessels and anchor nearby, adding floating light displays to the scenery.
The mild evening temperatures make strolling comfortable, and the downtown skyline provides a glittering backdrop to the festive parks.
Street performers and occasional live music add entertainment, while the famous St. Pete Pier offers additional holiday activities and dining options nearby.
8. West Palm Beach – Sandi Tree & Holiday in Paradise
Nothing says Florida Christmas quite like a towering Christmas tree sculpted entirely from sand and decorated with thousands of lights.
The Sandi Tree at West Palm Beach, located in the Waterfront Commons area near 101 S Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, has become an iconic holiday tradition that perfectly captures the city’s beachy, creative spirit.
This massive sand sculpture stands several stories tall and takes skilled artists days to construct before being adorned with festive lights and decorations.
The Holiday in Paradise celebration surrounding the tree includes various rotating attractions each year; while ice skating has been offered in some past seasons, it is not always included, visits with Santa, live entertainment, and a holiday market featuring local artisans and food vendors.
The waterfront location provides stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the nearby CityPlace offers additional shopping and dining options.
Watching boats decorated with holiday lights cruise past while standing next to a glowing sand Christmas tree creates a surreal and delightful experience.
Kids especially love the novelty of the sand sculpture, which proves you can have Christmas magic without a single snowflake.
The event runs throughout December with most activities free to enjoy, though some experiences like ice skating require tickets.
Evening visits offer the best atmosphere when temperatures cool and the lights truly shine against the darkening sky.
9. Pensacola – Winterfest & First City Lights Festival
Florida’s Panhandle city transforms its historic downtown into a month-long holiday celebration that honors tradition while creating new memories.
Winterfest and the First City Lights Festival in Pensacola, centered around Plaza Ferdinand at 118 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502, kicks off with a spectacular tree-lighting ceremony in late November and continues through December with nightly light displays and weekend events.
The historic downtown district becomes a glowing showcase of holiday spirit, with Victorian-era buildings providing charming backdrops to modern light displays.
What makes Pensacola’s celebration special is its community-focused approach—local businesses, residents, and organizations all contribute to decorating the downtown area, creating an authentic neighborhood feel rather than a commercial production.
The Palafox Street corridor becomes especially festive with lights strung across the street, decorations in every storefront, and festive music playing from speakers.
Weekend events include visits from Santa, carolers, holiday markets featuring Gulf Coast artisans, and special performances at the historic Saenger Theatre.
The waterfront location means you can enjoy bay breezes while admiring the lights, and nearby restaurants offer cozy spots for hot chocolate.
The cooler Panhandle temperatures actually feel more traditionally Christmas-like, making evening strolls particularly pleasant.
Free admission and ample parking make this an accessible holiday destination for families.
10. Sarasota – Holidays at UTC & Festival of Lights
Sophistication meets celebration at Sarasota’s upscale outdoor shopping destination, where holiday lights create an elegant winter wonderland.
The Holidays at UTC (University Town Center) at 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243, combined with various additional holiday displays throughout Sarasota, offers a polished holiday experience from November through December.
The open-air mall features stunning light displays, towering decorated trees, and elegant decorations that complement the upscale architecture and lush landscaping.
Unlike more casual displays, UTC’s approach feels refined and carefully curated, with synchronized light shows and sophisticated design elements that appeal to adults as much as children.
Live entertainment on weekends includes everything from classical musicians to contemporary performers, and Santa’s arrival involves considerably more fanfare than your average mall appearance.
The surrounding shops offer excellent browsing opportunities, making it easy to combine gift shopping with holiday sightseeing.
Restaurants throughout the center provide dining options ranging from casual to upscale, many with outdoor seating that lets you enjoy the lights while eating.
The Festival of Lights extends beyond UTC to other Sarasota locations, including downtown areas and waterfront parks, creating a city-wide celebration. Although sometimes described as a “Festival of Lights,” this is not an official citywide event name, but rather a general reference to Sarasota’s many holiday displays.
The warm Gulf Coast evenings make outdoor exploration comfortable, and the lack of admission fees means you can visit as often as you like throughout the season.
11. Daytona Beach – Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway
Rev your engines for a holiday experience that lets you enjoy spectacular light displays from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway, located at 1801 W International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, transforms the legendary race venue into a drive-through winter wonderland from mid-November through early January.
The multi-mile route winds through the speedway grounds, featuring over a million lights arranged in elaborate scenes and tunnels that completely surround your vehicle with color and animation.
Themes range from traditional Christmas imagery to race-inspired displays that honor the speedway’s heritage, including checkered flag patterns and racing-themed holiday characters.
The tunnel displays are particularly impressive—driving through these glowing passageways creates an immersive experience that feels almost otherworldly.
Animated scenes tell stories and create movement, keeping passengers of all ages engaged throughout the journey.
The drive-through format makes this perfect for families with young children who might struggle with walking tours, and you can control your own pace, lingering at favorite displays or cruising through quickly.
Tickets are purchased per vehicle, making it economical for larger groups.
Photos with Santa may vary from year to year and are not always offered, so visitors should check the current schedule.
Hot chocolate and holiday treats are available at the entrance and exit areas.
12. Naples – Third Street & 5th Avenue Christmas Lights
Elegance defines everything in Naples, and the city’s Christmas light displays maintain that sophisticated standard while delivering plenty of festive charm.
The Third Street South and 5th Avenue South shopping districts, located in downtown Naples around Third Street South, Naples, FL 34102, and 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102, transform into glowing showcases of refined holiday style throughout December.
White lights draped across historic buildings and wrapped around trees create a clean, classic look that feels timeless rather than trendy.
The upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants that line these streets provide elegant backdrops to the lighting displays, and many businesses add their own creative decorations to storefronts and outdoor dining areas.
Strolling these streets feels like walking through an exclusive holiday party, with well-dressed shoppers browsing high-end stores while soft music drifts from restaurant patios.
The mild Southwest Florida weather makes evening exploration particularly pleasant, and the nearby Naples Pier offers additional photo opportunities with lights reflecting off the Gulf of Mexico.
Weekend evenings feature the most activity, with live music at various venues and special holiday events at galleries and shops.
Major events like the Third Street South Tree Lighting occur in late November, but the lights remain on throughout December.
Free street parking and accessibility make visiting easy and spontaneous.
13. Largo – Holiday Lights & Carnival Rides in Largo Central Park
Community spirit shines brightest at this Central Florida gem where holiday lights combine with old-fashioned carnival fun for an experience that delights all ages.
Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides at Largo Central Park, located at 101 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771, runs throughout December and offers a refreshingly accessible and family-friendly holiday celebration.
The park transforms with light displays throughout its grounds, while a traveling carnival sets up with rides, games, and attractions that add excitement beyond just looking at lights.
Ferris wheel rides at night provide aerial views of the illuminated park and surrounding area, creating memorable photo opportunities and romantic moments for couples.
Kids can enjoy everything from carousel rides to more thrilling attractions, all glowing with festive lights and holiday decorations.
Game booths offer chances to win prizes, and food vendors serve carnival classics like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and hot dogs alongside seasonal treats.
Santa makes regular appearances for photos and wish lists, and live entertainment on select nights includes local bands and performers.
The combination of lights, rides, and activities creates an energetic atmosphere that contrasts nicely with more sedate walk-through displays.
Admission to the park and light viewing is free, though carnival rides and games require tickets or wristbands purchased separately.
Exact dates vary slightly each year, often beginning in late November and running through the end of December.
The central Tampa Bay location makes it easily accessible from multiple surrounding cities, and ample parking simplifies logistics for families.