There are standout locations across the state, but St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is one of the most famous. Millions of white lights cover Historic Downtown, and the display runs for over two months. In South Florida, Zoo Miami and the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Holiday Cruise offer completely different experiences with a tropical twist. If you’re looking for creativity and charm, Deck The Chairs in Jacksonville Beach and neighborhood displays in Winter Haven are fantastic. The best place often depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for — walking tours, drive-throughs, waterfront views or a little bit of everything.
Best Christmas Light Displays in Florida
When people think about the holidays, Florida might not be the first place that comes to mind. But spending Christmas in Florida is something truly special. Instead of snow, you’ll find palm trees wrapped in glowing lights, decorated boats floating along the coast and warm nights filled with music, food and cheer. One of the most famous events in the state is St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, where millions of white lights cover the city’s historic buildings and streets. Inspired by this tradition, here’s a guide to the best Christmas lights in Florida from the Panhandle to the Keys.
North Florida
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights
This world-famous holiday event fills the city with millions of tiny white lights from mid-November through late January. The display covers rooftops, streets, palm trees and historic buildings throughout downtown. Many people explore the lights on foot, while others book festive rides with Old Town Trolley Tours® or take in the glow from the water on a boat tour. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is one of the most iconic examples of Christmas lights in Florida, drawing visitors from across the country. The city’s historic charm makes this event especially magical and a standout part of Christmas in Florida.
Christmas on the Square – Live Oak
This early December celebration fills the town of Live Oak with holiday cheer. The event includes a Christmas tree lighting, local craft vendors, delicious food and live music. One of the highlights is the lighted parade through downtown. Families can enjoy free kids’ activities, and there’s often artificial snow to add to the fun. It’s a great way to start the season in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Holiday Boat Parades
In coastal towns like Jacksonville, holiday boat parades are a unique tradition. Boats of all sizes are decorated with bright lights, inflatables and music. Crowds gather along the waterfront to cheer as the boats pass by. It’s one of the most creative ways to enjoy Christmas lights in Florida, and every boat adds its own personality to the show.
Deck The Chairs – Jacksonville Beach
This event brings art and lights together in a fun way. Lifeguard chairs along the boardwalk are decorated with bright and creative displays, many with ocean themes. It’s free to attend and perfect for a casual evening stroll. Families often return year after year because it offers something new each season.
Glowing Gardens – Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
This event transforms the arboretum’s trails into a glowing wonderland. Walk through gardens filled with colorful lights and gentle music. It’s peaceful and great for all ages. Guests can stop for snacks, take photos and enjoy nature in a whole new way. Events like this show how relaxing Christmas in Florida can be.
Jack’s Christmas Light Spectacular
Located in Jacksonville, this is a popular residential display known for its detailed decorations and thousands of lights. The show includes synchronized music and is free to enjoy. Visitors often drive by slowly or park nearby to take it all in. It’s a local favorite that brings people together during the holiday season.
Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display – Milton
This drive-through display near Pensacola is one of the largest in North Florida. Families can enjoy colorful scenes from the warmth of their vehicle, including toy workshops, reindeer and Santa’s sleigh. The lights usually run from late November through December, making it a go-to spot for holiday fun in the Panhandle.
North Florida’s traditions, from glowing gardens to beachside light shows, prove that the holiday spirit shines bright.
Central Florida
Dazzling Nights – Leu Gardens (Orlando)
Leu Gardens transforms into a glowing wonderland with walk-through tunnels, hanging lights, and interactive displays. It’s a popular evening event for families, couples and groups of friends. Visitors are encouraged to take their time through the gardens and enjoy the light show in a peaceful, open-air setting.
Lake Nona Lights – Orlando
This neighborhood display uses music and color to create a fun experience right in the heart of the community. The synchronized lights are timed to holiday songs, and cars often line up to watch the show from the street.
Gaylord Palms Christmas – Kissimmee
Inside this resort, guests can explore themed rooms filled with holiday lights, ice sculptures and seasonal displays. Tickets grant access to walk-through attractions, live performances, and special holiday exhibits.
Now Snowing – Celebration Town Center
In the town of Celebration, nightly snowfall events take place from late November through December. Visitors can enjoy lights, holiday music, ice skating, horse-drawn carriages and train rides for kids.
Christmas Nights in Lights – Dezerland Park (Orlando)
This drive-through event features over a million synchronized lights. Guests stay in their vehicles and tune in to holiday music that matches the animated displays. It’s a fun option for families looking for an easy, weatherproof activity.
Lights at Lake Eola
– Downtown Orlando
Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando features a towering 72-foot Christmas tree that lights up each evening in sync with music. There are also walking paths lined with decorations and food vendors nearby.
Winter Haven Highlights
Santa’s House by the Bigda’s: This home display includes over 100,000 lights, coordinated with music that plays through car radios. It’s a neighborhood favorite that draws attention from all over Central Florida.
Tera Lane and King Road: Neighbors compete with large-scale light setups that turn the entire area into a festive drive-through destination.
Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort: LEGO-themed decorations, lights, characters and seasonal shows make the park a great stop for families during the holidays.
Lakeland Highlights
Downtown Lakeland and Munn Park: Lights stretch across downtown and wrap around trees and buildings while a floating Christmas tree glows on Lake Mirror.
Yarborough Lane: This residential display features detailed lighting, music and handcrafted decorations that have become a local tradition.
Christmas in Florida is especially bright in Central Florida, where every city seems to add its own spin to the holiday season.
South Florida
Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami glows with more than a million lights during the holiday season. Visitors walk through illuminated paths, enjoy themed nights, and take part in holiday crafts and treats. It’s one of the largest and most festive Christmas-lights-in-Florida experiences in South Florida.
Sea of Lights – Miami Seaquarium
This marine-themed celebration features more than 300 individual light displays. The aquarium stays open late for this seasonal event, offering guests the chance to explore exhibits under glowing lights while enjoying music, performers, and themed shows.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights – Coconut Creek
Tradewinds Park transforms into a drive-through light show filled with animated scenes and colorful arches. For more than 30 years, this tradition has brought families together and remains a classic way to celebrate Christmas in Florida.
Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruise – Fort Lauderdale
This popular evening cruise offers views of decorated waterfront homes and buildings along the city’s canals. Guests enjoy music, holiday drinks and a relaxing way to see some of the most beautiful Christmas lights in Florida from the water.
Key West Holiday Highlights
Harbor Walk of Lights: The Historic Seaport is covered in nautical-themed decorations, lit palm trees, and glowing boats, creating a peaceful coastal atmosphere perfect for Christmas in Florida.
Lighted Boat Parade: Boats sail through the harbor with lights, ornaments, and festive displays. Spectators gather along the waterfront to enjoy the view.
Holiday Sights and Festive Nights® Tours: Both Old Town Trolley Tours® and Conch Tour Train offer nighttime tours that highlight the island’s best decorations, complete with music and festive glasses.
Holiday Lights Contest: Homes and businesses compete to create the brightest and most original light displays.
Historic Inn Tours: Local inns decorate for the season and open their doors for public tours that showcase holiday style and historic charm.
Custom House Holiday Bazaar: The Key West Art & Historical Society hosts an event with artisan vendors, music and a projected light show on the historic Custom House.
Waterfront Winter Wonderland: Held at Truman Waterfront Park, this event includes lights, food and family-friendly holiday fun.
South Florida brings tropical flair to the season with Christmas lights in Florida that shine along the coast, through botanical gardens and across some of the state’s most vibrant cities. The warm nights and colorful lights create a holiday atmosphere that’s fun, festive and full of Florida character.
Conclusion
From classic parades and neighborhood displays to theme parks and lighted boat cruises, Christmas in Florida is filled with unique ways to celebrate the season. Every region offers something different. North Florida offers family festivals, Central Florida features dazzling walk-through experiences and South Florida’s tropical waterfront light shows all add to the state’s festive atmosphere. With mild weather and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, these Christmas lights in Florida bring warmth, color and community to every corner of the state. Wherever your holiday plans take you, this list is a great starting point for creating new traditions and discovering the magic of the holidays under the Florida sky.
FAQs
Many visitors prefer to stay in the downtown area to be within walking distance of the lights. Historic bed-and-breakfasts, waterfront hotels and inns near Old Town Trolley Tours® stops are convenient choices. Booking early is recommended, especially on weekends or near holidays, as rooms often fill up quickly during the event. Staying downtown also means you can easily walk to restaurants, shops and photo spots lit up with some of the most impressive Christmas lights in Florida.
Leu Gardens’ Dazzling Nights in Orlando is perfect for a quiet, romantic walk through sparkling gardens and glowing tunnels. The Harbor Walk of Lights in Key West, with its palm trees and waterfront views, sets the stage for a scenic evening stroll. A nighttime ride on the Old Town Trolley Tours® Holiday Sights and Festive Nights® Tour is also a cozy way to enjoy Christmas in Florida with a special someone, especially when paired with festive music and a warm drink in hand.
St. Augustine is widely known for its large-scale light display and historic charm, making it a top pick for many travelers. Celebration and Winter Haven are known for their community-wide efforts and detailed home displays. In South Florida, Key West and Coconut Creek stand out for their unique coastal and drive-through attractions. Each town contributes something special to the overall celebration of Christmas lights in Florida.
Yes, several towns and neighborhoods host free displays. Deck The Chairs in Jacksonville Beach and Lights at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando are open to the public at no cost. Residential streets like Tera Lane in Winter Haven and Yarborough Lane in Lakeland offer amazing shows that are completely free to visit.
Absolutely. Holiday boat parades happen in many coastal cities, including Jacksonville, Miami and Key West. These events feature boats decorated in lights cruising along the water while spectators watch from shore. Fort Lauderdale’s Water Taxi also offers holiday cruises that let guests relax and see decorated homes, trees and buildings from the water. It’s one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to enjoy Christmas lights in Florida.
