Best Holiday Light Displays and Festive Attractions in Florida – 2024
Explore the magic of the holiday season with our curated list of must-see holiday light displays and attractions in Florida and nearby states. From Jacksonville to Orlando, there’s something for everyone!
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ZOOLights
Dates: November 29, 2024 – December 29, 2024
Location: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Cost: Adults $27-32, Children (3-12) $27-$32 ($5 Member discounts available)
Purchase a Combo ticket that includes same-day access to the park, arrive between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., and stay through the end of Colors of the Wild.
Highlights: Thousands of LED lights, moving sculptures, and festive decorations transform the zoo into a winter wonderland.
Did you know? The event features a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree and a 4-D theater experience.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Visit on weeknights to avoid crowds.
Drive Time: About 20 minutes from downtown Jacksonville.
Nearby Stops: Explore the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve or grab dinner at Clark’s Fish Camp.
Blackhawk Bluff Holiday Lights
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Blackhawk Bluff Subdivision, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Free
Highlights: Drive through a neighborhood of dazzling and creative holiday displays.
Did you know? Blackhawk Bluff residents compete annually to create some of the most festive decorations in the area.
- Visit on weeknights to avoid heavy traffic.
- Be respectful of the neighborhood by driving slowly and keeping noise levels down.
Drive Time: About 20 minutes from downtown Jacksonville.
Nearby Stops: Grab dinner at Safe Harbor Seafood in Mayport or visit Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
Glowing Gardens – Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Dates: November 24 – December 29, 2024
Location: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Adults $22, Kids $19 (3 and under free)
Highlights: Sparkling forests, interactive displays, and magical sculptures create an immersive experience.
Did you know? The Jacksonville Arboretum transforms into a sensory wonderland, complete with lights synchronized to holiday music.
- Dress warmly and wear comfy shoes.
- Arrive 20 minutes early to secure parking.
Drive Time: About 15 minutes from downtown Jacksonville.
Nearby Stops: Visit the Jacksonville Zoo or enjoy dinner at The Town Hall Restaurant in San Marco.
Nights of Lights – St. Augustine, FL
Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025
Location: Historic Downtown St. Augustine, FL
Cost: Free; optional tours available
Highlights: Over 3 million white lights transform the historic city into a magical wonderland.
Did you know? Inspired by a Spanish tradition of placing candles in windows, this event began in 1994 and has become one of the most famous displays in the U.S.
- Visit on weekdays or early in the season to avoid crowds.
- Park at the Visitor Information Center and take the shuttle.
Drive Time: About 30 minutes from Jacksonville.
Nearby Stops: Explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum or grab a treat at Whetstone Chocolates.
Deck the Chairs – Jacksonville Beach, FL
Dates: November 25, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Cost: Free
Highlights: Lifeguard chairs are transformed into dazzling and artistic holiday displays.
Did you know? This event started in 2013 as a way to showcase local art and community spirit while celebrating the holidays at the beach.
- Check the event calendar for special performances.
- Bring a camera for unique photo opportunities.
Drive Time: About 30 minutes from downtown Jacksonville.
Nearby Stops: Enjoy the festive ambiance with a meal at Beachside Seafood or stroll along the Jacksonville Beach pier.
Mount Dora Christmas Lights Festival – Mount Dora, FL
Dates: November 30, 2024 – January 9, 2025
Location: Downtown Mount Dora, FL
Cost: Free
Highlights: A charming small-town atmosphere enhanced by three million holiday lights.
Did you know? Mount Dora’s history as the “Festival City” adds an extra layer of magic to its holiday celebrations, which have been a tradition for over 50 years.
- Make dinner reservations in advance.
- Visit during the week for a quieter experience.
Drive Time: About 2 hours from Jacksonville or 40 minutes from Orlando.
Nearby Stops: Take a scenic boat tour of the Dora Canal or shop at the Mount Dora Marketplace.
Christmas Lane – Plant City, FL
Dates: November 29 – December 24, 2024
Location: Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City, FL
Cost: Adults $12, Kids $10 (3 and under free)
Highlights: Over 1.5 million lights, live entertainment, and over 200 decorated Christmas trees.
Did you know? Christmas Lane started over 30 years ago as a family tradition and has grown into one of Florida’s most beloved holiday displays.
- Explore the KidZone for family-friendly activities.
- Purchase tickets online to avoid waiting in lines.
Drive Time: About 3.5 hours from Jacksonville or 1 hour from Orlando.
Nearby Stops: Enjoy a meal at Fred’s Market Restaurant or visit Dinosaur World.
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show – Orlando, FL
Dates: December 6, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Location: Lake Eola Park, Orlando, FL
Cost: Free
Highlights: A 72-foot Christmas tree with synchronized light and music shows every hour.
Did you know? This is one of the largest Christmas tree displays in Florida, with advanced LED technology creating stunning visuals.
- Arrive early to grab the best view.
- Pair your visit with dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Drive Time: About 2 hours from Jacksonville or 10 minutes from downtown Orlando.
Nearby Stops: Explore the Thornton Park District for boutique shopping or paddleboat on Lake Eola.
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort – Kissimmee, FL
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL
Cost: Adults $29.99, Kids $17.99
Highlights: Ice sculptures, slides, and holiday displays carved from over 2 million pounds of ice.
Did you know? Crafted by artisans from Harbin, China, ICE! brings a touch of the world-famous Ice and Snow Festival to Florida.
- Dress warmly and wear gloves; temperatures inside are 9°F.
- Book a room package for VIP perks.
Drive Time: About 2 hours from Jacksonville or 30 minutes from Orlando.
Nearby Stops: Visit Disney Springs or explore the town of Celebration for more holiday fun.
EXTRA BONUS!
Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright – Valdosta, GA
Dates: November 23 – December 29, 2024
Location: 3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA
Cost: Included with park admission
Highlights: A five-story animated tree, Gingerbread Village, and festive activities for all ages.
Did you know? Just a short drive across the Georgia border, Wild Adventures transforms into a winter wonderland, creating a magical day trip for families in Northeast Florida.
- Arrive early to enjoy both daytime attractions and evening lights.
- Don’t miss the Holly Jolly Junction for kids to meet Santa.
Drive Time: About 1 hour from Jacksonville.
Nearby Stops: Explore Valdosta’s charming downtown area or grab a bite at Steel Magnolias restaurant.
