Bambina Diaries
- Dec 6, 2021
- 4 min read

Holiday Lights You'll Love

This holiday season it's always been a tradition for our families to visit local holiday light shows. It's the perfect way to kick off December and get in the "holiday spirit"! Plus it's also a fun activity for the whole family. Scroll down for a few of our favorite holiday light shows, including some free options you can just drive or walk by!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE YOU GO:

Always check the website to see hours of operation and if payment is required.
Pack snacks in case you have to wait in line.
If it's a walking experience, check the site for fun holiday extras like - pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, holiday markets, and more (sometimes these are extras not covered with general admission).

Florida

Miami Zoo Lights: Zoo Lights Miami is an after-hours family event that will take place select nights November thru December from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The Holiday Fantasy of Lights: Opened every night from 6-10 p.m. until Jan. 2, including holidays. Located in Coconut Creek, Florida, the path stretches for 3 miles and includes extravagant scenes and decorated trees along the way. Admission is $22 per car, and you can pay an extra $2 for special-effect glasses. A portion of the proceeds are donated to local charities.
The Daytona International Speedway: Daytona hosts the Magic of Lights celebration, which is a 1.5-mile long course in the largest lighted sports facility in North America. Admission begins at $20 per car; a portion of the proceeds will benefit AdventHealth facilities in Volusia and Flagler counties.
Space Coast Lightfest is located in Melbourne, Florida and is opened every night through the end of the year. The attraction has more than 3 million lights on display and stretches just over a mile long. Admission is $20 per car, but if you bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots, you’ll receive a discount.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates: Thousands of lights, hundreds of historic decorations, and one unique holiday experience await you nightly from 5:30 – 9 p.m from November 26 through January 2 (closed on December 25). Enjoy exciting new lighting displays, visits with Santa, carolers and musicians, refreshments, family science shows, and more on select evenings.
Festival of Lights, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center: The 2021 Festival of Lights will feature ALL Holiday Magic Nights, December 10 through the 23. Complimentary hot cocoa, popcorn, marshmallows by the bonfire, Santa, Food and Craft Vendors, kids crafts and more! Tickets are $4 per person, children under 3 are free.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights: During the holiday season, our nation's oldest city really shines. Every night from mid-November until the end of January, the city is decorated with millions of tiny lights. Take a trolley tour or a romantic carriage ride to take in all the magic of one of the best Christmas light displays in Florida.
Town of Mount Dora: The town is decorated with more than two million twinkling lights from the end of November through the month of December. There will be various events throughout the month including bus tours, a boat parade, and a magical train ride.
The Oakdale Christmas House, St. Petersburg: This huge light display with half a million Christmas lights in Florida is famous for its quirky charm. It's sure to put a smile on the face of even the grumpiest Scrooge out there. You can catch the magical display from the day after Thanksgiving until the beginning of January. It's truly one of the best Christmas lights displays in Florida.
Fairchild Botanical Gardens’ NightGarden: NightGarden is returning on Friday, November 12, and will be at the Fairchild Garden until Sunday, January 2, 2022, opening every day from 6 to 10 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on weekends.
Coral Gables City Hall: Head on over to Coral Gables City Hall to check out Holiday Park and their majestic Christmas tree! This year, Holiday Park is also holding special hot chocolate with Santa session so you can grab a hot cocoa and enjoy the lights with the big man himself!
Nights of Lights is returning to Pinecrest Gardens on Friday, December 10, transforming the gardens into a winter wonderland dotted by thousands of twinkling lights that will wrap around the whimsical botanical landscape. This year, the gardens will also be adding on sections of sparkling holiday lights and an even bigger holiday-themed maze!