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It’s no secret that winters in Florida are extremely mild. And while most flock to Florida to escape the winter cold, some still dream of a white Christmas for the holidays. Indeed, Christmastime in the Sunshine State sits different. Unless we\u2019re talking sandy beaches, you are not going to have a white Christmas. However, since winter weather in Florida remains balmy and bright, there are tons things to do during Christmastime.<\/p>\n
Between holiday train rides, local parades and Christmas light displays, there’s a multitude of fun activities to bring in the holiday spirit. And speaking of Christmas light displays: we\u2019ve compiled a list of the best places to see Christmas lights in Florida.\u00a0From the Orlando to Miami, Ocala to Tampa, here are our picks for the best places that brighten up the winter holiday season.<\/p>\n
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Without a doubt, first on our list is the Nights of Lights<\/a> in St. Augustine. This show is easily Florida\u2019s most extravagant light display. In fact, Nights of Lights has become famous around the world as one of the best places to see holiday lights. The festival has been featured in National Geographic and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Visitors and long-time residents alike gather to see the oaks strung with lights in St. Augustine\u2019s historic district. St. Augustine is the nation\u2019s oldest city, and you can walk the brick lined streets, shop and eat under the lights this season. The lights will be up from November 15, 2025, through January 11, 2026.<\/p>\n And if you live in one of our Deltona communities in St. Augustine<\/a>, take full advantage of your nearby location. See the lighting up of the Bridge of Lions and the Plaza de la Constitucion. Moreover, stroll the streets to see the millions of lights adorning the Spanish architecture archways, park palm trees and more.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.deltona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/St-Augustine.jpeg” alt=”Nights of Lights” title_text=”Night of Lights St. Augustine, Florida” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-23px|||||” custom_padding=”19px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Next, immerse yourself in the wonder of the holidays in Jacksonville, FL. Discover Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens<\/a> like never before with a custom-designed light show that illuminates its unique landscape. Marvel at hummingbird sculptures, shimmering bromeliad stars, and a captivating ground display that mimics a flowing stream, plus much more. Formerly known as Dazzling Nights, this holiday spectacular<\/span> runs from November 28, 2025 – December 28, 2025. Glowing Gardens goes beyond just dazzling light displays, offering a variety of immersive experiences perfect for the whole family. Relish in tasty offerings from Mojo BBQ and Cup of Job, meet festive characters, snap memorable photos, and enjoy popcorn and treats. Plus, this year, all proceeds from the event directly support the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens\u2019 mission, making your visit even more impactful. This is roughly a 2-hour drive from our Deltona Homes in Ocala<\/a>, but we definitely think it is worth the trip!\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.deltona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Glen-Aire-Ocala-Homes-For-Sale.png” alt=”New Construction Home For Sale in Ocala” title_text=”Glen Aire Ocala Homes For Sale” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/glen-aire-homes-for-sale-hlc5″ button_text=”New Homes For Sale in Glen Aire” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#f78721″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.deltona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Marion-Oaks-Homes-For-Sale-1.png” alt=”New Construction Home for Sale in Ocala in Marion Oaks” title_text=”Marion Oaks Homes For Sale (1)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/florida-community-marion-oaks-c4″ button_text=”New Homes For Sale in Marion Oaks” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#f78721″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-13px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to enjoy \u201cFlorida lifestyle living<\/a>\u201d to its fullest this holiday season, look no further. The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade<\/a> in Tampa is Tampa\u2019s largest lighted boat parade. This is definitely one of the most unique ways to see Christmas lights in Florida. This year it will happen the Saturday before Christmas, December 20, 2025, along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa.<\/p>\n The parade kicks off at 6:15 pm, starting from the southern tip of Davis Islands, winding through the Convention Center basin, and concluding at Sparkman Wharf in the Heights.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.deltona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Boat-parade-FL.jpeg” alt=”Christmas Boat Parade” title_text=”Boat parade FL” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Experience the magic of the holiday season at the 2025 Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village<\/a>, running from November 27th through December 28th at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Immerse yourself in a spectacular light display spanning nearly two miles, followed by a festive stroll through Santa’s Village. This year features an expanded drive-thru experience, introducing “Santa’s Winter Woodland.” Enjoy dazzling animated lights, holiday rides, treats, and cozy neighborhood vibes. Meet Santa, sip on Keel & Curley<\/a> Wine, and revel in the holiday spirit with activities for all ages!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Christmas Lane<\/a> started as a humble light display at the Lane family home and has grown into one of the best places for Christmas lights in Central Florida. It is now hosted at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds and features over 1.5 million lights across more than 200 Christmas trees. With its rich history and dazzling displays, Christmas Lane continues to captivate visitors with live entertainment, visits with Santa, and performances by local artists. In 2025, you can enjoy the Christmas lights at Christmas Lane from November 28th to December 24th.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”8px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-35px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Discover the holiday spirit Florida-style at Fort Cooper State Park’s annual Nights of Lights<\/a>, just a short drive from our Deltona Homes in Citrus Springs<\/a>. This delightful event runs on December 12t . Wander through trails lit by twinkling lights, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy festive treats like cookies and hot chocolate in the beautifully decorated pavilion. Instead of an entrance fee, guests are encouraged to bring a toy, non-perishable food item, or pet food donation to support local charities. This community event is perfect for locals and newcomers alike!<\/p>\n Step into an immersive, mile-long holiday light adventure at Harry P. Leu Gardens as <\/span>Dazzling Nights<\/span><\/a> returns for its biggest year yet. Expect falling \u201csnow,\u201d interactive installations, live entertainment, festive treats (including adult beverages), and timed-entry ticketing from November 28, 2025 through January 4, 2026. There\u2019s also a complimentary \u201cSparkling Express\u201d shuttle option this season to make arrivals easier.<\/span><\/p>\n Downtown Mount Dora flips the switch on the season Saturday, November 22, 2025 (5:30\u20139:00 p.m.), for <\/span>Light Up Mount Dora,<\/span><\/a> illuminating Donnelly Park, Evans Park, and Sunset Park with thousands of lights. Enjoy live entertainment, a visit from Santa for photos, fireworks, and the signature Mount Dora Christmas tree\u2014free community fun before Thanksgiving.<\/span><\/p>\n An only-in-Florida classic: Jacksonville Beach\u2019s iconic red lifeguard chairs are transformed into whimsical, lighted art installations across Latham Plaza & Seawalk Pavilion for <\/span>Deck the Chairs<\/span><\/a>. The display shines nightly 5:00 p.m.\u20131:00 a.m., November 26, 2025 through January 1, 2026, and it\u2019s free, handicap-accessible, and dog-friendly\u2014plus a full slate of special events throughout the season.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/citrus-springs-homes-for-sale-hlc7″ button_text=”Browse Homes for Sale in Citrus Springs” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#f78721″ custom_margin=”-44px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.deltona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/ice-skating.jpeg” alt=”Fun Ice Skating Event” title_text=”ice skating” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-6px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n All in all, those are our top recommendations to see Christmas lights in Florida. However, there are tons of festive things to do during the holidays. So, if you still need ideas for things to do in Florida this Christmas<\/a>, here are some more ideas.<\/p>\n While they may have not made the list for their lights, you can always check out some of the local festivals and attractions in your area. Some events that we love are Ice! At Gaylord Palms<\/a>, Dickens on Centre<\/a> Festival in Fernandina Beach and the Christmas Tree Stroll<\/a> at Disney Springs. Furthermore, if you\u2019re located in our Ocala<\/a> or Citrus Springs<\/a> communities, you should stop by Rainbow Springs State Park<\/a>. We always love this park, but the lights make it ideal for the season.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGlowing Gardens, Jacksonville<\/h3>\n
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa<\/h3>\n
Festival of Lights & Santa\u2019s Village, Tampa<\/h3>\n
Christmas Lane, Plant City<\/h3>\n
Fort Cooper Nights of Lights, Floral City<\/h3>\n
Dazzling Nights, Orlando<\/span><\/h3>\n
Light Up Mount Dora, Mount Dora<\/span>\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Deck the Chairs, Jacksonville Beach<\/span><\/h3>\n
Celebrate Christmas in Florida<\/h3>\n
Embrace a Warmer Winter: Make Florida Your Home!<\/h3>\n