7 magical holiday light displays in Central Florida
These gorgeous light displays in Central Florida will dazzle the whole family with the spirit of the “season to be jolly”!
If there is one thing that truly says HOLIDAY MAGIC in big, bold letters, it’s looking at the decorations all around Central Florida, where one can find the most luminous displays of twinkling lights.
Here are seven of the most fabulous displays to put on your holiday to-do list.
1. Dazzling Nights — Leu Gardens in Orlando
An immersive holiday event for the entire family, Leu Gardens becomes a magical holiday wonderland every winter. The Dazzling Lights show features epic luminaria walls inspired by Europe’s most enchanting holiday festivals, a forest of trees that illuminate with holiday greetings from around the world, a serene forest of stained-glass windows, a dazzling light tunnel of 14-foot stars, and a stunning garden of white, featuring a graceful swan topiary. You can even dance under the magic of falling Florida snow!
There is also nightly live entertainment, delicious sweet treats to indulge in, festive holiday beverages for kids, and specialty drinks for adults!
Find information here.
2. Fantasy of Lights Festival — Central Park Town Center in Palm Coast
From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night until Dec. 30, visitors can walk along the lake at Central Park Town Center and take in 56 light displays while enjoying classic Christmas music.
This annual festival also includes events and a Santa’s Village with a nightly train ride. On the weekends, they let it snow!
Find information here.
3. Holidays in Space — Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island
From Dec 20 to Dec 30, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex presents a show that is out of this world—literally! That’s because Starflake’s “Holiday Voyage” returns this year for Holidays in Space, an awe-inspiring journey with Starflake as she travels through the stars, Earth, and beyond.
The projected show on the massive Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex® begins at 6:50 p.m. each night. It will take you on a one-of-a-kind adventure, and you recognize familiar places along the way, like the Vehicle Assembly Building, the International Space Station, the James Webb Space Telescope, and more.
And if it’s lights you seek, the festive holiday décor in the visitor complex dazzles with a 50-foot tree with more than 61,000 pixels of light.
Find more information here.
4. Enchanted Forest of Trees — Victory Pointe in Clermont
Now and through Jan. 5, you’ll be awestruck by the over 70 Christmas trees decorated by local groups and businesses lining Victory Pointe in Clermont. The trees shine during the day and light up at night. You can walk on the trail to view the beautiful display or park at the Clermont Boat House and walk over to Victory Pointe.
Find more information here.
5. Winter Wonderland — World Equestrian Center in Ocala
If it’s lots of dazzling lights you crave, search no more. The World Equestrian Center’s Winter Wonderland boasts a display of over one million twinkling lights and awe-inspiring decorations that will thrill visitors, both big and small.
It runs until December 23 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. But to experience the true awe-inspiring enchantment of Winter Wonderland, Fridays and Saturdays are unmatched!
On these days, visitors can enjoy a lineup of holiday entertainers, musical performances, face painters, balloon artists, foods of the season, and much more. From Dec. 20 to 23, you can even meet your favorite characters from the film “Frozen!”
Tickets are not required except for special events, but parking fees per vehicle apply from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and include event entry and entertainment.
Find more information here.
6. Light Up Mount Dora — Downtown Mount Dora
Mount Dora transforms into a holiday wonderland with events throughout the season. Light Up Mount Dora kicked off the season on Nov. 23, but Christmas lights will be up around the downtown area through Jan. 9, especially at the parks and at the Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina.
Find more information here.
7. Year of the Dragon — Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
There are many ways to enjoy a light show this holiday season. For example, you can experience the art, beauty, and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals when you celebrate the Year of the Dragon and experience all-new, hand-constructed lantern displays illuminated by thousands of LED lights around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path.
You can also enjoy exclusive food and beverage items that will be available for purchase.
Find more information here.
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