The Best Christmas Lights Drive Thru in Florida

If you’re visiting Florida during the holidays, you may be looking for the best Christmas Lights Drive Thru in Florida. Today, we’ll talk about just that!

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the joy and magic of Christmas lights to ignite that festive spirit. And here in Florida, we have a hidden gem that promises to make your holiday season brighter than ever before. Buckle up because in this blog post, we’re about to take you on a mesmerizing ride through the best Christmas Lights Drive-Thru in Florida.

So, grab your hot cocoa, pile into the car, and join us as we uncover the magic of this one-of-a-kind Christmas Lights Drive-Thru right here in Florida. Whether you’re a seasoned holiday enthusiast or simply looking for a new tradition, this destination promises to be an unforgettable treat for all ages.

If you’re planning a Christmas Florida vacation and are unsure where to stay, check out The 21 Best Places to Stay in Florida in December and if you love Christmas lights, Where to find Christmas Lights in Miami.

Are you flying into Florida? Get a cheap rental car!

If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

Whenever I need to rent a car, I use Discount USA Car Rental; you can use it at all major Florida airports (and even most of the smaller ones!) and rent from large companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, etc., at discounted prices.

The Best Christmas Lights Drive Thru in Florida

Now, let’s get to the best Christmas drive-thru lights in Florida! These are listed in no particular order.

Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park

Are you going to be in the Coconut Creek area of Florida during Christmas this year? If you are, I highly recommend checking out the Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park. It is the best drive for Christmas lights in the area.

This holiday attraction is guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to the entire family. There are 3 miles of massive animated holiday light displays.

The event dates for this holiday display are November 22, 2023, through January 1, 2024. The dates are similar each year, with opening night on the day before Thanksgiving.

Space Coast Lightfest in Melbourne

The Space Coast Lightfest brings 3 million lights to its holiday light spectacular. This is a drive-thru experience. However, during the month of December, there are nights when you can walk through instead.

No matter when you visit, you will always be able to enjoy the food, entertainment, and fun.

Festival of Lights at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

The Festival of Lights is held every December in the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs.

You can easily drive through this holiday light experience without stopping. For the best experience, I recommend stopping to do a little caroling and roast some marshmallows.

Those two activities are only held on certain nights during the month of December. Plan your visit accordingly!

The Wonderland of Lights in Auburndale

The Wonderland of Lights in Auburndale has had a few different homes over the years. Currently, the new location is at the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market.

This event is held between the end of November and the beginning of January each year. There is a mile of holiday lights to drive along. Add in the hot cocoa, food, and entertainment, and you have an evening to experience the magic of the holiday season.

Magic of Lights at the Daytona International Speedway

Spending a little time at Daytona Beach this holiday season? If you are, check out Magic of Lights at the Daytona Speedway!

This race track turns into a winter wonderland every year during the holidays. Innovative light displays cover a mile-and-a-half radius.

The holiday festivities always start at dusk each day from November through the holidays.

Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display in Milton

During the search for the best Christmas lights, you are bound to discover this family-owned event. All the lights are near the family home on the Sowell Farm.

The Sowell North Pole Christmas Light Display begins every year at the end of November and goes straight through Christmas Day. There are half a million twinkling lights. The highlight though is the miniature train you can ride on to see all the lights.

It gives Christmas lights drive thru a new meaning!

These train rides are very popular. So, I recommend arriving early to avoid the lines.

After your train ride, you can have pictures taken with Santa Claus. Or take a few camel rides before grabbing a hot cocoa and other holiday snacks.

Jax Illuminations in Jacksonville

This event begins at the end of November and goes through December—all the lights at Jax Illuminations dance to cheerful holiday music.

The whole family will love watching the dancing lights. They will really get you all into the holiday spirit.

The Wonderland of Lights and America’s Christmas Village in Dover and Pensacola

The holiday lights are always the main draw at The Wonderland of Lights in Dover and Pensacola. However, there is so much more your family can do once you have driven through to see the lights.

Plan a little extra time to go for a horseback ride. Or at least grab a family photo with Santa Claus. You will find plenty of things to do in the Christmas Village as well.

These drive-thru lights are only on between December 14th and December 30th. And you can only drive thru on Wednesdays through Sundays. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

That doesn’t give you a lot of time to enjoy this holiday light show. But as long as you plan your holiday events carefully, you shouldn’t miss it. I guarantee that Central Florida residents have this on their calendar every holiday season.

Suwannee Lights at The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park

You will really get into the Christmas spirit when you do the drive thru of the Suwannee Lights. You will find The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak. This event usually begins around November 22nd and ends on New Year’s Eve.

You can drive through to see the millions of lights. However, there is a walk-through option as well.

The latter might be better if you want to stand around the campfire eating s’mores and singing Christmas carols. Oh, and Santa Claus is inside the Country Store on Thursdays through Sundays. You won’t want to miss him!

Celebration of Lights at The Concourse

The Concourse is in Shady Hills, Florida. Every year, there is a Celebration of Lights held there during the holiday season.

After you have driven through to see the lights, stop and park the car. This will allow you to board the train to Safety Town. There are more holiday lights in Safety Town for you to enjoy with your family.

A Christmas village is also in Safety Town. There are more lights within this Christmas village. And you never know when you may spot Santa Claus!

Christmas Nights in Lights at Dezerland Park

Dezerland Action Park Orlando is known for being one of the favorite family attractions. However, during the holiday season, there is a mile-long section filled with more than a million lighted holiday displays.

You will find this new seasonal attraction in Florida at 5250 International Dr. It is recommended you enter the parking lot from West Oak Ridge Road.

This event was originally held in Mobile, Alabama. However, it is now held in an area that is perfect for many Florida residents. According to Ari Rosenbaum, the partner of Christmas Nights in Lights, “After a successful eight-year run in Mobile, Alabama, we are excited to bring our attraction to Central Florida residents and business and leisure visitors from around the globe. The advance-reservation option makes it convenient and easy for guests to fit this experience into their busy holiday schedules.”

This Christmas light drive thru Florida event is held between November 11th and January 1st. It is considered a festive staple of the Central Florida region.

Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular in Ocala

You will need to use a private radio frequency to listen to the music while driving through to see the multitude of lights at the Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular. When you arrive, you will see signs telling you which station to tune your vehicle’s car stereo to.

This incredible holiday event is hosted by the Florida Horse Park. You will drive through approximately 2 miles of lighted displays.

This spectacle of the synchronized light show may become a new local tradition when you are in Florida during the holidays.

There are food trucks and ice skating rinks every day this event is open. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you will have the chance to listen to live music, visit with Santa, and wander through Santa Land. Oh, and make sure you take the time to take one of the train rides.

The ticket prices vary according to the activities. This is an additional fee you pay after the cost to drive through the event.

This event is only open on the weekends from November 25th through the weekend before Christmas. It is then open the entire week leading up to Christmas. The event then opens back up on weekends until December 30th.

Enchanted Place of North Miami

Enchanted Place is a holiday light display that is held in a residential neighborhood. The homeowners all decorate their homes so everyone can enjoy a little holiday magic in the Sunshine State.

This event is held from December 3rd through January 6th.

Night of Lights in St. Augustine

One of the best Christmas lights drive thru experiences in Florida is the Night of Lights in St. Augustine. This is one of our favorite things to do in Orlando for Christmas even though it’s technically not in Orlando at all!

You will find lights all throughout this town. But the best places to see the lights are down along the bayfront and at the Plaza de la Constitucion.

Check out things to do in St. Augustine with Kids for even more things to do while you’re visiting St. Augustine.

Mount Dora Christmas Lights in Mount Dora

As you are driving through Mount Dora, you will see a multitude of Christmas lights. Your family will love the animated displays near the boating center. The Christmas tree in Sunset Park is always a hit as well.

I recommend playing Christmas music on your car radio as you are driving around. It will really put you in the Christmas spirit, especially if you listen to the popular holiday classics.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami

You will have more than one showcase of holiday displays if you are spending time in Miami over the holidays. Santa’s Enchanted Forest begins on November 9th. That gives your family plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.

In addition to the holiday lights, you will have a chance to go on thrilling rides and play games. This is a great way to celebrate the holidays, especially if this is your first time spending Christmas in Florida.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

A drive through to see the lights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates will have you viewing the 21-acre botanical garden as well.

There are thousands of lights throughout the gardens. I recommend parking in the parking lot after your drive. This will allow you to tour both the Edison and Ford homes.

If you can plan your visit just right, you may even be there for the tree-lighting ceremony.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

Okay, so you can’t drive through to see the holiday lights at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. However, I had to put this on the list because celebrating Christmas at the theme parks in Orlando is so much fun! It may even be the best option in North Central Florida during the holidays.

This event will be held between November 9th and December 22nd, 2023.

Join in on the fun by watching the parade and fireworks. Everyone in your family should dance with the Disney characters throughout the park. After all, your dancing skills may result in a free holiday treat!

Oh, and keep an eye out for snow flurries as you are walking down Main Street USA.

More Disney Travel tips:

• The best place to stay in Orlando for Disney
• 30 Things to Do at Disney World Resorts
• The Closest Disney Resorts to the Parks
• How to keep cool at Disney World
• 7 things to know about the Disney Skyliner

The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg

The Oakdale Christmas House was featured on HGTV. That makes this house in a residential neighborhood a popular option for anyone searching for Christmas lights drive throughs in Florida.

The massive crowds might not make this your best option for drive thru Christmas lights in Florida. I recommend parking your car and walking through to avoid much of the traffic.

If you want a glimpse of this Christmas phenomenon before you go, watch the news. It is always part of the latest news section of the local report.

These best holiday lights open the day after Thanksgiving and continue until Christmas Day.

Lights 4 Hope in West Palm Beach

Lights 4 Hope is held in Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach every year. It is a popular event that works with local hospitals to bring joy to families at Christmas.

This is considered one of the best Christmas light drive-throughs in the state. If you are looking to help spread holiday cheer this year, head over for this special event.

Winter Village in Tampa

When you are planning your Christmas nights, you will want to have the Winter Village in Tampa near the top of your list. This event is held in Curtis Hixon Park. It usually opens around November 18th.

The Winter Village looks like a real town from a Hallmark movie. You can even enter the shops and cafes scattered throughout this village.

To really appreciate the lights, I recommend taking a ride on the Winter Village Express. It will only add to the magic of the holiday season.

Light Up the Holidays in Altamonte Springs

Light Up the Holidays is a family-friendly event in Altamonte Springs. This free event is packed with live entertainment and even a visit from Santa.

Drive through the park to see the lighted displays. Then, stop by the booths before watching the fireworks light up the sky.

Tampa Bay Festival of Lights in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Festival of Lights is held at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Besides the lighted displays, you will find Santa’s Village.

There is so much happening at this holiday event. Your family will have the chance to visit with Santa’s helpers and a few mischievous elves. However, the best part is seeing the giant gingerbread house.

Christmas in Color Animated Light Show in Kissimmee

The Island H2O Live! Water Park is truly the place to be when you are searching for the best Christmas light displays. Some of the larger-than-life light installations include singing snowmen and giant candy canes.

The LED tunnels are usually the most fascinating.

Dazzling Lights in the Harry P. Leu Gardens

You can’t go wrong when you add the Dazzling Lights to your list of best holiday lights drive. The event dates for Dazzling Lights begin on November 25th.

There are more than half a million sparkling lights throughout the gardens. All those lights put on a spectacular synchronized show for families of all ages.

When you are done checking out the dancing lights, stop to do a little holiday shopping. Or at least watch the live entertainment.

Photo is property of Harry P. Leu Gardens

Christmas Lights in the Acres in Plantation Acres

It is best to plan ahead for this affordable holiday fun activity. You can purchase tickets in advance for a specific time slot to ensure entry on busy days.

The event dates are usually a couple of days before Thanksgiving until December 30th. The event is closed for certain days throughout the season. This is another reason why advance tickets are an excellent option: you won’t show up on a day the event is closed.

Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park

Largo Central Park is located in Largo, Florida. Every holiday season, they light up the park with holiday light displays.

You cannot drive through this park to see the lights. But you can walk through to see many of them up close.

In addition to walking through to see the twinkling lights, your family can ride on the Ferris wheel. This is an excellent way to see all the lights from way up high.

The Best Christmas Lights Drive Thru in Florida

There you have it, The Best Christmas Lights Drive Thru in Florida. Did your favorite drive-thru lights in Florida make the list? If not, make sure to let us know in the comments so we can add them to the list!

More Florida Travel Tips

If you enjoyed this post with the Best Christmas Lights Drive Thru in Florida, make sure to check out some of our best Florida travel tips!

• 22 Things to Do at Universal Orlando
• The Ultimate List of Florida Lighthouses
• The best state parks near Orlando
• The 25 Best East Florida Beaches
• A Guide to Crab Island in Destin, Florida

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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