Floridians might not get a white Christmas, but our “winter” nights have never looked so bright as holiday light displays go above and beyond to spread holiday cheer. While hopping in your car and driving around local neighborhoods to view the lights displays created by homeowners or walking through downtown are two options that only cost the amount you spend in gas, here are several holiday staples, and a new scary option, sure to delight the young and young-at-heart this season.
Christmas Lane
Location: Charlie Grimes Family Agriculture Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival, 2508 West Oak Ave., Plant City
Dates/Times: Weekends from Fri., Nov. 24 thru Sun., Dec. 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., it will be open the every day from Thu., Dec. 14 thru Sun., Dec. 24 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets: $10 plus tax for ages 13 and up, $8 plus tax for ages four to 12, free for ages three and under
What started at Lane Wetherington’s family farm in Dover in 1984 has grown into a holiday favorite for families around central Florida. More than 2,000 volunteer hours have gone into the preparation for this year’s Christmas Lane, a staple in the community. With more than 1.5 million lights, drawing more than 180,000 watts of power, adorning more than 200 Christmas trees, you’re sure to get your fill of Christmas spirit. The event features local entertainers, an expanded light maze, food vendors, rides and more. A KidZone will offer face painting, crafts, a LEGO build station and the chance to write and mail a letter to Santa. For more information visit christmaslane.com.
Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover
Dates/Times: Open every evening from Thu. Nov. 23 thru Sun, Dec. 31, various times
Tickets: $25 per carload (up to eight people) or $80 per busload (up to 30 people), on nights Santa’s Village isn’t open, tickets are $20.
Your hometown festival returns with more lights, new entertainment and the gift of family fun. Beginning Thanksgiving Day and running through New Year’s Eve, Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village envelops families in more than one million lights along an expanded two-mile drive. Visitors can also visit Santa’s Village on select dates, packed with tasty treats and activities, including holiday-themed rides, a Holiday Market and the Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village, complete with fire pits where families can make s’mores. Visits with Santa, Santa’s workshop with craft stations, Santa’s Barnyard, camel rides, holiday movies and live entertainment on the weekends promises endless fun for the entire family. For more information or tickets visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com.
The Lights of Christmas
Location: First Baptist Church of Plant City
Dates/Times: Sun., Nov. 26 thru Mon., Jan. 1, nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Experience the wonder of more than 80,000 synchronized lights, great music and a message of hope in this 40-minute show. Watch from your car or bring a blanket or chairs and sit outside to enjoy the show. For more information visit fbcpc.com.
Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas Trail
Location: 2837 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy.
Dates/Times: Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Dec. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $29.99 per person
Not for the faint of heart, experience Sir Henry’s haunted Christmas event, “Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas!” This spooky, frightful Christmas event will feature two of their famous haunted trails adorned with creepy Christmas themes. They’ll also have an escape game and laser tag (for an additional fee). Tickets must be purchased online in advance at sirhenryshauntedtrail.com.
43rd Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Lakeland
Dates/Times: Thu., Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: None/Free
There will be plenty of Christmas Lights to see at the 42nd annual Lakeland Christmas Parade (“Christmas in Candy Land”), hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland. A fireworks display over Lake Mirror will kick off the festivities at 7 p.m. The parade will begin at the RP Funding Center, make its way down Lemon Street and twist and turn through downtown Lakeland. For more information visit lakelandgov.net.
Nights of Shimmering Lights in Dover
Location: SunKissed Acres, 2302 N. Dover Rd., Dover
Dates/Times: Select nights Nov. 24 thru Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $8 in advance, $9 at the gate
SunKissed Acres has joined with Nights of Shimmering Lights to offer a self-guided 1/3-mile walking trail through dancing lights to music, a play area with games, outdoor movies and light refreshments for all to enjoy. Children will delight in the FOAM play area, offered on select nights. Tickets are required for children three years old and older. For more information or to purchase advance tickets visit nightsofshimmeringlights.com.
Tampa’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Location: Downtown Tampa
Dates/Times: Sat., Dec. 23 at 6 p.m.
Tickets: None/Free
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen the Saturday before Christmas along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. Snag a spot along the parade route and watch the lighted boats float past. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf. For more information visit thetampariverwalk.com.