PLAYGROUNDWe put together a list of the brightest spots within driving distance of Orlando that are worth visiting. Grab a selfie stick, hop in the car, and get ready to be wowed by these awe-inducing holiday light installations in Central Florida:
Altamonte Springs
Holiday Light Displays & Fountain Show
Crane’s Roost Park
November 25, 2021-January 2, 2022
Light Up the Holidays event: December 4, 2021
Enjoy over 200,000 lights on more than 100-holiday displays. The highlight in the park is the 60-foot tall Christmas tree with more than 8,000 LED lights, 2,600 ornaments and over one mile of garland! A crowd favorite, the Plaza fountain features special shows with dancing water and dazzling lights choreographed to classic holiday tunes. Note: The fountain show does not run during the holiday movies on December 9 and 16. The Light Up the Holidays event on December 4, 2021, is a one-night event that will include fireworks, ice skating, live music and dance performances, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus and kid’s activities.
Casselberry
The Fye’s Crazy Christmas House
407 Eagle Circle, Casselberry
Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m. & Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m.
The Fye’s Crazy Christmas House has about 50,000 lights, a music light show, a sleigh to sit and take pictures in, and a mailbox to send your letters to Santa!
Celebration
Lights on Jeater Bend
Jeater Bend Drive, Celebration
The Lights on Jeater Bend are 11 homes decorated for Christmas. The lights are synchronized to music, projection, water and fire.
Daytona
Magic of Lights
Daytona International Speedway
November 19, 2021-January 1, 2022, 6-10 p.m.
A drive-through, family-friendly holiday lights extravaganza brings a dazzling display of more than one million lights, all viewed within the comfort and safety of your vehicle.
See our pick of the best holiday books for kids.
Kissimmee
Night of A Million Lights
Give Kids the World Village
November 12, 2021-January 2, 2022
Night of a Million Lights is a one-of-a-kind, fully immersive holiday lights spectacular scheduled to dazzle the public at Give Kids The World Village. Visitors can watch a dancing lights show in a fairytale neighborhood; stroll amidst millions of lights, featuring a sparkling tree trail; enjoy festive music and holiday treats; take a tram ride through the storybook village; visit a holiday marketplace; and create unforgettable memories at the place Where Happiness Inspires Hope. Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical non-profit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora Christmas
November 13, 2021-January 2, 2022
Discover over 2 million sparkling lights at Donnelly Park in historic downtown Mount Dora, an outstanding light display at Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina and don’t miss the Main Street Leasing Christmas Tree in Sunset Park on Alexander Street.
Orlando
Dazzling Nights
Harry P. Leu Gardens
November 19, 2021- January 9, 2022
This is Playground Magazine’s favorite holiday event in Orlando for families. Stroll through beautiful gardens while experiencing new visual adventures along every bend. Read more here.
Downtown for the Holidays
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show
Lake Eola Park
December 3 – January 6
Beginning December 3, the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree comes alive with synchronized light and music.
Here's a list of the best holiday events in Orlando.
Melbourne
Space Coast Light Fest
November 19, 2021-January 2, 2022
Drive through only for $20 per car or stroll through the lights on December 3rd, 4th and 5th (walking only, no cars, $5 per person).
Sanford
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
November 2021-January 2022
The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is a celebration of the culture, art and beauty of Asia’s traditional lantern festivals. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is transformed into a dazzling evening experience featuring more than 30 larger-than-life illuminated sculptures depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. In addition to the hand-made LED lit lanterns, festival attendees will get to enjoy local food and beverage options, live music and authentic artisan crafts.
St. Augustine
Nights of Lights
November 20, 2021- January 31, 2022
White lights drape the city’s unique Spanish Colonial architecture and glow from the downtown sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions, along historic buildings, public spaces, hotels, restaurants, and inns throughout approximately 20 blocks of the Nation’s Oldest City’s historic district. Many guests enjoy a trolly tour through this magical city during the holiday season. The season kicks off with the Light-Up! Night event on November 20 at 6 p.m.
Winter Haven
Santa’s House by the Bigda’s
December 4-31, 2021
See over 150,000 lights spread over 2 homes including tons of animated Disney characters and a working scale train! This display was featured in 2020 on the Great Christmas Light Fight television show. Display will run nightly till New Year’s Eve.
Winter Park
Winter Wonderland of Lights
Central Winds Park
December 5th, 10th, 11th, or 12th
Winter Springs shows its pride for their community with a special drive through holiday lights display.
Johannessen Light Display
7849 Georgeann Street, Winter Park, FL 32792
Nightly in December from 6–9 p.m. (Closed Christmas Eve)
Did you see these adorable virtual Christmas activites you can do at home with the kids?
Heather Reneau