Looking for something fun to bring the whole family together? Is there a Scrooge in your family who needs an extra push to get in the Christmas spirit? We have just the thing for you: a most magical road trip to check out the best Christmas lights in Florida. All of these places just happen to be fun to visit year-round, too, so you could even take this road trip after the holidays are over and still have a great time. But we suggest taking it while they’re all lit up to really make it a magical season:

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1. St. Augustine
St. Augustine, FL, USA
Flickr/Om
During the holiday season, our nation's oldest city really shines. It has made several lists of top Christmas displays in the country. Every night from mid-November through the end of January, the city is decorated with millions of tiny lights. Take a trolley tour, a scenic boat tour, or even a romantic carriage ride to take in all the magic. St. Augustine is without a doubt one of the best Christmas towns in Florida, hands down!
2. Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka
Ravine Gardens State Park, 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177, USA
floridastateparks.org
Visit this charming park in North Florida on certain evenings in December to take part in the Caroling the Ravines celebration, complete with a light show, wagon rides, luminaries, and musical performances. Also plan a visit during specific nights in December to catch a rare glimpse of the park after dark and a special holiday light show. Check out the most up-to-date schedule for fun holiday events in Florida's state parks on the official website.

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3. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
Rainbow Springs State Park, SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL, USA
Flickr/Darryl Kenyon
Rainbow Springs is known for hosting the annual Santa Over The Rainbow Celebration, in which Santa arrives by pontoon boat to visit the impeccably decorated state park. Guests of all ages will appreciate this beautiful park covered in half a million twinkling lights. This is one magical evening you do not want to miss! Be sure to keep an eye on the official Rainbow Springs State Park website for the most up-to-date info on this year's festivities.
4. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446, USA
Flickr/Steven Martin
This beloved state park's Celebration of Lights will run for multiple nights, giving you a little wiggle room in scheduling your trip. Visit any evening during the run for one heck of a memorable holiday experience. The celebration features a synchronized light and sound display, beautiful lights and decorations, music, live entertainment, and refreshments for sale. Keep an eye on the official website for details about this year's events!
5. Mount Dora
Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Flickr/Jared
Whether you already know and love this quaint little town or you've never visited, you should schedule your trip soon. This year, the town will be decorated with more than two million dazzling lights throughout the month of December. There will be various events all month long, including a boat parade, bus tours, and a truly magical train ride. This is one of our favorite small towns in Florida all year, but during the holidays it's extra special.
6. Stetson Mansion, DeLand
Stetson Mansion, 1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720, USA
Facebook/Stetson Mansion Tours
This mansion that once belonged to the famous hatmaker blends different architectural styles and Gilded Age decorations and is considered Florida's first luxury home. The house is especially impressive when it's all dressed up for the holidays with gorgeous and creative decorations. Christmas tours will take place through mid-January. Tours run 75 to 90 minutes long every day except on Sunday mornings. Reservations required. This is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Florida, so be ready for fun!

Are you ready to hit the road on this Christmas lights road trip in Florida? Don’t forget to share your photos on our Facebook page, and let us know about other unforgettable holiday destinations!

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Christmas Lights Road Trip In Florida

Marisa Roman | October 17, 2019

What city has the best Christmas lights in Florida?

It is highly debatable which cities have the best light displays in Florida, especially because so many of them go all out when the holidays roll around. We’ve included Mount Dora on the list above because they go above and beyond in order to make every Christmas most magical. However, it really is no debating—St. Augustine is one of the premier cities for the best and biggest light display in Florida. As the oldest city in the country, St. Augustine gets decked out every year with tons of decorations, glittering lights, and holiday regalia. This is one city stop you don’t want to miss.

What is the one best light display in Florida?

It’s pretty hard to narrow down the best light display in Florida, especially when they are so many beautiful ones to choose from. While some residents may want to see the biggest light display in Florida, others may simply hope for one that blows the others right out of the water. The Night of Lights celebration in St. Augustine has millions of tiny white lights dotting the old city, creating a magical light show that will dazzle everyone who visits. If you’re looking to really level up the experience, you can even take a specialty tour that provides ground AND air tours to really get a view of these lights that you won’t find elsewhere.

What else can I do around the holidays in Florida?

If you’re looking for things to do at Christmas in Florida then you’ve certainly come to the right place. There are tons of holiday activities throughout the Sunshine State beyond just visiting Disney World. Start prepping your holiday calendars, because these activities will keep you busy all season long. A few of the best attractions to check out in Florida during the holidays include Pensacola Winterfest, ICE! At Gaylord Palms, Santa’s Enchanted Forest, Sandi Land in West Palm Beach, and The Annual Key West Holiday Fest.

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