Posted in Florida October 03, 2019 by

The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Florida That Will Take You To 6 Magical Displays

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 Christmas lights road trip 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.

Google Maps
1. St. Augustine
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.
2. Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka
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.
3. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
Flickr/Darryl Kenyon
Rainbow Springs hosts 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.
4. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa
Flickr/Steven Martin
This beloved state park's Celebration of Lights will run for nine 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.
5. Mount Dora
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.
6. Stetson Mansion, DeLand
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, at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., every day except on Sunday mornings. Reservations required.

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!

Address: St. Augustine, FL, USA
Address: Ravine Gardens State Park, 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177, USA
Address: Homosassa Springs, FL, USA
Address: Stetson Mansion, 1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720, USA
Address: Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas Lights Road Trip In Florida

October 17, 2019
Marisa Roman

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 to 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.

Address: St. Augustine, FL, USA
Address: Ravine Gardens State Park, 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177, USA
Address: Homosassa Springs, FL, USA
Address: Stetson Mansion, 1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720, USA
Address: Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA