Just because we live in the Sunshine State doesn’t mean that we can’t experience a Winter Wonderland! All throughout Florida there are gorgeous, over-the-top holiday displays that will get you in the spirit. Below is a list of places to check out.
SOUTH FLORIDA
December 10 at 6:30 p.m.
512 Northeast 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale
Winterfestparade.com
This wondrous annual event started back in 1971 with 20 boats. Every year, this parade of decorated boats and yachts has grown bigger and bigger — 1 million gather to watch every year. This year is the Boat Parade’s 40th anniversary, so expect it to be more elaborate than ever. The theme is Rockin’ Boats and Holiday Floats.
On display daily, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
7706 NW 25th Street
Margate
LauderdaleChristmas.com
More than 65,000 LED lights decorate this amazing display. This event, which has been featured on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” has been around for over 10 years. When you get within 200 feet of the house, tune your car radio to 100.9 MHz to hear music that the Christmas lights are sequenced to.
Now through January 8, 5 p.m. to midnight
7900 Bird Road
Miami
SantasEnchantedForest.com
A 92-foot tall Christmas tree is the centerpiece of this extravaganza which is known as the world’s largest Christmas theme park. If that isn’t impressive enough, there are literally millions of sparkly lights around plus over 100 rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, snacks, and Santa himself. Visit the website for tickets.
Now through January 2, 6 to 10 p.m.
3600 W. Sample Road
Coconut Creek
Holidaylightsdrivethru.com
Are you the type that likes to drive through neighborhoods gawking at all the pretty, sparkly lights? Then this event is for you! Hop in your car and drive through three miles of animated light displays and illuminated trees at this annual event at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. They also offer a 3-D experience!
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Now through January 1, Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
UCF Arena
Building 50, North Gemini Blvd.
Orlando
LightUpUCF.com
Light Up UCF offers 50 nights of music, lights and ice! They have ice skating, a light show, film festival and attractions like a Ferris Wheel, Santa Train, Chimney Launch and Photos with Santa. Nearly 75,000 individual lights pulse in time to holiday music at this huge annual event.
Now through January 2
6000 W Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee
Gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/christmas-in-orlando/index.html
Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort offers a ton of excitement including ICE!™ featuring Dreamworks’ Shrek the Halls and 4.5 acres of a glittering winter wonderland hand-carved out of two million pounds of ice! They also have Kung Fu Panda Awesome Snow event with underground snow tunnels and rolling snow hills and so much more—check out their website for full details.
Of course, the Orlando Theme Parks are pulling out all the stops for this magnificent holiday season! Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade now through January 4; Disney’s Epcot is offering Holidays Around the World through December 30; Disney’s Hollywood Studios is offering Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights through January 3; and Disney’s Magic Kingdom is offering Disney’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party through December 18.
Now through Jan. 3, 6 to 10 p.m.
2719 Oakdale Street S.
St. Petersburg
ChristmasDisplay.org
In its 35th year, this famous display features half a million lights! It’s been featured on NBC’s “Today Show”, HGTV and in People Magazine. This elaborate and beautiful holiday display has a 70 foot Christmas Tree and has to be seen to be believed!
December 17, 8 to 10 p.m.
7th Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets
Ybor City
Seventh Avenue will be converted to a Winter Wonderland with snow this holiday season. Come check out this fun holiday event where it’s rumored Santa will make an appearance!
Now through January 1
Busch Boulevard and 40th Street
Downtown Tampa
Seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/Events/Holidays at Busch Gardens
There are many holiday- themed shows at Busch Gardens including Christmas on Ice, Christmas from the Heart and Christmas Celebration. In addition, the popular theme park is transformed into a holiday wonderland featuring a cappella carols by the Men of Note, spectacular poinsettias, festive decorations and classic holiday music.
These are just a sample of the many holiday festivals going on in your town.
Enjoy the gorgeous displays and have a Happy Holiday!
