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12+ Best Drive-Thru Christmas Light Displays in Florida (2023)

Last Updated on December 13, 2023

Are you looking for the best drive-thru Christmas light displays in Florida? We have collected some fantastic options for you.

Lightner Museum decorated with lights during Night of Lights

With the holiday season upon us, Christmas light displays are abundant in many different places throughout Florida.

These particular displays have drive-thru experiences, and some even have other holiday festivities going on at the same time.

Light Up Your Holidays tree by Visit Tallahassee
Source: Visit Tallahassee

This means you can enjoy holiday events with Christmas villages, live entertainment, hot chocolate, and larger-than-life light installations, too.

Florida holiday light drive thru.

We have gathered our favorite drive-thru Christmas light displays in Florida.

Each place features the best holiday lights and fun for the entire family during this wonderful time of the year. 

Florida Christmas Tree

These events happen to be sprinkled throughout the Sunshine State. We highly recommend planning a weekend getaway and exploring the surrounding areas.

These Christmas light displays in Florida are located in fun destinations.

Northwest Florida

Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display – Milton

Holiday light drive-thru.

When: November 27, 2023 through December 25, 2023 from 5:30 pm to 9 pm

Where: Sowell Farms, 7650 Sowell Rd, Milton, FL 32570

More information: Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display is a family-friendly event full of holiday cheer.

There is a drive-thru wonderland of lights with over one million Christmas lights on display.

Rottweiler on Santa's Lap with the words Sowell's North Pole at the bottom of the image.
Source: Sowell’s North Pole

There are also photos with Santa Claus, train rides, camel rides, elf shack, popcorn, hot cocoa, and more.

CASH ONLY is accepted at the gate. The cost to get in is $20 per car. Train rides are an additional $2 per person.

It’s a perfect Christmas season event for the entire family.

Learn more about the event from Sowell’s North Pole on Facebook.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Experience Authentic Pensacola (& Pensacola Beach)

North Central Florida

Suwannee Lights – Live Oak

Graphic reaading Suwannee Lights November 21 - December 30, 2023.

When: November 21, 2023 through December 30, 2023 from 6 pm to 10 pm

Where: 3076 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060

More information: The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park is the site of Suwannee Lights, the perfect event to get you in the holiday spirit.

The light experience includes 10 million lights with both drive-thru and walk-thru options.

Suwannee Lights Display

Thursdays through Sundays, kids can meet Santa Claus in the Country Store.

Suwannee Lights also have campfires, s’mores, and caroling in addition to the holiday light show.

Learn more about the event from Suwannee Lights.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Live Oak is aLIVE with Fun Outdoor Experiences!

Light Up Your Holidays – Tallahassee

Light Up Your Holidays Tallahassee 2023 flyer by AuthenticFlorida.com

When: November 23, 2023 through January 1, 2024; Weekdays from 6 – 10 pm, and weekends from 5:30 – 11 pm, weather permitting.

Where: Dorothy B. Oven Park, 3205 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308

More information: Light Up Your Holidays in Tallahassee! Dorothy B. Oven Park offers visitors a mesmerizing display of Christmas lights. It runs nightly through New Year’s Day.

Light Up Your Holidays in Tallahassee Pavillon

Drive through this magical experience with your lights off and windows down to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Elf Night 2023 flyer created by AuthenticFlorida.com

In addition, be sure to check out Elf Night on December 14th, from 5:30 – 8 pm! It’s an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies.

Vehicles are not allowed to drive thru or use the parking lot on Elf Night. Parking is available next door at the Thomasville Road Baptist Church.

Light Up Your Holidays photo by Visit Tallahassee
Source: Visit Tallahassee

The holiday light display and Elf Night are free and open to the public.

Learn more about the event from the Visit Tallahassee website.

Northeast Florida

Nights of Lights in St. Augustine

When: November 18, 2023 through January 28, 2024

Where: 170 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

More information: The city of St. Augustine is adorned with over three million lights for just over two months.

During the display, local businesses stay open later to allow dining and viewing of the lights.

Night of lights st augustine.

You can also board a train or trolley for a special tour of all of the lights.

Learn more about the event from Visit St. Augustine.

While in the area, don’t miss the Top Things to Do in St. Augustine in 2024.

Jax Illuminations (2023 dates are cancelled; 2024 dates coming soon.)

kids seeing holiday lights.

When: Not running for 2023. Back in 2024.

Where: Regency Square Mall, 9501 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32225

More information: Jax Illuminations is Jacksonville’s best drive-thru holiday light show.

Guests drive through a path of holiday light displays with dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music they can tune into with their car radio.

Learn more about the event from Jax Illuminations.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Things to Do in Jacksonville.

Central West Florida

Celebration of Lights at The Concourse – Shady Hills

Celebration of Lights at The Concourse.
Source: Celebration of Lights at The Concourse

When: November 24, 25, & 26, 2023; December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, & 23, 2023 from 6 pm to 9 pm

Where: 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd, Shady Hills, FL 34610

More information: Celebration of Lights at the Concourse is a fun, special event with a drive-thru light display.

You can also park and board a train to Safety Town, including more holiday lights, or walk the same path.

Celebration of Lights at The Concourse.
Source: Celebration of Lights at The Concourse

There is a Christmas village waiting for you at Safety Town, with tons more lights and, of course, Santa Claus and his helpers.

Learn more about the event at Celebration Lights of Florida.

Central Florida

The Wonderland of Lights/America’s Christmas Village – Auburndale

Sign reading Wonderland of Lights.

When: December 1, 2023, through December 30, 2023, from 6 pm to 9 pm

Where: 1052 US-92, Auburndale, FL 33823

More information: Auburndale hosts one of the biggest holiday events in Central Florida with The Wonderland of Lights & America’s Christmas Village.

There is a gorgeous drive-thru Christmas lights display, in addition to a bunch of fun family activities.

Elephants at Celebration of Lights at The Concourse.
Source: Celebration of Lights

The Christmas Village has games, crafts, and entertainment, as well as food and drink options.

Christmas light tunnel

Meet Santa and be dazzled by the light shows and holiday music at this exciting event. 

Learn more about the event on The Wonderland of Lights Website.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: “Dazzling Nights” Hit Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns to Orlando.

Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular

Graphic reading Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular.

When: Select nights between November 24, 2023, and December 29, 2023, from 6 pm to 10 pm. 

Where: Florida Horse Park, 11851 Southwest 16th Ave, Ocala, FL 34480

More information: The Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular is a fun holiday event hosted by Florida Horse Park.

The drive-thru Christmas light show is nearly 2 miles long, with Christmas music you can tune into using your car’s radio (K Country 93.7).

The event also has walk-thru areas, food trucks, and ice skating.

Train rides at Christmas Nights in Lights
Source: Christmas Nights in Lights

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the park has the following:

  • Santa Land
  • Family-friendly event with train rides
  • Live music
  • Kids’ activities
  • Free visits with Santa

Learn more about the event on the Ocala Christmas Website.

While in the area, check out Oh, Ocala! Things to Do in Ocala!

Central East Florida

Magic of Lights – Daytona

Magic of Lights Daytona promotional flyer.

When: November 17, 2023, through December 31, 2023, from 6 pm to 10 pm

Where: 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona, FL 32114

More information: Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway is a festive drive-thru holiday lights experience.

Holiday lights drive-thru at Magic of Lights Daytona

It features holiday scenes and characters with LED lights and digital animations.

You can view it all from the comfort of your car.

Magic of Lights car in a light tunnel.
Source: Magic of Lights

Each ticket to this event benefits AdventHealth facilities in Volusia and Flagler counties. 

Learn more about the event from Magic of Lights.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: A Visit to Daytona Beach: “The World’s Most Famous Beach”

Southeast Florida

Holiday Fantasy of Lights – Coconut Creek

holiday lights.

When: November 22, 2023 through January 1, 2024 from 6 pm to 10 pm

Where: Tradewinds Park, 3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

More information: Holiday Fantasy of Lights is an annual South Florida event with a 3-mile-long drive-thru of Christmas light displays.

Light drive thru exhibit at Fantasy of Lights.
Source: Holiday Fantasy of Lights

The drive-thru is open every night, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Source: Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Enjoy exciting, larger-than-life displays spread throughout the park during this fun local tradition. 

This is the 29th year for the Holiday Fantasy of Lights in Coconut Creek.

Learn more about the event from the Holiday Lights Drive Thru.

Enchanted Place of North Miami

Christmas lights in neighborhood.

When: December 3, 2023 through January 6, 2024

Where: 1800 NE 137th Terrace, North Miami, FL 33181

More information: Enchanted Place of North Miami is a FREE event in Southeast Florida.

People can drive down a street with a beautifully lit display of holiday lights.

Elves in front of a light exhibit.
Source: Enchanted Place of North Miami

See the neighborhood come together for this cool local display of Christmas cheer.

Learn more about the event from Enchanted NoMi.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: 8 Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami

Lights 4 Hope Holiday Light Show – West Palm Beach

Drive thru light show promotional flyer.
Source: Lights 4 Hope

When: Select nights between November 17th and December 30th

Where: Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33413 (Near Micanopy Pavillion, after the soccer fields, before Pooch Pines Dog Park)

More information: The Lights 4 Hope Holiday Light Show is a drive-thru holiday lights display in West Palm Beach.

Lights 4 Hope in West Palm Beach
Source: Lights 4 Hope

The route includes over two miles of festive decor and synchronized light displays.

Ticket purchases for this event assist the nonprofit organization Lights 4 Hope in helping local families during their toughest times.

Bikers riding down a lighted trail.
Source: Lights 4 Hope

Bike Night is December 30th, when the drive-thru path will be open exclusively for bicyclists.

Learn more about the event from Lights 4 Hope.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: 6 Fun Things to Do Around the Palm Beaches.

Southwest Florida

Magic of Lights – Naples

Magic of Lights now open

When: November 17, 2023 through December 31, 2023

Where: Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave., Naples, FL 34120

More information: Enjoy the holiday by cruising through a variety of lights at the Magic of Lights drive-thru at the Collier Fairgrounds.

Magic of Lights Naples

You can also enjoy Santa’s Village, AR surprises, and more. Even better, you can pay one flat price for your entire carload.

Learn more about this event from Magic of Lights.

While in the area, don’t miss the Ultimate Guide to Naples, Florida

Feel free to post any Christmas lights in Florida or festival of lights you come across in the comments below.

Holiday Lights in the Gardens – Largo

When: November 24, 2023 through December 31st, 2023, from 5:30 – 9:30 pm nightly.

Where: Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774 and 12211 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL 33778

More information: The Florida Botanical Gardens puts on an epic holiday light display every year.

Flamingos at Holiday Lights in the Florida Botanical Gardens
Source: Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

The Florida Botanical Gardens sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out the displays to wow guests of all ages.

Enjoy the beautiful light display as you stroll along the many ADA-compliant walkways. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcomed.

There are free kids activities in the Majeed Discovery Garden every Monday and Friday evening throughout the month of December.

Signing Santa with Family Center on Deafness
Friday, December 15th, 2023 from 5-7 PM

FNGLA/Florida Farm Bureau Craft Weekend
Friday, December 15th-Sunday, December 17th, 2023 from 5:30-9:30 PM

Learn more about the event at the Florida Botanical Garden website.

Also, we’d love to see your holiday decorating and unique Florida Christmas trees, so share photos and videos on our social pages using the hashtag #AuthenticFlorida.

Looking for more Florida fun during the holiday season?

3 thoughts on “12+ Best Drive-Thru Christmas Light Displays in Florida (2023)”

  1. Hi There!

    How do we get our light show featured in your Southeast Florida event section? Check us out : http://www.lights4hope.org

    This is our 6th year and with the proceeds we are able to help numerous local children and families.

    We hope to see you at our show!

    Reply

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