The holidays are a time for celebration, and everyone loves to enjoy the festive atmosphere created by beautiful Christmas lights. For residents in North Florida, the holiday season is especially enjoyable, as the area is full of festive displays to enjoy. From neighborhoods to downtowns and shopping centers, North Florida is alive with sparkling lights and decorations. To help you plan your holiday activities, here is a guide to the best places to find North Florida Christmas lights.
Carillon Lights
The annual Carillon Lights display is a tradition in Tallahassee. The show includes more than two million lights that create a festive atmosphere at the 20-acre Lake Ella park. Visitors can walk the grounds or drive around the lake to enjoy the spectacular light show. Nearby is the Carillon Cafe, where visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and snacks while marveling at the lights. The Carillon Lights display runs through New Year’s Day, so it’s a great way to start the New Year with a little holiday cheer.
Downtown Lights
If you’re looking for a downtown experience, look no further than Gainesville. Every year, the downtown area is illuminated with twinkling Christmas lights and decorations, creating an atmosphere that is truly festive. The city also hosts a holiday parade and live music performances. Take a stroll down Main Street and enjoy the holiday lights, or visit the nearby Hippodrome Theatre for some seasonal entertainment.
Gadsden County Christmas Lights
Gadsden County is home to Quincy, a small city that goes all out with its holiday decorations and lights. The city center is illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a dazzling display. Visitors can enjoy the light show with a stroll down Main Street or a drive around the lake. Gadsden County also offers many other holiday activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, and a Christmas parade.
Tallahassee Lights
Tallahassee is home to a number of spectacular holiday light displays. The city is full of festive decorations, from the outdoor displays at Cascades Park to the lights and decorations of Maclay Gardens. Visitors can also take a tour of the illuminated homes in the Frenchtown neighborhood. There are also several holiday events and activities in the city, such as the Holiday Nights of Lights show at the Tallahassee Museum.
St. Augustine Lights
The city of St. Augustine is known for its historical charm, but during the holidays it is a magical place. Every year, the city comes alive with festive lights and decorations. Visitors can take a stroll along the bayfront to enjoy the holiday lights, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s historic streets. The Christmas Lights Festival at the Mission of Nombre De Dios is also a popular event.
Jacksonville Lights
Jacksonville is home to some of the most spectacular holiday light displays in North Florida. Visitors can take a tour of the city’s illuminated neighborhoods, or visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for their annual Zoo Lights show. The zoo is transformed into a dazzling display of holiday lights, with more than a million lights creating a festive atmosphere. There are also several other holiday activities in the city, such as the Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex Skyscraper Light Show and the Holiday at the Museum event at the Museum of Science and History.
Panama City Beach Lights
The holiday season at Panama City Beach is filled with festive events and activities. Visitors can take a stroll along the beachfront to enjoy the glittering holiday lights, or take a tour of the illuminated neighborhoods. There are also live music performances, a holiday parade, a Christmas market, and outdoor ice skating.
Destin Lights
Destin is home to one of the most popular holiday light displays in North Florida. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with holiday lights adorning buildings, homes, and parks. Visitors can take a holiday stroll along the harbor, or take a drive around the city to enjoy the festive atmosphere. There are also several holiday-themed events in the city, such as a tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas parade, and live music performances.
Endless Holiday Fun in North Florida
North Florida is a great place to spend the holidays, with a wide variety of festive lights and activities to enjoy. From the twinkling lights of downtowns to the illuminated neighborhoods of small towns, there is something for everyone. So, take some time to enjoy the holidays and all the wonderful holiday lights that North Florida has to offer.