Florida may be known for sunshine and beaches, but during the holiday season it transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, festive displays, and family traditions. From botanical gardens glowing with millions of LEDs to historic estates dressed in timeless holiday charm, Southwest Florida offers some of the most magical Christmas light experiences in the state. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll, a family-friendly adventure, or a dazzling drive-thru spectacle, this guide highlights the best places in Southwest Florida to soak in the holiday spirit in 2025.
🌟 St. Pete's Holidays in the Sunshine City
Enjoy a dazzling multi-park light show at the Holidays in the Sunshine City, featuring thousands of holiday lights and decorations across Downtown St. Pete's Parks. Throughout the season, you can enjoy an unforgettable lineup of fun holiday events and activities, like Snowfest, Holiday Movies in the Park, Santa’s Calling, and more!
- Where: North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, St. Pete Pier
- When: November 29 – January 1st, 2026
- Highlights: Tree lighting, Snowfest, Movies in the Park, Santa’s Calling
- Price: Free (some activities require registration)
🔗 Event Info
🌿 Holiday Lights in the Gardens – Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo
Treat yourself to a magical experience at the Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights display in Pinellas County. With 1 million twinkling LED lights in a stunning array of colors, vibrant laser lights, and beautifully crafted lighted figures creating a breathtaking display that’s sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Whether you're strolling through the illuminated pathways or marveling at the creative installations, this one-of-a-kind event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. To make it even more special, your leashed pets are welcome.
- Where: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo
- When: November 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026, nightly 5:30–9:30 p.m.
- Highlights: Over 1 million LED lights, laser displays, new Majeed Discovery Garden
- Price: Suggested donation $10 (ages 12+), free for children 12 and under
🔗 Event Info
🎡 Holiday Lights & Carnival Rides – Largo Central Park
With over 2.5 million twinkling LED lights the Holiday Lights & Carnival in Largo Central Park promises unforgettable holiday fun. Whether you’re strolling through the Christmas market or taking a ride on a 110-foot Ferris wheel that offers a breathtaking aerial view of the 70-acre Largo Central Park, you can admire dazzling light displays throughout the entire event. Plus, food and market vendors will be on-site to add to the experience.
- Where: 101 Central Park Drive, Largo
- When: November 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026, 5–10 p.m.
- Highlights: 2.5 million lights, Ferris wheel, carnival rides, food vendors
- Price: Free admission; rides $6 each or 10/$50; paid parking Dec. 6 only
🔗 Event Info
✨ The Lights of Lake Park in Largo
Don’t miss the chance to see over 3 miles of stunning Christmas lights and decorations light up the park and surrounding neighborhoods during the Annual Lights of Lake Park Estates. Along with the Lakes Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village come alive with festive displays in support of Suncoast Hospice. While you enjoy the festive sights, you can also give back—donations are accepted at the Suncoast Hospice Cart along the route, with 100% of the proceeds supporting vital community activities.
- Where: Lake Park Estates, Pinellas County
- When: December 1–31, 2025, nightly 6–10 p.m.
- Highlights: 3 miles of neighborhood lights supporting Suncoast Hospice
- Price: Free; donations accepted
🔗 Event Info
🚗 Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival at the Freedom Factory
The Freedom Factory car racing track in Bradenton is revving up the Christmas spirit this year with a drive-thru holiday light experience. During the Freedom Factory’s Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival, cars will be guided along a route illuminated by over 100,000 lights synchronized to music.
The route includes a light tunnel and an opportunity to drive your own vehicle on the popular racetrack. At the end of the drive, visitors can park and go inside to experience a Christmas village with a 50-foot Christmas tree, a Santa meet-and-greet, games, rides, custom light show, Christmas movies, vendors, food, and drinks.
- Where: Freedom Factory, 21050 E. S.R. 64, Bradenton
- When: December 5–27, 2025 (select nights)
- Highlights: Drive-thru light tunnel, racetrack route, Christmas village, Santa meet-and-greet, games, rides, jumbotron playing Christmas music
- Price: $25 per vehicle
🔗 Event Info
🌲 Winter Nights Under the Lights at Palma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton
This year, there will be lots to see and do at the Palma Sola Botanical Park’s sixth annual Winter Nights Under the Lights display. Take a stroll and snap family photos among acres of illuminated Florida foliage.
Other attractions this year include live holiday music, a gift market, a tree decorating contest, and crafts. Food trucks will offer bites to eat, and hot cider, cocoa, coffee, tea, beer, wine and seltzers will be available for purchase.
- Where: 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton
- When: December 18–21, 2025, 6–9 p.m.
- Highlights: Santa & Mrs. Claus, live music, gift market, tree decorating contest, food trucks
- Price: Free admission; donations requested
🔗 Event Info
🛍️ Holidays at UTC’s Nightly Light Shows in Sarasota
Celebrate the holidays in Sarasota with festive fun at University Town Center. The Holidays at UTC event features dazzling nightly light shows that run every 30 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Take part in seasonal activities like carriage rides, holiday markets, ice skating, and even meet Santa Claus at Santa’s Flight Academy!
- Where: University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota
- When: November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026; nightly light shows 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Highlights: Carriage rides, holiday markets, ice skating, Santa’s Flight Academy
- Price: Free admission (activities extra)
🔗 Event Info
🌌 Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota
Marie Selby's is the perfect place for nature lovers to view Christmas lights in Sarasota, Florida. With over two million lights and 15 acres of land to explore, you'll quickly feel the magic of the holidays as you walk through glowing tunnels and under banyan trees. Bring the kids because there will be nightly visits from Santa, children's activities, and festive food and drinks.
- Where: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
- When: December 6, 2025 – January 3, 2026, Early Entry 5:30 p.m. | General Entry 6:30 p.m. No entry after 8 p.m. Event closes at 9 p.m.
- Highlights: 2 million lights, glowing tunnels, banyan trees, Santa visits, festive food
- Price: General Entry – 6:30 p.m. $29 Adult Member, $34 Adult Non-Member, Children ages 5-17: $19, Children 4 & under: FREE
🔗 Event Info
🏛️ Edison and Ford Holiday Nights in Fort Myers
The 50th Annual Edison and Ford Holiday Nights celebration is a festive and unique holiday experience illuminated by thousands of lights and adorned with hundreds of historic decorations. Returning for the 50th year, Holiday Nights has been revamped with new light displays and much more. Don’t miss the Children’s Holiday Tree Trail with handmade ornaments created by students from local schools and shopping in the Museum Store and Garden Shoppe for unique holiday gifts. Plus, on select nights, there will be refreshments available for purchase, Santa visits, musicians and carolers! The event offers visitors the chance to enjoy guided Holiday Tradition Tours at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each night or explore at their own pace with self-guided tours.
- Where: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
- When: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026, 5:30–9 p.m. (closed Dec. 24–25)
- Highlights: 50th anniversary celebration, historic decorations, guided tours
- Price: Adults $23, Teens $13, Children 6–12 $3, under 5 free, members free
🔗 Event Info
🚂 Lakes Park Holiday Express in Fort Myers
Hop aboard the Holiday Express train at Lakes Park, which takes you on a whimsical ride through the heart of this sparkling paradise. The Lakes Park Holiday Express Festival of Lights is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit, Lights of Lakes Park is a must-visit destination this season.
- Where: Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers
- When: December 12, 2025 – December 30, 2025 – Weekdays 10 am – 2 pm & 6-9 pm; Weekends: 10 am – 9 pm
- Highlights: Train rides through light displays, family-friendly activities
- Price: $5 ages 6+, $1 ages 1–5
🔗 Event Info
🔭 Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers
Stroll through beautifully decorated nature trails and exhibits at the Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers! Experience the beautiful light displays while enjoying holiday music, hot chocolate, and marshmallow roasting by the firepit.
- Where: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers
- When: Fridays–Sundays, December 5–28, 2025, 6–9 p.m.
- Highlights: Decorated nature trails, holiday music, cocoa, marshmallow roasting
- Price: Adults $13, Children $7, members free
🔗 Event Info
🎅 Bonus: Add an Extra Special Christmas Outing:
🐊Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
If you’re looking to add some fun and adventure to your holiday festivities, bring the family to Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf for mini golfing with live alligators! Each of our courses features a unique, one-of-a-kind layout filled with extraordinary obstacles set amid a beautiful landscape. The courses are decorated for the season, and festive music accompanies you as you play. We’re open throughout the holidays, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so come visit our pirate-themed courses for an unforgettable holiday adventure!
🔗 Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
No matter which display you choose, each of these Southwest Florida holiday events offers its own unique sparkle and joy. From St. Pete to Fort Myers, the region comes alive with festive lights, music, and community spirit — making it easy to create lasting memories with loved ones. So grab a cup of cocoa, bundle up for a night under the stars, and let the glow of the season guide you to unforgettable holiday magic.
