Updated Aug 6, 2024

The 11 Best Fall Festivals In Florida For 2024 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit

Discover the best fall festivals in Florida, featuring a variety of family-friendly activities and cultural celebrations from September through November.

Updated Aug 6, 2024

Written by

Megan Todaro

Events|Festivals

Updated Nov 11, 2024

7 Christmas Light Displays in Florida That Are Pure Holiday Magic

Looking for the best Christmas light displays in Florida? These 7 are worth checking out this season.

Updated Nov 11, 2024

Written by

Megan Todaro

Christmas light displays in Florida bring a touch of holiday magic to the Sunshine State's warm and tropical climate. For me, it's one of my favorite times of the year. Across the state, communities and homeowners come together to create dazzling spectacles of light and color. Notable displays include St. Augustine's Night of Lights, where the city's historic district is decked in millions of twinkling lights. The Santa's Enchanted Forest theme park transforms into a luminous wonderland in Miami. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers host a mesmerizing display, and the Space Coast Lightfest in Melbourne enchants the experience of a drive-through light show. And while these particular light displays are very popular, we've curated a list of a few lesser-known yet some of the best Christmas shows and the best drive-through Christmas lights that are equally as majestic. So ditch searching for the "best Christmas lights near me" because we have your list right here.

1. Santa’s House by the Bigda’s - Winter Haven

In 2020, the Bigda Family of Winter Haven achieved fame by winning their episode on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight." This year, they invite you to experience the enchantment of Santa's House at the Bigda residence from December 3 to New Year's Eve. Their mesmerizing display is expected to showcase beloved Toy Story characters, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and over 100,000 Christmas lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes.

2. Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade - Bradenton

Florida's holiday season is marked by a plethora of boat parades, and among the standout displays is the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade. This annual event in Bradenton, the city's largest holiday celebration, is eagerly awaited each year. Here, a fleet of festively adorned boats vies for cash prizes and the coveted winning title. Come enjoy all the fun on December 9, 2023.

3. Enchant Christmas - St. Petersburg

Enchant Christmas Is returning to Tropicana Field this year for an all-new holiday adventure. Promoted as "The World's Largest Christmas Light Maze and Village," this enchanting destination undoubtedly boasts some of the finest Christmas lights in Florida. Wander amidst a dazzling display of over four million twinkling lights, following a captivating story-themed maze. In this wondrous Christmas village, you can also indulge in ice skating, savor delectable dining options, relish live entertainment, and explore a festive Christmas market for delightful gift shopping.

4. Pensacola Winterfest

The lights at Pensacola Winterfest in Pensacola, Florida, illuminate the holiday season with a breathtaking display. This annual event transforms downtown Pensacola into a festive wonderland, featuring a dazzling array of Christmas lights, holiday-themed decorations, and beautifully adorned historic buildings. Visitors can embark on a self-guided walking tour to enjoy the enchanting sights and sounds of the season. The lights at Pensacola Winterfest create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the magic of the holidays in Florida.

5. Curtis Family Lights - Lakeland

The Curtis Family Lights in Lakeland, Florida, is a radiant holiday spectacle. This family-run tradition has drawn visitors for years with its dazzling light display that covers their home. With meticulous attention to detail, the display features an array of colorful lights, animated figures, and synchronized music, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience. The Curtis Family Lights have become a beloved part of the Lakeland community, enchanting all who visit and spreading festive cheer during the holiday season.

6. Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a magical holiday event in Sarasota, Florida. This annual tradition transforms the botanical gardens into a winter wonderland adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Visitors can stroll through enchanting displays, including illuminated flowers, animal figures, and more. Live holiday music, festive treats, and a cheerful atmosphere make Lights in Bloom a delightful family-friendly experience. It's a seasonal celebration that brings the spirit of the holidays to this tropical paradise, creating lasting memories for all who attend. Lights in Bloom is among the best Christmas lights in Florida.

7. Enander’s Winter Wonderland - Nokomis

A cherished holiday tradition for both Florida locals and tourists, this family-operated Christmas light extravaganza in Nokomis never fails to create enduring memories. Enander's is the perfect destination for families, offering a magical experience. With around 400,000 lights adorning this winter wonderland, the display showcases a diverse array of characters, from Santa and Cinderella to the unexpected presence of dinosaurs. This enchanting spectacle promises something to captivate and delight every member of the family.

What do you think of these Christmas light displays in Florida? Have you visited any already? Sound off in the comments section! Or, if you are visiting any of these light displays and want to make it an adventure, make sure to pack the road trip essentials to get you through the trip!

Events|Festivals

Updated Apr 29, 2024

There Is A Massive Chocolate Festival Headed To Florida In February

The Annual Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival offers a delightful array of chocolate-themed treats and family-friendly activities in February.

Updated Apr 29, 2024

Written by

Angie Slayton

Anyone who has a sweet tooth can look forward to a Florida chocolate festival near Tampa Bay this February. The Annual Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival is back and better than ever. Serving up a delightful array of chocolate-themed treats in February (Just in time for Valentine's Day), this free and open-to-the-public event is about to rock your world. So come hungry and don't plan on counting your calories during the festival because you will want to sit back and indulge in the sweet goodness of mouth-watering chocolate treats.

The giant Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival is back this February just in time for Valentine’s Day.

alt — Facebook Generation Entertainment Florida

While everyone else in the country is experiencing a February freeze, we here in the Sunshine State can enjoy one of the best chocolate festivals in Florida. This is an indoor and outdoor event that will happen rain or shine. Being in Florida we are betting it will lead more toward the shine...

This savory and sweet festival is all themed around chocolate, so get ready for the ultimate afternoon of sweets and treats.

alt — Facebook Generation Entertainment Florida

The event will take place over two full days of chocolaty goodness.

With food vendors galore, the chocolate fest will deliver both normal food items plus cocoa-themed food items, too.

alt — Facebook Generation Entertainment Florida

Some of the items are festival exclusives so make sure you seek out which unique items they will feature each year. Try them all! Admission is free but each vendor sets their own prices for their treats. Most of those attending the event will take cards but be sure to bring money for those cash-only food trucks.

There will be over 100 different food trucks in attendance so make sure to bring your appetite. This festival is designed to be a family-friendly event so feel free to bring along your kids and have a great time together.

alt — Facebook Generation Entertainment Florida

Hosted by Generation Entertainment Florida, the festival will also host a bevy of non-food vendors.

alt — Facebook Generation Entertainment Florida

So maybe, just maybe out of the jewelry, activewear, candles, and boutique vendors, you’ll find a Valentine’s Day gift that is perfect for your significant other.

alt — Facebook Generation Entertainment Florida

But at the very least, you’ll be able to taste your way through tons of chocolate-themed food items until your heart’s content.

Make sure to take a look at our handy map here to find out where the Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival will be held. This is subject to change so always make sure you check the Generation Entertainment Facebook page before you go. We will put a link at the end of this article.

Map showing Gulf View Square location near Jasmine Lakes, with nearby landmarks like Olive Garden and Taco Bell. — Google Maps

Have you attended the Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival already? Share with us your favorite part of the day in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this Florida chocolate festival, including the vendors that will be attending, then check out the Generation Entertainment Facebook Page. You will want to arrive early to beat the crowds because everyone on planet Earth loves chocolate. So to do that and still enjoy this two-day event you will need a place to stay. Fortunately for you, we happen to know of a lovely little bungalow you can book for the night. Make sure you check it out.

Speaking of chocolate, the next time you have a hankering for something sweet, make sure to dive into the Florida Chocolate Shop road trip!

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The 11 Best Fall Festivals In Florida For 2024 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit

1. Harvest Holler Corn Maze (Polk City): Sept 17 - Nov. 20, 2024

2. Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival: Oct. 12, 2024

3. Oktoberfest of the Palm Beaches (Lake Worth): Oct. 11-13 and 18-20, 2024

4. Fall Festival at Flamingo Road Nursery (Davie): end of September through the first week of November 2024

5. Celebration Oktoberfest (Celebration): Oct. 18-19, 2024

6. Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival (Boca Raton): Oct. 19-20, 2024

7. Clermont Harvest Festival (Clermont): Oct. 19, 2024

8. Kiteober Festival (Miami Beach): October, 2024

9. Suwannee Hulaween (Live Oak): Oct. 24-27, 2024

10. Micanopy Fall Festival (Micanopy): Oct. 26 - 27, 2024

11. Chalk Festival (Sarasota): Nov. 8-10, 2024

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7 Christmas Light Displays in Florida That Are Pure Holiday Magic

1. Santa’s House by the Bigda’s - Winter Haven

2. Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade - Bradenton

3. Enchant Christmas - St. Petersburg

4. Pensacola Winterfest

5. Curtis Family Lights - Lakeland

6. Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

7. Enander’s Winter Wonderland - Nokomis

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Get the latest updates and news

There Is A Massive Chocolate Festival Headed To Florida In February

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Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

The Completely Free Natural Attraction Hiding in a Wyoming Park Is a Must-Visit

This Natural Wonder in Idaho Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

The Best Apple Cider in Alaska Comes From This Award-Winning Hard Cidery

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Oregon’s Most Charming Small Towns

The Iconic Trail in Tennessee Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime