The Best Places to See Holiday Lights This Year

By Julia Bauer
Christmas lights

It’s officially the holiday season, which means it’s time to visit all the magical holiday light displays around town! Here are the top 10 best places to see holiday lights this year.

Alachua Main Street Holiday Nights

At Holiday Nights on Alachua Main Street, you can see the City of Alachua Christmas tree lighting on Friday, December 1 at 6 p.m. You can also shop, eat, take photos with Santa, enjoy music and do other activities! Last but not least, you can enjoy the holiday lights and decor along the street. This event continues the following Fridays through December 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

City of Alachua Christmas Tree Lighting

At this event, have your picture taken with Santa and receive a free gift, along with hot chocolate and popcorn! There will also be activities for children, and the event is free! Stop by to enjoy the Christmas tree lights on Friday, December 1 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Alachua Main Street.

City of Newberry Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual Newberry tree lighting ceremony is December 2 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. At this event, visitors can enjoy hot cocoa, visit with Santa and more!

Gainesville Holiday Parade

The City of Gainesville Holiday Parade begins begin at 2 p.m. and will go one mile down East University Avenue. Then, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., there is a kids holiday dance party at Bo Diddley Plaza. Lastly, the holiday lights celebration is at the Thomas Center Gardens from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.!

Kirby Family Farms Christmas Train

At Kirby Family Farms in Williston, you can take a 20-minute train ride around the farm to see as part of the Christmas Train experience. Admission also includes a Secret Elf Shoppe, an antique ferris wheel, other rides and much more!

Light the Village

Light the village takes place December 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the Haile Village Center will be decked out with holiday decor and lights! There will also be arts and crafts, refreshments, food trucks, a station for kids to write their letters to Santa, Santa himself, music and more!

Micanopy Holiday Stroll

On December 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Micanopy Downtown Historic District will be set up for the 3rd annual Micanopy Holiday Stroll. You can shop, eat, enjoy live music, see art and more. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.! Finally, there is a tree lighting Ceremony 5 p.m.

Sycamore Lane Vintage Christmas Market

At the Sycamore Lane Vintage Christmas Market, you can shop for antique and handmade items December 2 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can also enjoy holiday lights at the 6 p.m. tree lighting!

Light Up Tioga

Light Up Tioga is December 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tioga Town Center. You can enjoy holiday lights, and there will be food vendors, live entertainment and Santa! There will also be other fun activities like a petting zoo, face painting, food trucks, train rides and more!

Williston Winter Wonderland

Enjoy a beautiful winter wonderland in Williston! You can see an amazing light display and visit with Santa. This event takes place Saturday, December 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Williston Heritage Park.

Where to See Santa