Get into the holiday spirit with a spectacular event that promises joy for the whole family! From December 14th to 31st, Bonnet Springs Park is set to host the second annual “Light Up BSP” event. This two-week extravaganza is packed with festivities that celebrate the season in grand style. Admission to the park and Light up BSP activities is FREE!
Bonnet Springs Park is open daily from dawn to dusk, plus during the two weeks of Light Up BSP, there will be special evening activities nightly between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, including a large walk-through Christmas light display on the Crenshaw Canopy Walk (Canopy of Lights) and a variety of music and activities each night on the Allen & Company Family Lawn.
NEW in 2024 – lights throughout the Heritage Garden outside the Welcome Center / Coffee Shop, and a long light tunnel that is a MAGICAL photo spot – photos below.
Don’t miss our 2024 Christmas Events + Holiday Activities Guide for a full list of things to do this holiday season in Lakeland and Polk County including Christmas Light Displays, Santa Photos, Christmas Tree Lots, Christmas Parades, Holidays Concerts, Live Performances, Holiday Markets, Ice Skating, Toy Donation Needs, and more.
Light Up BSP Canopy of Lights Video
I got a sneak peek at the 2024 event and it is BEAUTIFUL! You’re up high in the trees in the Canopy Walk, everything is covered in lights, and it is simply magical. Please note – photos and videos are from both 2023 and 2024 – some displays may be different this year, but it is even bigger and better with twice as many lights!
If you’re looking for Christmas events in Lakeland, BSP is the place to be. In addition to walking through the Christmas lights at Bonnet Springs Park, highlights of the nightly themes and activities from 6:00 – 8:30 PM include:
- Live Music
- Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
- DJs + Dance Parties
- Strolling Performers
- Craft Activities
- Characters
- and so much more!
A nightly schedule can be found on the Bonnet Springs Park Event Page – link below.
Highlights include:
- Merry Maker Market with local vendor booths – Sunday, December 15
- Sensory Friendly Nights – Experience the magic of Light Up BSP in a quiet and low sensory setting from 5-6PM. Tuesday, December 17 and Thursday, December 26.
- Visit from Coke Caravan – Thursday, December 19
- Touch-a-Truck – Sunday, December 22
- Santa’s Sweets and Savories Market with local food vendors – Monday, December 23
- New Year’s Eve Silent Disco – Tuesday, December 31
These are JUST THE HIGLIGHTS of this amazing FREE holiday event in Lakeland to give you an idea of what you can find on all of the themed nights. Please be sure to visit the Light Up BSP page on the Bonnet Springs Park website for a full description of each night’s festivities. The website also has a helpful list of FAQ’s if you need more info.
Also keep in mind that almost all of Bonnet Springs Park is outdoors and all activities are weather dependent. Please check the Bonnet Springs Park Facebook or Instagram pages for last minute changes to the schedule or updates.
From enchanting Christmas light displays to engaging activities, “Light Up BSP” offers something special for everyone. Whether it’s exploring Bonnet Springs Park Christmas lights, dazzling decorations, indulging in seasonal treats, or participating in family-friendly activities, this event is designed to create lasting memories for the Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida community. Don’t miss what is sure to be one of Lakeland’s favorite Christmas events in 2024!
Light Up BSP 2024
Where: Bonnet Springs Park
Dates: December 14 – 31, 2024 {closed Christmas Day}
Times: 6:00-8:30 PM nightly {BSP is open during the day as well}
Cost: FREE
More info + FAQ’s: Light Up BSP
Helpful Tips for Light Up BSP + FAQ’s
- Things to take with you:
- Light up toys/necklaces – items are for sale at booths in the park, if you’re not planning on buying them there, avoid a meltdown by taking some inexpensive glow necklaces or toys with you.
- Snacks, Sweet Treats, Water/Drinks – there are options for dinner, drinks and snacks at the park, but always helpful to take them with you and have a snack you know your kids will like.
- Blankets – there is music (live or a DJ) almost every night on the lawn, take a blanket and find a spot to sit and enjoy the music
- A Jacket / Warm Clothes – check the weather before you go, because we all know… cold kids = whiny kids!
- Park Hours / Event Hours: Bonnet Springs Park is open all day, the lights come on and activities begin around 6:00pm. This means if you want to go to the park mid-afternoon and walk around you can do that and just stay until it is dark. {TIP – Get a drink at the rooftop bar around 5:30pm and enjoy fantastic sunset views like the one above!}
- Food + Drink Options: The Coffee Shop, Depot Cafe + Ice Cream Shop, Rooftop Bar, and Mobile Concessions will all be open during the event.
- Parking: All parking is first come, first served. You will be directed to available parking by park staff. Additional parking is just outside the main gates in the overflow lot where trams will be available, or it is a short walk into the park. The use of the shuttle service, carpooling, and ride share are highly encouraged, especially on weekends.
- NEW IN 2024: SHUTTLE SERVICE: Citrus Connection will provide FREE shuttle service to and from Light Up BSP, from three “Park and Ride” locations close to the park and in Downtown Lakeland. More info on the BSP Event page under FAQ’s. {TIP – park in Downtown, enjoy the lights in Munn Park, AND take a free ride to BSP and avoid traffic!}
- Pets: While pets are welcome during the day at Bonnet Springs Park, pets are not allowed on the Canopy of Lights or in the event spaces. BSP kindly asks that you keep pets at home during these evenings.
- Sensory Friendly Events: Bonnet Springs Park is hosting two sensory friendly events on December 17 and 26, see details above or on the Light Up BSP event page. In addition, Santa at Bonnet Springs Park has had Sensory Friendly Training to help all guests be more comfortable meeting Santa.
- Canopy of Lights: The Crenshaw Canopy Walk is going to be one-way during the event. The entrance is at the end closest to the Heritage Gardens and Welcome Center, the end is near the Family Lawn. Trams are available to transport people between parking lots and the entrance to the Canopy of Lights.
- Christmas Eve / Christmas Day: Bonnet Springs Park is open on Christmas Eve through 8:30pm for Light Up BSP. The entire park is closed Christmas Day.
- BSP Staff + Volunteers: This event is a HUGE undertaking and staff has poured time and energy into planning a magical Holiday / Christmas event at Bonnet Springs Park. The park sustained a lot of hurricane damage and many hours have gone into making the park safe for visitors again, so if you see a staff member, be sure to tell them thank you. Volunteers also provide support for the event over 2 weeks, give them a big thanks as well.
- BONUS for Florida Children’s Museum Members: On select nights during Light Up BSP, enjoy members-only hours in the Florida Children’s Museum. Friday, December 20 and Friday, December 27 from 6 pm – 8 pm.
Christmas Events + Holiday Activities
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas Events + Holiday Activities to find more things to do including Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays, FREE Christmas Events, Santa Photos, Christmas Parades, and more.