Get into the holiday spirit with a spectacular event that promises joy for the whole family! From December 15th to 31st, Bonnet Springs Park is set to host the much-anticipated “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 6:30 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.
Light Up BSP Canopy of Lights Video
My family went to the park for a special Friends of BSP preview and it was BEAUTIFUL! You’re up high in the trees in the Canopy Walk, everything is covered in lights, and it is simply magical. {TIP: Join Friends of Bonnet Springs Park to get early access to fun events like this one}
If you’re looking for Christmas events in Lakeland, BSP is the place to be. Each evening will showcase a distinctive holiday theme, ensuring every visit is a new and exciting experience. In addition to walking through the Christmas lights at Bonnet Springs Park, highlights of the nightly themes and activities from 6:30 – 8:30 PM include:
- Friday, December 15 – All is Bright (Opening Night)
Live DJ, Strolling Performers, Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Toy Drive, Trackless Train Rides - Saturday, December 16 – FESTIVITIES CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
- Sunday, December 17 – Holiday Honky Tonk
Join us for a Country Christmas event including line dancing, appearances by Country Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse & wagon rides, and more.
- Monday, December 18 – Thursday, December 21: Light Up BSP
Holiday photo ops, a snow machine, festive music, as well as seasonal food and beverage offerings. - Thursday, December 21: Sensory Friendly Santa
Visit with Sensory Friendly Santa at BSP! Join Bonnet Springs Park on December 21st from 5:30 – 6:30PM for a Sensory Friendly Hour with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Guests with neurodivergence or sensory sensitivities can share their Christmas wish list, explore Christmas sensory bins, and experience Light Up BSP in a quiet and low-sensory environment. Additional resources such as noise dampening headphones and fidgets will also be available. Santa will be available until 8:30PM for all guests.
- Friday, December 22: Timeless Tidings
Featuring sounds of the swing era from singing trio Vocalitas along with pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, special holiday décor, festive strolling performers, and more. - Saturday, December 23: Jingle Bell Rock
Live music by We Three Strings covering holiday hits, pictures with Santa and beloved holiday characters, plus a holiday supply drive. Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan will also be at BSP from 4 – 6PM in the Heritage Gardens. - Sunday, December 24, Tuesday, December 26 – Thursday, December 28: Light Up BSP
Holiday photo ops, a snow machine, festive music, as well as seasonal food and beverage offerings. - Monday, December 25 – FESTIVITIES CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
- Tuesday, December 26 from 5:30 – 6:30PM: Sensory Friendly Light Up BSP!
Guests with neurodivergence or sensory sensitivities will enjoy a soft play playground, complete a holiday craft with sensory bins, and experience Light Up BSP in a quiet and low-sensory environment. Additional resources such as noise dampening headphones and fidgets will also be available to check out with a valid ID.
- Friday, December 29: Elves Night Off
Tropical party on the lawn complete with Surfing Santa and his tropical elves, a live Steel Drum Band, organized games, and more. - Saturday, December 30: Winter Wonderland
Meet the snow queen and favorite wintery characters, inflatable snow globe, and stargazing with Sidewalk Science Center. Plus a Toiletry and Hygiene Product Donation Drive. - Sunday, December 31: Glow in the Park (New Year’s Eve!)
Twilight New Year’s Eve party for the whole family. Live DJ, LED performers, glow in the dark activities, party favors, lawn games, and more.
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.
As you can see, 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 2023!
Light Up BSP 2023
Where: Bonnet Springs Park
Dates: December 15 – 31, 2023
Times: 6:30-8:30 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 drinks and snacks at the park, but always helpful to take them with you and have a snack you know your kids will like. If you’re looking to eat dinner at the park, the Depot Cafe is only open until 6pm, so be sure to plan accordingly.
- 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, for me cold kids = whiny kids!
- Park Hours / Event Hours: Bonnet Springs Park is open all day, the lights come on and activities begin around 6:30pm. 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.
- Parking: You can park at the Welcome Center / Heritage Gardens (first parking lot on the left), in front of the Depot/Family Lawn/Children’s Museum (second parking lot on the left), and just outside the main gates in the overflow lot where trams will be available or it is a short walk into the park.
- 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 21 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 (with all of the Christmas lights) 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 and Christmas Day and the Canopy of Lights will be lit up both nights. Hours will be different than normal, check the website or social media for updates.
- 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. This is the first year for a big holiday event at BSP, so if you see a staff member, be sure to tell them thanks. Volunteers also provide support for the event over 2 weeks, give them a big thank you as well.
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