The holidays are a magical time of year in Lakeland and Central Florida! Twinkling Christmas lights, hot cocoa, and Christmas music in the air all make it a special time to be outside enjoying holiday festivities.
We’ve rounded up the best outdoor Christmas lights and holiday activities in Lakeland, Polk County, and nearby Tampa + Orlando. Some events are completely free, while others require admission — all promise plenty of holiday sparkle.
Looking for even more holiday magic? Don’t miss our 2025 Lakeland + Polk County Christmas Guide — the ultimate local roundup of parades, Santa photos, Christmas lights, concerts, craft fairs, and everything merry and bright this season.
Drive Through Christmas Light Displays
Prefer to stay cozy in the car? These drive-through experiences let you enjoy dazzling lights without leaving your seat.
We have a separate article dedicated to Christmas lights! Check out our list of amazing neighborhood Christmas lights near you.
Ariana Village Christmas Lights
2025 Status: Confirmed
More Info: Website
Wonderland of Lights in Auburndale
- International Market World Auburndale – 1052 US-92, Auburndale, FL 33823
Walk Through Christmas Light Displays + Community Light Shows
Lace up your sneakers or put on your cold weather boots and explore these outdoor light shows and illuminated parks across Polk County and Central Florida.
Christmas Lights in Market Plaza Downtown Lake Wales
Market Plaza has put on her Christmas dress—a shimmering gown of twinkling lights, sparkling garlands, and holiday magic stitched into every corner. Visit Downtown Lake Wales for Make it Magical and other festive events this season!
2025 Status: Confirmed
More Info: Facebook
Christmas Lights in Downtown Lakeland and Munn Park
The heart of Lakeland glows nightly with thousands of lights across Munn Park, Lake Mirror, and Lake Morton. Plan dinner downtown, then stroll through the displays at dusk.
Or visit during one of December’s special events, such as First Friday, the Lakeland Christmas Parade, or The Holiday Night Market. See a list of upcoming events in Downtown Lakeland.
2025 Status: Confirmed
Starlight Nights – Downtown Winter Haven
Downtown Winter Haven and Central Park turns downtown into a glowing wonderland with lights, decorated windows, and special event nights. Dine, shop, and enjoy a beautiful evening stroll with fun photo opportunities and surprises around every corner. FREE – Check the Main Street Winter Haven FB page for special events during Starlight Nights.
2025 Status: Not Yet Confirmed
Dancing Christmas Tree Lights + Snowy Nights at Lakeside Village
The holidays are brighter than ever at Lakeside Village. This year, the shopping and dining destination invites the community to Meet the Magic, a festive, season-long celebration featuring a brand-new Christmas tree, dancing lights, snowfall, live performances, and family-friendly events.
Dancing Lights Nights: Dancing Christmas Tree
November 22 to December 31 | Nightly from 6-9 PM
Thousands of lights will dance in perfect harmony to favorite holiday songs during this nightly light show beneath the new Christmas tree. The experience is free and open to the public, offering a picture-perfect setting for families, couples, and friends to celebrate together.
Snowy Nights
November 22 to December 20 | Thurs, Fri, Sat from 6-9 PM
Experience the wonder of the holidays with gentle “snow” flurries falling in The Village every hour on the hour (15 minutes). Guests can enjoy a winter wonderland atmosphere filled with lights, music, and festive photo opportunities.
Makers Market
Second and Fourth Sundays | 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Mail Letters to Santa
November 22 to December 15 | During Center Hours
Children can send their wish lists directly to the North Pole by dropping letters in Santa’s Mailbox located near the Christmas Tree. Families are encouraged to include a return address so Santa can write back.
Head to Lakeside Village to shop and dine and enjoy free holiday magic! Don’t miss the Holiday Concert + Storytime with Santa.
2025 Status: Confirmed
First Assembly of God Eagle Lake
Experience the true spirit of Christmas at First Assembly of God Eagle Lakes annual Christmas Light Show! Set against the backdrop of our beautifully decorated church, this enchanting light display is paired with heartwarming songs that focus on the real reason for the seasonthe birth of Jesus Christ. With two dedicated viewing points, visitors can enjoy a magical, immersive experience as the lights dance in harmony with classic carols and contemporary hymns that celebrate Christs love, hope, and peace. Shows begin December 12 nightly from 5:30pm-10pm – Runtime of 30 minutes
2025 Status: Confirmed
Holiday Attractions in Polk County
Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND Florida decks the halls with a giant LEGO tree, holiday shows, themed scavenger hunts, and meet-and-greets with LEGO Santa. Included with park admission on select weekends in Nov & Dec.
2025 Status: Confirmed
More Info: Website
Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens
Walk among poinsettias and decorated trees at Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens, featuring carillon concerts and special events like the Winter Fairy Festival, Breakfast with Santa, and more.
Some activities included with admission; others require reservations.
2025 Status: Confirmed
More Info: Website
Christmas Parades
Nothing says community spirit like a Christmas parade! All 12 Christmas Parades in Polk County are outdoors, check our full parade guide for dates and details.
Outdoor Christmas Activities in Tampa Bay
Head to Tampa for a day of outdoor Christmas fun! Get details on Christmas Lights and outdoor holiday activities in the Tampa Bay area that are outdoors including:
- Festival of Lights + Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough Fairgrounds
- Nights of Shimmering Lights in Dover
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
- Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- FREE Light Displays at the Tampa Riverwalk and St. Pete Waterfront
- Drive-Thru Lights and Walk Through Lights in Clearwater
Outdoor Christmas Activities in Orlando
Orlando has lots of options for outdoor Christmas fun. Get details on Christmas Lights and outdoor holiday activities in the Orlando area including:
- Now Snowing at Celebration, Florida
- Holidays at Disney Springs + Christmas Tree Trail
- Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens
- Holidays at Universal Studios
- Sea World’s Christmas Celebration
- Illuminate – A Festival of Lights, Lanterns & Wonder at Aquatica Orlando
Single Day Christmas Events
We do not have a list of events that are exclusively outdoors, but we do have a fantastic list of Christmas events in Lakeland and Polk County that you can use to find outdoor Christmas events near you.
Activities on Pause in 2025
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.
