While Florida rarely gets to celebrate snow in December, the Sunshine State touts some of the most impressive Christmas light displays in the country. Below is a list of of the most popular residential Christmas light displays across the Florida with the address included so you can see the lights in person.
5. Lake Nona Lights, 9800 Old Patina Way, Lake Nona, Florida
Lake Nona Lights started as an idea in late 2011 by two Walt Disney World finance department employees who sought to produce a light show that would rival those in theme parks. According to LakeNonaLights.com, they built the first LED light square (which you see on the house, around the windows) with lightweight steel frames, attached RBG LED light strips and a computer program to synchronize the lights with music.
Since the display’s debut seven years ago, word of mouth traveled across the Orlando area and the founders used the display’s newfound popularity to raise over $5,000 in donations for a local charity. In 2012, the display was featured on Better Homes and Gardens syndicated “Better Show” as their favorite light display. In 2014 and 2015, it was chosen by the Orlando Sentinel as one of the best displays in Central Florida. In 2015 it was featured on News 13.
Each year, Lake Nona Lights treats onlookers to new songs and more lighting effects.
4. Oakdale Mega Light Display, 2719 Oakdale St. S, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33705
Featured on HGTV and The Today Show, the Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg showcases 12 truckloads of lights, model trains and railroads, holiday inflatables, water fountains and much more.
3. Enchanted Place of North Miami, 1600 NE 137th Ter
North Miami, Florida, 3318
From their Facebook page: “Since 1988, the residents of Enchanted Place have decorated our street with thousands upon thousands of twinkling holiday lights. Kids both young and old come from around South Florida to enjoy this annual treat.”
2. Bivona Christmas Light Show, 1601 N Wind Ct
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
The Bivona Christmas Light Show plays in Winter Springs touts one of the most impressive music/light synchronization displays in Florida with approximately 75,000 lights and nine LED screens which render popular characters such as Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.” There is also music including remixes of hit songs such as a dubstep version of “Let it go!”
From their Facebook page: “The Bivona Christmas Light Show is a tradition which started in 1983. The original founder, Charlie Bivona began with the drive to win his neighborhood Christmas lights contest. Despite little means, Charlie’s motivation and determination forced him to make the best out of what he had. Christmas decorations were purchased from the Eckerd drugs Christmas light special and the rest of the decorations were used and refurbished. Charlie worked hard to make the best of what he had and through his determination they won the 1983 Tuscawilla Christmas light show and have been doing it ever since. In 2004, Charlie sadly passed away leaving behind his wife and 4 young children. Andy Bivona his oldest son soon embraced his father’s family tradition but took it to the next level. Each year the Bivona Christmas Light Show experience gets more and more intricate. Not only do they add lights, but they have added music paired with state-of-the-art technology making for an amazing spirit filled Christmas experience.”
1. Johanessen Lights,7849 Georgeann St., Winter Park, FL
Facts about the Johanessen Lights display:
Nationally Famous: The display was featured on the premiere episode of season four of “The Great Christmas Lightfight” on ABC back in December 2016. The final filming night for the show was in October, 36 hours after Hurricane Matthew swept up the coast of Florida.
- The display features an estimated 250,000 Christmas lights.
- The home was built by a third generation builder. Construction of the display requires two and a half months.
- The display started in 2011.
- During the offseason, the display’s pieces are kept in three off-site storage facilities.
- During the month of December, the power bill increases to approximately $1,200. To help offset the cost, donations are accepted.
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