9 Florida Botanical Gardens With Special Winter Events and Light Displays

Florida winters bring more than warm weather—they transform botanical gardens into magical wonderlands filled with millions of twinkling lights. From Miami to Tallahassee, gardens across the Sunshine State host spectacular seasonal celebrations that combine nature’s beauty with dazzling displays.

Whether you’re looking for family fun, romantic evening strolls, or simply a break from holiday stress, these illuminated gardens offer unforgettable experiences that make Florida winters truly special.

1. Harry P. Leu Gardens – Orlando

Orlando’s beloved garden transforms into a winter wonderland each year with Dazzling Nights, one of Central Florida’s most anticipated holiday traditions. Over a million lights blanket the three-quarter-mile walking path, creating immersive themed zones that transport visitors to different magical worlds.

Running from late November through early January, this spectacle combines dazzling visual displays with music and delicious treats. Families especially love the designated family nights, which offer special activities for kids.

The experience typically takes about an hour to complete, giving everyone plenty of time to soak in the festive atmosphere and snap memorable photos.

2. Florida Botanical Gardens – Largo

Tucked in the Tampa Bay area, this Largo gem puts on one of the region’s most impressive free botanical experiences year-round—but winter takes it to another level. Holiday Lights in the Gardens features more than a million LED lights that drape across native plants and pathways, creating a luminous tropical paradise.

Laser projections dance across towering trees while intricate light sculptures dot the landscape. Nightly entertainment adds extra charm, from carolers to musicians who keep the festive spirit alive.

Running from late November through early January, this event proves you don’t need snow to feel the holiday magic—just creativity and a whole lot of lights.

3. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – Coral Gables

South Florida’s premier tropical garden becomes a high-tech wonderland during its winter NightGarden event. Unlike traditional light shows, this experience blends cutting-edge projection mapping with the garden’s natural tropical beauty, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels both futuristic and organic.

Interactive installations invite visitors to become part of the show, while the famous talking tree entertains guests with witty commentary. Running mid-November through mid-January, this isn’t your grandmother’s holiday display—it’s an immersive art experience.

The tropical setting makes it uniquely Miami, where palm trees get the star treatment instead of evergreens, proving holiday magic thrives in any climate.

4. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Sarasota

Sarasota’s waterfront treasure shines brightest during Lights in Bloom, a spectacular show featuring more than two million lights that cascade across the bayfront property. Light tunnels create Instagram-worthy moments, while carefully designed photo opportunities let families capture memories against Sarasota Bay’s glittering backdrop.

Music fills the air as visitors wander through themed displays that celebrate both tropical plants and traditional holiday cheer. Select December nights through New Year’s offer family activities that keep children entertained between light gazing.

5. Naples Botanical Garden – Naples

Southwest Florida’s premier garden destination gets its annual glow-up with Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden, transforming cultivated landscapes into an enchanted evening escape. Thousands of lights weave through the garden’s diverse collections, from Caribbean plants to Brazilian flora, each section receiving its own luminous personality.

Festive snacks and tropical-themed refreshments keep energy levels high as families explore the illuminated paths. Running late November through early January, this event has become a Naples tradition that locals anticipate all year, offering both residents and winter visitors a memorable way to celebrate the season.

6. McKee Botanical Garden – Vero Beach

Vero Beach’s historic garden goes wild with Jungle Lights, turning its lush pathways into a tropical holiday adventure. Hundreds of thousands of lights transform native palms and exotic plantings into a glowing jungle wonderland that feels distinctly different from traditional winter displays.

Big animated tree displays bring movement and whimsy to the experience, delighting children who expect holiday magic to come alive. Entertainment and sweet treats round out select December nights, making each visit feel like a special occasion rather than just a walk.

The garden’s intimate size means shorter lines and a more relaxed pace, perfect for families with young children or anyone seeking a less crowded holiday outing.

7. Heathcote Botanical Gardens – Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce’s hidden gem offers Treasure Coast residents a cozy alternative to mega-sized light shows. Garden of Lights features nearly a million lights arranged in themed vignettes that tell visual stories throughout the compact garden space, creating an intimate experience that larger venues can’t replicate.

Weekend December nights become community gathering spots where neighbors reconnect under twinkling canopies. The smaller scale means you can complete the entire display in less than an hour, making it perfect for families with restless toddlers or anyone squeezing holiday fun into busy schedules.

8. Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens – Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie Lights proves magical holiday experiences don’t require admission fees. This free or donation-based event welcomes everyone to enjoy LED displays that brighten the garden’s natural beauty without breaking family budgets.

Holiday vendors set up booths selling seasonal treats and handmade gifts, creating a festive marketplace atmosphere. Santa makes appearances for photo opportunities that become treasured keepsakes. The low-key, family-friendly vibe attracts locals seeking authentic community connection rather than theme-park-style productions.

9. Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales

Central Florida’s mountaintop sanctuary celebrates the season with Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens, where seasonal displays complement rather than overwhelm the garden’s natural beauty. Poinsettias cascade in red waves while evergreens and themed installations create pockets of holiday cheer throughout the grounds.

The decorated Pinewood Estate mansion transports visitors to elegant holiday celebrations of decades past. The famous carillon bell tower rings out special holiday concerts that echo across the landscape, offering something most gardens can’t—musical magic. Specialty weekends like Winter Fairy Fest add extra enchantment for families.

Running late November through early January, this event honors tradition while creating new memories atop one of Florida’s most peaceful spots.