It’s the holiday season and we are so ready to be wowed by wild decor. The premiere destination for holiday decorations and overall jubilance has to be the celebrated Tampa Bay Festival of Lights. The upgraded holiday light spectacular is open now runs through December 31.
The festivities take place at The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover.
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Drive through two miles of lights
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village will envelop guests in an enchanting winter wonderland from their entrance marked by a custom, signature light display on Route 60 to their exit through twinkling trees as they leave the Fairgrounds. The entire site will feature over a million lights.
This year’s event features a nearly two-mile drive-thru of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. Designed to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, the elaborate light displays themed to Florida and traditional winter holidays are complemented by individual presentations representing Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. 
The Festival of Lights is a holiday celebration for kids and adults
From hilarious elves, wrestling alligators to a giant gingerbread house with candy and cakes to a beautiful Feliz Navidad presentation, each area flows seamlessly along the driving route, ensuring continual guest amazement. Santa’s Village is filled with activities and treats that tempt the young and young-at-heart, such as Santa’s barnyard, holiday movies, visits with Santa and plenty of social media-worthy photo opportunities.
“People who attend this year will feel as if they’ve been dipped in holiday magic while creating family memories. With enchantment in mind, we have added brighter lights, jaw-dropping displays, new activities, and music that combine to create an unforgettable immersive experience,” said Suzanne Holcomb, the event producer. “We are focused on the guest journey from the time they enter the road leading to the gate to the moment they leave Santa’s Village.”
See more than 250 larger-than-life pieces
The immersion begins upon entrance, as vehicles travel through 80 themed display areas with more than 250 larger-than-life pieces. Convenient post-drive-thru parking allows guests to easily walk to Santa’s Village, which will be fully decked out in holiday décor and music, including more than 3,000 feet of lights on buildings and 500 animated dripping lights on trees.
Tickets are $25/car and can be reserved in advance online.
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