The holiday season transforms Florida into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights, festive celebrations, and joyful gatherings. For residents of Westminster Communities of Florida, world-class holiday entertainment is never far from home. Whether you’re looking for enchanting light displays, traditional seasonal festivals, or unique Christmas activities in Florida, our strategic locations throughout the Sunshine State put you at the heart of the action.
From historic estates adorned with thousands of lights to theme parks transformed into winter wonderlands, these five annual holiday events offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with family, friends, and fellow residents. Best of all, many of these attractions are designed with comfort and accessibility in mind, making them ideal outings for seniors who want to experience the magic of the holidays without traveling far.
1. St. Augustine Nights of Lights
Location: St. Augustine (Northeast Florida)
Annual Event Period: Mid-November through January
Named one of the top holiday light displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights transforms the nation’s oldest city into a breathtaking spectacle of illumination. Over three million white lights drape the city’s unique Spanish Colonial architecture, creating a warm glow that reflects Florida’s rich history and holiday spirit.
The celebration features more than 20 blocks of the historic district adorned with lights, from the iconic Bridge of Lions to charming downtown sidewalks and courtyards. What makes this holiday event particularly special is its accessibility—visitors can stroll through the illuminated streets at their own pace, take a narrated trolley tour for a comfortable seated experience, or even view the lights from the water on a scenic boat cruise.
For Westminster Communities residents, this annual tradition offers multiple ways to enjoy the spectacle. The city center features the Plaza de la Constitución with its magnificent Christmas tree and live holiday music on weekends. While crowds can gather on peak nights, weekday visits provide a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for taking in the beauty of this centuries-old city dressed in its holiday finest. Why It’s Perfect for Seniors: Multiple viewing options, including seated trolley tours, accessible downtown areas, and the flexibility to visit early in the evening when crowds are lighter.
2. Edison and Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights
Location: Fort Myers (Southwest Florida)
Annual Event Period: Late November through early January
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ Holiday Nights celebration marks its 50th anniversary as one of Southwest Florida’s most beloved holiday traditions. This historic 20-acre site, once the winter homes of inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, transforms into a Victorian-era holiday wonderland with thousands of vintage lights and hundreds of historic decorations.
The “Golden Jubilee” theme celebrates Thomas Edison’s legacy as the inventor of the incandescent light bulb, making this event a uniquely meaningful holiday experience. Guided evening tours lead visitors through the beautifully decorated grounds and historic homes, sharing stories of how these American icons celebrated the holidays during their time in Fort Myers.
The event offers both guided Holiday Tradition Tours and self-guided options, allowing visitors to explore at their preferred pace. Special Inside-the-Homes tours on select nights provide an intimate look at the decorated interiors. The estate’s museum and garden shops remain open during holiday hours, offering unique gift-shopping opportunities in a festive setting.Why It’s Perfect for Seniors: Flat, well-maintained pathways through the gardens, guided tour options with knowledgeable docents, ample seating areas, and reasonable evening hours that don’t require staying out late.
3. Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Location: Tampa (Central Florida)
Annual Event Period: Mid-November through early January
Tampa Bay’s longest-running holiday celebration transforms Busch Gardens into a spectacular winter wonderland with nearly 70 miles of twinkling lights. Christmas Town features millions of lights decorating the park, creating a magical backdrop for both thrilling rides and gentle attractions perfect for all ages and mobility levels.
Beyond the dazzling displays, Christmas Town offers world-class entertainment, including “Christmas on Ice,” a beloved ice-skating spectacular at the Moroccan Palace Theater. The Holly Jolly Express train ride provides a relaxing tour through the illuminated park with festive music and scenic views of the African savanna, home to giraffes, rhinos, and zebras.
What sets Christmas Town apart is its inclusion with regular park admission—meaning visitors can enjoy both daytime attractions and evening holiday festivities. The park features numerous dining options with holiday-inspired menus, comfortable seating areas throughout, and accessible pathways. Special performances, character meet-and-greets with Santa and Rudolph, and Mrs. Claus’s Storytime create multi-generational appeal.Why It’s Perfect for Seniors: Included with park admission, multiple dining and rest areas, accessible transportation within the park, and entertainment options that don’t require walking long distances.
4. Mount Dora Downtown Christmas Lights Cart Tour
Location: Mount Dora (Central Florida)
Annual Event Period: Late November through early January
Experience the magic of small-town Christmas charm without the walking at Mount Dora’s Downtown Christmas Lights Cart Tour. This guided golf cart tour offers a comfortable, seated journey through one of Central Florida’s most beloved holiday displays, featuring over a million LED lights throughout this historic downtown area.
Your driver navigates you through illuminated streets showcasing beautiful displays of reindeer, toy soldiers, festive decorations, and enchanting fountains. The tour captures the essence of small-town America at its best, offering a step back to simpler times while enjoying the comfort of a guided experience. Mount Dora Transit and Tours takes pride in this cherished local tradition, and their expertise ensures you won’t miss any of the spectacular sights.
What makes this tour particularly special is its accessibility and convenience. Rather than navigating parking and walking distances, guests simply meet at Sunset Park in downtown Mount Dora and settle into the cart for a relaxing journey. The tours run from just after Thanksgiving through New Year’s, making it easy to plan a visit that fits your schedule. At just $25 per adult (with children 12 and under free), it’s an affordable way to experience one of Florida’s most charming holiday traditions.
The tour is so popular that Mount Dora Transit begins accepting reservations a year in advance, so early booking is recommended for those who want to secure their preferred date and time.Why It’s Perfect for Seniors: Seated golf cart tour eliminates walking fatigue, guided narration provides context and history, convenient downtown meeting location, affordable pricing, and the intimate small-group experience (carts hold up to seven people each).
5. Holiday Light Displays at Cranes Roost Park
Location: Altamonte Springs (Central Florida)
Annual Event Period: Late November through early January
Cranes Roost Park’s Light Up the Holidays event features over 200,000 lights on more than 100 holiday displays throughout this beautiful 27-acre park. The annual tree lighting ceremony kicks off the season with live music, entertainment, fireworks, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
What makes Cranes Roost particularly appealing is its free admission and drive-through option for those who prefer to view the lights from the comfort of their vehicle. The park’s paved walking paths also provide excellent accessibility for those who wish to stroll through the displays at their own pace.
Located in the heart of Central Florida near numerous Westminster Communities locations, this event offers easy access and flexible viewing options. The lights are illuminated nightly at dusk, allowing visitors to choose their preferred time. Special appearances by holiday characters and nightly snowfall on select evenings add extra magic to the experience.Why It’s Perfect for Seniors: Free admission, both drive-through and walking options, well-lit and maintained pathways, convenient parking, and flexible hours that accommodate various schedules.
Planning Your Holiday Adventures From Westminster Communities
One of the greatest advantages of independent living at Westminster Communities is the freedom and convenience to explore Florida’s rich cultural offerings. Our communities’ strategic locations throughout the state mean you’re never far from world-class entertainment, seasonal celebrations, and the amenities that make Florida such a desirable place to call home.
Many Westminster Communities residents have discovered that retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about having the time and freedom to pursue the activities and experiences they’ve always wanted to enjoy. The holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to create new traditions, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that makes Florida special.
Making the Most of Your Holiday Outings
When planning your visits to these holiday events in Florida, consider these helpful tips:
- Transportation and Accessibility: Most major holiday attractions offer accessible parking, wheelchair rentals, and accommodations for guests with mobility considerations. Don’t hesitate to call ahead and ask about specific accessibility features.
- Timing Your Visits: Weekday evenings and early-season dates often mean smaller crowds and a more relaxed experience. Many attractions also offer special senior hours or discounted admission for older adults.
- Group Outings: The holiday season is even more enjoyable when shared with others. Consider coordinating group trips with fellow Westminster residents—it’s a wonderful way to strengthen community bonds while creating lasting memories.
Comfort Considerations: Florida’s winter evenings can be pleasantly cool, so bring a light jacket. Most venues offer plenty of seating areas, but comfortable walking shoes are always a good idea for attractions with extensive grounds.
The Westminster Advantage: Location Meets Lifestyle
At Westminster Communities of Florida, we believe that where you live should enhance how you live. Our commitment to resident happiness extends beyond our community walls to encompass the rich experiences Florida has to offer year-round.Many families choose Westminster Communities specifically because of our prime locations near cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and healthcare facilities. This strategic positioning means that holiday celebrations, concerts, festivals, and other seasonal events are always within easy reach. As our multi-generational residents can attest, the ability to maintain an active, engaged lifestyle while enjoying the comfort and security of a supportive community creates the ideal retirement experience.
Celebrating the Season, Florida Style
Florida’s unique approach to holiday celebrations combines traditional seasonal charm with the state’s distinctive character. Where else can you enjoy Christmas lights reflecting off palm trees, experience “snow” in 70-degree weather, or take a holiday boat cruise along a sun-drenched coastline?
These five must-see holiday attractions represent just a sampling of the incredible things to do in Florida during the festive season. From intimate small-town celebrations to grand theme park spectacles, the variety ensures that every resident can find holiday entertainment perfectly suited to their preferences and pace.
Start Your Holiday Season Right
As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to discover how Westminster Communities of Florida can enhance your retirement lifestyle. Our locations throughout the state provide convenient access to all these wonderful seasonal celebrations and so much more.
Whether you’re considering making the move to independent living or simply want to learn more about what Westminster Communities has to offer, we’d love to show you how our communities combine comfortable, maintenance-free living with easy access to everything that makes Florida special.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Westminster Communities of Florida today to schedule a personal tour of our communities and discover how you can enjoy the holidays—and every season—surrounded by new friends, engaging activities, and the freedom to live life on your terms.
The holiday season reminds us what matters most: connection, celebration, and creating memories with the people we care about. At Westminster Communities, we’re here to ensure that every season brings new opportunities for joy, engagement, and the fulfillment that comes from living life to its fullest.
