people strolling through Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo

Event Highlights

Stroll through a winter wonderland with music, entertainment, shopping, concessions and expansive gardens twinkling with more than 1 million colorful holiday lights, plus laser projections at the 100-acre Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. This popular holiday celebration, celebrating 25 years in 2025, runs from 5:30 to 9:30 pm every evening from Nov. 28, 2025, through Jan. 3, 2026.

Activities & Entertainment

A variety of entertainment is typically offered, including dancers, jugglers, magicians, parades, wreath-decorating contests and more – plus music ranging from local carolers, choral groups and DJs to live jazz, bluegrass and folk. It’s no wonder approximately 60,000 guests come each year to experience this beloved event that was nominated for USA Today’s “10 Best Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights” list!

This year’s live entertainment schedule will be posted each week. In addition, kid-friendly events are planned at the Majeed Discovery Garden on Thursday and Sunday evenings throughout December.

Shopping & Concessions

In addition to enjoying plenty of entertainment under sparkling lights, you can also do a little holiday shopping. The Botanical Bounty Gift Shop (open daily from 10 am to 5 pm) will also reopen from 5:30 to 9 pm nightly, offering unique garden-themed items for everyone on your list. The festival’s annual Gift & Plant Sale from 8 am to 9 pm on Dec. 5-6 also welcomes local nurseries, crafters and other vendors to help knock out your holiday shopping list.

Funnel cakes, ice cream and hot chocolate, oh my! All of this fun will surely work up an appetite, so be sure to check out the concessions offered at Palm Pavilion in McKay Creek Plaza.

Event Category

  • Annual Festivals & Events
  • Kids
  • Nature

Guest Information

  • Dog-Friendly
  • Family-Friendly
  • Free Admission
  • Outdoor Event

Admission Details

  • There is a suggested donation of $10 per person for guests older than 12. (Funds raised from the event help maintain the garden’s grounds, provide valuable programming and fund ongoing improvements, including the recent addition of the children-focused Majeed Discovery Garden in 2024.)
  • Groups of 10 or more should call 727-753-7840 to make arrangements in advance.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome.
  • Please note: The garden’s trails are ADA-accessible, but there are no wheelchairs or scooters available to rent on site.

Free Parking

Free parking is available at two locations (12520 Ulmerton Rd. and 12211 Walsingham Rd.) with each lot offering two separate entrances to the park. 

Important: Once you enter the event, be sure to take a color-coded sticker so you will know which exit gate you should use to find your vehicle.

History of Holiday Lights in the Gardens

Known as one of St. Pete-Clearwater's most beloved annual traditions, Holiday Lights in the Garden celebrates 25 years in 2025. Starting the year the gardens opened in 2000, the event was designed to help showcase nature-themed light displays on buildings, trees and plants throughout the property’s 26 unique areas full of trails and beautiful blooms. 

Plan Your Visit

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