Holiday Lights at North Florida Regional Medical Center Duck Pond
WHAT: 70,000 lights surrounding the pond with music, 25th year hosting
WHEN: Through Jan. 1, lights on from dusk to dawn every day
COST: Free
DISTANCE FROM UF: 2 miles
WHERE: 6500 Newberry Road,
Gainesville, FL
“North Florida thinks of itself as a community hospital,” said Pamela Rittenhouse, director of marketing. “It’s just a very nice and pleasant setting that you can walk around for a family night or date night.”
Residential light and radio show at Bill Holmes’ house
WHAT: About 100,000 lights complete
with flagpole Christmas tree; light show
synchronized with music broadcasted on
Holmes’ personal FM radio station, 95.9 FM.
WHEN: Runs from 6 to 11 p.m. for a 30 to 45
minute show
COST: Free — just drive up and park
DISTANCE FROM UF: about 15 miles
WHERE: 904 NW 170th Street, Alachua, FL
Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Express
WHAT: 20-minute train ride through Christmas-light setup. Nativity scene and crafter’s village included. Recommended 2-3 hours of browsing.
WHEN: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 28. from 6 to 10 p.m.
COST: $9.99 per person. Tickets sold at the gate or at kirbyfarm.com
Distance from UF: 20 miles
WHERE: 19630 NE 30th St., Williston, FL
Festival of Lights at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
WHAT: More than 5 million lights, including a 200-foot-tall Carillon Tower and snow machines. Free hot cocoa, popcorn and marshmallows for bonfire roasting.
WHEN: Dusk until 9 p.m. Dec. 5-31, excluding Christmas Day. Drive-through only on Dec. 24.
COST: $3 per person
Distance from UF: 60 miles
WHERE: 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive,
White Springs, FL
“We’re set apart because of the way we decorate the park,” said Andrea Thomas, a park service specialist. “It’s definitely something to come see.”
Suwannee Lights at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground
WHAT: More than 6 million lights along a 2-mile trail. Hot chocolate, cookies, craft village and live entertainment every night and Santa Claus photo-op on Fridays and Saturdays.
WHEN: Dec. 6-24. Gates open at 6 p.m.
COST: Sunday through Thursday: $6. Friday and Saturday nights: $8. Every night: Children 4-12 $2, children 3 and under free.
Distance from UF: 71 miles
WHERE: 3076 95th Drive,
Live Oak, FL
“Our location makes us stand out,” said customer service representative Shanna Dukes. “It’s set up in the woods and it’s not just a drive-through or walk-through, it’s both.”
Cade Family Holiday Lights
WHAT: 155,000 lights. A 15-year tradition.
WHEN: Through Dec. 31, 6 to 10 p.m.
COST: Free
DISTANCE FROM UF: 33 miles
WHERE: 23373 NE 112th Court,
Orange Springs, FL
[A version of this story ran on page 3 on 12/7/2014]
