Here are the best places to see Christmas displays
Queue the Peanuts soundtrack, because Christmas time is here. Whether out on a cute stroll with a date or looking to entertain the whole family, any one of these light displays featuring a dazzling collection of LED bulbs is sure to brighten the holiday spirit.
Depot Park
Depot Park has shown out this year with more than 250,000 LED lights for the annual Illuminate “D” Park this holiday season. The light display turns on each day at 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 31. Enjoy a stroll with a glass a house-made sangria from Box Car and snacks from Parkside Convenience or Goldie’s.
Historic Haile Homestead “History and Holidays”
Tour the vibrant holiday decorations and walk through the history of the 1856 Homestead with Historic Haile’s guided tours through Jan. 2. Tours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $5, and children under 12 attend free.
NFR duck Pond
North Florida Regional lights up and glows for its 31st year. Anyone and everyone is welcome to peruse the perimeter of the duck pond to take in the winter wonderland made up of over 90,000 lights any night of the week.
Gainesville Brew Bus
Cruise over 20 Christmas light displays on Gainesville’s Brew Bus at World of Beer in the Tioga Town Center. Tours run every 30 minutes, and tickets cost $10 per person but kids ride free. The Brew Bus also offers bus rentals to private parties, so feel free to bring the whole family along for the festivities.
Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train
Visit the Kirby Family Farm for the annual Christmas train tour. Experience the holiday light display from the 100-year-old locomotive as it cruises around the farm. There is a little something for everyone at the Kirby Family Farm including pictures with Santa, an antique Ferris wheel, tractor rides and a secret elf shop.
By Madison Rae