Attraction of the Week: Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights
The Florida Botanical Gardens, located in suburban Tampa, is a wonderful year-round nature oasis featuring over 30 acres of maintained gardens. A few of the numerous gardens you will find include: a tropical fruit garden, a succulent garden featuring desert plants, a palm garden, and a butterfly garden. You will also find 60 acres of natural pine flatwoods and wetlands, which provide habitat to over 150 species including bald eagles and gopher tortoises.
Each year, the gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland during the festive Holiday Lights in the Gardens celebration. Donations for the event go towards maintaining the gardens. In addition to more than a million lights, visits from Santa, special holiday treats, and live music are on the schedule.
This is a great affordable family event ($10 suggested donation) for anyone residing in or planning a vacation to the Tampa area over the holiday season. By this time of the year, the temperatures will have finally cooled down enough to enjoy a cool night stroll around the gardens. There are plenty of great photo opportunities, so be sure to pack your camera!
Below, I have posted a few pictures of the beautiful gardens lit up for the holidays!
One of the unique aspects of this holiday light event over others is that you will get to see unique tropical Florida themed light displays.
A Tropical Christmas!
The desert themed gardens are also gorgeous
Beautiful Christmas trees everywhere!
The standout main Christmas tree in the Wedding Gardens. Beautiful! And the festive train adds the perfect seasonal touch!
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without gorgeous poinsettia
More dazzling lights & displays throughout the gardens! Enjoy the tour!
Full Details on the Holiday Lights Display
Address: Florida Botanical Gardens is located at: 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL. Largo is a Tampa suburb located just south of Clearwater and 40 minutes or so from the Tampa area.
Admission: Suggested donation is $10 per adult. Children under 12 are free. Parking is free.
2023 Dates & Hours: The display will run from November 24-December 31st. Hours are 5:30pm-9:30pm. Note this is a very crowded events. Visit on a weekday to enjoy a more peaceful stroll.
While you are in the Tampa region, be sure to check out my full guide to the best things to do in the Bay. Also check out my full guide to holiday fun in the Bay!
Have you attended the Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights display? Share your experience from this year or any prior years in the comments below. In addition, feel free to recommend any other Tampa Bay holiday events and activities!
