It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. The Christmas music is playing, the air is cooler (sort of) and my personal favorite part of the holiday season: the lights are up and glowing! There’s something about driving around aimlessly looking at Christmas lights in random neighborhoods that makes me feel like a kid again, as I’m sure it does for most people. It’s something I look forward to every year around this time. Although driving around town looking at people’s lit up homes is fun, there’s plenty of public places that also participate in the Christmas lights fiasco, and they’re perfect for lighting up your Instagram feed. Here are just a few of Central Florida’s most Instagrammable spots…Christmas lights edition:
Downtown Lake Mary
This is one of my favorite spots in Central Florida whether it’s Christmas time or not. Downtown Lake Mary is home to an entire strip of fun restaurants, sports bars, parks and an amazing boutique known as Sophie & Trey. Across the street, the town lights up every tree in the park to create a walkway of lights for all to admire. So, after you’re done shopping, grab a bite to eat and take a stroll through the lit-up park to make a perfect evening. And snap a few photos for the ‘Gram, of course!
Park Avenue in Winter Park
Park Ave is pretty much every central Floridian’s favorite spot for photos, and the shopping and good eats there are just a perk. So, it’s no surprise they go all out for Christmas with their lights. The entire street is lit up to the nines with dangling lights and Christmas decor. It’s truly a sight to see!
Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando
Lake Eola is beautiful and full of artistic culture every day, but especially for the holidays. The lake is surrounded by beautifully lit palm trees (a perfect touch to a Floridian Christmas) and they even have a big Christmas tree to admire. Lake Eola is always hosting fun events, so what better way to spend the days leading up to the holidays than attending one and looking at the lights while you’re at it.
Walt Disney World
Of course, when writing about hot photo spots in Central Florida, Disney World has to be mentioned. You already know Disney World has the “go big or go home” mentality when it comes to Christmas lights. All the parks bring out their best decorations and really make you feel the holiday spirit, from the lights, parades, the castle and who could miss the iconic Christmas tree?
The University of Central Florida
Yes, our very own UCF, home of the Knights! Every year UCF hosts a month-long event called “Light up UCF” where college students and families can participate in fun, wintry activities such as ice skating and looking at the amazing show of lights. The entire area in front of the arena is bright and shiny up with multicolor lights. Getting the perfect holiday Instagram pic while also showing off how awesome your school is––it’s a win-win!
These are just some of my personal favorite spots to look at lights to really get you in the spirit. Pictures are worth a thousand words but I encourage all of you to get out this winter break and see these lights for yourself (or for your Instagram.) Happy holidays!
Images: 1, 2: taken by author, 3, 4, 5: taken by Kelley Daiker, 6, 7