Top Holiday Lights Shows In South Florida

What says "holiday" more than decorations, breathtaking sights, lights and ice skating? Although South Florida is known for its amazing beaches and lavish nightlife, families can enjoy the holidays together through fabulous displays and holiday events. For the family who is always on the go, there's an excuse to take the long way home for once. Whether it's the nightlife, traditional tour or multiple-family neighborhood that brings out the "kid" in you, check out our list of top holiday sights below!

Plantation Acres

14th to 26th St.
Plantation, Florida 33323

A stroll through Plantation Acres will have your spirit ready for the holidays. With multiple families participating in the festivities, you can expect a cheerful occasion. From 14th street through 26th, there are multiple homeowners that can't wait to hang their Christmas decor in celebration of the upcoming holiday season. Two families in particular have caught the attention of South Florida enthusiasts and have been listed as two of South Florida's favorites, outdoing many homes in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale regions.

The Hyatt House at 11201 NW 14th St. currently hangs over 165,000 lights and counting, including multiple inflatable displays. Just down the street, The Callahan House at 11480 NW 26th St. has over 85 inflatable displays and 250,000 LED lights, all synchronized to holiday music.

Hollywood, Florida

Hollywood, Florida 33021

There are cities where neighborhoods seem to be in complete sync with each other. Alone, they are interesting, but together, they are irresistible. If one was to take a ride around the Hollywood area, suggested places to stroll through would be the streets of Thomas, McKinley and Cleveland. At 5200 Thomas St., there is a light show every half hour, whereas the lights are synchronized to the beat and medley of music playing from the display. At 1842 McKinley, there are multiple animated figures and over 1,000 lights. Passing Cleveland St.'s 5424, one will encounter 35 hand-made, hand-painted displays, lit by 25,000 multi-colored lights!

Related: Ask a South Florida Chef: 5 Tasty Pumpkin Dishes

(Source: deeringestate.com)

Deering Estate Holiday Wonderland

16701 SW 72 Ave.
Miami, Florida 33157
(305) 235-1668
www.deeringestate.com

Offering holiday tours, these historic houses foster the essence of Christmas through their traditional lighting and displays of over 444 acres, located on Biscayne Bay. A community favorite, local organizations and garden clubs celebrate the season, providing the most luxury decor into the lives of thousands. Elaborate and breathtaking, holiday magic inspires the trek for many tour-goers on an annual basis. Many return throughout the year to experience the houses of Deering Estate in welcoming the other seasons. The tour is $12 for adults and $7 for children, aged 4 to 14. Children under the age of 4 are free.

(Source: zoomiami.org)

Zoo Miami

12400 SW 152nd St.
Miami, Florida 33177
(305) 251-0400
www.zoomiami.org

Nothing says adventure more than a zoo full of animal-shaped light displays, the sound of holiday music, an ice skating rink and various rides for the youth. Zoo Miami welcomes families and children of all ages to experience the zoo during the holiday season. All guests receive a set of 3D glasses, bringing the lights just a little bit closer and encouraging memories that will last a lifetime. The light up events take place for two weeks in December, leading up to and beyond Christmas Day from 7:00 until 10:00 PM. Admission is $9.50 per person.

Holiday Fantasy Of Lights

Tradewinds Park
3600 West Sample Road
Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
www.holidaylightsdrivethru.com

A Florida tradition, families from all over are welcomed to Tradewinds Park yearly to celebrate the holidays through amazing holiday day lighting events that include three miles of giant animated holiday displays, illuminated trees and tons of holiday decorations. Each year, this event gets bigger and bigger, opening nightly between 6:00 and 10:00 PM, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. In their 21st year, they are expecting 150,000 visitors. They welcome donations because in keeping this event going, expenses need to be paid. There is a standing fee of $15 per car and $40 per busload.

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Jessica N. Abraham-Hogan is the owner of Shorty Produkshins in Orlando, Florida, and specializes in Social Branding and Public Relations for both the Professional Services Industry and Entertainment Business. Over the last 13 years, she has worked with many publications and has created branded content for multiple organizations, Globally.