This past weekend I attended the Festival of Lights with a good friend and her children. The last time I attended this drive-through Christmas light show was in 2021, so I had an idea what to expect. All I can say was …. I WAS WOW’d!!!! So much has changed that I was amazed and in wonder at the same time.

Due to a kind invitation we decided to see the Festival of Lights at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Brandon. If going on the weekend …. arrive early (like when they open at 6pm). The traffic will line up and the wait is worth it, but it is a wait. Once you enter there is a 2-mile drive through of immersive light displays before you end up in parking with a short walk to Santa’s Village. There is an obvious Florida Theme as you drive through, but that is what makes it unique from other shows. The pirates, sea life, and Santa all combined to win make it an obvious Christmas in Florida.

I would say there was a lot to see, but driving through the light tunnel was the highlight of it for me. It was especially nice when you were able to see out of the roof of your vehicle to get a full surround experience.

This is where the comparison ends to 2021. Santa’s Village is an experience in itself. Santa and Mrs. Claus are present for photo opportunities and will listen to the young ones Christmas Wishes. The Grinch was present for photos. There is live entertainment that changes every weekend. We were able to see an aerialist while we were visiting. and animals to feed with camels to ride.

It doesn’t just end with Santa. There are food trucks everywhere to quell your hunger. For the first time this year, wine and cider is being offered by the Keel and Curley Winery to add some adult beverages to the food and festive spirits. If really into adventuring, though, a very new addition since I was here last was a small carnival with rides for the youth and the adults living their youth.

Santa’s Village is included with the price of the drive-through. Rides and activities are an extra fee, though. I have found that the Festival of Lights really brought out a Christmas Spirit within adults and children alike. Future acts will include the Dennis Lee Band, EVE, Jordan Denise Williams and Aimee Carter. They also have themed nights such as Paws and Claus where you can bring your pet for a picture with Santa..

The Festival of Lights, in my opinion is an absolute must. The admission is by the carload, not per person. That makes it a perfect opportunity to make it a family outing at a reasonable cost. I would highly recommend The Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village to anyone that wants to visit Santa and be in the Christmas Spirit in the warmth of your own vehicle. I have been asked on instagram “would you see it a second time?” ABSOLUTELY!!!! They also offer a season pass for those that want to enjoy it endlessly. You must see for yourself and let me know. For more information, be sure to check out my initial post of The Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village.

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to follow me on instagram or twitter for live updates or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns. Admission for the Festival of Lights was provided complementary for my review, but all opinions based in the review are of my own personal opinion. The pictures are the property of myself or The Festival of Lights and used with permission.