Melissa Donovan
Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens is preparing to shine brighter than ever as Dazzling Nights returns for its sixth year with its most expansive holiday display yet. Running November 28, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the mile-long interactive light experience will feature new attractions, immersive environments, and more than a million twinkling lights spread across the 50-acre gardens.
Presented by AdventHealth and produced by Creative City Project with Memoir Agency, the annual event has become a holiday tradition for Central Florida families. Creative City Project’s founder Cole NeSmith said the team has been working for more than a year to create this year’s completely new version of the show. “One of my greatest joys is seeing friends and families come together at our events, and I know this year’s show brings even more awe, joy and excitement for us all,” he said.
Expanded Highlights for 2025
The 2025 edition introduces several new large-scale features:
A 50-foot star centerpiece in the Rose Garden, set to live holiday music
A Holiday Village with food, drinks, and shopping
Dozens of crystal chandeliers suspended in the treetops
An interactive 8-bit Christmas zone with elves and snowball fights
The Crystal Kingdom, featuring drifting snow and Yetis
Candy Cane Crossing, where forests of candy canes and lollipops are choreographed to light and sound
“The Cathedral,” an 80-foot-long immersive display inspired by stained glass
A meadow of illuminated butterflies and flickering fireflies
Leu Gardens’ horticulture team will also debut a new focal point: a massive owl crafted from reclaimed natural materials. Suspended among thousands of warm lights in The Woodlands, the installation will serve as this year’s signature centerpiece.
Holiday spirit will extend beyond the gates thanks to the Sparkling Express Shuttle, a new transportation option from off-site parking that includes its own light-and-music show. On-site dining and seasonal beverages will also return, alongside nightly live entertainment supported by Massey Services.
A Community Tradition
Organizers aim to bring people together through art, light, and nature.
“From its inception, we’ve been honored to be part of Dazzling Nights, which celebrates the holidays by bringing people of all ages together to experience the beauty of nature, art and light,” Sharon Line Clary, Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth, said. “We love how this spectacular, immersive event creates moments of joy and connection that nurture mental, physical and spiritual well-being.”
For Jennifer D’Hollander, Executive Director of Harry P. Leu Gardens, the event also reinforces the gardens’ role as a community gathering place.
“This enchanting experience offers residents, visitors and families a chance to celebrate the season together,” D’hollander said. “From strolling through the glowing gardens to enjoying festive activities, there’s something for everyone to create lasting holiday memories.”
Event Details
Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Hours: Timed entry between 5:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Tickets: $31.50–$39.50 for adults; $29.50–$37.50 for children ages 4–12 (fees and tax included). Children 3 and under are free. Tickets are available at www.dazzlingorlando.com.
Parking: Select all-inclusive packages include on-site parking. Valet service is $42. Off-site parking with Sparkling Express shuttle service is also available.
For tickets and more information, visit www.dazzlingorlando.com.
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