The holiday season in Orlando is brighter than ever with the return of Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens! Running on select nights from November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026, you can enjoy breathtaking light displays, including a shimmering 50’ tall star, gorgeous displays, and relaxing moments. After experiencing this Dazzling Nights myself (every year since its debut), I’ve put together some helpful tips to make your visit smooth and memorable.
Want more festive date ideas? Check out 25 Christmas Events in Orlando!
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens 2025
Top tips:
- Book early: Secure your preferred date and time, especially for weekends.
- Arrive early: Plan to get there 30-45 minutes ahead for parking and check-in.
- Dress for the weather: Wear closed-toe shoes for comfort.
- Plan food options: On-site holiday treats are tasty, but not a full meal
- Avoid crowds: Visit on weekdays or early in the season for a quieter experience.
Book tickets early—this event is popular, and weekend slots sell out quickly. Tickets start at $35 for adults on weekdays and $39 on weekends, while children (ages 4-12) start at $29. Kids under 4 are free, but still, plan ahead to secure your preferred date and time.
Comfort and Joy
Arrive early. Leu Gardens has limited on-site parking for a fee. This year's complimentary off-site parking comes with a festive ride in a themed shuttle. Arriving 30-45 minutes early not only ensures you’ll find a good parking spot but also gives you time to check in, use the restroom, and avoid feeling rushed.
Dress comfortably for the weather. Florida’s winter evenings can be unpredictable—think light layers. Closed-toe shoes are a must, as the 3/4-mile path can be uneven in spots.
There are multiple benches throughout the gardens, so take your time and sit for a bit to enjoy the festive atmosphere. My favorite section this year is about 1/3 of the way through the walking path. The Winter Solstice zone is a remarkable tribute to the original reason for the season, winter itself.
There are beautiful decorations that pay homage to the ancestral days of using fruit and other natural materials to decorate trees and lodgings. And best of all, there are groupings of seats around bonfire-like lights to evoke the days of sitting around the fire as the winter nights grew shorter with the passing of each day.
Some of our favorite zones at Dazzling Nights this year:
- Crystal Walz
- Winter Solstice
- Prism Aura
- Fireflies and Butterflies
- The Woodlands
Look for playful interaction spots like 8-Bit Christmas. And it all kicks off with Candy Cane Lane, notice how the synchronized lights match the lyrics of the songs that play!
PRO-TIP: There are restrooms in the gardens as well, but the Welcome Center where you first arrive has the largest restrooms, and there is a water bottle refill station there. I suggest making use of the Welcome Center before embarking on the Dazzling Nights trail.
For 2025 there is more live entertainment and better staging than ever before. And as someone who has attended every single year of Dazzling Nights this year is the brightest! There are more lights and dazzling displays!
There are at least a dozen “activations” or sections of Dazzling Nights that you'll make your way to as you follow the one-way path.
- Enjoy live music in the light of a towering 50-foot star
- Stroll under treetops adorned with elegant chandeliers
- Play with 14’ yetis in swirls of snow
- Throw snowballs with elves in “8-bit Christmas”
- Walk through The Cathedral – an 80 ft tunnel inspired by ancient stained glass
Without a doubt, Dazzling Nights is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Orlando.
Snacks and Beverages
Plan for food and drinks. While there are food and drink booths at multiple spots throughout the trail, offerings are limited to snacks and drinks – nothing that makes for a hearty meal. The holiday-themed treats and hot cocoa are perfect for adding to the festive spirit!
Adult beverages are also available. Budget about $10 per beverage and $7-$10 per snack.
Capture the magic – photo tips
Dazzling Nights is filled with Instagram-worthy spots, from the glowing beacons to the massive golden tree. Bring a fully charged phone or camera, and a tripod if you have one.
There are multiple tunnels and archways, which get crowded as people stop for photos. Rather than waiting at the start of the archway or tunnel, walk through it to the end, then turn around and snap your photo without the line.
Crowds and Walking
Be mindful of crowds. The event is most crowded on weekends and closer to Christmas. If you prefer a quieter experience, opt for a weekday visit early in the season.
Check for accessibility. The path is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, but some areas may be darker or slightly uneven. Bring a flashlight or use your phone’s light for extra visibility.
Extend the fun by turning your evening into a full holiday outing. Explore other holiday activities in Orlando, or now that you've worked up a bit of a thirst, head to one of the many Christmas Pop-Up Bars in town.
Parking and Location
Choose from on-site parking, valet services, or complimentary off-site parking with shuttle service. On-site parking via valet parking is offered at $42. The off-site parking is located at AdventHealth Imaging Center Innovation Tower Parking Garage, with complimentary ADA-compliant shuttles transporting guests to Leu Gardens.
It's recommended to arrive 30 minutes before your ticket entry time for on-site parking and 45 minutes early if using the off-site option to ensure timely arrival.
Off-site parking:
AdventHealth Imaging Center Innovation Tower Parking Garage
266 E Rollins St, Orlando FL 32804
Floors 4-8 with a convenient elevator to the ground and Shuttle
Leu Gardens
1920 North Forest Avenue
Orlando, FL 32803
