Mount Dora, Florida transforms into one of the most charming holiday destinations in the state, with glowing parks, waterfront reflections, historic inns, and decorated alleyways all within a short walk of each other. And while there are plenty of Christmas lights in Orlando, it is worth the 40 minute drive to see this charming historic town.
If you’re planning a December date night, these are the seven best places to see Christmas lights in Mount Dora, complete with addresses, nearby spots for drinks or dessert, and a simple walking route to follow.
Best Christmas Lights in Mount Dora
Important note before we stroll around the see the Christmas lights: Mount Dora is a small historic town. Many businesses are closed on either Sundays, Mondays, or Tuesdays. However, visiting on a weekday is significantly easier than dealing with the swarming weekend crowds.
There are also a variety of free holiday season events here.
1. Donnelly Park
530 N Donnelly St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Donnelly Park is the glowing heart of Mount Dora during the holidays. Trees are wrapped in lights, the walkways sparkle, and the park’s center lawn becomes a warm, festive gathering place. This is the city’s largest and most concentrated display, and it’s the perfect spot to begin a lights stroll before dinner or drinks.
There are multiple photo opportunities at the front of the park. During our early December visit, the lights came on at 5:25 p.m.
2. Mount Dora Community Building
520 N Baker St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Right behind Donnelly Park, the Community Building adds to the holiday ambiance with architectural lighting, wreaths, and decorative accents. It makes the entire Donnelly block feel all the more festive, and it’s an easy second stop as you loop through the district.
3. Sunset Park
230 W 4th Ave, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Sunset Park features a beautifully lit tree and an adorable family of snowmen that make this a popular holiday photo spot. The park is small but full of charm, and the surrounding streets offer even more lights. It’s also close to two great date-night stops:
- Pisces Rising (239 W 4th Ave) outdoor seating decorated for the season
- Butcher’s Nook (237 W 4th Ave) adds festive touches to its courtyard surroundings
- Maw's Mountain Moonshine (352 N. Alexander Street) cozy cabin with woodsy Christmas decor inside and out
This section of the historic district feels especially cozy at night.
4. Elizabeth Evans Park
100 N Donnelly St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Just steps from the waterfront, this park is decorated with trees wrapped in lights and seasonal décor. It’s quieter than Donnelly Park, making it a great stop for couples who want a slower-paced moment before heading toward the marina.
Important note: This park and the following marina are the farthest walks on our list of Mount Dora Christmas lights, so if you're trying to keep to a shorter more reasonable walk then consider skipping Elizabeth Evans Park and the Marina.
5. The Marina
148 Charles Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757
The marina offers one of the brightest Christmas light displays in Mount Dora. Light-wrapped trees lead you toward the water, and cheerful decorations like a small Ferris wheel make for a charming display.
6. Lakeside Inn
100 N Alexander St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Lakeside Inn is one of the oldest continuously operated hotels in Florida, and during Christmas it glows with classic white lights, garland, and holiday accents on its gigantic wraparound porch. It feels like stepping into a vintage holiday postcard. Even if you’re not staying overnight, the exterior is worth the stroll.
Plus, there are multiple dining spots at Lakeside Inn, including an outdoor bar and an indoor tavern with a cozy bar. The lobby is a charming spot to sit and soak up the vintage Christmas atmosphere.
7. Cooper’s Alley (Christmas Window Display)
331 N Donnelly St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Cooper’s Alley transforms into a storybook-style spot with a vintage Christmas Vacation–themed window display. This shop is festive and quirky, especially at dusk when the warm lighting reflects off the shop windows.
When we strolled by, the movie “Christmas Vacation” was playing on a small vintage TV in the window, frames by accompanying movie-themed decorations.
8. Serendipity Brews
144 W 5th Ave, Mount Dora, FL 32757
This cozy coffee, craft beer, and specialty drink shop sits in the middle of the lights trail, the main drag of Mount Dora. Serendipity decorates its windows and patio for the season, offering a warm, low-key place to pause for a drink before continuing your walk.
Inside is decorated as well with a variety of holiday season themed drinks!
Honorable Mentions
Great additions if you have extra time:
- Scoops on 5th – 130 E 5th Ave (ice cream with holiday décor)
- Mount Dora Confectionary – 453 N Donnelly St (candy and gelato)
- Allyson A Bake Shop – 122 E 4th Ave (cozy bakery with seasonal treats)
- Mount Dora History Museum lights corridor – 450 Royellou Ln
Increase the Romance Factor
Book a Carriage Ride
Mount Dora offers carriage tours during select holiday evenings. We happened to squeeze into a 15 minute slot during our stroll. The Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company was parked at Sunset Park and had a rare walk-up opening. The carriage ride made it much easier to head out to the marina and Elizabeth Evans Park which are the farthest spots on our list.
These rides take you past decorated storefronts, parks, and through the heart of the historic district, adding an old-fashioned, romantic layer to the night. Reservations are recommended because evenings often sell out.
Make Dinner Plans
If you must visit on a weekend be prepared for an onslaught of crowds. You must book dining reservations in advance if you have any hope of enjoying a sit down meal among the lights.
Two of the most romantic restaurants are quite popular, so plan ahead.
1921 MOUNT DORA
142 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757
It doesn't get much better than 1921 Mount Dora's Florida-inspired cuisine in a 1921 building filled with modern art. And it is nestled among lots of Christmas lights.
GOBLIN MARKET
330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mt Dora, FL 32757
Also located in Mount Dora, Goblin Market is a beloved local bistro with a secluded courtyard and three intimate, book-lined dining rooms.
Mount Dora Parking
Recommended: Public parking lot across from First United Methodist Church
428 E 5th Ave, Mount Dora, FL 32757
The lot is free, arrives before heavy traffic, and has some lighting—try to park under one of the brighter lampposts.
Mount Dora Parking Garage
250 N Donnelly St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
4th & Alexander Parking Lot
400 N Alexander Street
