Sanford Christmas Lights 2025

Discover 14 verified christmas lights in Sanford and nearby areas.

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Welcome to your guide for Sanford Christmas lights and holiday displays. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Sanford lights up the season with a mix of festive traditions and sparkling surprises.

Don’t miss the annual Light Up Sanford event in Magnolia Square, where the city’s tree lighting ceremony brings the community together, or the dazzling Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo, just minutes from downtown Sanford.

This guide covers everything from free neighborhood displays and walking trails to ticketed drive-through lights and special events—so you can plan your perfect holiday outing and make the most of the season near Sanford.

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All Christmas Lights Around Sanford

Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides

Kennebunkport, ME 14 mi from Sanford
$
Dec 5 – Dec 14

Historic trolley rides through a festive winter landscape.

Step into a winter wonderland with Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Journey through a scenic, wooded campus aboard heated, vintage trolleys adorned with live holiday greens. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by an outdoor...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude

Kennebunkport, ME 16 mi from Sanford
Dec 4 – Dec 14

Iconic Santa arrival by lobster boat

Experience the magic of Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude, a beloved 11-day festival that transforms this charming Maine town into a winter wonderland. Recognized by national media as a top holiday destination, Prelude offers a heartwarming celebration with over 160 events. From...

HolidayChristmas ActivitiesFamily Friendly

Sandy Hill Farm Winter Wonders

Eliot, ME 21 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 1 – Mar 1, 2026

New England's largest immersive walk-through light show.

Discover Winter Wonders, New England's largest and most immersive walk-through light show, featuring over 2.5 million lights across 14 acres. Wander a mile-long trail through an enchanted forest, experiencing unique, interactive light displays and festive winter scenes. It's an ideal...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Candlelight Stroll

Portsmouth, NH 25 mi from Sanford
$$
Dec 5 – Dec 21

Historic houses adorned with handmade decorations and costumed roleplayers sharing traditions.

Step into a bygone era at the Candlelight Stroll, where historic houses are aglow with hundreds of candle lanterns and adorned with handmade decorations. Costumed roleplayers bring the past to life, sharing stories of seasonal traditions. Enjoy wandering musicians, festive...

Holiday Light DisplaysHistoric HousesFamily Friendly

Gift of Lights

Loudon, NH 35 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 27 – Jan 4, 2026

2.5-mile drive-thru light show at a speedway

Embark on a magical journey through the Gift of Lights, a cherished New England family tradition at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This spectacular 2.5-mile drive-thru light show transforms the holiday season into a dazzling spectacle of festive cheer, running for...

Holiday Light DisplaysDrive Through DisplaysFamily Friendly

Santa's Christmas at Charmingfare Farm

Candia, NH 39 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 29 – Dec 24

Horse-drawn sleigh ride to the North Pole

Charmingfare Farm invites visitors to a magical Santa's Christmas event, transforming into a winter wonderland. Families can embark on enchanting horse-drawn or sleigh rides through a festive Christmas trail to reach the North Pole. There, they can meet Santa Claus,...

Christmas MarketHoliday Light DisplaysSanta Visits

Sea Festival of Trees

Salisbury Beach, MA 41 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 21 – Dec 7

Thousands of decorated trees by the ocean

Immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland by the sea at the Sea Festival of Trees. This beloved tradition showcases thousands of glittering Christmas trees, offers seaside indoor ice skating, and features visits from Santa and popular characters. It's a festive...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyIce Skating

Visit Freeport Sparkle Celebration

Freeport, ME 44 mi from Sanford
$
Dec 5 – Dec 12

Santa's arrival and the Talking Christmas Tree

Experience the magic of Freeport's Sparkle Celebration, a beloved Maine holiday tradition. This festive event kicks off with a dazzling Parade of Lights, culminating in Santa's arrival to illuminate the Talking Christmas Tree. Enjoy a week of twinkling lights, gift...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

LaBelle Lights Holiday Display

Derry, NH 46 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 14 – Dec 25

Drive-through holiday light display with synchronized music

LaBelle Lights transforms the winery grounds into a magical holiday spectacle. Visitors can drive through a dazzling display of synchronized lights and animated installations set to festive music, creating an unforgettable winter wonderland experience.

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySynchronized Lights

Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights

Methuen, MA 51 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 28 – Jan 3, 2026

Longest drive-through light tunnel in New England.

Experience the Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights, a spectacular drive-through event showcasing over a mile of dazzling displays. Featuring more than 1 million LED lights, this attraction boasts the longest light tunnel in New England, offering a magical journey through...

Holiday Light DisplaysDrive Through DisplaysFamily Friendly

Holly Jolly Journey

Litchfield, NH 52 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 28 – Jan 11, 2026

Over two-thirds of a mile walk-through light experience.

Embark on the Holly Jolly Journey, a spectacular walk-through Christmas light experience in Litchfield, NH. Wander over two-thirds of a mile through a wonderland of millions of lights, exploring enchanting zones like the Zoo of Lights, Candy Cane Lane, the...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Food

Methuen Festival of Trees

Methuen, MA 55 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 22 – Dec 6

Hundreds of decorated trees with a chance to win one.

Experience the magic of the Methuen Festival of Trees, a cherished holiday tradition featuring hundreds of uniquely decorated trees and wreaths. Visitors can try their luck in a $5,000 cash raffle, bid on treasures in an online auction, and find...

Holiday MarketFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Deck The Halls Holiday Celebration at Hammond Castle Museum

Gloucester, MA 59 mi from Sanford
$$
Nov 21 – Jan 4, 2026

Historic castle adorned with unique holiday themes and candlelight tours

Step back in time this holiday season at Hammond Castle Museum's 7th annual 'Deck The Halls' celebration. Explore rooms transformed with festive trees, twinkling lights, and elegant décor, each with a unique holiday theme. Discover playful elves, nutcracker guards, and...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsFestive Atmosphere

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Christmas Parties 5 events Christmas Markets 34 events Christmas Shows 12 events Other Christmas Activities 23 events

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top holiday light displays in and around Sanford?

The signature Light Up Sanford event in Magnolia Square is a must-see, featuring the city’s tree lighting and festive downtown decorations. Nearby, the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo offers a vibrant, illuminated experience with cultural displays and glowing animal sculptures. For neighborhood displays, explore downtown Sanford and surrounding areas for charming residential light shows.

Are there drive-through or walkable light displays near Sanford?

Most holiday lights in Sanford itself are best enjoyed on foot, especially downtown events like Light Up Sanford and the Parade of Lights. For drive-through options, you’ll find larger displays a short drive away in the greater Orlando area, but within Sanford, walking trails and neighborhood displays are the local favorites.

When do the holiday lights typically start in Sanford?

Major events like Light Up Sanford kick off in early December, with the tree lighting ceremony held on December 5, 2025. The Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo runs select nights from November through January, offering extended opportunities to enjoy light displays near Sanford. Neighborhood lights often appear around Thanksgiving and stay up through New Year’s.

Are there free holiday light displays in Sanford?

Yes, many Sanford Christmas lights are free to enjoy, including the downtown tree lighting, Parade of Lights, and neighborhood displays. The Asian Lantern Festival is a ticketed event, but you’ll find plenty of no-cost options for festive light viewing throughout the city.

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