Best of the Best Professional Christmas Light Displays in Miami and Ft Lauderdale

One of my favorite Christmas delights is to see and visit the very special places in South Florida where the decorations and spirit of the holiday is supreme. As much as the light displays on many homes are spectacular I thought I would write about a few Professional displays and events that take place here under our tropical moonlit sky.

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

One of the most popular animated and amazing light displays takes place at Tradewind Park in Coconut Creek. This event is sponsored by Broward County Parks Department and no expense is spared in this three mile extravaganza. There are giant displays in the illuminated trees and the animation can be called nothing other than a "Holiday Fantasy of Lights", well, that is what they call it. And the name suits these displays to a tee with more than a million twinkling lights, designed by Brandano Displays, who blends the old classic Christmas favorites with the excitement of the newest type of designs.

150,000 visitors are expected this year, many who come back year after year to see just what this event has in store for them, nobody ever leaves disappointed.

This year the displays will be ongoing and started on November 20th through the fourth of January

From 6 PM to 10 PM

Price: Mon-Wed. $9 a car....Thurs-Sun. $12 a car, doesn't matter how many people are in the car

For more information call 954-623-6556 or check out the website http://holidaylightsdrivethru.com

Santa's Enchanted Forest

This spectacular event is considered the Worlds Largest Christmas Theme Park, which includes a free carnival with your price of admission.

The 92 foot tall Christmas tree is the centerpiece of this park and features over 100 rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, shows and, of course, the big guy, Santa in his workshop. All of these terrific sights and things to do are scattered under 3,000, 000 lights in the trees above. I personally just enjoy looking at them from the road which I pass very often during the season but it can't compare to being inside this Enchanted Forest of Christmas lights.

Open November 6 thru January 4

Every night from 5 PM till Midnight

As mentioned, the admission includes the carnival, all the rides, petting zoo and everything in this most Enchanted Forest

Adults... $22.90

Children 9 and under... $15.89

2 and Under FREE

Senior Citizens 65... $15.89

Parking is free

Last but not least is the most original and unique event; The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.

Where else but here, in South Florida, would you find a nighttime flotilla of decorated boats and yachts of every size and shape floating down the Intracoastal Waterway of Fort Lauderdale. Owners of these vessels start preparing their boats months in advance to amaze and delight all those who line up for hours in advance to see these sights.

Winterfest began back in 1971 and with each new year grew bigger and better until now it is an event looked forward to and watched by more than a million spectators every year.

This years theme is "Rockin the Night Aweigh" and will have more than 100 boats traveling through the 10 mile route on the water from Port Everglades to lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. A few of the boats will feature celebrities such as Led Zeppelin, the Florida Panthers Ice Skating Rink, musical groups and even some lovely beauty queens. Of course all the local dignitaries will be on hand. But you don't have to be a big shot to enjoy this amazing Winterfest as there are miles of viewing spots along the way. Or, if you are lucky enough to have use of a boat you can see this parade from the water itself. Oh, and don't forget to look up at the spectacular fireworks display which light up the sky and the path of all the boats on parade.

The Winterfest Parade takes place on December 13th

Viewing is free but if you want grandstand seats in Birch State Park the price is $20 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under

For more information the website is: http://www.winterfestparade.com/winterfest_schedule_of_events.cfm

And, if you are lucky enough to be in DisneyWorld during this festive period, one of the most beautiful displays I've ever seen is in Epcot as you walk head into the World Showcase, it's so funny how many people are standing there trying to take a picture of that entranceway..I once took a picture of them taking pictures. It was truly a fun picture and I got a got a good shot of the lights in the photo too..

Not to be forgotten is Cinderella's Castle. Truly a sight to behold are the Character Christmas Parades. Try not to miss them if you pay a visit to that magical World of Disney. They have parades in all the parks as well as the Illuminations fireworks on the lake at Epcot. But, you have to grab a seat early. People come to Epcot just for that show.

Yes, 2008 will have some wonderful and amazing Christmas lights to see in South Florida and in Orlando too.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas