I’ve always been fascinated by the magical display of Christmas lights. Ever since I was little, I remember being mesmerized by the twinkle of lights, the vibrant hues, the lively music and more. It means that the most wonderful time of year is here!
When I met my husband, I was thrilled to discover that he was also a kid at heart and that he loved driving around looking at Christmas light displays. Year after year, we looked forward to driving around together and some years I even took my family on our adventures.
When we had kids, our annual tradition of going to see Christmas lights took on a whole new meaning because Christmas is always better when you view things through the eyes of children. The joy on our kids’ faces when they see a display they like makes my mommy heart happy. Now that our girls are 5 and 7 years old, they help us look for the best Christmas lights around and they, of course, have their favorites that we return to year after year. It’s become a family tradition that I hope will continue for many years — and one day I hope we can take our grandkids to see lights, too.
Unfortunately, some of our favorite displays no longer exist. For different reasons, the families have not continued the traditions. The Clot Family Christmas displays, for instance, started in the 1960s and continued through 2009. Bill Clot launched this amazing endeavor and it was something he enjoyed doing with his family every year until his passing in 2007. He made many of the decorations himself and he even received much media attention. Located in Pinecrest, this was one of my favorite homes to visit, but sadly it is no more. Another family favorite was The Christmas Castle, which closed a couple years ago — and I’m still hopeful they’ll be back. The family put up a castle façade on their home in Kendall and the decorations were spectacular, complete with a moving train, animated figures, and holiday music. My oldest daughter still talks about it!
As we drive around, we’ve found that there seems to be less holiday decorating taking place, so I hope new families will continue to decorate their homes and spread joy and cheer throughout the season. I really believe it brings the community together and it makes the little ones — and the young at heart — so excited. The look on their faces is priceless.
Lights, Lights and More Lights
Here are a few residences that are worth checking out:
9241 SW 70 Street: This is a must-see! The owner does all the decorating himself and families can even get out of the car and walk around. His attention to detail is amazing! He even made a little carriage on wheels. So fun!
8740 SW 186 Street: One of our favorites, this Cutler Bay home is a Christmas playground for young and old. You can get out of the car, walk around and enjoy a nativity scene, animatronic animals galore, and you’ll even find Santa handing out candy canes. My kids beg me to go here every year — and last year I think we visited 2 or 3 times.
8290 SW 92 Street: They usually play music and have a Santa’s Workshop display in the front of the house.
SW 98 Street and 83rdAvenue: This is a new one we discovered this year. In the same neighborhood, you can also find a house full of cool inflatables on 8845 SW 99 Street.
SW 36 Street and 75thCourt (corner house): This house includes loads of lights, as well as a gigantic Christmas tree with Santa at the top.
SW 16 Street and 92ndPlace: The home has an eye-catching light display, as well as a big Santa inflatable arch in the front yard.
Matilda Street and Lime Court (Coconut Grove): This home is full of Christmas lights, snowflakes, and inflatables.
There’s also Enchanted Place off of NE 135Street and 16thAvenue in North Miami. The entire neighborhood participates so you can drive through and enjoy the lights — and you may even spot Santa. As one reviewer stated, “what an unexpected beautiful gift from NoMi for everyone to enjoy.”
On my list this year is Christmas Lights in the Acres. It’s a bit of a drive for me, as it’s in Plantation, but I hear it’s totally worth it.
Christmas Events
If you prefer to attend an event or visit a venue, there are many places around town that host special events this time of year — and the great thing is they all have something unique to offer.
Pinecrest Gardens hosts Nights of Lights through January 1st; ZooMiami has Zoo Lights, which includes animal encounters and a boat ride; Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden debuted The Night Garden; Pinto’s Farm has the kid-friendly Winterland at the Farm through January 6th; and, of course, the ever-popular Santa’s Enchanted Forest, which bills itself as the “world’s largest holiday theme park.”
I’m sure there are many more homes and events in the area that I may have overlooked, and I invite you all to leave me a comment and share the places that inspire you this holiday season. What are some of your favorite places to see Christmas lights? I’d love to check them out!
Merry Christmas, my friends!
A friend just visited a home that was all decked out… 11555 SW 82nd Avenue. Her photos are amazing!
That’s around the corner from me!! I’ll check it out ?
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