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This article about the holiday lights at the Florida Botanical Gardens originally appeared in The Gabber Newspaper Nov. 29, 2012. It’s 90º in the shade right now, so I was in the mood for something wintry. Since this article is almost 13 years old, no doubt some things have changed, like the price. Please check before you head back this fall. And don’t worry, no doubt some rain will break up the heat soon.

Walking in a (Florida) Winter Wonderland

While Christmas in Florida doesn’t mean snow or fires in the fireplace — usually — you can still capture that winter feel with Holiday Lights in the Gardens. The nightly event lights up the Florida Botanical Gardens, allowing you to show your lingering northern guests something special. It also offers you a shimmering, twinkling, escape into a magical, tropical place.

WHAT

Every night through the first of the year, the Florida Botanical Gardens lights up its 30 acres of cultivated gardens for the holidays. Over half a million tiny bulbs highlight Florida’s natural beauty and create a holiday feel as you stroll through the paths. Music wafts through the foliage and the courtyard has live entertainment.

WHY

Christmas may be over but the feel at the gardens is more “winter” than “Santa.” While you won’t get as close a look at the plants as you would with the winter sun shining overhead, it’s a tranquil setting to celebrate the end of the year and the start of another. With the indulgence of Christmas dinners and stress of Christmas shopping behind you, the Holiday Lights offers you a way to unwind and take some time for yourself.

WHO

The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation hosts the event. The Florida Botanical Gardens is part of the county’s Pinewood Cultural Center at the crossroads of Ulmerton and Walsingham. 

WHERE

12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, from 5:30–9:30 p.m. November 23 through January 1. 

BEST PART

Without a doubt, the smell of buttered popcorn coming from the gardens’ real blooming “Christmas tree,” The tree, a tropical hydrangea called Dombeya, has pink ball-like blossoms that look like ornaments and smell like buttered popcorn.

WORST PART

The holiday lights go dark Sunday, January 1, so you have to get out there soon if you want to see the gardens in all their nighttime brilliance.

MAGIC QUESTION

$2 per person. Free for kids under 12. Dogs welcome, especially at the December 30 special 2 p.m. dog parade. Call 727-582-2100 or visit FLBG.org.