The best part here is there will be photo opportunities, s’mores, campfires, Christmas candy, hot cocoa, caroling, and so many more! You can also come and meet Santa and his friendly elves on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
Once the magical drive-through experience is completed, you are also invited to park your car and walk through the amphitheater and garden. So, what are you waiting for? Make sure you make your plans and join us in this enchanting holiday tradition!
Festival of Lights Suwannee Dates (2023)
The Festival of Lights Suwannee will be on November 21 to December 30, 2023.
Visitors can also combine a stunning drive-through experience with a fascinating walk-through. After the drive, you can park your car and discover the magical garden and amphitheater on foot. It’s worth mentioning as well that the area is covered with thousands of lights and stunning displays.
You can also take an up-close look at the magic of Christmas while strolling down to the Music and Lights Finale. After that, you can also stop at the nostalgic Craft Village, where you can catch some handmade gifts, decors, and souvenirs for the entire family!
Where It Is Located and How to Get There
The festivities also take place in the Spirit of the Suwannee Music and Campground, north of Live Oak, Florida, 3076 95th Dr., Live Oak, FL 32060 located between Interstates 75 and 10.
- From I-10, take exit 283 and go north on US 129 for 4.5 miles.
- From I-75, you can take exit 451 and proceed south 4.5 miles. Make sure you keep an eye out for the sign.
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is situated near more than 500 Florida tourist attractions within 2 ½ hours of driving time. Keep in mind that the park is situated on the amazing banks of the Suwannee River in North Florida and features a natural area for those outdoor music concerts.
If you’re in Florida, you can also check out these amazing spectacles:
The Lights Festival Hours
Suwanee Lights Festival runs from late November through December, from 6 to 10 PM. These ever-popular Christmas lights events will feature thousands of lights such as airy lights, the festival of lights, Christmas light shows, twinkle lights, light festivals, and blinking Christmas lights.
There will also be certain Lights, twinkle lights, trees, light exhibition, led curtain lights, icicle lights, net lights, meteor shower lights, and rope lights, among others.
How Much It Costs to Visit Suwannee Lights Festival and where to buy Tickets
On Sunday through Thursday, the adult ticket is available for $10 at the gate and only $8 if you purchase it online. On Friday and Saturday, the prices increase to $12 and $10, respectively. For a kid ticket (4 to 12 years old), the price is always $2. On the other hand, children who are under four years old can take advantage of free admission. You can buy tickets online here
Each Tuesday, adults could receive free admission with a Busy Bee Ticket. Simply buy select merchandise at one of the participating Busy Bee Food Stores and see the lights there for free. Isn’t it awesome?
Visit the festival’s official website for up-to-date information on ticket prices.
Weather and What to Wear
Thousands of people visit Suwannee Lights Festival every year to experience the light show. The festival of lights begins in late November and ends in December. When you travel there, it’s noticeable that the weather is cool. The daily high temperatures decrease by 6°F from 59°F to 52°F. It rarely falls below 40°F or exceeds 70°F.
Make sure that you’re equipped enough with the proper clothing when you go there. Grab some winter clothes, and wear some sturdy boots or shoes. It will also help if you bring some gloves with you to prevent the chill.
Hotels nearby the festival of lights
For those of you who would rather have human comforts instead of a night under the stars, we have a few options for you. Whether you plan on visiting Suwannee for business or pleasure, rest assured that Suwannee County has numerous hotels and lodging dedicated to making your entire style with us as comfortable and satisfying as possible.
- Holiday Inn Express
Outdoor recreation and natural beauty await you at this place. This hotel’s guests can boat, fish, and swim in the lazy Suwannee River, bordering the country on three sides. What’s more, several music festivals and state parks offer year-round entertainment.
This hotel is ideal for business travelers. They offer free high-speed, wireless internet access, business meeting facilities, and a 24-hour business center to meet your needs.
- Quality Inn
Experience the friendly and professional service of this hotel’s pet-friendly accommodation service. Their hotel is near the annual Blueberry and Magnolia Festivals. You can discover the year-round attractions close, such as the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, Stephen Foster Memorial, Suwanee River, and Suwanee Music Park.
Quality Inn is conveniently located between Jacksonville and Tallahassee.
- Econo Lodge
You can make your traveling to Suwannee, Live Oak, a little bit easier by staying at this pet-friendly hotel. One of the cool things about Econo Lodge is they are conveniently located off Interstate 10.
Where to Eat
When the time comes to rustle up some grub to quiet that noisy stomach, the region’s culinary selections offer you much-needed Southern comfort. You can easily chow down on a belly-busting breakfast with some fresh orange juice and a rasher of delectable bacon to get your energy in the morning.
You can then fill up with steaked smothered-in gravy along with a scratch-baked biscuit on the side. What type of Southern County would be without an awesome BBQ?
- Italian Pizzeria and Restaurant
They serve authentic NY-style pizza, calzones, strombolis, and entrees in a casual dining environment. They also create freshly baked bread that pairs with pasta specialties that are made from scratch.
- Downtown Café
Homemade soups, wraps, paninis, sandwiches, and salads are some of the foods served in this restaurant. They also have homemade cookies and a selection of muffins each day. Lemon bars, cream cheese squares, and brownies are also available.
- Big Wood BBQ and Grill
If you’re craving BBQ foods after the Suwannee Lights Festival, come to this place. They provide a broad spectrum of traditional cuisines like American restaurants, BBQ restaurants, and steak houses, among other things.
They pride themselves on their top-notch service and reasonable rates. The foods are always prepared with the freshest ingredients, and their staff always remains friendly.
More Things to Do in the Area
Sometimes, you simply need to balance the soothing natural amenities with some thrill. Fortunately, Suwannee County has you covered there.
You can easily find fun in everything from bowling alleys and golf courses to getting up close and personal with huge cats at a wildlife sanctuary and learning how to work with birds of prey on your own falconry experience.
- Heritage Park and Gardens
This famous green space in Live Oak boasts ninety acres of lovely gardens. The sprawling landscape offers tourists and locals the chance to partake in a broad spectrum of outdoor activities.
- Suwannee County Historical Commission and Museum
The region that surrounds Live Oak has been occupied for 12,000 years. The museum features an exhibit that summarizes the history of its first people—also known as the area home.
- Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
You will find two main springs, six sinkholes, and a spring run in immaculate condition at the Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park. Have you never cave-dived before? Then you’ll like have no idea what that actually means.
However, certified divers are allowed to dive in this underwater cave system, considered the longest on the continent! How cool is that?
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park
At least an hour away from Live Oak is the lovely aquatic paradise of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. This place boasts over 2,000 acres of lush foliage, unspoiled swimming holes, warm water, and springs, which come together to create the Ichetucknee River.
- The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground
This list is not complete without this one. Even if you do not like camping during your stay there, this destination is the ideal place to spend a day. The Rees Lake’s docks are a famous fishing area, and there are horse and hiking trails as well throughout the park.
- Suwannee Country Club
This spot is semi-private, but it’s open to the public. That means visitors can enjoy brushing up on their abilities at the driving range and teeing off at the nine-hole course.
FAQ
1. Where Can I Park My Car?
Parking at the Suwannee Lights Festival is generally straightforward. Most of the time, you’ll find designated parking areas near the entrance of the festival. Just follow the signage and lighting, and you should be good to go. If you’ve got VIP tickets, there may be closer spots reserved just for you!
2. Is Smoking Allowed?
Nope, the festival aims to create a family-friendly atmosphere. So, leave your cigarettes at home and bask in the glow of the blinking Christmas lights and breathtaking curtain lights instead.
3. Can I Bring My Furry Friends?
While we love pets just as much as the next person, they’re not allowed at the Suwannee Lights Festival. We’re sure your pets would love the twinkle lights trees, but it’s best to leave your pets at home for their safety and the comfort of other festival-goers.
4. What Type of Outdoor Lighting Can I Expect?
Ah, the heart of the matter! Expect a myriad of outdoor lighting ranging from fairy lights delicately laced through the trees to large light displays that turn the night into day. The festival takes backyard lighting to a whole new level.
5. Are There Any Food and Beverage Stalls?
Yes, you’ll find a variety of food and beverage options to suit all palates. From classic American fare to international delicacies, the festival has got you covered. Just follow the string of twinkle lights to locate these stalls.
6. Is the Festival Wheelchair Accessible?
Absolutely. The festival makes sure to accommodate everyone, so you’ll find accessible routes marked clearly. Just keep an eye out for directional lighting guiding your path.
7. Are There Performances or Just Light Displays?
Beyond the mesmerizing light festival features, the Suwannee Lights Festival often includes performances, music, and even a Christmas light show. Prepare to be dazzled in more ways than one!
8. What’s the Best Time to Visit?
While the festival is enchanting at all times, it hits its peak when the sun goes down. That’s when all the lights, from the simple twinkle lights to the complex light displays, come alive. If you’re an aficionado of lighting like we are, that’s the moment you won’t want to miss.
Thanks for reading!
If you like this festival of lights here are 2 more lights festivals in Florida:
Cape Coral Festival Of Lights
Festival Of Lights Fort Myers
sources:
https://suwanneelights.com/
