A shimmering spectacle of holiday lights and merriment returns to Leu Gardens for its seventh year, welcoming families and friends for a special seasonal event.
Tickets are now on sale for Dazzling Nights, which transforms Orlando’s 50-acre botanical oasis Nov. 20-Jan. 3 with a winter wonderland full of magical displays. Presented by Creative City Project and Memoir Agency, this year’s festival promises “immersive environments, larger-scale light installations and more live entertainment throughout the journey.”
“As our community’s annual holiday tradition has grown, we’ve made it an experience where memories are made,” said Cole NeSmith, artistic director and founder of Creative City Project, in a news release. “Whether guests come with family, a date night or a group of friends, there’s no question that Dazzling Nights 2026 is going to be special.”
This year’s highlights include live music in front of a 50-foot illuminated snowman in the Rose Garden, an acrobatic dance performance in the wintry Driftlands and a children’s obstacle course in the new “Yeti Mine Adventure.”
Other focal points are a forest of choreographed Christmas trees at Polar Nights, a tunnel of illuminated poinsettias in the “Poinsettia Promenade,” the Twinkle Market with food, drinks and shopping, a disco ball area and the “Chilly Celebration” featuring a mural of tens of thousands of lights.
Jaelynn and Jordan Francisco, center, along with Dani Cervantes and Sophie Rodenbrock, explore between light snowflakes that are part of Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens in 2023. The event returns this holiday season. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)
“We’re delighted to welcome the return of holiday magic to the Gardens this winter with Dazzling Nights,” said Jennifer D’hollander, executive director of Leu Gardens, in a news release. “This enchanting experience invites residents, visitors and families to celebrate the season together while seeing our botanical collections in a whole new light. It’s a magical way to experience the gardens and create lasting holiday memories.”
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If you go
Dazzling Nights is open on select nights Nov. 20-Jan. 3 at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Tickets start at $35 for adults and $33 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and younger enter for free. On-site valet parking is available for $49. Guests can also ride the complimentary “Sparkling Express Shuttle” from the off-site parking lot. More information: dazzlingorlando.com