Holiday Lights & Family Fun Guide
Drive the lights, count the Santas, don't miss the season
Holiday magic on Merritt Island happens after dark and often on the water. The best family nights usually combine a car full of carved pumpkins, string-light navigation through the decorated neighborhoods, and one of the Space Coast's seasonal events. This guide gathers the glow-up destinations and tips for a calm holiday week with the kids.
Build your lights route
The island's Let It Glow contest publishes its participating homes guide each season, which is the easiest way to catch the best displays in one drive. Until entries are confirmed, drive the established waterfront streets and the decorated causeway towns. A thermos of cocoa and the kids in pajamas is the required equipment.
Pair it with a seasonal event
Plan a lights drive around an evening event so the night earns itself: a village tree lighting, the holiday boat parade, or the beachside WinterFest on Main Street. Weekend dates fill early, so book the dinner spot first, then the lights afterward. See the Community Events page for what is confirmed.
Enter or cheer on the neighbors
Got great lights of your own? The homeowner entry form on the Let It Glow page is where the contest begins. Not decorating this year? The voting section is your way to make the neighbors famous. Tune in after entry closes for the participating homes guide and this season's results.
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