The holiday season is officially here and Amelia Island is getting “lit”. Literally. There’s something about Christmas lights that gives everyone the warm fuzzies and if you’ve had a year of crazy, warm fuzzies sound pretty good. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top places to see the best holiday light displays. Some are right here in our own back yard, others are a short drive away, and some are a little bit further than that. Whichever way you go, get ready to be wowed.

Centre Street to Ash Street, historic downtown Fernandina Beach: For the iconic, small town, Hallmark channel kind of Christmas scene, you’re going to want to drive down Centre Street to the docks and then up Ash Street and basically all over the downtown area. Centre Street is lit from top to bottom – think trees, storefronts, and rooftops, and many of the historic homes/bed & breakfast inns are decorated in their best greenery, finery and lights. This will get your season started.

North Ridge Lane, Fernandina Beach: Year after year almost ALL of the fine folks that live in the Oak Ridge subdivision in the central part of Amelia Island, decorate their homes and lawns with santas, angels, trains, stars, trees, grinches, and thousands of lights. It has become many islanders’ holiday family tradition to drive through this neighborhood. Come see for yourself and get in the spirit! 

Riverwood Drive, Yulee: Just off the island in Yulee is the Meadowfield Bluff subdivision where the highlight is one home in particular. Covered in shimmering lights for the entirety of the season, you won’t want to leave this home out of your light tour. 

Jax Illuminations, Jacksonville, Florida: Named Jacksonville’s Best Holiday Drive Thru Light Show, the Jax Illuminations Holiday Light Show is nothing short of spectacular. There is a $25 fee to enter, but over 500,000 lights, synchronized to holiday music, await. Check their website for the new location and to buy tickets in advance. This light show never disappoints.
30 miles from Amelia Island

Holly Jolly Jekyll, Jekyll Island, Georgia: Want to go back in time to experience the holidays? If so, head north on I-95 to the Jekyll Island Club on Jekyll Island, Georgia where you can experience the Holly Jolly Light Tour. From November 25 to January 8, 2023, drive through Jekyll’s historic district to see it lit up and decorated in all it’s holiday grandeur. Or, take a carriage ride through instead. This coastal wonderland is oh so beautiful at Christmastime.
60 miles from Amelia Island

Night of Lights, St. Augustine, Florida: For the last 29 years, the Nations Oldest City has put on an unbelievable light show and from November 19 – January 31, 2023, you can take part in it. St. Augustine’s Night Of Lights has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic. “Spanning several blocks and covering every building, this dazzling display of over 3 million lights ignites the historic downtown area with holiday cheer! It is a holiday favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.”
74 miles from Amelia Island

Okefenokee Swamp Light Show, Waycross, Georgia: Where can you see alligators and Christmas lights all at the same time? The world famous Okefenokee Swamp, that’s where. Each year, people from all over flock to this iconic park to take part in the Holiday Light Show. Walk or take a train ride through 1.25 miles of thousands of twinkling lights. It’s a beautiful sight to see under the stars of south Georgia and it’s only a little over an hour’s drive from Amelia Island. 76 miles from Amelia Island

Happy Holidays, y’all!