Plant City Christmas Display Lights Up with 1.5 Million Lights, 200 Trees All December
Over at 2508 West Oak Ave. in Plant City, the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds have been turned into a winter wonderland called Christmas Lane. Until Dec. 24, 2024, people can stroll through amazing displays featuring 1.5 million lights and 200 decorated trees. The trees range from small 4-foot ones to massive 40-foot beauties spread across the grounds. Children run excitedly through the sparkling light maze while rides spin in the background. Behind it all, hard-working staff put in 2,000 hours to bring this magical place to life.
“They love it. They’re having fun. They see the lights, they see Christmas, they see Santa Claus. It’s a good family tradition,” said John Verlinich to Christmas Lane.
“It’s great, it’s fantastic. It’s really beautiful here and I can tell a lot of time went into this,” said Jason West, who came from Dauphin, Alabama.
Tickets cost $12 for anyone 13 and older, while kids 4-12 get in for $10. Little ones under 3 get in free. Once inside, families can enjoy a kids zone full of activities, plus food vendors, drinks, and nightly shows — all covered by the entry fee. Santa and Mrs. Claus are there to take pictures with families throughout the event. Each evening features a live nativity scene bringing the Christmas story to life.
It all began in 1984 when Lane Wetherington first decorated his Dover, Florida, home. In 2015, Christmas Lane moved to where it is now, and it keeps getting bigger every year.
This non-profit show runs on community spirit alone. Volunteers spend countless hours creating this yearly holiday tradition that brings smiles to thousands.
