Take a seasonal stroll through shiny and sparkly scenery during the fifth annual Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens.
The holly-jolly festivities began during the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago and has become a holiday tradition!
I had an opportunity to experience Dazzling Nights during the media preview on Monday night. It was my fourth time attending the Creative City Project and Memoir Agency’s electrifying extravaganza, which is presented by AdventHealth once again.
I thought it was nice the media was provided with commemorative gifts!
This year, the mile-long jaunt is bigger and brighter, and includes 17 luminous locations. It’s also a wonderful way to get your daily steps while being in the holiday spirit!
“I am so excited for our guests to experience Dazzling Nights 2025,” said Cole NeSmith, artistic director and founder of Creative City Project. “Our team has been working for more than a year on this totally new and expanded holiday experience. One of my greatest joys is seeing friends and families come together at our events, and I know this year’s show brings even more awe, joy and excitement for us all.”
A silvery cascade of string lights invite you to enter the Crystal Waltz section. As you walk down the path, there are elegant chandeliers hanging in treetops and conveying romance. I imagined ghosts dancing underneath the elevated, sparkling, glass prisms like in The Haunted Mansion ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which is my fave at the mouse house. I know it’s not Halloween but the spooky season is my favorite time of the year!
Twinkling lights greet you in the Crystal Waltz section entryway. Image courtesy of Sandra Carr.
Chandeliers provide a sense of sophistication at Dazzling Nights. Photo by Sandra Carr.
The Winter Solstice area was overflowing with light and a natural ambiance. Folks can gather and sit by lighted teepees or walk through a golden archway adorned with holly leading to three Christmas trees.
I enjoyed walking on circular lights that changed colors at the Holiday Hop! Some of the circles reminded me of the 1960s Mod Target!
Don’t be a square! Walk on circles of light! Photo by Sandra Carr.
Next, was the Glowing Forest, which resembled a sparkling Sherwood Forest! I didn’t see Robin Hood wearing holiday regalia but I loved seeing the glistening trees and strings of sparkling lights shaped like a Christmas tree and illuminating the pretty poinsettias.
Travel on a well-lit trail in the Glowing Forest. Photo by Sandra Carr.
On Monday night, there was a waxing crescent moon, which you could see as you encountered the Under the Stars section.
The rose garden came alive while gleaming with star power and live entertainment!
The Joyful Journey continues through a sparkling, tiara tunnel, featuring a sea of lights!
The Joyful Journey was like walking on the Yellow Brick Road in the “Wizard of Oz!” Image courtesy of Sandra Carr.
Child’s play! I enjoyed seeing kids playing with giant, inflatable balls in the Holly Jolly section and throwing balls into holes in the 8-Bit Christmas area. I love baseball and playing Skee-Ball! I have a good arm and have thrown baseballs to fried chicken at a concert in the past so I thought I would give it a shot! I threw a ball and got it in the slot on the second try! My aim was true!
The Cathedral was the Taj Mahal of Dazzling Nights! The colorful colonnade is an 80-foot long, immersive homage to ancient stained glass and favors a larger-than-life Lite-Brite!
Watch out for ape-like creatures gallivanting throughout the Crystal Kingdom Yeti Blast! Attendees can enjoy playing with yetis in the snow!
Buy holiday merchandise created by local artisans at the Twinkle Market! Sweet treats paired with holiday and adult beverages are available to purchase in various areas at Dazzling Nights. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment nightly and made possible through the support of Massey Services.
The family-friendly event at Leu Gardens, located at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando, runs Nov. 28, 2025 through Jan 4, 2026 from 5:30-9:15 p.m. Online Dazzling Nights tickets are $31.50-$39.50 for adults and $29.50-$37.50 for ages 4-12 (prices include service fees plus tax). Children 3 and under are free. Please arrive 30-45 minutes before your reserved time. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately depending on the weather.
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