Immerse yourself in an outdoor winter wonderland during the third annual Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens. This year’s holiday hoopla will include a million magical lights, illuminated forests and paths and other sparkling surprises.
Dazzling Nights map by the Creative City Project.
I had an opportunity to experience Dazzling Nights during the media preview on Tuesday night. It’s my third time attending the glowing extravaganza, which was launched by the Creative City Project and Memoir Agency during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is sponsored by AdventHealth once again.
I’m with Snowball during the Dazzling Nights media preview on Nov. 22, 2022. Image courtesy of Sandra Carr.
“Traditional holiday displays bring warmth to the heart, and we love to bring innovative holiday displays and immersive experiences in all of the things that we do, including Dazzling Nights,” said Creative City Project Artistic Director Cole NeSmith.
“Dazzling Nights is something different, unique and extremely festive, and is becoming our best holiday tradition here in Orlando,” said City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Pictured from left to right: Ice Queen, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Snowball and Susie Dyer strike a pose during the Dazzling Nights media preview on Nov. 22, 2022. Photo by Sandra Carr.
The media event included four holiday light displays, which were the “Brilliance” laser-light show; the Snow & Glow, a 40-foot diameter snow dome with star lights and falling snow; the Peppermint Pass, a 70-foot long, candy cane, vortex light tunnel; and the Joyful Journey, a forest overflowing with snowflakes and lights.
Snow & Glow photo by Sandra Carr.
Peppermint Pass photo by Sandra Carr.
Joyful Journey photo by Sandra Carr.
Joyful Journey photo by Sandra Carr.
The Snow & Glow dome made me feel like I was up north during the winter with the falling snow and stars shining in the night sky.
The holidays came alive in Leu Gardens’ rose garden. The vocalists, who are part of the laser-light show, did not perform because it had rained before the preview on Tuesday night. However, audiences will be listening to singers during “Brilliance” when they attend Dazzling Nights.
The Peppermint Pass features tubes of red and white lights that resemble the holiday season’s most popular candy.
I thought the Joyous Journey was beautiful and peaceful as I walked underneath the lighted snowflakes and glittering lights.
The three-quarter mile, interactive adventure also will feature character meet and greets with Snowball and the Ice Queen; the Wonderous Woods, a garden filled with fog and laser lights; Neon Flowers, a wooded area with giant, luminous blooms; Ring of Radiance, a 360-photo experience; Down the Chimney, an inflatable play area with a chimney slide; and Fabulous Flurries, a massive dome with falling snow.
The family-friendly event at Leu Gardens, located at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando, runs Nov. 25, 2022 through Jan 1, 2023 from 5:30-9 p.m. and is closed on Christmas Day. A sensory night is available on Monday, Dec. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Online Dazzling Nights tickets are $25 per adult and $22 for children. Please arrive 30 minutes before your reserved time. Holiday treats, beverages, beer and wine are available to purchase. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately depending on the weather.
Happy Holidays photo by Sandra Carr.
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