By Michelle Colesanti
Nights of Shimmering Lights
Nights of Shimmering Lights light up S.R. 60 just east of Brandon with a million colorful LED lights. This is the second season at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. Many new additions this year are planned.
Guests experience the 11 themed areas and over 850 lighted elements in the 35-40 minute drive. In the center of the show is a new Holiday Village. Get your picture taken with Santa and drop your letters to Santa in our mailbox. Stop by the village for shopping, outdoor holiday movies and some hot chocolate.
Be one of the first five cars in line each night and get a free picture with Santa. Nights of Shimmering Lights is also a Toys-for-Tots drop off spot. Receive a gift for bringing a new toy.
The cost for a Car/Truck/Van is $20 (load up all your family and friends, parking is available if you want to car pool)
Gates open at dark each night and close at 9 p.m. weekdays, and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Open Thursday-Sunday until Sunday, December 16 and then nightly until Sunday, December 30.
Melendez Riverview Drive Display
People visiting Terry and Linda Martinez’ house in Riverview will see a fantastic Christmas light display, a number of statues, and many other fun and interesting decorations. The house has a perfect setup for people to walk around viewing the decorations. A paved circled sidewalk makes it convenient for people to peruse all of the different things that celebrate Christmas.
Both Terry and Linda also pass out free popcorn to visitors. “We go through about 300 pounds of popcorn every year,” said Terry. They have been decorating for over three decades.
The lights go on around 6:30 p.m. and usually are turned out at 10 p.m. It is free of charge to come visit, but the Martinez’s have asked for donations to help offset costs.
The house, located at 9711 Riverview Dr. in Riverview, is something great for people who love viewing Christmas decorations. It is a cheap and quick getaway during the Christmas holiday. Just make sure to stop and thank Terry and Linda. It will be easy to find them; just look for the popcorn machine and the smiling faces.
Klieger Family Display
In the Balm/Wimauma area, there is a new light display. Each night beginning at 7 p.m. through Wednesday, January 2, you can enjoy The Klieger Family’s animated display with over 10,000 lights that are set to music. Only 10 minutes from the Riverview area, this display promises to enchant. There will be a ‘Toys for Tots’ box available if you would like to drop off an unwrapped gift through Saturday, December 15.
Set on 3 ½ acres, the display is located at 15617 Alderman Turner Rd. in Wimauma.
DeBrocke Family Light Show
Founded in 2006, the DeBrocke Family Light Show is located at 11720 Stonewood Gate Dr. in the Summerfield area of Riverview. They have a computer controlled light show set to music which is broadcasted on 101.1 FM. The display will be held every night through Monday, December 31. Hours are Monday-Thursday nights from 6-9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday’s from 6-11:30 p.m.
The family asks you to respect their neighbor’s property and not to park on the grass or block driveways.
For more information on how the display is set up and to see a video of a past display, visit www.debrockelights.com.
Christmas Lane
Christmas Lane features a half acre of decorations, ranging from life size nutcrackers, a gift shop and an ice skating rink to a 35-ft. tall Christmas tree, complete with lights and decorations, and a working train that children can ride.
Throughout the shimmering spectacle, hot chocolate, coffee, cold drinks, popcorn and cotton candy will be served by volunteers.
Christmas Lane is located at 2091 Wooten Rd. in Dover.
Barrington Oaks
Barrington Oaks Barrington Oaks, located off of Lumsden Rd. in between Bryan and John Moore Rds., consists of 51 homes, most of which decorate for the holidays. Gates to the community open daily at 6 p.m.
See the Lights at Local Valrico Home
In the Brandon Brook Community located in Valrico, the home at 434 Benson St. has over 15,000 lights. The house is located at the end of the road in a cul-de-sac. Brandon Brook is located north of Rt. 60 just off of Valrico Rd.
Did we Miss A Favorite?
Email us at michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will include them in our online listing!
