Over 40 Years of Magic
The Story of Christmas Lane
From a small family home display in Dover, Florida to Central Florida's premier winter wonderland at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds.
Founder Lane Wetherington, who started Christmas Lane in 1984 as a young boy in Dover, Florida.
In 1984 at his home in Dover, Florida, Lane Wetherington founded Christmas Lane.
Sparked when he was a young boy, Lane's deep passion for the magic of Christmas led him to ask for Christmas lights to decorate the family home instead of traditional toys. What began as a heartfelt display quickly captured the imagination of neighbors, friends, and holiday travelers across Hillsborough County.
Over four decades, that boyhood spark grew exponentially to become an essential holiday favorite for generations of families throughout Central Florida.
Initially an ever-expanding light display that enveloped the Lane family property in Dover, Christmas Lane found a magnificent new home at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds in 2015.
"Today, Christmas Lane includes over two hundred decorated Christmas trees ranging from four to forty feet in height, elaborate larger-than-life festive scenes, and over 1.5 million lights drawing more than 180,000 watts of power — all built with immense love."
A Non-Profit Community Tradition
Christmas Lane operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Every autumn, hundreds of dedicated volunteers contribute more than 2,000 volunteer hours to construct, illuminate, and animate the winter wonderland.
From high school students crafting ornaments in the KidZone to local entertainers gracing the stage, Christmas Lane is truly built by the community, for the community.
Historical Highlights
Illuminating the family home that drew visitors from across Florida.
Expanding with animated scenes, nativity displays, and festive music.
Expanding in 2015 to the Ag Center with rides, mazes, and indoor displays.
Want to be Part of Our Story?
We are always welcoming energetic volunteers and entertainers to join our cast!