The Rotary Club of Flagler County Foundation’s Fantasy Lights display returns to Central Park for its 20th season, opening Saturday with more than 100 volunteers helping set up the holiday tradition.
Volunteers, including Rotary Club members, student-athletes from Flagler Schools, and local community members, spent the past weekend preparing the light displays for the season. The event has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from 16 displays in 2006 to 57 animated light shows this year.
Fantasy Lights has become one of Flagler County’s most beloved holiday traditions. Visitors can enjoy Santa’s Village, a miniature train, snow nights, food trucks, and Taste of the Holidays throughout the season. Over the past two decades, the event has raised more than $375,000 for local nonprofits and contributed approximately 36,000 volunteer hours to the community.
The season opens on November 29 with the City of Palm Coast tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. The Fantasy Lights display will follow the ceremony, marking the official start of nightly illuminations.
Special events are scheduled throughout the season. The Starlight Parade will take place on December 6 at 6:00 p.m. A 20th anniversary celebration is planned for December 20 at 6:30 p.m., which will include a Holiday Market.
Fantasy Lights is free to enjoy and will be open nightly from November 29 through December 30, operating from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each evening. While admission is free, donations are accepted to support the Rotary Club’s community service programs and nonprofit partnerships.
The 20-year milestone represents sustained commitment from volunteers, sponsors, and the community to maintain and expand the holiday display. The growth from 16 to 57 displays demonstrates increasing support and investment in the tradition over two decades.
The substantial fundraising total of more than $375,000 has benefited various local nonprofit organizations, while the 36,000 volunteer hours reflect significant community engagement in producing the annual event. The combination of free public access and charitable fundraising allows the event to serve both entertainment and philanthropic purposes.
