- December 4, 2025
Mackenzie McMannus, 7, (far right) and the Ramirez siblings, Kayla, 17, Olivia, 13, and Collin, 11, with Santa Claus at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Sierra Williams
Laura Herrera, 15, and her siblings Jonathan, 6, and Sara, 10, enjoy s'mores at a food truck at the ceremony. Photo by Sierra Williams
The kids who flipped the switch at the Lighting Ceremony, Cole Johnston (far right) and Corbyn Barbel (second from the right), with members of the Palm Coast City Council, Rotary Club President Charles Barbel and family and Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly. Photo by Sierra Williams
Corbyn Barbel and Cole Johnston flipped the switch at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Sierra Williams
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin celebrates the lighting of the the Christmas tree at the Fantasy Lights Festival in Central Park. Photo by Sierra Williams
Leanna and Cameron Collins, ages 3 and 6, and Avery Dowdy, 5, pose in front of the helicopter light display. Photo by Sierra Williams
Palm Coast city employees Brittany McDermott, Joseph Higgs, Ashley Lewis and Rain Marti dressed as elves to celebrate the Fantasy Lights Festival. Photo by Sierra Williams
Andre Roberts holds his daughter Novaleigh, 2, in front of the Santa Claus light display. Photo by Sierra Williams
Santa Claus rode in on a Palm Coast Fire Department engine to the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the city of Palm Coast
Sofia Kubler, Miranda Smith and Elijah Seepersad wore Christmas-themed pajamas and sweaters to the Fantasy Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Sierra Williams
Dylan Alejo, 5, designs a Christmas ornament at the Tree Lighting Ceremony with his mother, Erica. Photo by Sierra Williams
Attendees at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Central Park. Photo by Sierra Williams
Corbyn Barbel and Cole Johnston flipped the switch at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Sierra Williams
The McDonald family: Marcae holding Logan, Christine holding Olivia and Tommy. Photo by Sierra Williams
Maritza Sinavage and Marimar Morrison comically pose in front of a light display of Santa's sleigh. Photo by Sierra Williams
The Fantasy Light Festival has 55 light displays around the lake at Central Park in Town Center. The toy soldier display was sponsored by Clymer Funeral Homes and Cremations. Photo by Sierra Williams
The 55 light displays encircled the lake at Central Park at Town Center. Visitors will be able to view the lights every day from 6:30-9 p.m. Photo by Sierra Williams
Horizon and Dylan Bray with their son Zechariah, 3. Photo by Sierra Williams
One of the 55 light displays at the 18th annual Fantasy Light Festival in Central Park. Photo by Sierra Williams
Leanna and Cameron Collins, ages 3 and 6, and Avery Dowdy, 5, pose in front of the helicopter light display. Photo by Sierra Williams
Kevin Quinn performs at the Fantasy Lights Festival's Tree Lights. Photo by Sierra Williams
One of the 55 light displays at the 18th annual Fantasy Light Festival in Central Park. Photo by Sierra Williams
Kelly Niles with Davies Kettle Corn makes drinks while dressed in her Christmas best. Photo by Sierra Williams
A Christmas themed show was projected on to one wing side of the Palm Coast City Hall building. Photo by Sierra Williams
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office had a patrol car and a bandit elf light display. Photo by Sierra Williams
Despite the rain, Palm Coast residents lined up at food trucks outside the Fantasy Lights Festival. Photo by Sierra Williams
One of the 55 light displays at the 18th annual Fantasy Light Festival in Central Park. AdventHealth sponsored these nativity scene displays. Photo by Sierra Williams
The 55 light displays surround the lake at Central Park in Town Center and will be available to view until Dec. 30 from 6:30-9 p.m. Photo by Sierra Williams
One of the 55 light displays at the 18th annual Fantasy Light Festival in Central Park. Photo by Sierra Williams
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office had a patrol car and a bandit elf light display. Photo by Sierra Williams
Santa Claus rode in on a Palm Coast Fire Department engine to the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Sierra Williams
The 55 light displays surround the lake at Central Park in Town Center and will be available to view until Dec. 30 from 6:30-9 p.m. Photo by Sierra Williams
The crow gathered at Central Park’s plaza on Nov. 25 cheered as the city’s annual Christmas Tree and light displays at Town Center were lit.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony signaled the beginning of the Rotary Club of Flagler County’s 18th annual Fantasy Lights Festival. The Festival will run nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30, with special events occurring on select nights throughout the monthlong event.
Two children were chosen to help flip a giant switch to turn on the Christmas Tree: Cole Johnston, son of Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston; and Corbyn Barbel, the son of Flagler Rotary Club President Charles Barbel.
Charles Barbel said during his opening remarks that the Festival’s theme for 2023 is to “create hope in the world.”
“So, let’s continue to embrace this joyful season with our friends, family and loved ones,” he said.
The Rotary Club began the Festival in 2005. The event was proposed by Bill Butler, the co-chair of the Fantasy Lights Committee, in honor of his young daughter, Tiffany, who died in 2002 from a heart condition.
All net proceeds from the Festival’s donations and sponsorships will go to support the Rotary Club’s local charities and support college scholarships for high school seniors, according to the Rotary Club’s website.
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said the festival is one of the few times in the year when people can come together in good cheer.
“This is a night that brings us all together in the spirit of the holiday season,” he said, “embracing the diversity that makes our community so very special.”
The Tree Lighting Ceremony was a moment for everyone to reflect on the memories they create together as a community, Alfin said.
“Each light on this tree represents a moment of joy, a shared smile and the love we have for one another,” he said. “I can feel the excitement and joy in the air as we gather here, surrounded by the twinkling lights, the laughter of children and the warmth of community love.”
