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The annual Space Coast Light Festival in Palm Bay, a beloved Christmas light event in Brevard County, will not take place this year. The cancellation, announced by the festival organizers, was attributed to circumstances beyond their control. A statement on the festival’s website expressed a commitment to reviving the event, known for its enchanting display of lights, when possible.
This popular drive-through event was renowned for its dazzling array of thousands of lights and animated displays, including an impressive 200-foot light tunnel. It also featured hayrides, and various vendors. The festival is managed by the same team responsible for the Brevard Renaissance Fair and the Space Coast Pirate and Seafood Festival.
Because of new restrictions by Brevard County on event frequency and length restrictions, The Renaissance Fair itself will have to find a new location after their next event. That fair has also historically been held at Wickham Park.
Peter Moolhuizen, the CEO of the organizing group, cited logistical challenges as a significant factor in the decision. The group faced difficulties managing multiple events across different locations in Florida. The Space Coast Light Festival was initially hosted at Melbourne’s Wickham Park but was moved to Fred Poppe Park in Palm Bay last year after Melbourne city officials decided against hosting it.
Despite the supportive collaboration with the city of Palm Bay and park staff, the organizers are now focusing on future planning and logistics for their events. Moolhuizen mentioned the objective of acquiring property in Brevard County that would allow for the year-round hosting of the light show and other events.
Moolhuzen provided a statement:
The decision to cancel the event was complex, involving various factors. Venue changes, including the Boy Scouts’ departure from Wickham Park and upcoming park use rules going into effect in 2025, limiting ours and other events’ ability to host future events at Wickam Park.
We initially took over the light festival as it aligned well with the Brevard Renaissance Fair without knowing the event was not allowed back at Wickham Park. However, moving to Fred Poppe Park posed significant logistical challenges for us while simultaneously managing multiple events on both sides of the state.
Considering these difficulties and the Brevard Renaissance Fairs last year at Wickham, we decided to focus on our long-term goal, which is to acquire land to build a large venue site in Brevard County, which would include a light show. We hope to bring the Light Festival back on site, developed explicitly for significant outdoor events.
