4 Reasons to Go to the Wellen Park Luminescence Festival

Looking for a magical night out in the Wellen Park community? The Wellen Park Luminescence Festival happening January 9th, 2026 is one of the most unique Downtown Wellen events of the year—a cozy, creative, and beautifully lit lakeside celebration where art, music, and community come together. From glowing luminaries to live jazz and a fireworks finale, it’s the kind of festival in Venice, FL that feels both inviting and unforgettable. Here are four reasons you won’t want to miss it.

Reason 1: Create a Personalized Luminary That Becomes Part of a Glowing Shoreline

There’s something special about starting the evening with a simple paper bag and turning it into a small piece of light. At the Wellen Park Luminescence Festival, guests can pick up a luminary bag (first come, first served) and decorate it with New Year wishes, reflections, or remembrances of loved ones. It’s an easy, hands-on moment that invites everyone to slow down, think about the year ahead, and add a personal touch to the celebration.

As the sun sets from 5-7 pm, these heartfelt creations are placed along Grand Lake, where they join hundreds of others to form a soft, shimmering shoreline. It’s a peaceful and beautiful time where the whole Wellen Park community can share a quiet, collective moment together.

Reason 2: Enjoy Live Jazz, Projection Art, & an Immersive Evening Atmosphere

As the shoreline begins to glow, the artistic heartbeat of the Wellen Park Luminescence Festival comes alive. From 6-8 pm, guests can settle in (lawn chairs encouraged) and enjoy a live performance by The Eighth Note Collective, an Orlando-based jazz group known for putting a fresh, soulful spin on classic jazz. Their music creates the perfect soundtrack for an evening by the lake, filling the air with an energy that’s both relaxing and uplifting. A special thank you to Mattamy Homes for sponsoring the music!

Nearby, projection art installations bring Downtown Wellen to life in a whole new way. Buildings and walkways glow with color and motion, transforming the area into an enchanting nighttime experience that feels worlds away from an ordinary evening out. 

Reason 3: Connect With the Community in a Warm, Welcoming Setting

Happening just days into the new year, the Wellen Park Luminescence Festival offers a rare chance to ease into January with something calm and meaningful. Neighbors, families, and visitors can come together along Grand Lake to enjoy a peaceful evening that feels refreshingly different from the usual New Year rush. 

And if you still have friends or family in town from the holidays, this is the perfect way to gather everyone for one more memorable moment in Wellen Park. You’ll see people swapping stories, admiring each other’s luminaries, and soaking in the glow along the water,  a simple, heartwarming glimpse of the connection that defines the Wellen Park community.

Reason 4: Experience a Stunning Fireworks Finale Over Grand Lake

As the evening winds down, the Wellen Park Luminescence Festival ends on the perfect high note—a sparkling fireworks finale over Grand Lake at 8 pm. The reflections on the water, the glowing luminaries along the shoreline, and the excitement building in the crowd all come together to create a picture-perfect moment. If you want the best view, plan to find your spot a little early! Lakefront seating fills up quickly at popular Wellen Park events like this one. A big thank you to our fireworks sponsor, HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, for making this possible. 

Please note that the fireworks display is weather permitting and may be delayed or rescheduled based on drought or rain conditions. Because this is one of the most popular Wellen Park events of the season, parking fills up quickly. Attendees should consider carpooling, ridesharing, walking, or taking a golf cart to make the evening even smoother.

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