This past weekend I visited the Let There Be Light show in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. I first stumbled upon this light show last year when a simple advertisement in the newspaper caught my eye. I enjoyed the simple yet heartwarming light show so much that I decided to go again this year.

The church is the city’s oldest Catholic church, dating back to the mid-1800s. I had never really spent much time in downtown Jacksonville and had often driven past older buildings and churches like this one without taking much notice. The new light show, however, has given me a newfound appreciation for these historic structures.

The Let There Be Light show would have been perfect in any circumstance, but its debut during the height of the pandemic last year was wildly popular, as visitors could stand outside and apart from one another while still enjoying the lights and music. Its return this year came after residents raved about the show.

The light show featured laser light art and Christmas music, from the classic songs to a cappella versions of church music. I often felt like I was watching the classic Disney film Fantasia, as the lights’ movements coincided with the music. I am always amazed how the lights managed to line up directly with the outline of the church. The music featured included recorded performances of the Cathedral District Church musicians, the Jacksonville Symphony and the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus.

This event isn’t the only fun thing happened in the Cathedral District in Jacksonville. While I only attended the Let There Be Light show, the city offers a self-guided driving tour of the other churches and landmark buildings decked out with holiday decorations and thousands of twinkling lights.

This quaint event, although small in size, is a sure reminder of some of the rich history in Jacksonville and of the amazing efforts of local groups to inspire and amaze residents.

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor