Discover the magic of the holiday season in Clearwater, FL, where there's something for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the dazzling display at Holiday Lights in the Gardens, where over a million LED lights transform the Florida Botanical Gardens into a winter wonderland. Wander through illuminated pathways showcasing native flora and fauna, creating a truly Floridian festive experience.
For a marine twist on holiday fun, visit Winter's Wonderland at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and encounter festive sea creatures while learning about marine conservation. Don't miss Christmas Under the Oaks, a charming outdoor market under ancient oak trees where local artisans showcase unique gifts with a Floridian flair. Clearwater is the perfect destination to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
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The Top Christmas Events in Clearwater
- Winter's Wonderland at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Christmas Under the Oaks
- Festival of Trees
- The Nutcracker
- Ugly Sweater Run
Clearwater Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Under the Oaks
What to Expect:
Outdoor holiday market beneath ancient oak trees
Description:
Ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss provide a picturesque canopy for this charming outdoor holiday market. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their wares, offering unique gifts with a distinctly Floridian flair. Sample locally-made treats as you browse handcrafted ornaments and artwork. The event takes place in Coachman Park, a historic gathering place for Clearwater residents since the 1950s. The towering oaks, some over a century old, stand as silent witnesses to generations of holiday celebrations in this coastal community.
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Clearwater Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcase of creatively decorated trees for charity
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms a local venue into a forest of uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Each tree, sponsored by local businesses and organizations, showcases creative themes and intricate ornaments. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities. This event originated in the 1980s as a small fundraiser and has since grown into a beloved community tradition. The air is filled with the crisp scent of pine as you explore the diverse array of trees, each telling its own story through carefully chosen decorations and themes.
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Clearwater Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Ballet performance with local twist
Description:
The classic ballet "The Nutcracker" receives a Florida makeover in this unique production. Traditional scenes are reimagined with local flair – the Snow Queen might wear a gown adorned with seashells, while the Land of Sweets features oranges and key lime pies. Local dance students join professional performers on stage, creating a true community production. This adaptation has been a regional tradition for over two decades, evolving each year to incorporate new elements of local culture. The familiar Tchaikovsky score fills the theater as dancers bring this Florida-inspired version of the beloved holiday tale to life.
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Clearwater Other Holiday Activities
Winter's Wonderland at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed marine life encounters
Description:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium dives into the holiday spirit with a marine twist. Encounter rescued sea turtles adorned with festive decorations and watch dolphins play with holiday-themed enrichment toys. You can join a special "Seas'ons Greetings" tour to learn about winter adaptations of marine life. The aquarium, famous for its work with the dolphin Winter from the movie "Dolphin Tale," continues its mission of marine rescue and rehabilitation even during the holiday season. The gentle sounds of lapping water create a soothing backdrop to this unique celebration.
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Winter's Wonderland at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Ugly Sweater Run
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed fun run in tacky sweaters
Description:
Runners don their most outrageous holiday sweaters for this whimsical 5K event. The course winds through a local park, decorated with holiday inflatables and light displays. Participants encounter "warming stations" along the route, offering hot chocolate and holiday treats. This run began as a small community event and has grown into a popular annual tradition. The sight of hundreds of runners in garish sweaters creates a colorful spectacle against Florida's green landscape. Prizes are awarded for the ugliest sweaters, encouraging participants to go all out with their holiday-themed attire. After the run, participants can enjoy a festival area with live music, games, and a sweater contest.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Lights in the Gardens (Largo)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed into a twinkling wonderland
Description:
Florida Botanical Gardens transforms into a dazzling spectacle of over 1 million LED lights. Stroll through illuminated pathways showcasing native flora and fauna in a whole new light. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt to find hidden holiday characters throughout the gardens. This annual tradition began in 2000 as a small community event and has since blossomed into a major regional attraction. The gardens' natural beauty merges with artistic light displays, creating a uniquely Floridian holiday experience.
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Boat Parade & Winter Wonderland (Indian Rocks Beach)
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway
Description:
The Intracoastal Waterway sparkles with a procession of boats adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Vessels of all sizes, from small dinghies to luxury yachts, compete for the most creative displays. Spectators line the shores, enjoying the reflection of lights dancing on the water. This nautical parade is a nod to Florida's rich maritime history, blending holiday traditions with coastal living. You can watch from various viewing points along the waterway or join a shoreline party to experience this uniquely Floridian celebration.
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Boat Parade & Winter Wonderland
Safety Harbor Tree Lighting Ceremony (Safety Harbor)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm meets holiday tradition
Description:
Safety Harbor's quaint Main Street comes alive with the annual tree lighting ceremony. A towering evergreen, carefully selected and transported to the heart of town, serves as the centerpiece for this community gathering. Local choirs perform traditional carols, their voices echoing through the historic downtown. The ceremony honors the town's roots, dating back to the early 1900s when Safety Harbor was known for its healing mineral springs. Residents and visitors alike join in the countdown to illuminate the tree, marking the official start of the holiday season in this charming coastal town.
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Safety Harbor Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting (Dunedin)
What to Expect:
Combined boat parade and tree lighting event
Description:
Dunedin's waterfront comes alive with a double celebration. The event kicks off with a dazzling boat parade along the Intracoastal Waterway, featuring vessels decked out in holiday lights. Following the nautical display, the focus shifts to the town's giant Christmas tree for a grand lighting ceremony. This dual event highlights Dunedin's strong connection to both its maritime heritage and its close-knit community spirit. Visitors can participate in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt throughout the downtown area, discovering hidden gems in this charming Scottish-founded town.
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Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting
Enchant Christmas (St. Petersburg)
What to Expect:
Immersive light maze and village
Description:
Tropicana Field transforms into a winter spectacle with Enchant Christmas. The centerpiece is a sprawling light maze where visitors navigate through twinkling archways and illuminated sculptures. An artisan market offers unique gifts, while an ice-skating trail winds through the dazzling displays. This event brings a touch of northern winter charm to Florida's sunny shores. The maze changes theme annually, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors. Glide across the ice as you take in the breathtaking light installations, creating a memorable fusion of winter activities and Florida's warm climate.
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Christmas Town at Busch Gardens (Tampa)
What to Expect:
Holiday overlay at a major theme park
Description:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay undergoes a holiday metamorphosis to become Christmas Town. The park's global-themed areas each receive unique holiday treatments, blending international traditions with classic Christmas elements. Towering Christmas trees and millions of lights create a festive atmosphere amidst the park's thrilling rides. Special holiday-themed shows feature talented performers and beloved characters. This event began in 2012, quickly becoming a staple of Tampa Bay's holiday season. Visitors can experience "snow" flurries in Florida as they explore the park's transformed landscapes and enjoy seasonal treats from around the world.
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Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade (Tarpon Springs)
What to Expect:
Greek-influenced holiday parade
Description:
Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage shines through in its annual Christmas parade. Floats adorned with blue and white decorations pay homage to the town's Greek roots, while traditional holiday elements create a unique cultural fusion. The aroma of freshly baked Greek pastries wafts through the air as the parade passes. Local sponge divers, a nod to the town's famous industry, make special appearances alongside classic parade characters. This event, dating back to the early 20th century, celebrates the diverse cultural tapestry of this historic Florida town. Spectators can catch candy and beads tossed from elaborately decorated floats.
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Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade
Holiday Lights in the Park (St. Petersburg)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a public park
Description:
A local park transforms into a drive-through holiday light extravaganza. Visitors remain cozy in their vehicles as they wind through a carefully crafted route showcasing elaborate light displays and festive scenes. Each turn reveals new surprises, from animated wildlife to towering holiday icons. This event began as a way to make holiday light viewing accessible to all, regardless of mobility. The displays incorporate themes from Florida's natural environment, creating a unique blend of tropical and traditional holiday imagery. Tune your car radio to a special station to enjoy synchronized music as you drive through the twinkling wonderland.
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Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs (Tarpon Springs)
What to Expect:
Greek-themed winter festival with "snow"
Description:
Tarpon Springs' famous Sponge Docks area hosts a winter festival with a Greek twist. Artificial snow machines create a wintry atmosphere in the Florida heat, allowing visitors to experience a rare "white Christmas" in the Sunshine State. Greek holiday traditions blend seamlessly with American customs, offering a unique cultural experience. Visitors can try their hand at Greek folk dances or sample traditional holiday treats like melomakarona. This event, started in the early 2000s, celebrates the town's Greek heritage while embracing the holiday spirit. The sound of bouzouki music fills the air as families play in the "snow" and explore the festively decorated docks.
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Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs
Palm Harbor Christmas Parade (Palm Harbor)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with strong community involvement
Description:
Palm Harbor's main street comes alive with a charming community-driven Christmas parade. Local schools, businesses, and organizations create homemade floats, showcasing the town's creativity and spirit. The parade route winds through historic downtown Palm Harbor, passing by buildings that date back to the early 20th century. This event has been a town tradition for over 30 years, growing from a small procession to a beloved annual celebration. Spectators can enjoy the warm Florida evening while watching marching bands, classic cars, and colorfully costumed participants pass by. The parade culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus, arriving in true Florida style – on a decorated boat trailer.
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St. Pete Beach Boat Parade (St. Pete Beach)
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade along the Gulf coast
Description:
The calm waters of Boca Ciega Bay light up with a procession of brilliantly decorated boats during the St. Pete Beach Boat Parade. Vessels of all sizes, from small fishing boats to luxury yachts, compete for the most creative and dazzling light displays. The parade route hugs the coastline, allowing spectators to watch from beaches, waterfront restaurants, and private docks. This nautical tradition dates back to the 1960s, celebrating the area's strong connection to its waterways. Visitors can enjoy the warm evening breeze while watching the illuminated flotilla, their lights reflecting off the gentle waves of the Gulf.
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Tampa's Downtown on Ice (Tampa)
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink in a warm climate
Description:
Tampa's Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosts a unique winter attraction – a real ice skating rink under the Florida sun. The rink offers a rare opportunity for Floridians and visitors to experience winter fun in a tropical setting. Palm trees and modern skyscrapers provide a striking backdrop to the icy surface. This event, started in the early 2000s, has become a beloved holiday tradition in Tampa Bay. Skaters can glide across the ice while enjoying views of the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Riverwalk. The contrast of ice skating in warm weather creates a memorable and distinctly Floridian holiday experience.
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Christmas Shopping Expo (Largo)
What to Expect:
Large-scale indoor holiday market
Description:
A spacious convention center transforms into a shopper's paradise with the Christmas Shopping Expo. Hundreds of vendors from across the region gather to offer a wide array of holiday gifts, decorations, and treats. The expo features themed sections, such as "Santa's Workshop" for toys and "Reindeer Lane" for pet gifts. This event started in the 1990s as a small craft fair and has since grown into one of the largest holiday markets in the area. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of holiday crafts or participate in gift-wrapping workshops. The expo provides a climate-controlled alternative to outdoor markets, perfect for Florida's unpredictable weather.