Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the magic of the holidays in Greater Northdale with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're a familiar face or new in town, discover Greater Northdale's holiday spirit with our guide.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Busch Gardens Christmas Town, where spectacular light displays and festive activities bring cheer to all ages. The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular features a sparkling parade and beloved holiday decorations that create a festive atmosphere. And the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering delightful activities for families and children. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Greater Northdale Holiday Light Displays
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Unique floating light displays along the Hillsborough River.
- Description
- The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular features a 35-foot-tall LED Christmas tree floating in the harbor, along with festive lighted displays, including a gingerbread house, toy train, and pirate ship, all set against the backdrop of the Riverwalk's beautifully decorated light poles and grand oaks.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday light display with interactive attractions and themed rides.
- Description
- The Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village is a holiday event featuring over 1.5 million lights, a 2-mile drive-thru experience, and Santa's Village with holiday-themed rides, self-guided walking tours, and festive activities for all ages.
- Where
- Largo | More Info : Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light show with nightly snowfall choreographed to Trans-Siberian Orchestra music.
- Description
- Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass features live music by Late Night Brass, stilt walkers, costumed characters, talented balloon artists, and Santa’s arrival. The event includes a dazzling light show choreographed to music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, holiday festivities, and nightly snowfall.
- Where
- Wesley Chapel | More Info : Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
Enchant Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light maze with a story-driven mission.
- Description
- Enchant Christmas is an award-winning holiday light maze experience featuring stunning, custom-designed larger-than-life light sculptures and unique ice skating experiences. Explore the maze while on a mission to save Christmas, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy seasonal food and drink.
- Where
- St. Petersburg | More Info : Enchant Christmas
Holiday Light Show - Celebration of Lights at the Concourse
- What to Expect
- Enchanted miniature town with larger-than-life lights and festive train ride.
- Description
- The Celebration of Lights at The Concourse features a one-mile car ride through Safety Town, an enchanted miniature town adorned with larger-than-life lights. Visitors can also board the Grand Concourse Railroad Christmas Train for a festive ride and explore the Winter Wonderland Pavilion, where food trucks and vendors offer a variety of treats. Santa Claus will be present, making it a memorable community event.
- Where
- Shady Hills | More Info : Holiday Light Show - Celebration of Lights at the Concourse
Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light displays supporting local toy drive.
- Description
- The Wonderland of Lights at International Market World in Auburndale, Florida, features hundreds of dazzling light displays that delight the entire family. This event supports Polk County Toys for Tots and offers a memorable holiday experience with 3D elf glasses available for purchase.
- Where
- Auburndale | More Info : Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village
Christmas Lane
- What to Expect
- Extensive light display with live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- Christmas Lane at the Florida Strawberry Festival features over 1.5 million lights, live entertainment, and activities like face painting and LEGO building stations. Visitors can meet Santa, enjoy live performances, and explore a winter wonderland setting with beautiful Christmas trees and festive decorations.
- Where
- Plant City | More Info : Christmas Lane
The Light of Christmas
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light show with a message of hope.
- Description
- The Light of Christmas at First Baptist Church Plant City features over 80,000 synchronized lights, great music, and a message of hope. This 35-minute program runs nightly from 6 PM to 10 PM through January 1st, offering a joyful and loving experience during the holiday season.
- Where
- Plant City | More Info : The Light of Christmas
Rudolph Limited Mini Train Rides
- What to Expect
- Holiday train ride through park lights.
- Description
- The Rudolph Limited Mini Train Rides at Largo Central Park feature a 12-minute journey through the park's beautifully lit scenery, offering a unique perspective on the holiday lights.
- Where
- Largo | More Info : Rudolph Limited Mini Train Rides
Greater Northdale Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with animal encounters and festive shows.
- Description
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Christmas Town is a holiday event featuring animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday-inspired culinary delights, and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. The event is filled with twinkling lights and dazzling fireworks, creating a joyful atmosphere for families to celebrate the season.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Greater Northdale Other Holiday Activities
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday experience with ice skating and local vendors.
- Description
- Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa, Florida, features an ice skating rink, curling arena, magical train rides, and a vendor market with local goods and food. The event is free to attend, with paid admission required for ice skating.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
- What to Expect
- Historical holiday celebration with festive decorations and live music.
- Description
- The Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum is a beloved holiday tradition featuring elaborate decorations, live music, and complimentary cider and cookies. Each room is filled with festive themes and historical elements, making it a unique holiday experience.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
Santa Fest & Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Daytime parade culminating in Santa's arrival.
- Description
- The Santa Fest & Christmas Parade in Tampa features a daytime parade culminating in Santa's arrival, accompanied by colorful floats, marching bands, and dance troupes. The event includes community sing-alongs and concludes with the annual Tampa Tree Lighting ceremony.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Santa Fest & Christmas Parade
North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday train ride with Santa and festive activities.
- Description
- The North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum offers a 3.5-hour journey to visit Santa, featuring a 35-minute train ride, entertainment, activities, campfires, hot chocolate, and cookies.
- Where
- Parrish | More Info : North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum