Tampa Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Tampa and surrounding areas
This the holiday season Tampa offers Christmas markets and sparkling Christmas lights around Curtis Hixon Park and the Riverwalk, creating a lively waterfront holiday scene. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, and The Nutcracker by Next Generation Ballet bring seasonal performances, family-friendly Santa visits, and festive events to the downtown area. From pop-up markets to illuminated boat parades, Tampa’s mix of activities and holiday attractions offers warm, memorable ways to celebrate the season.
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Christmas Lights
25 eventsTampa's largest Christmas event with millions of lights.
Christmas Shows
22 eventsClassic holiday ballet performance by Next Generation Ballet
Christmas Markets
13 eventsOver 200 artisans at a festive holiday craft show.
Christmas Parties
8 eventsAnnual ugly sweater themed bar crawl
Other Christmas Activities
32 eventsSpectacular holiday boat parade on the Manatee River
Editor's Picks (6)
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Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Tampa's largest Christmas event with millions of lights.
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Sarasota Holiday Parade
(Sarasota)
Annual holiday parade with community entries and festive floats.
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Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
(Sarasota)
Illuminated boats parading on Sarasota Bay
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Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
(Palmetto)
Spectacular holiday boat parade on the Manatee River
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Winter Village Tampa
10th anniversary celebration with a holiday time capsule.
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The Nutcracker by Next Generation Ballet
Classic holiday ballet performance by Next Generation Ballet
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Tampa Christmas FAQ
The Festival of Lights at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Holiday Lights in the Gardens at the Florida Botanical Gardens, and the Water Street Holiday Promenade are among the largest and most popular annual events.
Tampa celebrates with a mix of coastal and Southern traditions, including the Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and festive events that blend local culture with classic holiday cheer.
Temple Terrace and several neighborhoods along River Ridge Road are known for their impressive holiday lights displays, often featuring synchronized music and drive-through viewing.
Holiday markets and local makers can be found at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Water Street, and various parks and shopping centers throughout Tampa.
Free activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending public holiday events like the Water Street Holiday Promenade, and exploring holiday markets with free admission.
Families enjoy the Festival of Lights, Holiday Lights in the Gardens, Santa visits at local parks, and kid-friendly events at Christmas markets and shopping centers.