Experience the magic of the holiday season in Tampa, FL, where a variety of festive events and activities await locals and visitors alike. Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular, where light-based art installations bring a sparkling touch to the waterfront. For a snowy delight, glide on the real ice skating rink at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, nestled in the heart of downtown Tampa.
Discover a blend of wildlife and holiday cheer at Busch Gardens Christmas Town, where special shows and encounters with animals make the season unforgettable. Whether it's light displays, ice skating, or a festive theme park adventure, Tampa offers something to brighten everyone's holidays.
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The Top Christmas Events in Tampa
- Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
- Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
- Busch Gardens Christmas Town
- Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
- Hyde Park Village Christmas Tree Lighting
- Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
- Santa Fest & Christmas Parade
Tampa Holiday Light Displays
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
What to Expect:
Illuminated art installations along the waterfront
Description:
The Tampa Riverwalk transforms into a glowing gallery of light-based art installations. Stroll along the 2.6-mile waterfront path and marvel at the innovative displays created by local artists. This event reimagines how public spaces can be used for artistic expression during the holiday season. You can participate in a scavenger hunt to find hidden light-up elements throughout the walk. The Riverwalk, completed in 2016, has become a vital part of Tampa's urban landscape, connecting cultural venues and parks along the Hillsborough River.
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Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Tampa Other Holiday Activities
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink with Tampa skyline views
Description:
Tampa's downtown transforms into a winter oasis at Curtis Hixon Park. The centerpiece is a real ice skating rink offering a rare chance to glide on frozen water in Florida's warm climate. Skaters enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline while circling the rink. Local food vendors serve up seasonal treats, filling the air with enticing aromas. You can also ride the Winter Village Express, a themed streetcar experience. This annual event has become a cherished tradition since its inception in 2010, bringing a touch of northern winter to the Sunshine State.
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Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed animal encounters and shows
Description:
Busch Gardens blends its zoological heritage with holiday cheer during Christmas Town. The park's animal residents take center stage in special holiday-themed shows and encounters. Penguins waddle through a winter scene, while reindeer meet guests up close. Thrill-seekers can experience the park's world-class roller coasters adorned with twinkling lights. You can join Santa's elves for an interactive storytelling session. Busch Gardens, which opened in 1959 as a hospitality center for Anheuser-Busch, has evolved into one of Florida's premier theme parks while maintaining its animal conservation efforts.
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Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
What to Expect:
Nighttime zoo experience with holiday touches
Description:
ZooTampa comes alive after dark during Christmas in the Wild. This unique event allows visitors to explore the zoo's habitats illuminated by thousands of lights, creating a nocturnal safari experience. Animal residents receive special holiday-themed enrichment activities, offering a glimpse into their nighttime behaviors. Carolers serenade guests with holiday tunes as they wander the pathways. You can decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus's kitchen. ZooTampa, founded in 1957, has been a leader in Florida wildlife conservation and continues this mission through its holiday celebrations.
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Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
Hyde Park Village Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting in a historic shopping district
Description:
Hyde Park Village, a charming open-air shopping district, kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony. The event centers around a towering evergreen, which becomes a beacon of holiday spirit when illuminated. Local choirs perform traditional carols, their voices echoing through the brick-lined streets. You can participate in a community singalong led by a surprise guest. Hyde Park, one of Tampa's oldest neighborhoods, has been a hub of community gatherings since the late 19th century, and this event continues that legacy.
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Hyde Park Village Christmas Tree Lighting
Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of a 19th-century Christmas
Description:
Step back in time at the Henry B. Plant Museum's Victorian Christmas Stroll. The former Tampa Bay Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, is adorned with period-accurate decorations, transporting visitors to a 19th-century Christmas celebration. Costumed interpreters share stories of holiday traditions from the Gilded Age. The scent of spiced cider wafts through the ornate halls. You can participate in Victorian parlor games popular during the era. This event not only celebrates the holidays but also preserves and shares the rich history of Tampa's early days as a tourist destination.
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Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
Santa Fest & Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Daytime parade culminating in Santa's arrival
Description:
Downtown Tampa comes alive with the Santa Fest Christmas Parade, a daytime celebration that brings holiday cheer to the city streets. Colorful floats, marching bands, and dance troupes wind their way through the urban landscape. The parade culminates with Santa's grand arrival, officially kicking off the holiday season in Tampa. Confetti cannons shower the crowd with "snow" as Santa passes by. You can decorate a mini-float to join a special children's section of the parade. This event, which has been running for over four decades, reflects Tampa's strong sense of community and holiday spirit.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Lights at Largo Central Park (Largo)
What to Expect:
Over 2 million LED lights synchronized to music
Description:
Largo Central Park dazzles visitors with a spectacular light show featuring over two million LED lights. The displays are meticulously synchronized to holiday music, creating a multi-sensory experience. Animated light sculptures depict whimsical scenes throughout the park. You can take a ride on the Largo Central Railroad, a miniature train that winds through the illuminated landscape. This event has grown from a small community gathering to one of Tampa Bay's largest holiday light displays since its inception in the early 2000s.
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Holiday Lights at Largo Central Park
Snowfest at North Straub Park (St. Petersburg)
What to Expect:
Real snow play area in downtown St. Petersburg
Description:
North Straub Park in St. Petersburg becomes a winter playground during Snowfest. The event's highlight is a large play area filled with real snow, offering Florida children a rare chance to build snowmen and have snowball fights. Toboggan slides provide thrills for all ages. The contrast of palm trees and snow creates a uniquely Floridian winter scene. You can try your hand at ice sculpting under the guidance of professional artists. Snowfest has been bringing a taste of northern winter to the Sunshine City for over three decades.
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Christmas Lane (Plant City)
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday display with over 40 years of history
Description:
Christmas Lane, a beloved Tampa tradition, showcases the power of community spirit. What began as one family's elaborate home display has grown into a massive holiday attraction featuring over 1.5 million lights. Handcrafted decorations, many dating back decades, create a nostalgic atmosphere. Local performers provide live entertainment nightly. You can meet Santa in his workshop and share your Christmas wishes. This grassroots event, which started in 1984, has become a cherished part of Tampa's holiday landscape, drawing visitors from across the state.
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Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass (Wesley Chapel)
What to Expect:
Light show synchronized to live symphony performances
Description:
The Shops at Wiregrass elevates the typical mall light display with Symphony in Lights. This unique event features a dazzling light show meticulously synchronized to live performances by a full symphony orchestra. The combination of visual spectacle and live classical music creates an immersive experience. Snow machines add a touch of winter magic to the Florida evening. You can join in a conducting workshop and learn to lead the orchestra. This event, which began in 2008, has become a standout in the Tampa Bay area's holiday offerings.
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Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
Enchant Christmas (St. Petersburg)
What to Expect:
World's largest Christmas light maze
Description:
Enchant Christmas brings a colossal light maze to Tampa, challenging visitors to navigate through a twinkling labyrinth. Towering light sculptures create an otherworldly landscape within the maze. Ice skating trails wind through the event, offering a unique twist on traditional rink skating. The air fills with the aroma of gourmet hot chocolate from local vendors. You can embark on a scavenger hunt to help Santa find his missing reindeer. Enchant Christmas, which began in 2016, has quickly become a major player in the holiday entertainment industry.
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Holiday Boat Parade (Safety Harbor)
What to Expect:
Festively decorated boats parading along the waterfront
Description:
Tampa's waterways come alive during the Holiday Boat Parade. Local boaters deck out their vessels in elaborate light displays and holiday decorations, creating a floating festival of lights. The parade route hugs the shoreline, allowing spectators to enjoy the spectacle from waterfront parks and restaurants. The sound of boat horns playing holiday tunes echoes across the water. You can vote for your favorite boat design via a mobile app. This maritime celebration has been a staple of Tampa's holiday season for over three decades, showcasing the city's strong connection to its coastal environment.
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Holiday Lights in the Gardens (Largo)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed into a holiday light display
Description:
The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo undergoes a stunning transformation for Holiday Lights in the Gardens. Over a million LED lights illuminate the diverse plant collections, creating a harmonious blend of nature and holiday cheer. Themed areas showcase different ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to desert landscapes, all adorned with twinkling lights. The gentle sound of water features mixes with holiday music throughout the gardens. You can participate in a plant-based ornament making workshop. This event, which began in 2000, has become a unique way to appreciate Florida's natural beauty during the holiday season.
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St. Petersburg Santa Parade & Snowfest (St. Petersburg)
What to Expect:
Parade combining with a snow play event
Description:
St. Petersburg's Santa Parade seamlessly transitions into Snowfest, creating a full day of holiday celebrations. The parade features local organizations and businesses showcasing their holiday spirit through creative floats and performances. As the parade concludes, Snowfest begins, bringing real snow to the Sunshine City. Children and adults alike delight in the rare opportunity to play in snow under palm trees. The scent of freshly roasted chestnuts fills the air from nearby food vendors. You can try your hand at ice sculpting under the guidance of professional artists. This combined event, which has evolved over the years, exemplifies St. Petersburg's ability to blend traditional holiday elements with its unique coastal identity.
Website:
St. Petersburg Santa Parade & Snowfest