See all Tampa Christmas happenings this year!
Tampa celebrates Christmas 2025 across the waterfront and historic Ybor City, where lights, music and festive markets warm winter evenings. Holiday attractions, seasonal festivities and Christmas performances bring concerts, markets and family-friendly events that showcase local traditions.
Find the best Tampa Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Tampa
- Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
- The Nutcracker by Next Generation Ballet
- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- Victorian Christmas Stroll
- Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
- University Christmas Light Cruise
- Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Cruise
- YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium
- Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
- Tampa's Santa Fest & Tree Lighting
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Tampa Christmas Events
Tampa Christmas Light Displays
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Experience the magic of the season at the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular. This enchanting event transforms the waterfront into a festive wonderland with dazzling light displays, including a 35-foot floating Christmas tree in the harbor and a music-synced LED tree. Explore unique floating installations like pirate ships and a gingerbread house along the Hillsborough River, and enjoy the twinkling lights adorning Water Works Park. It's a perfect, family-friendly way to celebrate the holidays.
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Experience the magic of the holiday season with a festive cruise along Tampa's waterways. Glide past stunning light displays and illuminated decorations from the comfort of a pirate-themed water taxi. This enchanting journey offers a unique perspective of the city's holiday cheer, making it a perfect outing for families and friends.
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Experience the magic of the season from the water with a special holiday boat parade cruise. They offer front-row seats to Tampa's dazzling Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, providing spectacular views of decorated boats and illuminated riverbanks. It's a festive way to enjoy the holiday cheer and see the Hillsborough River and downtown Tampa in all their seasonal glory.
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Celebrate the holiday season with YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium, a new festive tradition. Families can capture magical moments with Santa and his reindeer, marvel at a towering upcycled YuleTides tree, and enjoy unique underwater entertainment featuring costumed divers. It's a whimsical way to experience the magic of the holidays with the wonders of the ocean.
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Experience the magic of the holidays from the water with a spectacular lighted boat parade. This festive cruise offers unparalleled views of dazzling holiday decorations and the vibrant downtown Tampa skyline as illuminated boats glide along the Hillsborough River. It's a perfect way to soak in the seasonal cheer.
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Experience the magic of Tampa's Santa Fest & Tree Lighting! This beloved holiday tradition kicks off with a festive parade, followed by a spectacular tree lighting ceremony in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Enjoy live entertainment, dazzling dancers, and a special holiday movie screening. It's the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit with family and friends.
Tampa Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Immerse yourself in the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, presented by Next Generation Ballet. This enchanting production brings the beloved story to life with stunning choreography, dazzling costumes, and the unforgettable music of Tchaikovsky. Follow Clara's magical adventure as she journeys through a winter wonderland to the Land of Sweets, encountering whimsical characters and breathtaking performances.
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Get ready for a festive theatrical experience as Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical comes to life. This beloved holiday story is transformed into a spectacular stage show, perfect for the whole family. Prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Whoville and the Grinch's comical attempts to steal Christmas.
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Step back in time and experience the magic of the holidays at the Tampa Theatre's Holiday Classics Movie Series. This beloved event brings iconic festive films back to the big screen within the stunning, historic movie palace. Before each showing, be enchanted by live holiday carols played on the magnificent Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, a truly unforgettable experience.
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Prepare to be enchanted by Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a spectacular holiday show that transforms the stage into a winter wonderland. This unique production features a cast of talented acrobats, jugglers, and aerialists performing breathtaking feats. It's a dazzling fusion of circus artistry and holiday magic, perfect for creating unforgettable festive memories.
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Get ready for a spectacular holiday celebration with 'A Drag Queen Christmas'! This dazzling show brings together a cast of beloved drag queens for an unforgettable evening of festive cheer, music, and comedy. Prepare for stunning costumes, high-energy performances, and a truly unique holiday experience that's sure to sparkle.
Tampa Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Celebrate the holiday season at Winter Village in Tampa's Curtis Hixon Park. This festive event transforms the downtown waterfront with holiday cheer, featuring an ice skating rink, unique shops, and delicious food and drinks. It's a perfect destination for families and individuals to enjoy the spirit of the season.
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The 7th Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar returns to Centennial Park in Ybor City for a day of festive holiday cheer. Attendees can enjoy live music from three bands, browse unique gifts from local vendors, and visit Santa's Village for crafts and photos with Santa. This free, family-friendly event promises joy and community spirit for all ages.
Tampa Other Christmas Activities
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Step into a magical Victorian Christmas at the Henry B. Plant Museum. This enchanting event transforms the historic museum into a festive wonderland, showcasing the elegance and charm of a traditional holiday celebration from a bygone era. Experience the museum's stunning architecture adorned with classic Christmas decorations, creating a truly nostalgic and heartwarming atmosphere.
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Step into a delightful gingerbread-inspired winter wonderland at the Glazer Children's Museum. Families can unleash their creativity by building their own gingerbread houses using a variety of recycled materials. Add your sweet construction to the ever-growing village or take it home. This enchanting experience is included with museum admission, making it a perfect holiday activity.
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