Last updated: November 11, 2024
Looking forward to the holidays in University? Our guide has everything you need to know! For those who call University home and those just visiting, our guide is your festive companion.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where the park transforms into a winter wonderland with stunning light displays and festive decorations. Another highlight is the ICE At Gaylord Palms, showcasing breathtaking ice sculptures and interactive attractions for all ages. And the Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a beautiful interpretation of the classic tale. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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University Holiday Light Displays
Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Decorated boats competing for best-decorated trophy.
- Description
- The Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is a spectacular event where boats are decorated with festive lights and compete for the best-decorated boat. The parade features a variety of boats, including small motor boats, and offers a chance to win various raffle prizes. The event includes a Captain's Party with swag bags and giveaways, making it a memorable holiday experience.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Christmas Light Cruise
- What to Expect
- Scenic boat tour featuring brilliantly lit homes along the waterways of Tampa.
- Description
- A delightful boat tour where visitors glide along the waterways of Tampa, admiring stunning holiday light displays decorating homes and docks. Revel in the festive ambiance created by shimmering lights reflecting off the water, while enjoying the scenery of the waterfront as the boat moves through the picturesque canals.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Christmas Light Cruise
University Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with animal encounters and festive shows.
- Description
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Christmas Town is an award-winning holiday event featuring animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday-inspired culinary delights, and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. The park transforms into a vibrant holiday celebration with twinkling lights and dazzling fireworks.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
St. Petersburg City Theater presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical
- What to Expect
- Intimate theatrical reading of a beloved holiday musical.
- Description
- St. Petersburg City Theater presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical, a timeless holiday classic featuring powerful music and memorable characters.
- Where
- St. Petersburg | More Info : St. Petersburg City Theater presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical
Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with guest stars from American Ballet Theatre.
- Description
- Next Generation Ballet's Nutcracker is a captivating ballet performance featuring award-winning young dancers from NGB alongside guest stars from American Ballet Theatre. The show brings Clara into a fantastical world filled with dancing sweets and sword-fighting rodents, set to some of ballet's most famous music.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Rockapella Christmas
- What to Expect
- Internationally acclaimed a cappella performance of holiday classics.
- Description
- Rockapella brings its internationally acclaimed a cappella sound to the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre with a night of holiday classics, including Silver Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, and White Christmas, along with their original holiday hits.
- Where
- Clearwater | More Info : Rockapella Christmas
Trans-Siberia Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Dazzling spectacle with pyrotechnics and lasers.
- Description
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents an all-new version of "The Lost Christmas Eve," a rock opera featuring pyrotechnics, lasers, and storytelling, with two shows at Amalie Arena on December 15, 2024.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Trans-Siberia Orchestra
Holiday Pops by The Florida Orchestra
- What to Expect
- World-class holiday concert with classic favorites.
- Description
- The Florida Orchestra presents Holiday Pops, a classic holiday concert featuring world-class musicians performing beloved favorites. Conducted by Chelsea Gallo, this event is a jolly good time for the whole family.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Holiday Pops by The Florida Orchestra
Florida Cracker Christmas
- What to Expect
- Live music performances by renowned artists.
- Description
- The 5th Annual Florida Cracker Christmas features live music performances by the Bellamy Brothers, Corey Smith, and special guest Andrew Jannakos, celebrating the spirit of the holiday season with Southern hospitality and traditional festivities.
- Where
- Brooksville | More Info : Florida Cracker Christmas
University Other Holiday Activities
Victorian Christmas Stroll
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with antique decorations and live music.
- Description
- The Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum is a beloved holiday tradition celebrating the warmth and spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas. The event features a variety of decorations, including visitor favorites from past years and new displays, as well as live music and complimentary cider and cookies. Guests can enjoy shopping in a Victorian atmosphere at the Museum Store.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Victorian Christmas Stroll
Downtown St. Pete Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Month-long celebration with festive activities and events.
- Description
- Downtown St. Pete's holiday events feature a variety of activities designed for all ages, including the illuminated Santa Parade, Snowfest, and visits with Santa at North Straub Park.
- Where
- St. Petersburg | More Info : Downtown St. Pete Holiday Events