St. Petersburg brings holiday magic to Florida's Gulf Coast with a distinctly coastal twist. Where else can you watch a Santa Parade along the waterfront, play in snow at Snowfest under sunny skies, or enjoy Nutcracker performances in historic downtown theaters?
These are holidays by the bay—Victorian charm meets beachside cheer, and palm-lined parks sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights.
Grab your sunscreen and your festive spirit. St. Petersburg shows that the holidays shine brightest near the water.
St. Petersburg's Holiday Events
Here are some of St. Petersburg's top holiday attractions, organized by type to help you plan the perfect festive itinerary:
🎄 Holiday Parades & Tree Lighting Ceremonies
97th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting (Nov. 29) - St. Petersburg kicks off the holiday season with its 97th Annual Santa Parade at 6:30 p.m., starting at Albert Whitted Park and traveling along Bayshore Drive to 5th Ave. NE. The Tree Lighting ceremony immediately follows in North Straub Park, illuminating the waterfront with festive cheer. Free to attend.
Snowfest (Dec. 6) - Snow comes to sunny St. Pete! North Straub Park transforms from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatable bounce houses, arts and crafts tents, holiday games, and food trucks. Wristbands are $5 and include all activities (food not included). Purchase online or at any City recreation center until Dec. 5 at noon, or at the event.
✨ Light Displays & Illuminated Attractions
Holiday Lights & Displays (Nov. 29–Jan. 1) - Stroll along St. Petersburg's beautiful waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations illuminating North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier. Don't miss the giant greeting card display in Vinoy Park, crafted by local teens. This free display provides perfect photo opportunities along the bayfront throughout the holiday season.
🎭 Performing Arts & Cultural Celebrations
St. Petersburg Ballet Company's The Nutcracker (Dec. 5-7) - A cherished holiday tradition returns to the historic Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. The St. Petersburg Ballet Company, official company-in-residence at the Academy of Ballet Arts since 1971, performs Tchaikovsky's beloved classic. Follow Clara's magical Christmas Eve journey as she saves the enchanted Nutcracker Prince from the evil Mouse King, featuring dancing children, toy soldiers, giant mice, sword fights, Snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Tickets start at $30, with special group pricing available.
Vienna Light Orchesta at The Mahaffey Theater (Dec. 10) - Experience the magic of the holidays with the Vienna Light Orchestra at The Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Pete on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
This acclaimed international ensemble brings together extraordinary musicians and remarkable sopranos from seven countries for an unforgettable evening of holiday enchantment. With rich vocals, sweeping strings, and beautiful orchestral arrangements, the performance surrounds you with the warmth, nostalgia, and wonder that define the season.
🎅 Family-Friendly Activities & Santa Events
Santa in the Park (Dec. 13–23) - Meet Santa Claus in person at North Straub Park nightly from 6-9 p.m. Bring your own camera to capture magical memories with the big man himself. This free event runs for 11 consecutive nights, giving families plenty of opportunities to visit Santa in a beautiful waterfront setting.
S'mores with Santa (Dec. 12–13) - Gather around the fire at Pinellas Pioneer Settlement from 5-7 p.m. for a delightful evening making s'mores, creating crafts, and spending time with Santa Claus. This cozy event is perfect for children to share their holiday wishes while enjoying sweet treats. Admission is $5 per person. Online registration available for Friday and Saturday, with walk-ups accepted on Saturday only.
Santa's Calling - A unique St. Pete tradition, Santa Claus calls children ages 8 and younger Dec. 9-11 to chat about their holiday wishes. Free event, but registration is required by Dec. 5, 2025. One form per child.
Holiday Movies in the Park - Celebrate the season with free outdoor screenings at various parks. Enjoy pre-movie festive activities, photo opportunities with Santa, and concessions. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Holiday activities start at 6:30 p.m., movies at 7 p.m. Schedule: Dec. 6 at Vinoy Park (“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”), Dec. 13 at Pinellas Pioneer Settlement (“The Santa Clause”), Dec. 20 at Huggins-Stengel Field (“A Miser Brothers' Christmas”).
📚 Library & Community Events
Visit Santa at the Library (Dec. 15-18) - Join St. Petersburg libraries for music, stories, and visits with Santa. Bring cameras! Each child visiting Santa receives a free book. Schedule: Monday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. (W. Community Library), Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. (N. Community Library), Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. (S. Community Library), Thursday, Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. (Johnson Community Library) and 6:30 p.m. (President Barack Obama Main Library). Free event.
Holiday Events for Seniors at Sunshine Senior Center - Free events throughout December including Holidays Around the World (Dec. 3), Make & Take: Angel Ornament (Dec. 8), Cookies & Cocoa (Dec. 15), and Holiday Party with Santa (Dec. 22). Registration required.
🎁 Additional Holiday Activities
Chimney in the Trunk (Dec. 20) - On Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. at Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center, families volunteer their trunks to distribute holiday gifts, stockings, treats, and prizes. Features arts & crafts, fun gifts for kids, live music, and raffles. Free event.
Always double-check event calendars for current dates and times. Events can change or require tickets. The official St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater websites are great resources for up-to-date holiday listings. And don’t forget VISIT FLORIDA’S comprehensive Events Page.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holidays in St. Petersburg
What are the best family-friendly activities in St. Petersburg during the holidays?
Families can enjoy the 97th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting along the waterfront on Nov. 29, play in snow at Snowfest on Dec. 6 with toboggan slides and inflatables, watch free holiday movies in the parks with Santa photo opportunities, meet Santa nightly Dec. 13-23 at Santa in the Park, and attend the St. Petersburg Ballet's Nutcracker Dec. 5-7 at the historic Palladium Theater. Many events are free or very affordable.
Where can I see holiday lights in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg's waterfront parks are illuminated with thousands of holiday lights from Nov. 29 through January 1. Stroll through North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and along the St. Pete Pier to see beautiful displays. Don't miss the giant greeting cards in Vinoy Park created by local teens. All light displays are free and accessible throughout the holiday season.
Are there unique holiday traditions in St. Petersburg?
Yes! St. Petersburg hosts Snowfest on Dec. 6, bringing real snow activities like toboggan slides to sunny Florida. The city also offers Santa's Calling, where Santa phones children at home to chat about their holiday wishes—a unique tradition you won't find everywhere. The 97th Annual Santa Parade on Nov. 29 is one of the area's longest-running holiday traditions, traveling along the beautiful bayfront.
What holiday performances can I see in St. Petersburg?
The St. Petersburg Ballet Company performs The Nutcracker Dec. 5-7 at the historic Palladium Theater, showcasing talented local dancers including children from the Academy of Ballet Arts. The performance features all the beloved scenes from Tchaikovsky's classic ballet. Various venues also host holiday concerts and performances throughout December—check local theater and concert hall schedules.
Are St. Petersburg holiday events suitable for visitors?
Absolutely! St. Petersburg's waterfront location makes it perfect for combining beach visits with holiday festivities. Most events are outdoors taking advantage of Florida's mild winter weather. The downtown area is walkable, with parks, the pier, restaurants, and shops all within easy reach. Many hotels and resorts offer special holiday packages for visitors wanting to experience Gulf Coast holidays.
