Discover Tampa Bay's holiday events, light displays, and holiday markets. Plan a festive season full of sunshine, attractions, and unforgettable holiday cheer.
Tampa Bay celebrates the holidays with its own sun-soaked twist. Picture snow tubing down an alpine hill, ice-skating outdoors by the Riverwalk, or cruising past illuminated boats along the Hillsborough River—all under Florida's signature blue skies.
This is the holiday season with a Gulf Coast glow. Victorian elegance meets theme park thrills, and palm trees share the spotlight with twinkling lights.
Pack your sunglasses and your holiday spirit. Tampa Bay proves that festive magic doesn't need a frost.
Tampa Bay's Holiday Events
Here are some of Tampa Bay's top holiday attractions, organized by type to help you plan the perfect festive itinerary:
✨ Light Displays & Illuminated Attractions
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa (Nov. 28–Dec. 30) - ZooTampa transforms into a holiday wonderland with one of Tampa Bay's largest light displays. Experience the Realm of the Nutcracker featuring dancing characters, the Forest of Fantasy with synchronized light shows, Mrs. Claus Storytime, and illuminated animal sculptures including manatees, flamingos, and penguins. Meet Santa, enjoy holiday treats, and explore special Signature Animal Encounters. Nominated by USA Today's 10 Best for Best Zoo Lights. General admission after 4 p.m. is $29.95, with free admission for members and Pay for a Day ticket holders. Parking is free.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town (Nov. 14–Jan. 5) - Tampa Bay's longest-running holiday celebration features miles of dazzling lights throughout the park, Santa's North Pole Experience sponsored by GEICO, and Rudolph's Winter Wonderland (both through Dec. 24). Enjoy holiday-inspired culinary delights, festive shows including Christmas On Ice, character meet-and-greets with Rudolph and friends, and all of Busch Gardens' signature thrill rides illuminated at night. The Christmas Cheer Train offers wild views of the 65-acre African veldt. Included with park admission.
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village (Nov. 27–Dec. 28) - Drive through over two miles of continuous light displays featuring more than one million lights at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Experience seasonal and Florida-themed displays and a drive-thru animated light tunnel, and then explore Santa's Village on foot with themed rides, holiday activities, treats, and visits with Santa himself.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens (Nov. 28–Jan. 3) – Just across the bay, The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo transforms into an enchanted wonderland with beautiful holiday light displays, perfect for evening strolls through nature's beauty enhanced by festive illumination.
Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park (Nov. 21–March 2) - Florida's only alpine snow park in Dade City offers a truly unique winter experience just north of Tampa. Experience real snow tubing down a 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long hill, ice-skating on the Crystal Ribbon outdoor rink, building snowmen in the Arctic Igloo's 10,000-square-foot snow play dome, and enjoying nightly music and light shows. Through Dec. 24, meet Santa at Santa's Cozy Cabin and enjoy Story Time with Mrs. Claus. The Alpine Village offers food and beverages, and there's a Bunny Slope for young riders. This winter wonderland proves snow is possible in the Sunshine State.
🎄 Holiday Parades & Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Tampa Santa Fest and Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec. 6) - Tampa's biggest holiday kickoff begins with a parade at 1 p.m. from Morgan Street and Madison Street, traveling through downtown. From 1-4 p.m., Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park comes alive with entertainment and activities. Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by Tampa’s ShowStars. WFLA’s Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli joins Mayor Jane Castor to light the seven beautiful Christmas trees. A holiday movie caps the evening. It’s free to attend.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (Dec. 20) - Tampa's largest illuminated boat parade lights up the Hillsborough River at 6:15 p.m. Starting near Davis Islands, the dazzling flotilla of decorated boats cruises past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center, traveling through the Convention Center basin up to the Heights before ending at Sparkman Wharf for judging and prizes. This spectacular waterfront event draws thousands of spectators.
Riverwalk Tree Lighting (Nov. 30) - Friends of the Riverwalk's 5th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting takes place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center and The Sail Plaza. Watch as Mayor Castor arrives aboard a Pirate Water Taxi to ceremonially light the Riverwalk Holiday Trees in this festive waterfront celebration.
The Heights District Tree Lighting (Nov. 22) - Armature Works hosts the 7th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy live performances, a holiday market, and a visit from Santa, with the tree lighting at 8 p.m. on the front lawn. Seasonal drinks, gifts, and food available for purchase. A Toy Drive benefiting Toys for Tots runs from Nov. 16-Dec. 15 at Heights Market.
🎭 Performing Arts & Cultural Celebrations
Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum (Nov. 28–Dec. 31) - Step back in time at Tampa's most iconic building for the 44th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll. What began as a three-evening event has grown into a month-long celebration of extravagance and grandeur. The former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel is decorated with over 40,000 twinkling lights, hundreds of feet of garlands, trees over 14 feet tall, vintage fashions, antique toys, and fancy ornaments. Experience authentic goosefeather trees, period fashions, and a glimpse into how hotel staff prepared gifts for needy families.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 14) - Experience the spectacular rock and classical fusion of TSO's "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More" at Benchmark International Arena. This unforgettable holiday show features pyrotechnics, lasers, and powerful performances. Two shows: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Twelve Days of Christmas Concert (Dec. 12) - Enjoy classic holiday tunes performed by soprano Vanessa Rodriguez and pianist Simon Lasky at 8 p.m. at 809 W. Horatio St. A beautiful evening of timeless holiday music.
Next Generation Ballet's Nutcracker at the Straz (Dec. 19–23) - The beloved holiday ballet returns to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts with award-winning young dancers from NGB and guest stars from New York City Ballet. Travel through a fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting mice, toy soldiers, a growing Christmas tree, and waltzing snowflakes set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score. Six performances throughout the weekend.
Holiday Classics at Tampa Theatre - The historic Tampa Theatre screens beloved holiday films including “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Elf,” and “It's a Wonderful Life” throughout December. Experience these timeless classics in the ornate, atmospheric setting of one of America's best-preserved movie palaces.
🎡 Holiday Festivals & Family Events
Cracker Country - Christmas in the Country (Dec. 13) - Step into 19th-century Florida at the Florida State Fairgrounds for a family-friendly experience featuring pioneer holiday traditions, Christmas carols, period decorations, and demonstrations of old-fashioned holiday customs. Runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This unique event offers a glimpse into how early Florida settlers celebrated Christmas.
🛍️ Holiday Markets & Shopping Experiences
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park (Nov. 21–Jan. 4) - Tampa's most iconic holiday destination transforms Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park along the Tampa Riverwalk into a festive wonderland. Ice-skate on downtown Tampa's only outdoor rink ($17 for 75 minutes including skate rentals), shop at The Shops of Winter Village featuring nearly 70 local businesses housed in unique PODS containers, enjoy seasonal treats at the Café at Winter Village, and dine in cozy private igloos. Special events include the Tampa Bay Ice Show on select nights, Silent Disco Fridays (6-9 p.m.), Thunderstruck Thursdays celebrating Tampa Bay Lightning pride, and street curling on Wednesday-Sunday. The Winter Village Express offers holiday-themed TECO Line Streetcar rides to historic Ybor City on select Sundays with sing-alongs, trivia, milk and cookies. The River of Lights Cruise on the Pirate Water Taxi departs from Winter Village for a magical journey down the Hillsborough River to see Tampa's twinkling holiday lights. Admission to Winter Village is free; activities require separate tickets.
Always double-check event calendars for current dates and times. Events can change or require tickets. The official Visit Tampa Bay website at visittampabay.com is a great resource for up-to-date holiday listings as well as the VISIT FLORIDA Events Calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holidays in Tampa Bay
What are the best family-friendly activities in Tampa Bay during the holidays?
Families can enjoy Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa with its massive light displays and animal encounters, Busch Gardens Christmas Town for thrills and lights, and Snowcat Ridge for real snow tubing and ice-skating. Don't miss Winter Village's outdoor ice rink and holiday market, the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights drive-through experience, and the Tampa Santa Fest and Tree Lighting Ceremony for a full day of festive fun.
Where can I experience real snow near Tampa Bay?
Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park in Dade City (about 30 minutes north of Tampa) is Florida's only snow park. You'll find real snow for tubing down a 60-foot hill, building snowmen in the Arctic Igloo's 10,000-square-foot dome, and ice-skating on an outdoor rink. The park creates actual snow from water using snow-making systems, bringing authentic winter fun to the Tampa Bay area.
Are there holiday parades in Tampa Bay?
Yes! The Tampa Santa Fest features a parade through downtown Tampa on Dec. 6, followed by the city's official tree lighting ceremony. The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 20 showcases decorated boats cruising along the Hillsborough River from Davis Islands to Sparkman Wharf. Several neighborhoods also host tree lighting ceremonies throughout November and early December.
What unique cultural experiences does Tampa Bay offer during the holidays?
The Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum offers an elegant journey into the past with 19th-century holiday traditions displayed in Tampa's most iconic building. Cracker Country provides a glimpse into pioneer Christmas celebrations with 19th-century Florida traditions. For performing arts lovers, catch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's spectacular show, Next Generation Ballet's Nutcracker at the Straz Center, or classic holiday films at the historic Tampa Theatre.
Where can I find holiday markets and shopping in Tampa Bay?
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park features nearly 70 local businesses in unique PODS container shops along the Tampa Riverwalk, open daily through Jan. 4. The Heights District Holiday Market at Armature Works runs during the tree lighting event on Nov. 22. Many events like Christmas Town at Busch Gardens and Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa also offer holiday shopping opportunities with seasonal gifts and treats.
