Experience the best of the holidays in Riverview! Our guide showcases all the must-see events and activities. From Riverview locals to international travelers, our guide ensures a joyful and memorable season.
This year, kick off your festivities with Christmas in the Wild, where you can stroll through a beautifully decorated wildlife park filled with enchanting lights and seasonal cheer. Another unique event to explore features interactive displays and breathtaking installations at Enchant Christmas. And the Holidays at LEGOLAND is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering fun rides and festive experiences for the whole family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Riverview
- Enchant Christmas (St. Petersburg)
- Christmas in the Wild (Tampa)
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa)
- Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular (Tampa)
- Holidays at LEGOLAND (Winter Haven)
- Celebration of Lights at the Concourse (Shady Hills)
- Winter Village (Tampa)
- Christmas Lane (Plant City)
- Sea of Holiday Joy - Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Clearwater)
- Holiday Lights at Largo Central Park (Largo)
See these and even more events listed below!
Riverview Holiday Light Displays
Christmas in the Wild
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with extensive light displays and animal encounters.
Description:
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa features one of Tampa Bay's largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, and amazing wildlife encounters. The event includes immersive realms with twinkling lights, winter-themed wildlife connections, and signature animal encounters.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Christmas in the Wild
Enchant Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light maze with custom-designed sculptures.
Description:
Enchant Christmas features a world's largest Christmas light maze, unique ice skating experiences, and a variety of festive attractions, including seasonal food and drink, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, and a Ferris wheel offering a bird's-eye view of the dazzling lights.
Where: St. Petersburg | More Info: Enchant Christmas
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
What to Expect:
Extensive floating light displays along the river.
Description:
The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular features a 2.6-mile stretch of festive holiday lights and floating displays along the Hillsborough River, including a 35-foot-tall LED Christmas tree, lighted garland, and various themed displays like gingerbread houses and toy trains.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Celebration of Lights at the Concourse
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with festive train ride and Santa visit.
Description:
The Celebration of Lights at The Concourse features a drive-through light display, a festive train ride, and a visit to Safety Town with Santa Claus. Enjoy over a mile of larger-than-life lights and explore the Winter Wonderland Pavilion with food trucks and vendors.
Where: Shady Hills | More Info: Celebration of Lights at the Concourse
Christmas Lane
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday light display with live entertainment.
Description:
Christmas Lane is a holiday event featuring over 1.5 million lights, live entertainment, and activities like face painting and LEGO stations. Visitors can meet Santa, enjoy concessions, and explore the festive displays.
Where: Plant City | More Info: Christmas Lane
Holiday Lights at Largo Central Park
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light display with family-friendly rides.
Description:
Largo Central Park presents a spectacular holiday light display featuring over 2.5 million dazzling LED lights. The event includes a walking tour, food and beverage vendors, and amusement rides like a carousel and Ferris wheel. Dogs are welcome on leashes, and tickets for rides are $6 each or 10 rides for $50.
Where: Largo | More Info: Holiday Lights at Largo Central Park
Symphony in Lights - The Shops at Wiregrass
What to Expect:
Dazzling light show choreographed to holiday music.
Description:
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass features live music by Late Night Brass, stilt walkers, costumed characters, talented balloon artists, and Santa's arrival. The event includes a spectacular light show choreographed to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, with nightly snowfall and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Wesley Chapel | More Info: Symphony in Lights - The Shops at Wiregrass
Holiday Lights in The Garden at Florida Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
1 million LED lights and interactive kids' activities.
Description:
The Florida Botanical Gardens presents a spectacular display of 1 million twinkling LED lights, vibrant laser lights, and lighted figures, creating a dazzling spectacle for all ages. The event supports the gardens' mission to connect children to nature and features free kids' activities in the Majeed Discovery Garden.
Where: Largo | More Info: Holiday Lights in The Garden at Florida Botanical Gardens
The Wonderland of Lights & Santa's Village
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and festive holiday activities.
Description:
The Wonderland of Lights & Santa's Village features expertly crafted light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, vintage carousel, train, and a collection of tiny houses making up Santa's Village.
Where: Port Charlotte | More Info: The Wonderland of Lights & Santa's Village
Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats with holiday lights and festive decorations.
Description:
The Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is a spectacular event where beautifully decorated boats cruise along the Hillsborough River, creating a dazzling display of holiday lights and festive spirit. The parade includes a Captain's Party with swag bags, giveaways, and a chance to win the best-decorated boat trophy.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Shimmering Lights Winter Walk
What to Expect:
Self-guided walking trail through dancing lights and music.
Description:
Shimmering Lights Winter Walk features a self-guided, 1-mile walking trail through dancing lights, music, play areas, games, and outdoor movies, making it a family-friendly event suitable for all ages.
Where: Dade City | More Info: Shimmering Lights Winter Walk
Riverview Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Village
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday events and local shopping.
Description:
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park transforms Tampa's downtown into a vibrant holiday destination with ice skating, themed nights, local shopping, and festive activities for all ages.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Winter Village
Riverview Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holidays at LEGOLAND
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with LEGO-themed activities and fireworks.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at LEGOLAND Florida with seasonal shows, special treats, and twinkling lights. Meet LEGO Santa and friends, enjoy holiday activities, and ring in the new year with colorful LEGO bricks fireworks.
Where: Winter Haven | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with holiday-themed performances.
Description:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with twinkling lights, festive shows, and holiday-inspired culinary delights. Enjoy animal encounters, thrilling rides, and festive shows like Christmas on Ice.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Holiday Classics: Miracle on 34th Street - Tampa Theatre
What to Expect:
Classic holiday film with a special pre-show appearance by Santa Claus.
Description:
Witness the timeless tale of Miracle on 34th Street, where a young lawyer defends an elderly man claiming to be Santa Claus. This heartwarming classic is a staple of holiday cinema, offering a poignant exploration of faith and the true spirit of Christmas.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Holiday Classics: Miracle on 34th Street - Tampa Theatre
Riverview Other Holiday Activities
Sea of Holiday Joy - Clearwater Marine Aquarium
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa underwater and marine-themed decorations.
Description:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium transforms into a holiday celebration with Santa underwater, snow machines, and marine-themed decorations. Enjoy interactive marine presentations, holiday crafts, and meet various wild species amidst festive decorations.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Sea of Holiday Joy - Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Cracker Country - Christmas in the Country
What to Expect:
Hands-on historical interpretations and traditional decorations.
Description:
Celebrate an old-fashioned country Christmas at Cracker Country, where guests can explore 13 original buildings, experience seasonal décor and music, and engage in hands-on activities like churning butter and making ornaments.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Cracker Country - Christmas in the Country
North Pole Express - Florida Railroad Museum
What to Expect:
Historic train ride to visit Santa with various activities.
Description:
The North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum offers a 3.5-hour holiday journey where guests ride a historic train to visit Santa at the North Pole. Upon arrival, they enjoy entertainment, activities, campfires, and unlimited hot chocolate and cookies. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase. The event features four classes of service and includes games, hayrides, and crafts.
Where: Parrish | More Info: North Pole Express - Florida Railroad Museum
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Palm River-Clair Mel (5 miles)
- Brandon (6 miles)
- Bloomingdale (6 miles)
- Valrico (7 miles)
- East Lake-Orient Park (9 miles)
- Tampa (10 miles)
- Temple Terrace (12 miles)
- Egypt Lake-Leto (15 miles)
- University (16 miles)
- Carrollwood (16 miles)
- Plant City (17 miles)
- Lake Magdalene (17 miles)
- Town 'n' Country (18 miles)
- Carrollwood Village (18 miles)
- Northdale (19 miles)
- Greater Northdale (21 miles)
- Citrus Park (21 miles)
- Westchase (22 miles)
- West and East Lealman (22 miles)
- St. Petersburg (23 miles)
- Pinellas Park (23 miles)
- Land O' Lakes (26 miles)
- Wesley Chapel (26 miles)
- Lakeland (26 miles)
- Keystone (27 miles)
- East Lake (28 miles)
- Largo (28 miles)
- Dunedin (29 miles)
- Bradenton (30 miles)
- Clearwater (30 miles)
- Palm Harbor (30 miles)
- South Bradenton (32 miles)
- Tarpon Springs (33 miles)
- Holiday (34 miles)
- Winter Haven (38 miles)
- Bayonet Point (39 miles)
- Spring Hill (44 miles)