Your ultimate holiday resource for Tampa is here! Explore our comprehensive guide for all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, this guide ensures you experience the holiday charm in Tampa.
Popular events include Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where guests can enjoy a variety of festive attractions and holiday lights in a lush theme park setting. Another highlight is the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, featuring charming holiday shops and ice skating under the stars. And the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village is something you definitely don't want to miss for its enchanting displays and family-friendly activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Tampa
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
- Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village (Dover)
- Victorian Christmas Stroll
- Holiday Lights in The Garden at Florida Botanical Gardens (Largo)
- Christmas in the Wild - ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- Holiday Lights, Ferris Wheel & Carousel - Largo Central Park (Largo)
- Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
- The Wonderland of Lights & Santa's Village (Port Charlotte)
- Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade (Tarpon Springs)
See these and even more events listed below!
Tampa Holiday Light Displays
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with interactive attractions.
Description:
The Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village is a holiday event featuring over 1.5 million lights, a 2-mile drive-thru experience, and a self-guided walking tour through Santa's Village with holiday-themed rides and activities.
Where: Dover | More Info: Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village
Holiday Lights in The Garden at Florida Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
1 million twinkling LED lights and new Majeed Discovery Garden.
Description:
The Florida Botanical Gardens will be illuminated with 1 million twinkling LED lights and vibrant laser lights, featuring lighted figures and a new Majeed Discovery Garden. Free kids' activities will be available every Sunday and Thursday evening throughout December.
Where: Largo | More Info: Holiday Lights in The Garden at Florida Botanical Gardens
Christmas in the Wild - ZooTampa at Lowry Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa features Tampa Bay's largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, and amazing wildlife, offering a unique holiday experience for the whole family.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Christmas in the Wild - ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Holiday Lights, Ferris Wheel & Carousel - Largo Central Park
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light display with carnival rides.
Description:
Largo Central Park presents a spectacular holiday light display featuring over 2.5 million dazzling LED lights. Enjoy a family-friendly stroll through the beautifully lit park, accompanied by carnival rides including a carousel and Ferris wheel. Food and beverage vendors offer homemade items and delicious treats, while dogs are welcome on leashes. The event is a walking tour, and all rides end at 10:00 PM.
Where: Largo | More Info: Holiday Lights, Ferris Wheel & Carousel - Largo Central Park
The Wonderland of Lights & Santa's Village
What to Expect:
Expertly crafted light displays with immersive experiences.
Description:
The Wonderland of Lights & Santa's Village features expertly crafted light displays, immersive experiences, and festive activities at various locations including Auburndale, Florida, and Rhinebeck, New York. Enjoy a drive-through light show with your family, explore holiday-themed attractions, and create cherished memories.
Where: Port Charlotte | More Info: The Wonderland of Lights & Santa's Village
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats with synchronized light displays.
Description:
The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade features beautifully decorated boats sailing along the Hillsborough River, creating a spectacular display of holiday lights and festive atmosphere.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Tampa Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with ice skating and local shopping.
Description:
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park transforms the Tampa Riverwalk into a holiday destination with ice skating, local shops, seasonal foods, and Santa sightings.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
47th Annual Christmas Under the Oaks Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and diverse food offerings.
Description:
The 48th Annual Christmas Under the Oaks Holiday Market features a variety of exhibitors offering handmade arts and crafts, unique gifts, and creative holiday-themed products. The event also includes a diverse mix of local food vendors in its food court.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: 47th Annual Christmas Under the Oaks Holiday Market
Tampa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
What to Expect:
Dazzling fireworks and festive shows.
Description:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with twinkling lights, animal encounters, thrilling rides, and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. Enjoy holiday-inspired culinary delights and experience the joy of the season up close.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Victorian Christmas Stroll
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live music and Victorian-era decorations.
Description:
The Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum is a beloved holiday tradition that offers a glimpse into Christmas past. Decorations include visitor favorites and new displays, while complimentary cider and cookies are served daily. Guests can enjoy live music and shopping in a Victorian atmosphere.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Victorian Christmas Stroll
Holiday Concerts - The Florida Orchestra
What to Expect:
World-class holiday concert with classic favorites.
Description:
The Florida Orchestra presents Holiday Pops, a cherished holiday tradition featuring classic favorites performed by world-class musicians, conducted by Chelsea Gallo. This event is a delightful experience for the whole family.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Holiday Concerts - The Florida Orchestra
Holiday Classics Movie Series - Tampa Theatre
What to Expect:
Classic holiday films with live organ accompaniment.
Description:
Tampa Theatre presents a series of classic holiday films, including "Miracle on 34th Street," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," and "The Grinch," showcasing beloved stories on the big screen.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Holiday Classics Movie Series - Tampa Theatre
Christmas in Brass
What to Expect:
Holiday brass band concert with solo euphonium performance.
Description:
The Tampa Brass Band presents a holiday concert featuring traditional and original brass band compositions, including works by Philip Sparke, Joseph Turrin, and Paul Lovatt-Cooper. The performance will also include a solo euphonium piece by Dr. Aaron K. Campbell, showcasing the band's mastery of the genre.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Christmas in Brass
Tampa Other Holiday Activities
Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats parade through Anclote River and Spring Bayou.
Description:
The Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade is a festive event featuring decorated boats of all sizes proceeding down the Anclote River and stopping at Spring Bayou. Trophies are awarded for the best decorated boats, making it a delightful holiday spectacle.
Where: Tarpon Springs | More Info: Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade
Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with snow slide and Santa.
Description:
Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs is a family-friendly holiday event featuring tree lighting, a boat parade, children's crafts, holiday performers, live music, holiday shopping, restaurants, food vendors, falling snow, outdoor movies, and a snow slide. Santa will also be in attendance.
Where: Tarpon Springs | More Info: Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs
Avalon Aglow
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with real snow and fireworks.
Description:
Avalon Aglow is a holiday celebration featuring pictures with Santa, real snow, vendors, live music, and a complimentary bounce park, culminating in a fireworks show.
Where: Wesley Chapel | More Info: Avalon Aglow
Oldsmar Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Giant snow slide and festive activities.
Description:
Oldsmar Christmas Wonderland features a giant snow slide, bounce houses, concessions, and a visit from Santa, offering plenty of family fun.
Where: Oldsmar | More Info: Oldsmar Christmas Wonderland
Winter Wonderland & Lighted Golf Cart Parade
What to Expect:
Lighted golf cart parade with festive activities.
Description:
Winter Wonderland & Lighted Golf Cart Parade features an ice slide, caroling, food trucks, carnival games, and a tree lighting ceremony at Woodmont Park. The golf cart parade starts at the Family Recreation Complex and ends at Woodmont Park.
Where: Temple Terrace | More Info: Winter Wonderland & Lighted Golf Cart Parade
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)
- East Lake-Orient Park (5 miles)
- Egypt Lake-Leto (6 miles)
- Carrollwood (7 miles)
- Temple Terrace (7 miles)
- Town 'n' Country (8 miles)
- Lake Magdalene (9 miles)
- University (9 miles)
- Carrollwood Village (9 miles)
- Riverview (10 miles)
- Northdale (11 miles)
- Brandon (11 miles)
- Citrus Park (11 miles)
- Greater Northdale (12 miles)
- Westchase (12 miles)
- Valrico (14 miles)
- Bloomingdale (14 miles)
- Pinellas Park (16 miles)
- West and East Lealman (17 miles)
- Keystone (17 miles)
- St. Petersburg (18 miles)
- East Lake (18 miles)
- Land O' Lakes (19 miles)
- Dunedin (20 miles)
- Largo (20 miles)
- Palm Harbor (21 miles)
- Clearwater (21 miles)
- Plant City (22 miles)
- Wesley Chapel (22 miles)
- Tarpon Springs (23 miles)
- Holiday (24 miles)
- Bayonet Point (30 miles)
- Lakeland (32 miles)
- Bradenton (32 miles)
- South Bradenton (34 miles)
- Spring Hill (37 miles)
- Winter Haven (45 miles)