Get ready for an exhilarating holiday season in The Acreage! Our guide features all the exciting events and activities. Whether you're here every year or just this once, our guide will show you the best of The Acreage's holiday season.
One of the standout experiences this year is Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where guests can explore enchanting lights and seasonal festivities among thrilling rides. You'll also find SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, known for its spectacular holiday shows and encounters with marine life. And the ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning ice sculptures and a winter wonderland experience. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around The Acreage
- SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration (Orlando)
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa)
- Holidays at Universal Orlando (Orlando)
- ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort (Lake Buena Vista)
- Zoo Lights at Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa)
- Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (Tampa)
- River of Christmas Lights (Tampa)
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Tampa)
- Victorian Christmas Stroll (Tampa)
- The Light of Christmas (Plant City)
See these and even more events listed below!
The Acreage Holiday Light Displays
The Light of Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show with a message of hope.
Description:
The Light of Christmas is a free, synchronized light show featuring over 80,000 lights, great music, and a message of hope for the Christmas season. The 35-minute program runs nightly from 6 PM to 10 PM through January 1st at First Baptist Church Plant City.
Where: Plant City | More Info: The Light of Christmas
Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Unique boat decorations and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade features a spectacular display of decorated boats along the Hillsborough River, offering a dazzling array of lights and festive decorations. The event includes a Captain's Party with swag bags, giveaways, and a chance to win best-decorated boat trophies.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
River of Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Unique floating light displays along the Hillsborough River.
Description:
The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular features a 35-foot-tall LED Christmas tree floating in the harbor, a holiday selfie station, lighted garland and red bows on Riverwalk light poles, and festive decorations including a gingerbread house, toy train, and pirate ship displays.
Where: Tampa | More Info: River of Christmas Lights
Zoo Lights at Lowry Park Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with immersive light displays and wildlife encounters.
Description:
ZooTampa's Christmas in the Wild features Tampa Bay's largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, and amazing wildlife encounters. The event includes immersive realms with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and joyous surprises. Guests can enjoy winter-themed Wildlife Connections and Signature Animal Encounters, making it a unique holiday celebration.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Zoo Lights at Lowry Park Zoo
The Acreage Holiday Markets and Shopping
An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with local artisans and live music.
Description:
Join us for An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village, featuring free make-and-take crafts, festive live music, food trucks, and a wide variety of vendors selling homemade crafts, wreaths, gifts, jewelry, ornaments, T-shirts, and snacks. The Whistle Stop Gift Shop will be open all day.
Where: Bradenton | More Info: An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village
The Acreage Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with synchronized animal encounters and festive shows.
Description:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with Christmas Town, featuring animal encounters, thrilling rides, and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. Enjoy holiday-inspired culinary delights and twinkling lights that keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light and sound displays.
Description:
SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration transforms the park into a vibrant holiday setting with millions of twinkling lights, snow flurries, award-winning live shows, and ice-skating. Meet beloved characters like Santa and Rudolph, enjoy delicious holiday foods, and experience festive entertainment.
Where: Orlando | More Info: SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
St. Petersburg City Theater presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical
What to Expect:
Timeless holiday musical with a dazzling score.
Description:
St. Petersburg City Theatre presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical, a heartwarming adaptation featuring 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Set in 1954, the musical follows Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge owned by their former army commander.
Where: St. Petersburg | More Info: St. Petersburg City Theater presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
What to Expect:
Dazzling acrobatic performances and holiday song twists.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a dazzling holiday celebration featuring acrobats, dancers, and contortionists bringing holiday stories to life on stage. Classic holiday songs get a twist, making it the perfect way to extend your holiday whimsy.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort
What to Expect:
Unique ice sculptures from a beloved Christmas film.
Description:
ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort features larger-than-life ice sculptures depicting iconic scenes from the beloved Christmas film "Elf." Guests can marvel at the intricate carvings and enjoy festive activities throughout the resort.
Where: Lake Buena Vista | More Info: ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort
Holidays at Universal Orlando
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday celebrations with iconic characters and projection-mapped castle shows.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Universal Orlando with festive decorations, live entertainment, and special events like the Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s and the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
Where: Orlando | More Info: Holidays at Universal Orlando
Holiday Jazz Festival
What to Expect:
World-class jazz performances in a scenic waterfront setting.
Description:
The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is a four-day celebration of jazz, funk, and soul music, featuring renowned artists like Boney James, Cory Wong, and Bruce Hornsby. The event takes place at Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida, with various stages offering both reserved seating and free public areas.
Where: Clearwater Beach | More Info: Holiday Jazz Festival
Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics
What to Expect:
Classic holiday films in a historic movie palace.
Description:
Tampa Theatre presents a selection of classic holiday films, showcasing timeless stories and memorable characters in a historic setting.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics
Holiday Performances and Entertainment
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive shows and culinary delights.
Description:
At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Christmas Town, immerse yourself in holiday cheer with animal encounters, thrilling rides, and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. Enjoy holiday-inspired culinary delights and twinkling lights that keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Holiday Performances and Entertainment
The Acreage Other Holiday Activities
Victorian Christmas Stroll
What to Expect:
Historic museum transformed into a festive holiday setting.
Description:
The Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum is a beloved holiday tradition featuring elaborate decorations, live music, and complimentary cider and cookies. Each room is filled with festive themes and historical elements, offering a glimpse into Christmas past.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Victorian Christmas Stroll
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Royal Palm Beach (6 miles)
- Palm Beach Gardens (8 miles)
- Wellington (9 miles)
- Riviera Beach (13 miles)
- West Palm Beach (14 miles)
- Jupiter (14 miles)
- Greenacres City (15 miles)
- Palm Springs (15 miles)
- Lake Worth Corridor (16 miles)
- Lake Worth Beach (17 miles)
- Boynton Beach (22 miles)
- Palm City (26 miles)
- Delray Beach (26 miles)
- Boca Del Mar (32 miles)
- Parkland (33 miles)
- Deerfield Beach (34 miles)
- Port Saint Lucie (35 miles)
- Coral Springs (36 miles)
- Coconut Creek (38 miles)
- Margate (38 miles)
- Pompano Beach (39 miles)
- North Lauderdale (40 miles)
- Tamarac (40 miles)
- Lauderdale Lakes (44 miles)
- Oakland Park (44 miles)