Are you looking for the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas?
It may be sunny days in Florida but the holiday spirit has arrived in Tampa with bells on.
Decked out in lights, yuletide cheer, and endless festive fun you will love it from head to mistletoe. The lightning capital of the world is shining brighter than ever!
The Florida Hipster Blog has rounded up the 12 Most Festive Things to Do in Tampa for Christmas to rock your Christmas socks off!
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Fun Things to Do for Christmas in Tampa At a Glance:
- Drive thru the magic of Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village
- Be mesmerized by 1 million lights twinkling at the pet-friendly Holiday Lights in the Garden Event at the Florida Botanical Gardens
- Sip on some holiday cheer at Miracle at Strandhill Public.
- Watch the waterways sparkle and shine at the Tampa Holiday Boat Parade
- Grinch it up in Clearwater Beach for the 12 Days of Christmas
- Cozy up and watch a screening of your favorite holiday classic at Tampa Theatre
Keep reading to get a full guide to all the festive and fun Christmas events in Tampa for 2024!
1. Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Tis the season to sparkle at Busch Gardens Christmas Town with their twinkling lights beaming throughout the park.
Festive fireworks scheduled for special nights and yuletide shows make everything merry and bright.
From November 15th and running through January 5th, 2025, Christmas Town Village is brimming with holiday indulgences of festive and savory sweets.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
Busch Gardens Christmas Town is INCLUDED in your theme park admission! It is the gift that just keeps giving with more than 10 million lights, so many holiday themed treats and sweets to splurge on and holiday activities right in the heart of Tampa Bay.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at Busch Gardens Christmas Town:
- Discover Christmas Town® Village and holiday tunes
- Special Christmas treats unique to this event only
- Festive fireworks
- Shop for the perfect gifts in Santa’s shop
- 40-foot pixelated tree in Cheetah Hunt Plaza and NEW light displays that will take over the Jungala area
- Santa’s North Pole Experience
- Holly Jolly Express
- Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
- Favorite Sesame Street Characters with special Christmas entertainment
- Watch outstanding ice skaters at their festive shows
Location: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
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2. Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up Bar at Miracle At Strandhill Public
Get all spruced up for the holidays and make your way to Miracle at Strandhill Public. This holiday cocktail pop-up bar will have you nostalgic with cheer.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
It’s some good ol’ fashioned fun in its kitshy and colorful festive décor giving off those Christmas office party vibes.
So put on that ugly Christmas sweater, treat yourself to a cocktail, and celebrate the holiday spirit from November 18 until New Year’s Eve at Miracle.
Location: 309 W Palm Ave. Tampa, FL. 33602
3. Tampa Bay Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village is an absolute must-see holiday event in Tampa that keeps getting brighter and brighter every year.
This year they have expanded Santa’s Village and their famous drive thru lights of spectacular continuous light to include “Santa’s Winter Woodland.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
With nearly a 2-mile drive-thru of sparkling lights and endless festive fun in Santa’s Village this magical experience is the ultimate way to make your Christmas merry and bright from November 28th to December 29th, 2024.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at this Tampa Christmas Event:
- Santa’s Carnival holiday rides with a Reindeer Carousel and Candy Cane Swings
- Santa’s Interactive Barnyard
- Santa’s Camel Pen including camel rides
- Holiday movies
- Wine and Cider from Keel & Curley Winery
- Holiday Market in Santa’s Village
- Facepainting and holiday treats
- Meet Santa and get your picture taken on Santa’s Porch
- Santa’s Craft Stations and more!
There is so much holly jolly fun for the family to enjoy!
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds 215 Sydney Washer Rd, Dover, FL 33527
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4. Tree Lighting and Symphony in Lights at Wiregrass Shops
Your “presents” is requested at The Shops at Wiregrass when Christmas comes to Wesley Chapel.
Looks like we weren’t on Santa’s naughty list after all! He will be there to light up the tree to kick off the festive Christmas in Florida season.
And if you were really good this year you can even get your photo with him until November 24. !
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
This annual event has sparkling fireworks, local artisans throughout the Christmas village, dazzling twinkling trees, and the harmonies of the season.
It is a holiday extravaganza of fun for all ages and best of all…. it’s FREE!
You’ll also be able to visit on December 8th for Sensory Santa Photos at Santa’s Candy Cane Cottage in Center Court from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Here, you’ll step into a serene space with softened lights, gentle sounds, and a calm, cozy atmosphere. Perfect for children and families looking for a peaceful, exclusive hour to enjoy a quiet magical visit and photo experience with Santa.
Location: 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Save 54% or more on Tampa Bay’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS TODAY!
5. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon
It’s love at first frost when you arrive at Curtis Hixon Park, winter has arrived!
Tampa’s riverwalk is now decked out for the holiday season with some Winter Village Tampa fun. Ice skating is only $17 for all ages and don’t worry it includes your ice skate rental too!
Running from November 22, 2024, until January 5, 2025, you have plenty of time to take in the festive winter spirit.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
A holiday trip on the Winter Village Express is one of the best Christmas activities in Tampa. With milk and cookies on board, hop aboard and be a kid again.
Here is what you can expect at this Tampa Christmas Event:
- Tampa Bay Ice Show on select nights
- Themed Skate Nights on Tuesdays
- Curling Wednesday through Sunday
- Thunderstruck Thursdays celebrate the Tampa Bay Lightning
- Silent Disco Fridays
- Riding the Winter Village Express with milk & cookies and holiday sing-along
- 360-degree light show
- Cafe and shops at Winter Village
- Santa sightseeing
- Lighted boat parade on December 21 and so much more!
Location: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
6. City of Tampa Santa Fest
Mark Saturday, December 7th on your calendars for Tampa’s Santa Fest Tree Lighting, and join in all the reindeer games.
Be a part of Tampa’s holiday tradition and feel the magic of Christmas come alive.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
With a jolly parade, festivities, and entertainment all your worries go away. Sit back, stay for the movie, and let your inner child have a merry night out.
Location: The parade begins at Morgan Street and Madison Street at 1 p.m.
7. Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights
All is calm and bright…well very bright, with 1 million LED colorful lights.
Florida Botanical Gardens annual event is back from November 29th, 2024 to January 4, 2025 and twinkling with its Holiday Lights in the Garden Event.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
It’s pet-friendly (as long as they are leashed) so everyone in the family can come out and play.
With free parking, 12 and under free and pay by donation it is definitely one of the must-do Christmas events in Tampa.
Location: 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL. 33774
Save 54% or more on Tampa Bay’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS TODAY!
8. The 12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach
It may be called the 12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach but you will feel the joy almost all month long.
It puts even the Grinch in a festive mood! Come see for yourself and get your photo with the Grinch along with other surprise festive characters.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
Holiday Dinner Buffet Cruises fill your bellies with festive foods and sights from November 29, 2024 to December 30, 2024 while the holiday shows will entertain you all month long at Ruth Eckerd Hall, The BayCare Sound and Bilheimer Capitol Theatre.
Making Spirits Bright Parade will be spreading holiday cheer on December 9th 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the annual Clearwater Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade floats through on December 14.
Its Breakfast with Santa at Clearwater Marine Aquarium on December 21, 2024 or take it easy and enjoy a stroll of the Christmas trees.
Shop the market, soak in the music, and treat yourself to mimosas as Clearwater Beach comes alive with holiday cheer.
Location: Clearwater Beach
9. Holidays in the Sunshine City
Florida is feelin’ frosty in St. Petersburg. Put away those summer flip-flops and shorts and trade them in for some cozy clothes.
Holidays in the Sunshine City is here from November 2024 until January 2025 with holiday events all season long.
Snowfest brings toboggan slides for all ages, inflatables, and food trucks to help fill your belly will holiday cheer.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
Santa in the Park, enchanted holiday lights and displays, Cookies with Santa, and their 96th annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting, it is true holiday fun for this Christmas in Florida event.
Here’s what you can expect at this Christmas event near Tampa:
- Snowfest on December 7 from 9 am to 2 pm at North Straub Park
- Holiday Movies in the Park
- Chat with Santa on a virtual call from December 10th to the 12th (Registration required)
- S’mores with Santa on December 13th and 14th from 6 pm to 8 pm at Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Gingerbread Building Contest on December 14th
- Meet Santa in the Park from December 14th to 23rd
- Visit with Santa at the Library
- Cocoa Night Hike to celebrate the Winter Solstice on December 20th from 7 pm to 9 pm at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Holly Jolly Jubilee on December 18 from 11:30 am to 3 pm at Sunshine Senior Center
- Gingerbread Habitats for local wildlife on December 21 from 10 am to 12 pm at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
Location: The City of St. Petersburg
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10. Tampa Holiday Boat Parade
Mark your calendars for Tampa’s Holiday Boat Parade. It’s sure to be one of your favorite Christmas activities in Tampa.
Decked out in lights and décor, boats sail and compete to take the title of boat parade winner.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
From sailboats to motorboats watch as the waterways sparkle and shine on December 21, 2024. .
Don’t forget to give out a round of Santa-plause for who you think should be the top Christmas star!
Location: Along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa.
11. Tampa Theatre Holiday Classics
Put hibernation mode on and cozy up for a night at the Tampa Theatre.
Christmas in Tampa can’t be complete without a date night or girl’s night out with some holiday classics.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
Traditional classics like It’s a Wonderful Life or some festive laughs with Elf and family fun with Sing-Along Frozen are just a few that you can come out and enjoy on the big screen.
Location: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
12. Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Get ready to jingle down the Riverwalk and feel the spirit and beauty of a Tampa Christmas all around you.
The harbor tree lighting on December 1, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 pm. brings the shore into holiday mode and sends Christmas magic into the air.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
The holiday spectacular runs through January with lighted displays all down the way.
A selfie booth, a lighted pine tree forest floating out in the river, and festively decorated scenes put you in a jolly good mood.
The holiday spectacular runs through to January 2, 2025 with lighted displays all down the way.
Location: Riverwalk, Tampa, FL 33602
My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Tampa for Christmas
Christmas in Tampa is one of the most wonderful times of the year!
You are never too grown to feel the spirit of Christmas so be sure to check off as many Christmas activities in Tampa as your inner elf can.
The Florida Hipster Blog sends you candy cane wishes for a merry and bright holiday season.
Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
UP NEXT: Top 10 BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa You MUST See
(Original Article Date: November 5, 2022/Updated by Editor on November 22, 2024)