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:
- Step into the light maze and get lost in the magic of Enchant Christmas
- 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 Mezzo
- 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 2023!
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 11, 2023, until January 7, 2024, Christmas Town Village is brimming with holiday indulgences of festive and savory sweets.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at Busch Gardens Christmas Town:
- Santa’s North Pole Experience
- Holly Jolly Express
- Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
- Favorite Sesame Street Characters with special Christmas entertainment
- Ice-skating festive shows like Christmas on Ice
Location: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
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2. Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up Bar at Miracle At Mezzo
Get all spruced up for the holidays and make your way to Miracle at Mezzo. 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 Black Friday until New Year’s Eve at Miracle.
Location: 1111 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
3. Enchant Christmas
The world’s largest Christmas light maze and village is brightening up 7 different locations and St. Petersburg, Florida is one of them.
Presented by the Hallmark Channel, Enchant Christmas has transformed Tropicana Field into something out of their holiday movies from November 24 to December 31.
Tickets start at $34, junior tickets are $25.50 and infants up to the age of 2 are FREE.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at Enchant Christmas:
- Story-themed Christmas light maze
- Ice skating through the sparkling forest of Christmas lights
- Holiday shopping in the Christmas Village of tiny shops
- Kid’s zone for your little elves
- Meet Santa
- Chill out with some festive holiday beverages and merry mocktails and cocktails
- Holiday live entertainment
Location: 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33705
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4. Tree Lighting and Symphony in Lights at Wiregrass Shops
Your “presents” is requested beginning November 11th 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!
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 Santa Claus from November 11th through December 31st, 2023.
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 17, 2023, until January 1, 2024, 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.
New for this year Fridays bring the Silent Disco where the party is in your headphones.
But no need to bring headphones they will have them first come first serve, so come and turn up the fun and unleash your inner dancer.
Location: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
6. City of Tampa Santa Fest
Mark Saturday, December 2nd 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 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
Making Spirits Bright Parade, a stroll of the Christmas trees, market music, and mimosas have Clearwater Beach in the holiday spirit.
You will find EVERYTHING you need to celebrate Christmas in Florida right here!
My favorite is the Paw-rade on December 9th. Happy Feliz Naughty Dog!
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 2023 until January 2024 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 95th annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting, it is true holiday fun for this Christmas in Florida event.
Location: The City of St. Petersburg
Save up to 29% off of Your Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets on Groupon TODAY!
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.
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 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 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 November 26 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.
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 10, 2023)