<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>The holidays can get a little out of hand. With gifts to purchase and other obligations, it is nice to enjoy some holiday cheer, for free. We’ve gathered the best free holiday events in the Tampa Bay area to check out this season.
Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay
Free Holiday Boat Parades
We’ll start off with one of the most Floridian ways to celebrate the holidays. During the month of December, fill your calendar with these holiday boat parades around the Bay. All events are free to watch; registration fees may apply if you want to participate.
57th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6:30pm
Best public viewing at ROC Park – Maderia Beach
The parade begins at the American Legion Post 273 at 6:30pm, travels all the finger canals through the city, and ends at John’s Pass.
Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6:30pm
Begins at Gulfport Municipal Marina
See the parade from Osgood Point, Gulfport Municipal Marina, Williams Pier, Gulfport Beach and Casino, Town Shores, Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, Pasadena Golf Club Estates and Isla del Sol. Routes are subject to change.
Annual Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and Celebration
Saturday, December 21, 2024, 6:00pm
Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis
Watch the parade from a spectacular vantage point and participate in the events at Treasure Bay. A DJ, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive entertainers, and food/beverage concessions will be available.
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 21, 2024, 6:30pm
Tampa Riverwalk
The parade begins in the Convention Center basin, travels to the Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf.
Related post: Sparkman Wharf Restaurants
Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 21, 2024, 7pm
Parade lineup at Holiday Inn Harbor Side
Parade will begin at the Walsingham Bridge, winding through the fingers and ending at Harbor Drive North.
Put on the calendar for next year…
Annual Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade
December 6, 2024 at 6:30 pm
Craig Park, Tarpon Springs, FL
Vessels will begin at the sponge docks and conclude at Spring Bayou. Public viewing areas include Sponge Docks, Whitcomb Bayou, Craig Park & Spring Bayou.
Holiday Parade at Safety Harbor
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00am-11:30am
Main Street of Safety Harbor
Floats, old fashion cars, Shriners, and Santa are just a few of the highlights.
Winter Wonderland & Lighted Golf Cart Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club
Winter Wonderland Activities include: an Ice Slide, Caroling, Food Trucks and Carnival Games plus Tree Lighting at 7pm. The Golf Cart Parade starts at 6 pm from the Family Recreation Complex and ends at Woodmont Park.
Free Holiday Events: Lights and Spectaculars
Stroll around to see a spectacular display of holiday lights at these tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas light spectaculars and more.
Tree Lighting + Symphony in Lights
November 9-December 31, 2024
The Shops at Wiregrass
Santa will be lighting the Christmas tree on November 9, igniting the festive season, and a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night. Enjoy live music from a local live band, a Christmas village with local artisans, encounter strolling holiday characters, savor hot chocolate, take photos with Santa and much more! NEW this year, check out a special holiday drone show from America’s Got Talent finalists, Sky Elements on November 9!
Christmas Lights at Chick-Fil-A On Waters Ave.
November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 (closed Sundays)
6299 W Waters Avenue, Tampa FL 33634.
This Chick-fil-A store has a tradition of taking Christmas lights in Tampa to a whole new level and they’re back at it again with this year’s Christmas lights display. Even Santa comes to visit! Add this annual Tampa Bay Christmas light event to your family’s Christmas light holiday bucket list!
Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens
Friday, November 29th, 2024-Saturday, January 4, 2025
5:30-9:30 PM nightly
The Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774
The gardens sparkle with one million LED lights that twinkle in a variety of bright colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures wow guests of all ages.
Oakdale Christmas Lights House
November 29, 2024-January 4, 2025
2719 Oakdale Street South, St. Petersburg, FL
Prepare to be dazzled by an array of half a million flashing colorful twinkles for a free holiday light display that garnered a top 3 showing as a finalist on NBC’s “Today” show.
Holiday Spectacular
November 29, 2024-January 2, 2025
Tampa Riverwalk
Displays include the 35′ tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor (tree lighting will take place on November 28), several other lighted displays floating on barges in the river and the lighted garland and red bows on the Riverwalk light poles.
Santa in the Park – St. Petersburg
December 13-14, 2024 from 6 pm-9 pm
North Straub Park
Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa in North Straub Park! Cameras welcomed. This year’s event will feature Santa in a rocking chair with a designated area for participants to chat and take photos with Santa.
Put on the calendar for next year…
Tree Lighting – St. Petersburg
November 30, 2024 at 6:30 pm
North Straub Park
Santa and Mayor Rick Kriseman will light up the tree and park. This holiday tradition promises to be a delightful evening for everyone.
Safety Harbor Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 6, 2024, 6-7:30pm
Gazebo at John Wilson Park
Bring out family and friends to enjoy the lighting of Safety Harbor’s giant Christmas tree. Choirs will warm up the crowd for a visit from Santa Claus!
Holiday Tree Lighting and Stroll
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 6pm-9pm
Largo Central Park
Largo Central Park has more than one million LED Christmas lights to enjoy as you stroll. $10 on-site parking. Park & walk from Largo Middle or Largo High School for $5.
City of Tampa Santa Fest
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
The parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. beginning at Morgan Street and Madison Street. It travels west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive, turns north and ends at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. Best viewing is along Madison Street. After the parade through downtown, come by Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for Santa Fest entertainment and activities 3:30-5:30 p.m. Stay for the Tampa Tree Lighting entertainment 6-6:30 p.m. See Mayor Castor and Santa Claus light up the tree before a holiday movie plays in the park to end the day.
Festival of Lights – Tree Lighting
December 7, 2024 from 4 pm-9 pm
Time Square, Downtown Zephyrhills
Annual Event in Main Street Zephyrhills. Enjoy an evening of Christmas cheer, festive food trucks, the tree lighting and more! Entry is free!
Water Street Season Spectacular
November 15, 2024 from 5 pm-9 pm
Water Street Tampa
Enjoy live music, a holiday-themed silent disco. extra festive photo ops, hot chocolate bars, seasonal cocktails and bites, photos with Santa, and more. Afterward, stroll over to Sparkman Wharf to enjoy Winter Wonder Wharf, where you can find an array of instagrammable photo ops and a variety of special activities and treats to enjoy. A portion of Season Spectacular proceeds will be donated to the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation – Bolts Giving Benefitting Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries.
Oldsmar Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 2, 2024 at 6 pm
Oldsmar City Hall
Enjoy this holiday tree lighting ceremony with Citizen of The Year. The program will feature holiday music performed by local groups.
Water Street’s Season Spectacular
November 15, 2024 from 5 pm-9 pm
Water Street
Kick off the neighborhood’s seasonal events will live entertainment, photos with Santa, festive photo ops, holiday themed cocktails, hot chocolate, and bites, themed kids activities, a holiday themed silent disco, and more.
Winter Wonder Wharf Tree Lighting
November 15, 2024 from 5 pm-9 pm
Sparkman Wharf
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the 35-foot tree-lighting and photo-ops at themed areas, which include a colorful tree forest where guests can find Santa and holiday-themed performances at the Sparkman Wharf stage like Rockette-style dancers and LED drummers. The tree lighting will take place at 7 pm.
Ybor City 14th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 6pm-8pm
Centro Ybor
Holiday music will begin at 6pm in Centro Ybor, with Mayor Jane Castor lighting the tree at 7pm followed by photos with Santa.
Holiday Happening
November 21, 2024 from 5 pm-9 pm
Hyde Park Village
Hyde Park Village invites the community to take part in the Holiday Happening benefiting The Children’s Dream Fund. The annual tree lighting is more festive than ever featuring live holiday entertainment, a winter holiday market, and more.
Free Festivals and Holiday Markets
We’re adding 2024 info for these holiday markets regularly.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5pm and running through January 5, 2025
Curtis Hixon Park
Get some shopping done at the holiday shops, sip drinks at the café, ice skate at Downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink, and more at this iconic Tampa Bay Christmas event. Admission to the Winter Village is free, but some activities like ice skating require tickets.
READ MORE: Downtown Tampa at Winter Village: A Holiday Date Idea with NEW Fun
Visit Tampa Bay’s Merry Market
Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center
201 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
There’s no better place to embrace the holiday season spirit than Tampa Bay when aglow with festive cheer. The streets light up with holiday magic, events fill the air with joy, and our community comes together in unforgettable ways. Sip a complimentary cup of rich, hot chocolate from Peterbrooke Chocolatier and dance along to holiday tunes from DJ Queen T as you shop for the perfect gift from local Tampa Bay businesses under the sparkling lights of the Poe Plaza Esplanade
Holiday Promenade
Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 5 pm-9 pm
Water Street
Water Street’s holiday market will highlight the local, festive shopping opportunities in the heart of Water Street. Guests of all ages are invited for an evening of shopping, strolling and discovering unique gifts, while reveling in enjoyable live entertainment and a picture-perfect winter backdrop.
Annual Merry Beach Market
Friday, December 13th from 5-9pm and Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 2-8pm
ROC Park
Over 50 Local vendors will delight holiday shoppers. Plus, live entertainment and food and beverage stands. The market is also a collection site for The Christmas Toy Shop to help make the holidays brighter for local children. Better yet, the event is pet- and family-friendly, and will be held rain or shine.
Two special treats after the Merry Beach Market are having an ideal vantage point for viewing the start of the annual Madeira Beach Lighted Boat Parade and the official lighting of the Madeira Beach Christmas Tree.
Holiday Market
Saturday and Sunday Dec 14, 2024 – Dec 15, 2024, 11am-5pm
Tampa Premium Outlets
Get into the holiday spirit and explore a wide variety of unique gifts, delicious treats, and seasonal delights. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to find that special something for your loved ones. From handmade crafts to local artisan products, there’s something for everyone at the Holiday Market.
Avalon Aglow
December 14, 2024, 5pm-8pm
Avalon Park, Downtown Wesley Chapel
There will be Bounce Park, Food Trucks, Vendors, Community Performances, & Pictures with Santa. Fireworks will start at 9 PM.
Put on the calendar for next year…
There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5-10pm
100 E. Tarpon Ave. Tarpon Springs, Florida
This year’s event will feature Tree Lighting at 6 pm in the Mother Meres Parking Lot. The Boat Parade will arrive in Spring Bayou around 8:00 pm. Other activities include children’s crafts and activities, holiday performers, live music, holiday shopping, restaurants, food vendors, falling snow, outdoor movies, snow slide, and much more. Santa will also be in attendance!
READ MORE: Must-Visit Holiday Markets in Tampa Bay for Unique Gifts
Free Holiday Events: Holiday Movies + Celebrations
Jingle Bell Bazaar At Centennial Park
Sunday, December 15, 12pm-6pm
Centennial Park, Ybor City
The Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar is a fun, festive holiday event in Historic Ybor City. There will be live music, entertainment, food, craft vendors, and more!
12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach
December 2024 (Community parade kicks off December 10 from 4 pm-6 pm)
Pier 60 Park
Local Clearwater businesses are hosting this holiday celebration including a Christmas tree lighting, caroling, parade, doggie “paw-rade,” a Christmas market and more. Free admission.
Holiday Movie in the Park
December 7, 14 & 21, 2024
Multiple locations
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets for a fun & free night out! Families can pick a special viewing spot in the park for the movie.
Movie Schedule, Event opens to the public at 5:30 p.m.
– Dec. 14: “Elf” – Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3010 31st St. S.
– Dec. 21: “The Grinch” – Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE
Put on your calendar for next year…
Holiday Village
Saturday, December 7 2024, 11am-6pm
Carrollwood Village Park
Holiday Village, presented by the Carrollwood Village HOAs, is a family-friendly event with holiday-themed crafts, activities, food trucks, music, decorations, and more.
La Femme’s Festive Faire: A Holiday Market
Saturday Dec 7, 2024, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
La Femme Institute 1150 County Road 1 Palm Harbor, FL 34683
A day of shopping, music, and holiday cheer at the La Femme Institute. Browse through various unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious treats from local vendors. Enjoy music and festive decorations as you get into the holiday spirit.
Tampa Bay Holiday Market
Sat & Sun November 23-24, 2024, 10am-5pm
The Coliseum, St. Petersburg
Local vendors will be offering everything you need to get in the holiday spirit. Start your Christmas shopping early, including home essentials, unique handmade gifts, cosmetics, holiday decor, food, apparel, accessories, and more! The first 250 attendees each day will receive a unique holiday ornament!
12th Annual OE Holiday Gift Bazaar
Thursday December 5, 2024, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Oxford Exchange
Inspired by eclectic and bustling European marketplaces, this space is transformed for one night out of the year into a diverse shopping venue, just in time for the holidays.
Feature image credit: City of Tampa