<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>The holiday season is here! Deciding on which holiday events to attend can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many to choose from. To remove some of the stress of decision-making, we’ve curated this guide to the best holiday events in Tampa Bay, Clearwater & St Pete to fuel your holiday date nights.
Check out our bucket list of must-do experiences, view some holiday lights, find our picks for FREE events, watch a classic Christmas movie, take your loved one ice skating, attend holiday performances, or check out a local holiday market for unique gifts.
Many of these Christmastime events are happening this week or ending soon!
Our holiday events guide is organized into the following sections to help you easily find the type of event you’re looking for:
- Christmas Events Bucket List
- Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay
- Free Holiday Events
- Festive Films – Check Out Some Classic ‘Tis the Season Flicks!
- Ice Skating
- Theme Park Christmas Events
- Holiday Performances and Entertainment
Winter Wonderland
Fridays & Saturdays, November 22 – January 4
Westgate River Ranch
3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch
Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Annual Winter Wonderland Experience at Westgate River Ranch!
Enjoy a festive Hayride with classic Christmas Carols and explore their Enchanted Forest adventure. Get lost in a delightful holiday maze, discover sweet surprises at the candy land playground, and jingle all the way through the Florida outdoors. Wrap up your journey at the festive tree farm, where unforgettable memories and delectable treats await, promising to delight your taste buds! Join them for a magical holiday celebration!
The Light of Christmas
November 26, 2024 – January 1, 2025 from 6 pm-10 pm
First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway
This free, synchronized light show features over 80,000 lights, great music, and a message of hope for the Christmas season. The 35-minute program runs nightly from 6 – 10 pm through January 1st. Experience the joy and love of the holiday season!
Christmas Events Bucket List for 2024
Looking for an overview on our top picks for celebrating the holidays in Tampa Bay? This is your section! Below you can skim our curated list of the must-do holiday events and experiences in Tampa Bay.
Take a drive to ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
November 15, 2024 – January 4, 2025
6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee
The weather forecast this Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee calls for a high of 9 degrees, with a 100% chance of ICE! In ICE! featuring Elf, guests step into an arctic attraction – kept at a frosty 9 degrees – into a wondrous world of larger-than-life, hand-carved ice sculptures. After experiencing frozen fun inside ICE!, guests can enjoy a sleigh-full of live shows, immersive family events, millions of sparkling lights, a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree that comes to life in a kaleidoscope of color, and more all across the resort’s 64-acre winter wonderland.
Explore Busch Gardens Christmas Town
November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Going to Busch Gardens is a Tampa bucket list item year-round. During the holiday events season, it’s even more enticing. With decorations strung out across the park, Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town is a holiday event like no other. You can enjoy the signature thrill rides at night, watch the holiday shows, eat at restaurants all around the park, and more. Highlights this year include a fireworks show and the return of Christmas On Ice.
Visit Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5pm and running through January 5, 2025
600 N Ashley Blvd, Tampa
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.
Date Night at Downtown Tampa at Winter Village
Watch a Tree Lighting Show
Now this is an easy one for the holiday events list! Tree lighting ceremonies are popping up all over Tampa Bay at many outdoor locations including Curtis Hixon Park, Safety Harbor, and more. Take your significant other to watch these tree lighting shows and cross another item off of your holiday bucket list.
Attend a Holiday Boat Parade
It’s always fun to see boats decorated with festive lights, holiday inflatables and more. Many of these boat parades ar happening this week!
A few of our favorites include the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade, and the 38th Annual Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade.
Go Ice Skating
It may not be that cold in Florida, but ice skating is still a must this holiday season. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park is a classic option (tickets required for ice skating).
Refer to the Ice-Skating section below for the best local spots to enjoy this holiday pastime.
READ MORE: Here’s what to expect at Downtown Tampa’s Winter Village: local Tampa area holiday fun, ice skating, and festive cocktails and treats!
Take a Cruise on the River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa
Select dates in November and December.
Don’t miss this water taxi cruise to view Tampa’s Christmas lights and holiday decorations. The Christmas Light cruise departs from the Tampa Convention Center, and the Christmas Light cruise includes Holiday Christmas carols and visit with pirate elves! Write a letter to Santa and pop it in the North Pole buoy.
There is also a special Christmas light cruise for the Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
Watch Classic Holiday Movies
Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics movie series, with our favorite holly jolly season favorites is back, as well as FREE outdoor movies at Curtis Hixon Park in conjunction with Winter Village.
See the Christmas Movies section below or our guide to Christmas movies in Tampa Bay for additional movie screenings for the ‘most wonderful time of the year!’
Visit a Christmas Bar
Enjoy holiday spirits – literally – at Miracle at Mezzo. This annual pop-up Christmas cocktail bar has returned to Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails. Enjoy a special menu of holiday concoctions (served in special holiday glasses) plus festive decor and more.
READ MORE: Christmas Cocktails at Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Tampa Bay
Celebrate Winter Wonder Wharf
Sparkman Wharf is getting a holiday twist with Winter Wonder Wharf! On select dates in December you can enjoy holiday themed events, live music, and more.
ENJOY A NUTCRACKER HIGH TEA
This elegant holiday event set within the Vinoy Grand Ballroom features High Tea paired with an exclusive ballet performance of a holiday favorite, the Nutcracker. Enjoy a selection of exquisite teas and pastries for an enchanting afternoon. Saturday, December 14th 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Vinoy Grand Ballroom | $250 per person, $85 per child (3-12); Price includes 7% tax and 21% service charge.
Volunteer
Helping those in need is in the spirit of the holidays and a great addition to your holiday events list. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, like Metropolitan Ministries, is a great way to give back. You can also help with Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels, or other local charities.
Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay 2024
Nothing says Christmas quite like strolling around hand in hand to “oooh” and “ahhhh” at holiday lights. Below are a few of our favorite Christmas lights displays in Tampa Bay.
Symphony in Lights
Starts on November 6, 2024 nightly at 6pm
28211 Paseo Dr., Wesley Chapel
Enjoy a lively array of dancing lights, dazzling decor and snow. Symphony in Lights is an amazing holiday light show at The Shops at Wiregrass, choreographed to music featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens
November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025 from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm nightly
12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo
The gardens sparkle with one million LED lights that twinkle in a variety of bright colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures are sure to wow guests of all ages. The Children’s Area will provide free kids crafts on Thursday and Sunday evenings. There is a $10 suggested donation per person.
Holiday Lights & Rides at Largo Central Park
November 28 – December 29, 2024 nightly from 5 pm-10 pm
101 Central Park Dr., Largo
The annual family-friendly tradition at Largo Central Park will feature a spectacular holiday light display of over two million dazzling LED lights. Guests can also enjoy a stunning carousel and a seven-story Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the lighted park. Rides are $6 each or 10 for $50. It is free to park and stroll among the sparkly Christmas lights.
Christmas Lights at Chick-Fil-A On Waters Ave.
November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025
6299 W Water Ave., Tampa
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!
Unchant: Christmas with a Florida Twist at FLORIDARama
Monday, November 25 – January 13, 2025
800 28th St. S, St. Petersburg
Experience a sparkling spectacle of art and lights. Floridama reimagines the holidays with a Florida twist that’s weird, wacky, and loads of fun! Bring the whole family to enjoy our immersive experience, festive décor, and playful activities.
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park
November 29, 2024-January 2, 2025
1710 N Highland Ave., Tampa
Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk among the festive holiday lights as the area transforms into a winter wonderland. Highlights include a 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor, a holiday selfie station at the Pirate Water Taxi ticket booth, a floating gingerbread lighted display, and a lighted pine tree forest. Hotels, restaurants, and bars along the Riverwalk will also have festive lighted displays.
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg
November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025
2719 Oakdale St. S., St. Petersburg
Looking for a Christmas light display in St. Petersburg? Oakdale Christmas House in St. Pete offers an amazing walk through Christmas light experience that is bigger and better than before! You’ll be amazed by the Oakdale Christmas House’s half million twinkling lights which has been ranked as among the world’s best Christmas light displays! Featured on both HGTV and The Today Show, this event is not to be missed. The house is located at 2719 Oakdale Street South, St. Petersburg, FL.
Waterfront Lights and Santa Parade in St. Petersburg
November 30, 2024 at 6:30 pm
400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting in North Straub park with the Mayor and Santa with a Santa Parade and Tree Lighting! Stand along the pedestrian walkways at North and South Straub Parks in St Petersburg for this free light show on the water. There will also be a Christmas lights and displays at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park and the new St. Pete Pier.
FREE Holiday Events 2024
A holiday date night doesn’t have to cost a dime. Partake in free festive celebrations throughout Tampa Bay including tree lightings, a fun holiday-themed scavenger hunt, and so much more.
City of Tampa Santa Fest
December 7, 2024 at 1 pm
Morgan St. and Madison St. in Downtown Tampa
The parade steps off at 1 pm 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 thru 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 pm See Mayor Castor and Santa Claus light up the tree before a holiday movie plays in the park to end the day.
12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach
Beginning December 10, 2024
Clearwater Beach
Local Clearwater businesses are hosting this holiday celebration including a Christmas tree lighting, caroling, parade, photo ops, a Christmas market and more. The event kicks off on December 10 with a community parade from 4 pm-6 pm.
Holiday Promenade Market at Water Street Tampa
December 12, 2024 from 5 pm – 9 pm
971 Water Street
Water Street Tampa will be lined with 20+ local vendors, live music and local treats. This is sure to be a fun filled event with opportunities for all things holiday shopping and celebrations!
Jingle Bell Bazaar at Centennial Park
December 15, 2024 from 12 pm-6 pm
1800 E. 8th Ave, Tampa
The Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar is a fun, festive holiday event in Historic Ybor City. Join the fun in Centennial Park.
Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 6pm
Tampa Riverwalk, Downtown Tampa
Tampa’s largest boat parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf. Boats will be judges by pairs from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the sailboat and motorboat competitions will each receive a trophy. Many viewing spots along the Riverwalk between Armature Works all the way through the Sail Pavilion and over by Sparkman Wharf provide fantastic views of the parade.
Check out our guide to 30+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date for the full scoop on the best free holiday events to attend.
Where to Watch Christmas Movies
It doesn’t get more classic than cuddling up to watch holiday films together! From free outdoor movies to Christmas classics returning to the big screen, here’s where to see holiday movies in Tampa Bay this season.
Tampa Theatre Holiday Classics
November 24, 2024-January 5, 2025
711 N Franklin St., Tampa
Partake in the tradition of sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen with family and friends and singing along to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show.
St. Pete Holiday Movie in the Park
December 7 and 14, 2024 at 6:30 pm
1320 5th St. N, St. Petersburg
First come, first served. You can catch The Nightmare Before Christmas on December 7 and The Grinch on December 14. Concessions will be available for purchase.
FREE
Get the full list of Where to Watch Christmas Movies
Ice Skating
Wondering where you can skate hand in hand on REAL ice? Look no further. Several holiday celebrations offer ice skating seasonally, and public skating sessions at indoor rinks continue the fun all year.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025
600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa
The ice-skating rink at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park is one of everybody’s favorite holiday events. It allows you to skate while enjoying beautiful views of the Tampa Riverwalk and Hillsborough River. If you don’t have your own ice skates, don’t worry, skate rental is included in the ticket price. Tickets for ice skating are $17 and include 90 minutes of skating time and your skate rental.
TGH Ice Plex
10222 Elizabeth Pl, Tampa
Ice skating never gets old at the TGH Ice Plex, especially since it’s the official training facility of the Tampa Bay Lightning! Throughout the week, there are different public skating sessions available. On select nights you can even skate with a live DJ playing music. Admission for ice skating is $10, $15 with skate rental. Public skating times vary.
AdventHealth Center Ice
3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Wesley Chapel
This rink makes the list of perfect holiday events for your holiday skating date. With multiple public skate sessions, you’ll be able to find a perfect time for your date. Including skate rental, admission is $15. Without skate rental, admission is $10.
Tampa Bay Skating Academy and Clearwater Ice Arena
255 Forest Lake Blvd., Odessa
27001 US Hwy. 19 N, Clearwater
At any of the three locations of the Tampa Bay Skating Academy, you can skate your heart out on a beautiful date. You and your significant other can skate for 90 minutes and spend the rest of the day together getting a meal at the Bar and Grill or leave the TBSA to explore the area around you and find some other fun event to keep your date going.
Admission for skating varies depending on the skating session you choose.
Attractions + Theme Park Christmas Events 2024
Celebrate in serious style by attending a holiday celebration at Tampa and Orlando attractions and theme parks.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
November 16, 2024 – January 2, 2025
Head to SeaWorld Orlando to make new holiday memories with festive shopping, delicious food and dazzling live shows inspired by the natural world. Sip and savor festive flavors as you stroll among beautiful Christmas lights.
There’s a tree trail near the new Pipeline Surf Coaster with a tree for each decade from the 1920’s to the early 2000’s – see if you can spot some decorations from your childhood! The Christmas Celebration is included with park admission.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
November 22 – December 31, 2024
Head to Universal Orlando Resort for the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season! Celebrate with seasonal shows and decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sip on hot Butterbeer in Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure as they come to life with magical lights and festive events.
The Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s features larger-than-life balloons, with appearances by the Minions and characters from Shrek and Madagascar. Head over to Whoville for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring The Grinch himself
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
Select Nights November 29 – December 23, 2024
Enjoy one of Tampa’s largest light displays as the zoo transforms into a seasonal wonderland. This year promises to be bigger, better, and brighter than ever. Enjoy six new illuminated zones of lights, festive entertainment, delectable holiday treats, and amazing wildlife. Wander over to Twinkle Town Marketplace where you can meet Santa.
Holiday Events at Walt Disney World
Through December 31, 2024
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a favorite and Disney Jollywood Nights debuted last year at Hollywood Studios. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 29 through December 30, 2024 with the sights, sounds and tastes of the season from cultures around the world.
Holiday Performances and Entertainment
Get in the holiday spirit at these special performances including The Nutcracker, holiday concerts, and more.
Victorian Christmas Stroll
November 23 – December 31, 2024
401 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
Experience the grandeur of a Victorian Christmas during this signature event of the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa. Travel back to the 1890s as you visit decorated exhibit rooms.
$18
St. Petersburg City Theater presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical
December 13-22, 2024
4025 31st St. S, St. Petersburg
In one night, Ebenezer Scrooge sees his past, present & future come to haunt him & discovers the true meaning of Christmas. A host of beloved characters come to life on stage in this spectacular annual production.
$23
The Florida Orchestra
Select Dates in December
- December 7: Elf in Concert at The Straz Center in Tampa at 2 pm and 7 pm
- December 13: Classical Christmas at The Straz Center at 8 pm
- December 14: Classical Christmas at The Mahaffey Theater at 8 pm
- December 20: Holiday Pops at The Straz Center at 8 pm
- December 21: Holiday Pops at The Straz Center at 2 pm and 8 pm
- December 22: Holiday Pops at Ruth Eckerd Hall at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Next Generations Ballet’s Nutcracker at The Straz Center
December 20-23, 2024
1010 NW C MacInnes Pl., Tampa
Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker includes principal dancers from American Ballet Theatre. This family-friendly favorite takes audiences into Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents and some of ballet’s most famous music.
$30 and up
Rockapella Christmas
December 21, 2024, at 8pm
405 Cleveland St., Clearwater
Rockapella brings it’s exciting, internationally acclaimed, a cappella sound back to the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre with a night of holiday classics! For their new Christmas show, the a capella superstars will perform holiday classics like “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and “White Christmas” with their original holiday hits.
$30 – $59
Trans-Siberia Orchestra
December 15, 2024 at 2:30 and 7:30pm
401 Channelside Dr., Tampa
The Trans-Siberia Orchestra is back at Amalie Arena in Tampa, celebrating 26 years of its multi-sensory show, Christmas Eve and Other Stories.
$29 and up
New Year’s Eve 2025
Looking for some trendy and fun places to celebrate out with the old and in with the new? Maybe some cool and festive spots to watch the sky light up with a popping NYE celebration?
Best New Year’s Events in Tampa Clearwater and St Pete? Check our our guide to NYE! And we have the 411 on how to enjoy NYE fireworks in and around Tampa Bay!
Want more holiday fun in Tampa Bay?
Our media partners at Tampa Bay Parenting have a comprehensive list of family-friendly holiday fun around Tampa Bay!