<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Our Favorite 2024 Christmas Lights and Holiday Lights in Tampa Bay
Look no further, your guide to the best 2024 holiday lights in Tampa Bay is here! The holiday season is in full swing and there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than touring one of the city’s beautiful Christmas light displays.
Keep in mind that dates and events are subject to change, so always check with the event website before heading out the door.
(cover photo by Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa)
Best Christmas Lights in Tampa and Hillsborough County
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
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.
Christmas Lights along Water Street in Downtown Tampa
Festivities start November 15 and last through Christmas 2024
Tampa’s Water Street is gorgeous at night with the trees decked out in shimmering lights with even more light displays along the way. Stop for a scoop of ice-cream at Chill Bros. and then pick up a cute house plant from Yura Vine Brothers as a hostess gift for your next party!
Winter Wonder Wharf at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa
November 15, 2024 from 5 pm-9 pm tree lighting, lights remain on through Christmas 2024.
Sparkman Wharf is getting a holiday twist with Winter Wonder Wharf! The Tree Lighting will take place at 7 pm. There will be an ice-skating act, LED drummers, a Rockette’s style show, live DJ, and more!
Christmas Lights at the Chick-fil-A on Waters Ave in Tampa
November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 (Closed Sundays), 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
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! Visit the store at 6299 W Waters Avenue, Tampa FL 33634.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5pm and running through January 5, 2025
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. The park sparkles with lights and festive holiday decorations. Guests can skate along downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink while taking in views of the Tampa River Walk. The Shops of Winter Village will feature five boutiques from local markets and the Icicle Craft Kitchen of Winter Village will serve up some seasonal holiday treats. Admission to the Winter Village is free, but some activities like ice skating require tickets.
Raprager Family Farms Old Fashioned Country Christmas
Select Dates November 24-December 23, 2024
Raprager Family Farm is exploding with Christmas cheer! Lights and decorations blanket the farm. Go on a holiday hayride and take a picture inside a giant inflatable snow globe. Check out the lighted gingerbread village, hear stories from Mrs. Claus pay a visit to Santa, and take pictures with him at his workshop. In addition to holiday-themed attractions, there will be a petting zoo, corn pit, bounce pillow, playground, live music, crop maze, and more. While you are there, be sure to stop by the Sweet Shop for some warm cinnamon-roasted nuts, hot cocoa, and Christmas fudge.
ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild in Tampa
Select nights November 29 – December 23, 2024
This year’s Christmas in the Wild promises to be the biggest and brightest yet! They’re not only adding new animal light sculptures, but you’ll still get to enjoy returning favorites like the illuminated Ice Cavern. Kids will also love exploring Gingerbread Jubilee, meeting Rudolph in person at Rudolph’s Reindeer Games, getting silly in the land of Ticky Tacky Christmas, and more!
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
November 29- December 23, 2024
This year’s Christmas in the Wild promises to be the biggest and brightest yet! They’re not only adding new animal light sculptures, but you’ll still get to enjoy returning favorites like the illuminated Ice Cavern. Kids will also love exploring Gingerbread Jubilee, meeting Rudolph in person at Rudolph’s Reindeer Games, getting silly in the land of Ticky Tacky Christmas, and more!
Christmas Lane in Plant City
November 29-December 24, 2024
The Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland. Take in the wonder of the 1.5 million lights that adorn 200 Christmas trees from 4 to 40 feet. They will have rides, food, live entertainment, and a kids’ zone. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph will also be there to celebrate and take festive photos with guests.
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk
November 29, 2024-January 2, 2025
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.
River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi in Downtown Tampa
Select dates in November and December | Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is on December 21, 2024
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 December 21, 2024. Ticket booth is located at the Tampa Convention Center by the Tampa Marriott Waterside; you can enter PWT7 – Convention Center/Marriott Waterside, Tampa, FL 33602 into google maps.
Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B Plant Museum in Tampa
November 23-December 21, 2024
The Victorian Christmas Stroll is back! It’s the perfect way to step back into time at the Henry B Plant Museum and be dazzled by the beautifully decorated rooms, each with a different theme.
Take in the beauty of a 14′ Christmas tree and travel back in time to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. You just might be inspired by one of the beautiful trees!
plantmusuem.com
Shimmering Lights Winter Festival at Sun Kissed Acres in Dover
November 24 -December 24, 2024 on Thursday-Sunday nights
This is an outdoor walking trail that’s about 1/4 mile long, filled with shimmering lights, outdoor movies, games and holiday music. There will even be visits with Santa. They ask you to wear comfortable close toed shoes, a face mask for when it gets busy, and bug spray just in case the mosquitoes come out. Tickets are $7 for everyone 3 and older.
Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides at Largo Central Park
November 28 – December 29, 2024, from 5 pm-10 pm
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. Minimum height for carousel is 36″ and 56″ for the ferris wheel.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa
December 21, 2024, at 6 pm
2024 details coming soon. 2023 details: As you enjoy the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk among the festive holiday lights as the area transforms into a winter wonderland. Highlights of the Holiday Spectacular 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.
Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display
Select Nights in December
This neighborhood is one of the top areas to go see amazing holiday lights in Tampa Bay! The community has been hard at work putting together a display you can watch from your car. Tune to 95.5 FM as you approach to listen the music as its synchronized with the lights. Visit their Facebook page here for more.
Best Holiday Lights in Pinellas County
Waterfront Lights in St. Petersburg
November 25, 2024-January 1, 2025
Enjoy twinkling light displays, which dazzle even more reflected off the water at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park, and the St. Pete Pier!
Holiday Lights at Floridarama St. Pete “Unchant: Christmas with a Florida Twist”
November 25 – January 15, 2025
Dive into a holiday season like no other! They’ve reimagined 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. Christmas with disappearing trees, mystical portals, mischievous panther elves, and a gravity-defying skating rink.
Included with daily admission, $13 per person.
Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens
November 29, 2024- January 5, 2025 from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm nightly
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.
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg
November 29, 2024-January 3, 2025
The house is located at 2719 Oakdale Street South, St. Petersburg, FL
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 have 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.
DK Farms’ Christmas at the Farm
Select days from December 6-29, 2024
Enjoy the farm from a whole new perspective! There will be tons of entertainment designed for all ages. Activities include a petting zoo, games and activities, photo ops with Santa (weekends only), campfires, hayrides, a bounce house, and more. Visit Winterville for a snowy wonderland with a snow machine, walk through Toy Town, stroll through the sweet Jolly Lane, and visit Clause Central.
Do some holiday shopping at the Holiday Market, sip on fresh lemonade and hot chocolate, and roast up some s’mores. $15 per guest over 30″ tall. Bundle packages are available online only.
Best Christmas Lights in Pasco County, Hernando County, and Citrus County
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
November 9-December 31, 2024
Symphony in Lights presented by AdventHealth Wesley Chapel provides guests the opportunity to experience an array of dancing lights choreographed to music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, holiday festivities, and snow for the whole family to enjoy. The tree lighting will take place on November 9 at 6pm
Celebration of Christmas Lights in Shady Hills
November 29 – December 21, 2024, on select nights
Enjoy a great Christmas lights and holiday lights display in the Port Richey area. This Christmas light event takes place at the Concourse in Shady Hills in Pasco, a short Christmas light drive away from Tampa. Go on a one-mile drive through a larger-than-life holiday light display and then park to take a ride on the Grand Concourse Railroad through the lighted Christmas Wonderland to Safety Town which is decorated in lights for the holidays.
Christmas Under the Moon at HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown
November 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, and 28, 2024
Head to HarvestMoon Fun Farm for their very first dazzling Christmas light display! You can also take a stroll down Christmas Tree Lane, visit with the animals in the petting farm, sip on some Hot Chocolate, munch on some Kettle Corn, and more! Beer and wine will also be offered this year for guests ages 21 and up.
Tickets are $13.95 per person for ages 3 and up. Kids ages 2 and under are free. Activities included with admission: Jumping Pillow, Petting Farm, Cow Train, Ball Zone, Hill Slide, Swings, Arts & Crafts, Photo Ops, an enchanted hayride, and more!
Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Select Nights from December 13-21, 2024
The entrance fee is only $12 per person. Children two and under are free. Take a festive stroll through the park which is lit up with holiday lights, watch An Elf Story underwater mermaid show, take a picture with Santa and his mermaid elves, and MORE!
Fort Cooper Nights of Lights in Inverness
December 13-14, 2024
This holiday event is a must-see. Stroll through this beautiful state park under a canopy of sparkling lights, make your own s’mores, and enjoy holiday music and refreshments. Instead of an entrance fee, guests are asked to bring a food item or toy for the Citrus United Basket of Inverness or pet feed for Citrus County Animal Services.
Celebration of Light in Homosassa
December 13-15 and December 19-22, 2024
Gates will open at 5:30PM and the celebration will run until 9PM.
The community can expect to see different entertainment and refreshments nightly. Enjoy Sebastian’s Winter Wonderland, a synchronized light, sound show and more! Donations will benefit the Friends of Homosassa Springs.
Best Christmas Lights in Polk County
Shimmering Lights Winter Festival at Sun Kissed Acres in Dover
November 24-December 24, 2024 on select nights from 6:30pm-9:30pm
This is an outdoor walking trail that’s about 1/4 mile long, filled with shimmering lights, outdoor movies, games, a scavenger hunt, maze, and holiday music. There will even be visits with Santa and a foam play area on select nights. They ask you to wear comfortable close toed shoes and bring bug spray just in case the mosquitoes come out. Tickets are $8 for everyone 3 and older in advance and $9 at the gate.
Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale
November 28-December 29, 2024, nightly
This is a drive-through Christmas lights event! First, you and your family will drive through Christmas lights for a mile to experience spectacular lights, and next, if you choose, after seeing the drive-through Christmas lights you can make a visit at Santa’s Village at the end of the drive-through Christmas lights! Santa’s Village features rides, entertainment, a visit with Santa, Holiday activities for children and adults of all ages!
Snowfest: A Walk in the Snow
December 7, 2024
Head to Lake Mirror where man-made snow will be falling as visitors enter the designated event area. There will also be arts, crafts, vendors, a beautiful 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Workshop, a book giveaway, entertainment, food trucks, and more! Grab some hot cocoa while you check out the artisan markets and enjoy the festive lights of Lake Mirror.
Light Up Bonnet Springs Park
December 13-31, from 6pm -8:30 pm
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland is hosting Light UP BSP, a free community event featuring themed activities, holiday lights along the boardwalk, live performances, character meet-and-greets, and more.
Best Christmas Lights in Sarasota
Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota
December 6, 2024-January 1, 2025
Lights in Bloom® features more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways. Don’t miss a holiday photo opportunity, activities, and entertainment. Food is available for purchase.
Early entry tickets (5:30 pm): $44 for non-members, $39 for members, $24 for children 5–17, free for children 4 and under.
Winter Nights Under the lights at Palma Sola Botanical Gardens in Bradenton
December 13-17, 2024
The Palma Sola Botanical Gardens is hosting families for this free holiday lights even in the gardens. There will be donation boxes throughout the park if you feel inclined to make a donation to help support the community gardens. The gardens are located at 9800 17th Avenue NW in Bradenton.
Take a Day Trip to Orlando for these Holiday Light Displays
Just a couple of our favorites include Night of a Million Lights and Gaylord Palms ICE!
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
November 15- January 4, 2025
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.
For more holiday date ideas, check out:
- Celebrate the Holidays in Tampa Bay: Holiday Events, Lights, and More!
- 25+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date
- The Best New Year’s Eve Events in Tampa Bay Clearwater St Pete