Our Favorite 2022 Christmas Lights and Holiday Lights in Tampa Bay
Look no further, your guide to the best 2022 holiday lights in Tampa Bay is here! 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 Holiday Lights in Tampaand Hillsborough County
Busch Gardens Christmas Town in Tampa
November 13, 2022 through January 2, 2023
Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer as it transforms into Christmas Town 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. Theme park admission is required.
Christmas Lights at the Chick-fil-A on Waters Ave in Tampa
November 18 – January 6, 2023, 6:00-10:00pm
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
November 18, 2022 – January 4, 2023
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.
Winter Wonder Wharf at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa
November 18-December 17, 2022
Sparkman Wharf is getting a holiday twist with Winter Wonder Wharf! On select dates in December, you can go caroling, enjoy a holiday remix singalong, and check out a holiday comedy show. There will also be a tree lighting on November 18, 2022 at 6pm.
Christmas Lights along Water Street in Downtown Tampa
Through the holiday season
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!
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village in Dover
Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 2023 | 6-9pm weekdays, 6-10pm weekends
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village immerses everyone in holiday fun with family favorites and new attractions, making it bigger and better than ever! The fairgrounds are enveloped in 1 million lights with a 2-mile drive-thru of elaborate displays. The expanded Santa’s Village will feature an Arctic Plunge Inflatable Snow Tube, holiday-themed rides, a self-guided walking tour of Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village, visits with Santa, camel rides, holiday movies, tasty treats and more! Visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com/festival-of-lights for details on hours and ticket prices.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
November 25, 2022 – December 30, 2022
Enjoy the magic of wildlife at night while celebrating the holiday season. The zoo will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland filled with lights, seasonal holiday treats and festive shows. There will be six illuminated zones of lights, two new light shows across the entire manatee circle, and a 30-foot Christmas tree with thousands of dancing lights.
Wander through the Ice Cavern in Africa as you’re surrounded by glowing lights. While you’re there, join Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for some reindeer games in Wallaroo, take a ride on the Candy Cane Carousel, decorate cookies at Mrs. Claus’s shop, and celebrate a Caribbean Christmas in Key West.
Be sure to make your way to Twinkle Town Marketplace to meet Santa and take a photo with him. The Animal Giving Tree, which is located next to the Binturong habitat, gives guests the chance to give a gift to the animals that call ZooTampa home.
Christmas Lane in Plant City
Select nights from November 25, 2022 – December 24, 2022
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.
Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display
Every evening from 6:00pm-11:00pm
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. On some nights, they even have snow! Visit their Facebook page here for more.
Shadrack’s Christmas Light Show in Wimauma
November 25, 2022- January 1, 2023
South county residents have a new drive through light show to experience at the Masonic Park and Youth Camp in Wimauma. There are millions of lights on display that are synchronized to music on your radio as you drive through. There’s even a 300 foot drive through tunnel. Tickets are $29.99 per car. Pre-purchased tickets are required.
Raprager Family Farms Winter Festival and Christmas Extravaganza in Odessa
Select dates November 26, 2022 – December 23, 2022
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 and 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, and crop maze. While you are there, be sure to stop by the Sweet Shop for some warm cinnamon roasted nuts, hot cocoa, and Christmas fudge.
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk
Waterworks Park, Downtown Tampa
November 28, 2022 – January 2, 2023
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 17, 2022
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 17, 2022. 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
December 1 – December 23, 2022
The Victorian Christmas Stroll is back for it’s 40th year! 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. This year, they will have a display of 40 vintage Santas in honor of 40 years.
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
Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display
Beginning December 1, 2022 every evening from 6:00pm-11:00pm
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.
Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
December 17, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
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.
thetampariverwalk.com
Shimmering Lights Winter Festival at Sun Kissed Acres in Dover
November 25, 2022-Dec 31 2022
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. thesunkissedacres.com
Best Holiday Lights in Pinellas County
Holiday Lights Immersive Experience at Fairgrounds St. Pete
November 22, 2022-January 8, 2023
Experience a sparkling spectacle of art and lights during the inaugural Holiday Lights Immersive Experience! Visit Fairgrounds St. Pete to see the Mermaid Star Motel, Strawberry Room, and other whimsical art installations transformed for the holiday season. Included with daily admission.
DK Farms’ Christmas at the Farm
First 3 Weekends of December
Enjoy Christmas on the Farm! Petting zoo, minigolf, Christmas lights and even Florida snow and campfires!
Holiday Lights & Rides at Largo Central Park
November 24, 2022 – January 1, 2023
101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771
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 $5 each or 5 for $20. It is free to park and stroll among the sparkly Christmas lights.
Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens
November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
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 Candy Cane Area will provide free kids crafts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg
November 25, 2022- January 3, 2023
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.
Waterfront Lights in St. Petersburg
November 27, 2022 – January 2, 2023
Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting in North Straub park with Mayor Rick Kriseman and Santa! 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.
Holiday on the Bay at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Dec. 4, Dec. 10-11, and Dec. 17th-Jan. 1; excluding Christmas Day
Let’s get into the holiday spirit! Board the floating winter waterland at the St. Pete Pier. Guests will enjoy a sunset cruise with spectacular views on the festively decorated eco-vessel. There will be twinkling lights, seasonal surprises, “snowbird” sightings at the bird sanctuary, and ocean-themed activities. These trips are fun for all ages, and the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with family and friends.
Safety Harbor’s Harbor Holiday Nights
December 9, 10, 16, 17, 2022, 5:00-9:00 pm
Enjoy holiday lights, a campfire, children’s activities, a trolley light tour, shopping, crafts, and more! Harbor Holiday Nights is FREE.
The Trolley Light Tour has a ticket fee of $5/person.
cityofsafetyharbor.com
Best Holiday Lights in Pasco County, Hernando County, and Citrus County
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
November 12, 2022 – December 31, 2022
Experience a reimagined Symphony in Lights! Dazzling new lights, holiday harmonies, and spectacular snowfalls are just part of the enchanting holiday events.
The Tree Lighting Celebration on November 12th at 5 p.m. will kick off the festivities, and will feature live music by Late Night Brass, stilt walkers, costumed characters, talented balloon artists, and Santa’s arrival. Symphony in Lights will continue nightly from 6-9 pm.
Celebration of Christmas Lights in Shady Hills
Friday – Sunday nights, November 25, 2022 – December 18, 2022
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, December 21, 22, 23, 2022
11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills FL 34610
Enjoy great Christmas lights and holiday lights display in Port Richey! This Christmas light event takes place at the Concourse in Shady Hills in Pasco, a short Christmas light drive away from Tampa Bay! Take a ride on the Grand Concourse Railroad through the lighted Christmas Wonderland.
This Port Richey Christmas light event happens weeknights 6pm-9pm; Weekends 6pm-10pm.
theconcourse.org
Christmas Under the Moon at HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown
December 2 – December 30, 2022 on select nights.
6pm-9pm
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!
Activities included with admission: Jumping Pillow, Petting Farm, Cow Train, Ball Zone, Hill Slide, Swings, Arts & Crafts, Photo Ops, and a NEW ATTRACTION, an enchanted hay ride.
Tickets are $10 per person for ages 3 and up. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
harvestmoonfl.co
Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
December 1-3, 8, and 15, 2022 from 6pm-9pm
Cost: $5 | Children 5 and younger are free
The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park invite you to experience their holiday light display at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. There will even be a chance to snap a photo with Santa’s Mermaid elves! Tickets are only available on Eventbrite here.
Light Up Inverness
December 3, 2022
Kids will love this Christmas celebration in Inverness, featuring train rides, live music and light displays at Liberty Park, a boat parade, and a visit from Santa himself. Visitors can enjoy the local competition for Lamp Post Decorations, too.
Fort Cooper Nights of Lights in Inverness
December 9-10, 2022
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 17-23, 2022
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 Holiday Lights in Polk County and Manatee County
Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village
November 25, 2022 – December 25, 2022
The International Market World, 1052 US-92 in Auburndale
This is a drive through Christmas lights event near Tampa! 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, and Holiday activities for children and adults of all ages!
Hunsader Farms Country Christmas in Bradenton
Select nights December 10-23, 2022
Enjoy an old-fashioned country Christmas as the farm lights up in a dazzling display of over 300,000 lights. Enjoy activities such as hayrides, train rides, campfires, Christmas music, snow tubing, and a display Christmas village. Watch Christmas movies on the big screen, say hello to Santa, and warm up with hot chocolate and s’mores.
Parking is free and tickets are $10 per person.
Kids 5 and younger are free.
Winter Nights Under the lights at Palma Sola Botanical Gardens in Bradenton
December 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2022 from 6pm-9pm
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.
Worth the Drive…
Lights in Bloom® at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota
December 10, 2022 – January 5, 2023 (select nights) 6:30pm-
Early Entry Begins at 5:30 p.m
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 p.m.): $40 for non-members, $35 for members, $20 for children 5–17, free for children 4 and under.
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!
Night of a Million Lights
Through Jan. 1, 6-11pm
Island H2O Water Park
Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O Water Park is so much more than a dazzling lights display – it’s the one-stop spot for family fun, festive food, holiday shopping, and nightly entertainment – with all proceeds benefitting Give Kids The World Village. Now through January 1, Island H2O Water Park has been transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of lights, luminous displays, festive family activities and live entertainment for a one-of-a-kind, fully immersive holiday experience.
This dazzling and fun event is great for families, and for couples. There is a play area for little tykes, plus character and Santa Claus greetings. And for couples, the full-service bar is open, near the adults-only pool. All the food and beverage spots around the park are open too.
Nightly entertainment includes performances by Dueling Pianos Jingle and Jangle and the strolling a cappella group Santa’s Dancing Reindeer, with DJ Jack Frost Ice Block Party leading an interactive holiday hits dance party. The Emmy Award-winning RWS Entertainment Group partners with Give Kids The World and Island H2O Water Park to produce the event.
$30 – $40
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
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 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 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.
TBD Events for 2022:
St. Petersburg Drive By Christmas Lights Neighborhoods in Seminole, St. Pete
December 1 through December 31, 2021, 6:00 – 10:00pm (2022 Dates TBD)
Drive through 3+ miles of St. Petersburg Christmas lights’ neighborhoods from 6pm to 10pm for a St. Petersburg Christmas light display and Christmas light show you’ll never forget!
This 3.2 mile Christmas light drive-by tour takes place in the Seminole/St Petersburg subdivisions of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village, where these St. Petersburg residents generously decorate their homes and yards with beautiful Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, and even more Christmas lights for Tampa Bay to drive by and enjoy! Short drive by or drive across Tampa Bay for families looking to see some beautiful Christmas lights near Tampa and Clearwater.
102nd Ave & 109 Ave N, Seminole FL 33777 LightsofLakePark.com
The Christmas Trail in Plant City
Canceled for 2022, will reopen in 2023
This Plant City Christmas light display has over 100,000 Christmas lights. This east Tampa Christmas light display also features a Christmas Tree Light show, a Jack Frost ice show, and more!
Learn more about this Tampa Christmas light show at TheChristmasTrail.com
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
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