It's a busy time of year with local events, Holiday events, and more, and we've got them all on our top picks of things to do this week in Tampa Bay. From crafty workshops to fitness, theater shows, concerts, community events, and markets, there's so much to do in the area!

We're now steadily making our way toward Christmas! If you're looking for Christmas day dinner plans, check out our blog featuring plenty of restaurants open on that day.

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There are also some great holiday light displays in Tampa Bay, along with an overnight date idea to ICE! in Orlando, and plenty of places for a delicious Christmas brunch!or great places to see holiday lights, we've got it all!

Couples looking for free holiday activities can find a fantastic list of free and cheap holiday date ideas as well!

Featured Events

Celebrate the season at Ananda Farm’s 2nd Annual Holiday Festival!

Now through December 21
Ananda Farm

From November 21–December 21, families can enjoy a classic Christmas experience on the exotic fruit farm—complete with festive lights, holiday décor, daily live music, seasonal food & drinks, arts and crafts, and Santa meet-and-greets on select days.

Discover holiday magic for all ages and save 15% on admission with code HOLIDAY at checkout.

Holiday Spectacular at Zubrick Magic Theater

Now through January 4, 2026
1211 1st Ave N Suite 101, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Experience the magic of the season at the Zubrick Magic Theatre's “Holiday Spectacular”. This award-winning performance blends grand illusion, festive surprises, and heartwarming holiday cheer into one unforgettable evening for the entire family. Seating is limited and performances will sell out fast—so don’t wait! Visit www.zubrickmagic.com to secure your tickets and make this holiday truly magical!

Laser Light Shows at MOSI

December 19, at 6:30 p.m. (Holiday Music) & 8:15 p.m. (Pink Floyd)
$10-$13 per person
Location: MOSI

Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. Designed for all ages, Laser Light Shows have something for everyone. Before the lasers hit the dome, MOSI’s astronomer will guide you through a live star show, taking you on a journey into the night sky. Then, sit back and enjoy the performance, which pairs stunning visuals with your favorite soundtracks – from Prince’s iconic favorites to Pink Floyd’s legendary albums!

Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village

Thanksgiving through Sunday, December 28
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover

Returning with over 1.5 million lights across a 2-mile drive-thru, Tampa Bay's Festival of Lights is featuring the all-new Santa’s Winter Woodlands, plus favorites like Under the Sea and Pirates of Tampa. In Santa’s Village, enjoy Tiny the Tanker, festive shows, kids’ crafts, games, Santa visits, camel rides, holiday rides, movies, firepits, and shopping in the Holiday Market and Historical Village. Celebrate hometown holiday magic with family and friends! Purchase tickets in advance to save.

Tampa Bay Events Things to Do This Week December 1 – December 7, 2025

Holiday Lights & Rides at Largo Central Park

Date: Now until January 4, 2026, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Location: 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 and the market vendors!

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Dates: Now through January 4, 2026
Location: 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa
Cost: $17 including skate rental and 75 minutes of skate time

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.

If skating isn't your thing, peruse the local vendor holiday market!

Yule Cactus Unveiling and Lighting Ceremony

Date: December 2, 6–8 p.m.
Location: 150 Central Ave., St. Pete

Kick off the holiday season with the James Museum's newest tradition – the annual lighting of their 12-foot Yule Cactus! There will be free events throughout the evening, including family-friendly art making and photos, with Cowboy Santa with local artist Chad Mize turning on the lights at 7 p.m.

The event takes place on our first floor, and it is free to attend. Museum admission needed for gallery access.

Live Carolers

Dates: December 3, 10, and 17, 2025, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Water Street

Don't miss your opportunity to get into the festive spirit by listening to live carolers!

Annual OE Holiday Gift Bazaar

Date: Thursday, December 4, 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Location: 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. Reservations are required to attend but the event is free.

Rock The Park

Date: Thursday, December 4, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Don't miss this FREE monthly music series featuring incredible musical talent from all genres. There will be delicious bites from JAM DISH!

A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin

Date: Thursday, December 4
Location: The Straz Center

Join the Straz Center for a special 35^th anniversary screening of the timeless classic, Home Alone, followed by an exclusive live moderated interview with the one and only Macaulay Culkin! Hear about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming, and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic.

A Sinatra Classic Christmas with Rick Michel

Date: Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, 8 p.m.
Location: 1731 E. 7th Ave., Tampa

Experience Rick Michel and his 7-piece big band orchestra for an evening celebrating the holiday season with “A Sinatra Classic Christmas.” The show focuses on the classical music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, and more!

Raprager Farms Winter Festival

Date: Now through December 21, 2025
Location: 16907 Boy Scout Road, Odessa

Enjoy the holidays on a classic farm! Raprager Farms' Winter Festival is free to attend, and activity wrist bands are $15 per person. Activities include axe throwing, a corn pit, a bounce pillow, gem mining, an animal petting zoo, and more! There will also be a Merry Market where guests can do some last minute holiday shopping!

Skywatch at MOSI

Date: Friday, December 5, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Location: MOSI

Join MOSI astronomers for our recurring evening stargazing event, SkyWatch! This event features telescope viewing under the stars as well as space-themed demos. Chat with one of their astronomers as they bring the galaxy into view with telescopes.

Holiday Parade at Safety Harbor

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 a.m.
Location: Main Street of Safety Harbor

With beautifully designed floats, community groups, and cars—both old and new—are just a few of the highlights! Santa will make an appearance at the end of the parade.

St. Pete Holiday Movie in the Park

Date: December 6-20, 2025, select nights, 7 p.m.
Location: varies

Enjoy a first-come, first-served, FREE holiday movie in various parks around the St. Pete area!

City of Tampa Santa Fest

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1 p.m.
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Morgan Street and Madison Street. It travels west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive, turns north, and ends at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. The best place to view the parade is along Madison Street.

Stay for the Tampa Tree Lighting entertainment starting 6 p.m. See Mayor Castor and Santa Claus light up the tree before a holiday movie plays in the park to end the day!

St. Pete Holiday Movie in the Park

Date: December 6-20, 2025, select nights, 7 p.m.
Location: varies

Enjoy a first-come, first-served, FREE holiday movie in various parks around the St. Pete area! Check out the lineup for 2025 below.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- Vinoy Park
The Santa Clause
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
A Miser Brothers' Christmas
- Huggins-Stengel Field

Christmas on Main — Tree Lighting and Festival

Date: Saturday, December 6, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: 20 N Main St., Brooksville

Come join us for an enchanting day brimming with festive music, heartwarming moments, a Christmas Craft Market, photos with Santa, live performances, and more!

Straz Jazz Project Concert: Fred Johnson

Date: Saturday, December 6, 7 p.m.
Location: Straz Center

This Straz Jazz Project features Fred Johnson, Artist in Residence at Straz Center, as he weaves a unique experience that celebrates the jazz tradition. Belinda Womack and Theo Valentin will rejoin the stage to culminate the season!

Ybor City Cigar Festival

Date: Sunday, December 7, 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
Location: 1800 E 8th Ave., Tampa

The world's largest cigar festival since 1994 returns with hand-made cigar vendors from around the world, food trucks, live entertainment, more than 100 vendors, and more!

Tampa Indie Flea

Date: Sunday, December 7, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Armature Works

Join Armature Works for a brand new market season in downtown Tampa with 100 local and small businesses at their holiday outdoor waterfront market!

NUTCRACKER HIGH TEA

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club’s Nutcracker High Tea returns December 7 for its third year—pairing a condensed ballet performance of The Nutcracker with an elevated buffet lunch and high tea in the iconic Grand Ballroom.

Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite teas and pastries for an enchanting afternoon. Tickets are $215 for adults, $95 for kids ages 4–12, and children 3 and under are free.

Grinch Drag Brunch + Ugly Sweater Contest

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Tampa Funny Bone

Don't miss a holiday-themed drag brunch with everyone's favorite character, the Grinch, and an ugly Christmas sweater contest!

Stevie Nicks in Concert

Date: Sunday, December 7, 7 p.m.
Location: Benchmark International Arena

Rock out with music icon Stevie Nicks as she brings all of her hits to Tampa!

Next Week Tampa Events December 8 – December 14, 2025

Winter Wonderland Market

Date: December 9, 2025, 5–8 p.m.
Location: 150 Central Ave., St. Pete

Need that one special gift for the holidays? Shop a market full of unique goods from local businesses and artists and enjoy a playlist of holiday classics as you wander The James Museums' galleries. A few lucky guests will go home with a gift!

The event will take place on the first floor, and it is free to attend. Museum admission is needed for gallery access.

Holiday Art Night with Harley Babst

Date: December 9, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Location: 150 Central Ave., St. Pete

Join us The James Museum for a festive holiday art night with local artist and Trailblazer member Harley Babst, where you’ll paint a western-themed holiday masterpiece and enjoy a drink with fellow artists. No experience needed—just bring your holiday spirit and creativity! Hosted by The Trailblazers. Must be 21+ to participate.

Fee includes an adult beverage, museum admission , and materials. Space is limited; advance registration required.

The Holiday Promenade

Date: Thursday, December 11, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Water Street Tampa

Discover unique gifts from local vendors and delight in entertainment and performances set amongst festive holiday décor at this seasonal night market!

Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025, 8 p.m.
Location: Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

This fun-filled contemporary jazz concert features Peter White, saxophonist Mindi Abair, and Vincent Ingala for the annual holiday show!

Annual Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade

Date: Friday, December 12, 2025, 7 p.m.
Location: Craig Park, Tarpon Springs, FL

Vessels will begin at the Tarpon Landing Marina and will end in Spring Bayou at 8 p.m. Trophies will be awarded to the best-decorated boats!

St. Petersburg City Theater presents A Christmas Carol

Date: December 12-21, 2025
Location: 4025 31st St. S, St. Petersburg

Join the St. Petersburg City Theater for Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by spirits of the past, present, and future! This play features heartwarming music, dazzling costumes, and a powerful message of compassion and generosity.

Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6 p.m.
Location: Begins at Gulfport Municipal Marina

See the parade from the Gulfport Municipal Marina, Clam Bayou Nature Park, Osgood Point, Gulfport's Williams Pier, and Gulfport Casino before passing by the Gulfport beach.

The parade will then make it's way through the communities of Town Shores, Pelican Bay, Skimmers Point, Bayview Circle, past Kipps Colony, near the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club (note: due to the Marina, the boats can only get halfway down that canal), then along Dolphin Blvd, to the Pasadena Golf Club Estates, across to Isla del Sol.

59th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Location: Best public viewing at ROC Park – Maderia Beach

The 59th Annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade will begin at the ROC Park at 6:15 p.m., and travel through the finger canals through the city, and end at John's Pass. There will be opportunities for shopping at the Merry Market with live music!

THE FAB FOUR BEATLES TRIBUTE — “HELP!” TOUR

Date: Saturday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Tampa, FL at Tampa Theatre

Santa in the Park – St. Petersburg

Date: December 13-23, 2025
Location: 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.

Rooster & the Till Guest Chef Series

Date: Sunday, December 14
Location: 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa

The Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and Proper House Group concept will hand over its kitchen and bar to Chef Brian Baxter. Guests can expect high-energy takeovers, bold flavors, and cocktails that showcase the warm, approachable spirit Rooster is known for. Reservations are required.

Jingle Bell Bazaar at Centennial Park

Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 1800 E. 8th Ave, Tampa

The Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar is a fun, festive holiday event in Historic Ybor City featuring live music, performances, holiday vendors, photos with Santa, food trucks, and more! Join the fun in Centennial Park.

Jingle Bell Bazaar at Centennial Park

Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 1800 E. 8th Ave, Tampa

St. Pete Opera: Holiday Sparkle

Dates: December 19-21, 2025, at various times
Location: The Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg
Tickets: $25 to $95

Holiday Pops at its grandest! Our Holiday Sparkle fills the Palladium with an outpouring of musical holiday joy. You’ll be swept away by the glorious sounds of our 40-piece orchestra, and our holiday sparkle singers will touch your heart with their choral and solo renderings of popular favorites, both sacred and secular. Share the season’s joy with family and friends!

Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland

Date: Friday, December 19, 2025, 7 p.m.
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

Experience the magic of Cirque like never before with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, featuring a thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music!

Next Generations Ballet's Nutcracker at The Straz Center

Date: December 19-23, 2025, multiple show times available
Location: 1010 NW C MacInnes Pl., Tampa

Enter Clara and Drosselmeyer's fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents, and some of ballet's most famous music during Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker!

Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 6:15 p.m.
Location: Tampa Riverwalk

The parade begins near the lighthouse off Davis Islands and travels past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center. The small parade boats will continue upriver past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Ulele, finishing near Water Works Park and Armature Works.

Spectators can enjoy free viewing at multiple locations along the Riverwalk! Check out this year's parade map here.

Looking Ahead, December 15, and beyond

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

Date: December 22-23, 2025, multiple showtimes available
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

Celebrate the holidays with a new take on a classic with Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton! This is a heartwarming reinvention of Dickens' Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee from the 1930s.

Family Artmaking: Holiday Break Open Studio

Dates: December 26, 2025,– January 3, 2026
Location: 150 Central Ave., St. Pete

When school is out, family fun is IN at The James! Drop by the studio to create winter-inspired art —experiment with icicle painting, snowflake gelli prints, puffy snow painting, and more.

The studio will be open on each event day from 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Ages 4–12; children must be accompanied by an adult. Included with admission; free for members. Space is limited.

Ongoing Things to Do in Tampa Bay

Jukebox Bingo

Date: Every Monday, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Keel Farms, Plant City

Crank up the tunes and don't forget to yell BINGO! Enjoy jukebox bingo presented by Timeless Entertainment with prizes for the Bingo winners.

TASTING TUESDAYS at J.W. Marriott Clearwater Beach

Date: Every Tuesday, at 5 p.m.
Location: J.W. Marriott Clearwater Beach Lobby Bar: 691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Spice up your week with Tasting Tuesday! Each week, explore a rotating selection of bourbon, tequila, or rum flights—perfectly curated to expand your palate. Which spirit will you choose this time?

Line Dancing with Simone

Date: Every 1st and 4th Wednesday of the month
Location: 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel

Get your boots on for Line Dancing with Simone. Lessons start at 7:00, followed by dancing! Arrive early for dinner and Boneless Wing Specials.

Wine Wednesdays

Date: Every Wednesday
Location: The Library

Enjoy half price on all bottles under $110!

Trivia Night at CHeeky's

Date: Every Thursday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: 2823 Central Ave, St. Pete

Join in on a family-friendly trivia night with four rounds, including music, pop culture, history, and more! Prizes are given for first, second, and third place, and a grand prize will be given at the end of the eight-week season.

Happy Hour Sunset Paddle

Date: Every Friday
Location: Urban Kai, Armature Works

Enjoy special pricing for a sunset paddleboard or kayak!

INest in Funk | All vynl rare & classic grooves dj set by aj hall

Date: Recurring every third Friday of the month for 2025, 8 p.m.
Location: Hotel Haya's Flor Fina restaurant and lounge, 1412 E 7th Ave., Tampa

Bring it back to the old-school days with AJ Hall's Finest in Funk Rare & Classic Grooves DJ setlist at Flor Fina located in Hotel Haya.

Hello Sunset

Date: Recurring every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 .a.m.
Location: Lower Deck, Tampa

Dance the night away every Saturday with awesome DJs, a stunning waterfront view, and delicious drinks!

Live Music Brunch

Date: Every Sunday
Location: The Library

happy hour at J.W. Marriott clearwater beach

Date: Sunday – Thursday, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Location: J.W. Marriott Clearwater Beach Lobby Bar: 691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Unwind at our luxurious Lobby Bar at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa during our weekly Happy Hour, Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Enjoy a variety of featured cocktails each evening, including Monday’s classic Gin & Tonic, Tuesday’s refreshing Rum & Coke, Wednesday’s crisp Vodka Soda, and Thursday’s vibrant Ranch Water. Plus, savor $5 domestic beers and $8 house wines, with a delightful selection of bar bites available to complement your drinks. No need to stick to just one—our full cocktail menu is always at your fingertips. Join us for a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence!

SUNSET YOGA AT ST. PETE PIER

Date: Occurs monthly on the first Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.
Location: 600 2nd Ave NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Unwind with Sunset Yoga at the St. Pete Pier, hosted by The Body Electric Yoga Company. It's a relaxing, all-levels class held under the Bending Arc sculpture with views of the bay as the sun sets. Free to join, just bring your mat!

The Market at Water Street Tampa

Date: Recurring every third Sunday of the month
Location: Water Street Tampa

Peruse more than 60 local vendors offering fresh produce, delicious snacks, and handcrafted or artisan goods!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE GREAT EVENTS!

Drag Queen Christmas

Date: Monday, December 22, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mahaffey Theater, St. Pete

This over-the-top, 18+ holiday extravaganza features Drag Queens from RuPaul's Drace, All Stars, and more! This year's show cast includes Onya Nerve (Winner of Drag Race Season 17), Jewels Sparkles (Runner-up, Drag Race Season 17), Suzie Toot (Drag Race Season 17), Lydia B. Kollins (Drag Race Season 17 and All Stars Season 10), plus drag legends Shea Couleé, Crystal Methyd, and host of Canada’s Drag Race, Brooke Lynn Hytes.

Florida State Fair

Date: Feb 5-16, 2026
Location: Florida State Fairgrounds

Don't miss out on all the fun at the Florida State Fair with yummy fair food, animals, games, and of course, rides!

Florida Strawberry Festival

Date: February 26-March 8, 2026
Location: Plant City, FL