<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)
FEATURED EVENT
TAMPA BAY’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SANTA’S VILLAGE
November 28-December 29, 2024 | 6-9 pm weekdays, 6-10 pm weekends
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Your hometown holiday festival returns with more lights, new entertainment, and the gift of family fun! From Thanksgiving Day until New Year’s Eve, Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village envelops families in more than 1 million lights along an expanded 2-mile drive featuring hundreds of dazzling light displays including the NEW Santa’s Winter Wonderland! Santa’s Village is packed with holiday-themed rides, a Holiday Market, and the Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village. Visits with Santa, craft stations, Santa’s Barnyard, camel rides, holiday movies, and live entertainment promise endless fun for the entire family.
Best Holiday 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 at the Chick-fil-A on Waters Ave in Tampa
November 17-December 30 (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.
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!
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
November 29- December 23, 2024
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
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.
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.
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk
Waterworks Park, Downtown Tampa
2024 Dates TBD
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.
Indian Trails Hot Cocoa and Holiday Lights Fundraiser
2024 Dates TBD
The Indian Trails neighborhood off Alderman Rd. and Omaha Street in Palm Harbor dazzles with a spectacular display of lights. Local meteorologist Denis Phillips will have a hot chocolate fundraiser on December 9th and 16h along with items from his “Rule #7” collection. All proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network and Feeding Tampa Bay.
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.
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
Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display
2024 Dates TBD
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.
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.
Winter Wonder Wharf at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa
2024 Dates TBD
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.
Best Holiday Lights in Pinellas County
Holiday Lights at Floridarama St. Pete “Scents of the Season”
2024 Dates TBD
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
2024 Dates TBD
Enjoy Christmas on the Farm! Petting zoo, minigolf, Christmas lights and even Florida snow and campfires!
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
2024 Dates TBD
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 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 on the Bay at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
2024 DAtes TBD
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
2024 Dates TBD
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 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
2024 Dates TBD
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! Tickets are $10 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, and an enchanted hay ride.
Celebration of Light in Homosassa
2024 Dates TBD
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.
Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
2024 Dates TBD
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.
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.
Best Holiday Lights in Polk County
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!
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.
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.
Snowfest: A Walk in the Snow
2024 Dates TBD
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, entertaiment, food trucks, and more! Grab some hot cocoa while you check out the artisan markets and enjoy the festive lights of Lake Mirror.
Best Holiday Lights in Sarasota
Winter Nights Under the lights at Palma Sola Botanical Gardens in Bradenton
2024 Dates TBD
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.
Lights in Bloom® at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota
2024 Dates TBD
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 (5:00 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!
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