<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Thanksgiving weekend is in full swing and it’s the perfect time to slow down, unwind, and cherish time with your loved ones. While Thursday is all about connection and bonding over great food, the long weekend is another opportunity to explore and connect. Here’s a list of relaxing suggestions for maximizing your quality time together this Thanksgiving weekend in Tampa Bay.
Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Tampa Bay
Holiday Craft Fair & Bake Sale
Saturday, November 23, 8am – 3pm
Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, 6111 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL
This precious craft fair and bake sale takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving, but it is still a great event to have on your date idea radar. If you want a cozy small-town feel for the Thanksgiving season this charming fair has it! Free to attend.
Cut Down Your Own Florida Christmas Tree
Yes, you can absolutely cut down your own Christmas tree and it’s an easy drive away from Tampa at Ergle Tree Farm in Dade City. If you still love the look of the trees from up north, they have a tree lot too!
The farm opens for the season on November 6, 2024. Get the full scoop in this Tampa Bay Parenting feature.
Spend an Evening at Winter Village
Winter Village is returning downtown this holiday season from November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025. Activities include a cafe, holiday market, surprise visits with Santa, FREE holiday movies in partnership with Tampa Theatre, curling, ice skating, silent disco Fridays and more. Reservations are strongly recommended for ice skating and can be made online.
NEW this year – Winter Village Ice Skating Shows! On select nights, check out enchanting performances set against the backdrop of the Hillsborough River.
Ice Skating Shows will take place at 7 pm the following days:
- Friday, November 22
- Saturday, November 23
- Sunday, November 24
- Tuesday, December 24
- Tuesday, December 31
- Friday, January 3
- Saturday, January 4
- Sunday, January 5
Take a Hike
For a totally free date, visit a nearby nature preserve to climb a lookout tower, search for local wildlife, stroll on a boardwalk, or hike quiet trails. Weedon Island Preserve features multiple trails and observation towers, plus scenic boardwalks for walkers and paddling trails for kayakers.
Also check out the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, which includes 60 miles of hiking trails and loads of wildlife.
UNWIND
Need a moment of peace after the Thanksgiving festivities? A post-Thanksgiving yoga class is the perfect way to unwind and recharge.
Yoga In The Vines
Saturday, November 30, 10am
Keel & Curley
Enjoy a 50 minute yoga class led by Nicci from British Yoga Babe. Enjoy an all levels yoga flow, some fresh air, and stay to wine + dine after! One drink voucher will be provided per attendee.
$15
Yoga in the Park
Sunday, December 1, 6pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Enjoy FREE Yoga in the Park every Sunday from 6-7pm. This class is located in Curtis Hixon Park, welcomes all yogis, beginner or advanced, and focuses on kindness and overall wellness of the body and mind.
Other ways to relax:
- Book a rejuvenating spa day at one of these Orlando spas
- Purchase ResortPass day passes to an Orlando resort
- Check out the Orlando Beer Spa
Have a DIY Thanksgiving Leftovers Picnic
Head to a local park, garden, or even your own backyard with your leftovers for an intimate lunch with your love. A few favorite picnic spots:
- Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
- Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
- Vinoy Park
- Lettuce Lake Park
- Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum
- Phillipe Park
- Glencliff Park
Read our post on the Top Tampa Bay Parks for the Perfect Picnic Date for more ideas.
Admire the Twinkling Holiday Lights at Displays Throughout Tampa Bay
Several beautiful holiday light displays will make their debut this Thanksgiving weekend in Tampa. Some of our favorites include the Holiday Spectacular along the Tampa Riverwalk and waterfront holiday light displays in St. Pete.
Check out Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Walk among the millions of twinkling lights while visiting with holiday characters like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa! Festive shows include a brand-new holiday firework show and the return of the beloved ice-skating show, Christmas on Ice.
Don’t forget to hop aboard the holiday train to sing along to your favorite Christmas tunes! Christmas Town runs daily from November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
Volunteer
Helping those in need is in the spirit of the holidays and a great addition to your holiday events list this Thanksgiving weekend in Tampa. 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.
Learn New Skills at a Holiday Cooking Class
In between leftovers, learn new tricks over Thanksgiving weekend at a holiday-themed cooking class. AJ’s Kitchen Drawer can teach you the art of creating holiday favorites on select dates November-December.
Or learn how to make perfect fall croissants or macarons at Sur La Table in Hyde Park Village.
BONUS IDEA: Head to Keel & Curley the week before Thanksgiving for a fun Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating or charcuterie class! You can get a head start on your holiday feast and enjoy a tasty beverage.
Continue the Feast at a Local Farmer’s Market
Head to the nearest farmer’s market to check out local produce and pick up ingredients for a low-key meal at home. Or, just peruse the local vendors to see what treasures you can find! A few local favorites are the Ybor City Saturday Market and St. Pete Saturday Morning Market.
Pre-party before the turkey
GenX Tavern in downtown Tampa is hosting Dranksgiving the night before Thanksgiving. Head to this nostalgic hot spot for two for one drinks and a karaoke dance party. There will also be shot specials, giveaways, 80s and 90s classic hits and more.
Enjoy Seasonal Brews at a Local Brewery
Tampa has quite the selection of local breweries – some of the best in the country. Most of them have outdoor seating which could make for a perfect fall day of sitting outdoors and sipping on some seasonal brews. Many of them are within walking distance of each other, so you could even create your own personal brewery crawl.
Check out some of the best brews in St. Pete, Dunedin, Ybor, and The Heights District.
Visit a Christmas Cocktail Bar
Enjoy holiday spirits – literally – at Miracle at Mezzo. This annual pop-up Christmas cocktail bar will hopefully be returning to Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails this year. Enjoy a special menu of holiday concoctions (served in special holiday glasses) plus festive decor and more.
Join a Christmas Lights Cruise on the Pirate Water Taxi
Don’t miss this water taxi cruise to view Tampa’s Christmas lights and holiday decorations during select nights in November and December. 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.
Thanksgiving at Disney Springs
If you want Disney magic without the fuss of the theme parks, Disney Springs is a good option. Between the restaurants and all the shops, you can easily take care of a Thanksgiving meal and holiday shopping all in one place.
A reservation is not needed to visit Disney Springs, and it’s free to park and walk around. Just be prepared that the parking garages may fill up early in the day.
Our quick guide to Thanksgiving at Disney Springs includes where to book your Thanksgiving dinner reservation, where to grab a special treat, and some tips on parking and when to visit.
Watch a Classic Holiday Movie
Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to get into the holiday spirit. Head to Tampa Theatre for their annual holiday classics series. On select days from November to January, pop over to the Tampa Theatre and enjoy holiday movies, other late-night activities, and even a visit or two from Santa! It’s not just a movie, it’s a whole experience right at your fingertips.
More Movie Fun: Snuggle Up to Watch Holiday and Christmas Movies in Tampa
Got kiddos and looking for family-friendly Thanksgiving weekend stuff to do in the Tampa Bay area? Check out this guide to Thanksgiving Family Fun from Tampa Bay Parenting.
Attend a Thanksgiving Weekend Event
Aqua Lanterns Chinese Festival of Lights
Now through December 30: Wednesday-Sunday Evenings & Select Holiday Dates
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Dive into a sea of lights and wonder at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s luminous new after-hours experience, Aqua Lanterns! As the sun sets, the aquarium transforms into a glowing seascape filled with stunning illuminated sea creature sculptures up to 13-feet tall. Stroll through this mesmerizing marine world and discover over 30 beautifully crafted lantern displays next to the amazing real animals that will inspire you throughout the aquarium. Featuring dazzling lantern displays, Aqua Lanterns will be open Wednesday through Sunday evenings and on select dates during the holidays!
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!
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.
A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase Following a Screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Sunday, December 1, 2024, 7:30-10pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Start your holiday season with hilarity at a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation followed by an appearance by Clark Griswold himself, Chevy Chase. Chase will share behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes about the making of this beloved movie that has become a Christmas tradition. But the laughter doesn’t stop there! Chase also will be taking questions from the audience.
Feature image credit: Pirate Water Taxi