The holiday is on its way, and it's never too early to start planning the holiday season when there is so much going on! To remove some of the stress of decision-making, we've curated this guide to the best holiday events in Tampa Bay, Clearwater & St Pete to fuel your holiday date nights.
Check out our bucket list of must-do experiences, view some holiday lights, find our picks for FREE events, watch a classic Christmas movie, take your loved one ice skating, attend holiday performances, or check out a local holiday market for unique gifts.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>We will continue to update this event list for the 2025 holiday season as announcements are made!
Our holiday events guide is organized into the following sections to help you easily find the type of event you're looking for:
- Christmas Events Bucket List
- Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay
- Free Holiday Events
- Festive Films – Check Out Some Classic ‘Tis the Season Flicks!
- Ice Skating
- Theme Park Christmas Events
- Holiday Performances and Entertainment
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!
The Light of Christmas
2025 TBA
First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway
This free, synchronized light show features over 80,000 lights, great music, and a message of hope for the Christmas season. The 35-minute program runs nightly from 6 – 10 pm through January 1st. Experience the joy and love of the holiday season!
Christmas Events Bucket List for 2025
Looking for an overview of our top picks for celebrating the holidays? This is your section! Below, you can skim our curated list of the must-do holiday events and experiences in Tampa Bay.
Take a drive to ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
November 14, 2025, to January 7, 2026
6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee
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 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, guests step 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 celebration!
Explore Busch Gardens Christmas Town
November 14, 2025, to January 5, 2026
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Going to Busch Gardens is a Tampa bucket list item year-round, and 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, where you can enjoy the signature thrill rides at night, watch the holiday shows, eat at restaurants all around the park, and more. Highlights of the event include a fireworks show and the Christmas On Ice show!
Visit Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026
600 N Ashley Blvd, Tampa
Get some shopping done at the holiday market, sip delicious drinks at the café, ice skate at Downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink, and more at this iconic Tampa Bay Christmas event! Admission to the Winter Village is free, but some activities, like ice skating, require tickets. Skating is $17 per person and includes skate rentals and 75 minutes of skating time.
Date Night at Downtown Tampa at Winter Village
Watch a Tree Lighting Show
Now this is an easy one for the holiday events list! Tree lighting ceremonies are popping up all over Tampa Bay at many outdoor locations, including Curtis Hixon Park, Safety Harbor, and more! Take your significant other to watch these tree lighting shows and cross another item off of your holiday bucket list.
Attend a Holiday Boat Parade
It’s always fun to see boats decorated with festive lights, holiday inflatables and more. Many of these boat parades ar happening this week!
A few of our favorites include the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade, and the Annual Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade.
Go Ice Skating
It may not be that cold in Florida, but ice skating is still a must this holiday season. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park is a classic option (tickets required for ice skating).
Refer to the Ice-Skating section below for the best local spots to enjoy this holiday pastime.
READ MORE: Here's what to expect at Downtown Tampa's Winter Village: local Tampa area holiday fun, ice skating, and festive cocktails and treats!
Take a Cruise on the River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa
Select dates from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026
Don’t miss this water taxi cruise to view Tampa’s Christmas lights and holiday decorations! The Christmas Light Cruise includes a 45-minute cruise along the Hillsborough River, Christmas carols, Snow Flurry Final, and a visit with pirate elves! Write a letter to Santa and pop it in the North Pole buoy. Each child will receive a present from the elf!
There is also a special Christmas light cruise for the Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Watch Classic Holiday Movies
Tampa Theatre's Holiday Classics movie series, with our favorite holly jolly season favorites is back, as well as FREE outdoor movies at Curtis Hixon Park in conjunction with Winter Village.
See the Christmas Movies section below or our guide to Christmas movies in Tampa Bay for additional movie screenings for the ‘most wonderful time of the year!'
Visit a Christmas Bar
Enjoy holiday spirits – literally – at Miracle at Mezzo. This annual pop-up Christmas cocktail bar has returned to Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails. Enjoy a special menu of holiday concoctions (served in special holiday glasses) plus festive decor and more.
READ MORE: Christmas Cocktails at Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Tampa Bay
Celebrate Winter Wonder Wharf
Sparkman Wharf is getting a holiday twist with Winter Wonder Wharf! On select dates, you can enjoy holiday-themed events, live music, and more. Stay tuned for more information once the event dates are announced for 2025!
ENJOY A NUTCRACKER HIGH TEA
Last year, this elegant holiday event set within the Vinoy Grand Ballroom featured High Tea paired with an exclusive ballet performance of a holiday favorite, the Nutcracker. Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite teas and pastries for an enchanting afternoon. Be sure to check back in closer to the holidays for more specific event information for this year!
Volunteer
Helping those in need is in the spirit of the holidays and a great addition to your holiday events list. 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.
Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay 2025
Nothing says Christmas quite like strolling around hand in hand to “oooh” and “ahhhh” at holiday lights. Below are a few of our favorite Christmas light displays in Tampa Bay.
Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens
November 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026, from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. nightly
12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo
The gardens twinkle with one million LED lights in a variety of bright colors! Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures are sure to wow guests of all ages, and there will be live entertainment each week! A donation of $10 is suggested per person.
Holiday Lights & Rides at Largo Central Park
November 7, 2025-January 4, 2026, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
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!
Christmas Lights at Chick-Fil-A On Waters Ave.
2025 TBA
6299 W Water Ave., Tampa
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!
Unchant: Christmas with a Florida Twist at FLORIDARama
2025 TBA
800 28th St. S, St. Petersburg
Experience a sparkling spectacle of art and lights. Floridama reimagines 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.
Symphony in Lights
2025 TBA
28211 Paseo Dr., Wesley Chapel
Enjoy a lively array of dancing lights, dazzling decor and snow. Symphony in Lights is an amazing holiday light show at The Shops at Wiregrass, choreographed to music featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park
2025 TBA
1710 N Highland Ave., Tampa
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.
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg
2025 TBA
2719 Oakdale St. S., St. Petersburg
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 has 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. The house is located at 2719 Oakdale Street South, St. Petersburg, FL.
Waterfront Lights and Santa Parade in St. Petersburg
2025 TBA
400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting in North Straub park with the Mayor and Santa with a Santa Parade and Tree Lighting! 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.
FREE Holiday Events 2025
A holiday date night doesn't have to cost a dime. Partake in free festive celebrations throughout Tampa Bay including tree lightings, a fun holiday-themed scavenger hunt, and so much more.
City of Tampa Santa Fest
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1 p.m.
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!
Holiday Promenade
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Water Street
Water Street's holiday market will highlight the local, festive shopping opportunities in the heart of Water Street. Guests of all ages are invited for an evening of shopping, strolling, and discovering unique gifts, while reveling in enjoyable live entertainment and a picture-perfect winter backdrop.
Jingle Bell Bazaar at Centennial Park
Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
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.
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 6:15 p.m.
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.
12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach
2025 TBA
Clearwater Beach
Local Clearwater businesses are hosting this holiday celebration, including a Christmas tree lighting, caroling, parade, photo ops, a Christmas market, and more. The event kicks off on December 10 with a community parade from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Check out our guide to 30+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date for the full scoop on the best free holiday events to attend.
Where to Watch Christmas Movies
It doesn't get more classic than cuddling up to watch holiday films together! From free outdoor movies to Christmas classics returning to the big screen, here's where to see holiday movies in Tampa Bay this season.
Tampa Theatre Holiday Classics
2025 TBA
711 N Franklin St., Tampa
Partake in the tradition of sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen with family and friends and singing along to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show.
St. Pete Holiday Movie in the Park
2025 TBA
1320 5th St. N, St. Petersburg
First come, first served. You can catch The Nightmare Before Christmas on December 7 and The Grinch on December 14. Concessions will be available for purchase.
FREE
Get the full list of Where to Watch Christmas Movies
Ice Skating
Wondering where you can skate hand in hand on REAL ice? Look no further. Several holiday celebrations offer ice skating seasonally, and public skating sessions at indoor rinks continue the fun all year.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026
600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa
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. Tickets for ice skating are $17 and include 75 minutes of skating time and your skate rental.
If skating isn't your thing, peruse the local vendor holiday market!
TGH Ice Plex
10222 Elizabeth Pl, Tampa
Ice skating never gets old at the TGH Ice Plex, especially since it's the official training facility of the Tampa Bay Lightning! Throughout the week, there are different public skating sessions available. On select nights you can even skate with a live DJ playing music. Admission for ice skating is $10, $15 with skate rental. Public skating times vary.
AdventHealth Center Ice
3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Wesley Chapel
This rink makes the list of perfect holiday events for your holiday skating date. With multiple public skate sessions, you’ll be able to find a perfect time for your date. Including skate rental, admission is $15. Without skate rental, admission is $10.
Tampa Bay Skating Academy and Clearwater Ice Arena
255 Forest Lake Blvd., Odessa
27001 US Hwy. 19 N, Clearwater
At any of the three locations of the Tampa Bay Skating Academy, you can skate your heart out on a beautiful date. You and your significant other can skate for 90 minutes and spend the rest of the day together getting a meal at the Bar and Grill or leave the TBSA to explore the area around you and find some other fun event to keep your date going.
Admission for skating varies depending on the skating session you choose.
Attractions + Theme Park Christmas Events 2025
Celebrate in serious style by attending a holiday celebration at Tampa and Orlando attractions and theme parks!
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
November 14, 2025, to January 5, 2026
Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event! The park becomes filled with holiday cheer, and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping.
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.
Christmas Town is included in park admission.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
November 7, 2025, to January 5, 2026
Head to SeaWorld Orlando to make new holiday memories with festive shopping, delicious food, and amazing live shows! The O Wondrous Night show, Winter Wonderland On Ice, and Rudolph's Christmas Town will be returning this year! Guests can also sip and savor festive flavors as they stroll among beautiful Christmas lights.
End the evening with the dazzling Holiday Reflections Fireworks Finale! The Christmas Celebration is included with park admission.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026
Head to Universal Orlando Resort for the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season! Celebrate with seasonal shows and decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sip on hot Butterbeer in Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure as they come to life with magical lights and festive events.
This year, their brand new theme park, Epic Universe, will also be decked out in glorious holiday decor!
The Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s features larger-than-life balloons, with appearances by the Minions and characters from Shrek and Madagascar. Head over to Whoville for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring The Grinch himself.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
Select Nights November 28 through December 20, 2025
Enjoy one of Tampa’s largest light displays as the zoo transforms into a seasonal wonderland. This year promises to be bigger, better, and brighter than ever! Enjoy illuminated zones of lights, festive entertainment, delectable holiday treats, and amazing wildlife. Wander over to Twinkle Town Marketplace, where you can meet Santa.
Holiday Events at Walt Disney World
Through December 31, 2025
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights are two holiday favorites at Walt Disney World. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 28 through December 30, 2025 with the sights, sounds and tastes of the season from cultures around the world!
Holiday Performances and Entertainment
Get in the holiday spirit at these special performances including The Nutcracker, holiday concerts, and more.
Victorian Christmas Stroll
2025 TBA
401 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
Experience the grandeur of a Victorian Christmas during this signature event of the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa. Travel back to the 1890s as you visit decorated exhibit rooms.
$18
St. Petersburg City Theater presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas the Musical
2025 TBA
4025 31st St. S, St. Petersburg
In one night, Ebenezer Scrooge sees his past, present & future come to haunt him & discovers the true meaning of Christmas. A host of beloved characters come to life on stage in this spectacular annual production.
$23
The Florida Orchestra
2025 TBA
Next Generations Ballet's Nutcracker at The Straz Center
2025 TBA
1010 NW C MacInnes Pl., Tampa
Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker includes principal dancers from American Ballet Theatre. This family-friendly favorite takes audiences into Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents and some of ballet’s most famous music.
$30 and up
Rockapella Christmas
2025 TBA
405 Cleveland St., Clearwater
Rockapella brings it’s exciting, internationally acclaimed, a cappella sound back to the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre with a night of holiday classics! For their new Christmas show, the a capella superstars will perform holiday classics like “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and “White Christmas” with their original holiday hits.
$30 – $59
Trans-Siberia Orchestra
2025 TBA
401 Channelside Dr., Tampa
The Trans-Siberia Orchestra is back at Amalie Arena in Tampa, celebrating 26 years of its multi-sensory show, Christmas Eve and Other Stories.
$29 and up
New Year's Eve 2026
Looking for some trendy and fun places to celebrate out with the old and in with the new? Maybe some cool and festive spots to watch the sky light up with a popping NYE celebration?
Best New Year's Events in Tampa Clearwater and St Pete? Check our our guide to NYE! And we have the 411 on how to enjoy NYE fireworks in and around Tampa Bay!
Want more holiday fun in Tampa Bay?
Our media partners at Tampa Bay Parenting have a comprehensive list of family-friendly holiday fun around Tampa Bay!