<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>It’s a busy time of year with local events, festivals, and more and we’ve got them all on our top picks of things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay! Local strawberry farms are ready for u-pick season and the weather is right to see manatees in the wild!
But first, it’s the most festive time of the year – and it’s almost over – so check out our Christmas season date ideas and jump on these New Year’s Eve events! We’re starting off with some of our featured weekend events before diving into some local activities.
Featured Tampa Bay Events
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Tiki Bar
November 18 – December 31 from 5pm – 10pm daily
The Ocean Hai patio at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach will transform into the area’s Sippin’ Santa Tiki Bar! This tropical Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar offers a fun, festive escape, complete with twinkling lights, rockin’ music, and the scent of coconut in the air. Sip on holiday cocktails with a tropical twist in an over-the-top, immersive setting filled with vibrant decorations.
Sippin’ Santa is your perfect spot to embrace the holiday spirit—beach style!
Holidays at Tampa Theatre
- Now – January 5, 2025
When you visit the historic Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a show – you’re coming for an experience. Some of the jolliest of those experiences are sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen and singing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show, or making the weekend merry and bright with a late-night REWIND or festive holiday concert. And savvy elves know that tickets make great stocking stuffers!
Wine Down Wednesdays & Tasting Tuesdays
- Every Second Tuesday and Last Wednesday of the Month
- JW Marriott Clearwater Beach
Experience elevated coastal dining and drinking at its finest with the monthly recurring events at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach’s bar and restaurant. Join them every second Tuesday for Tasting Tuesdays, where from 6-8pm, you can indulge in a journey of spirits and small bites perfectly paired to delight your palate. Then, unwind every last Wednesday of the month at Wine Down Wednesdays, featuring an intimate formal wine pairing dinner at 7pm with limited seats available. Elevate your evenings with exquisite flavors and coastal charm, exclusively at their seaside establishment.
For family-friendly things to do in Tampa, check out Tampa Bay Parenting.
Things to Do This Weekend in Tampa Bay
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!
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Daily November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Tampa
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. 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. Christmas Town is included with admission.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
- Friday, November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Tampa
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.
YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium
- Friday, November 29 – January 5, 2025
- Tampa
The Florida Aquarium is excited to introduce an all-new holiday experience for 2024: YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium. Guests are invited to dive into the magic of the season with the immersive event that brings coastal holiday traditions to life. See the towering Christmas tree made from upcycled beach materials, stroll along an enchanting tree trail in the Aquatic Lounge, meet Santa at a special meet and greet in Santa’s Wharf (select dates only), enjoy special character appearances by Rocky and Tango, and embrace coastal holiday vibes with breathtaking sand sculptures.
Putt Putt on the Pier – Holiday Edition
- December 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- St. Pete Pier
Tis the season for holiday festivities, cheer and mini golf! On Saturday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 5, locals and tourists alike are invited to experience a unique 18-hole putt putt golf course at the St. Pete Pier. Visitors can indulge in 360-degree views of Tampa Bay, holiday-themed obstacles and nostalgic holiday tunes. Tickets are $13 per person and kids under four are free. 30-minute time slot reservations are available to book ahead of time and day of tickets are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
1st official Christmas Party
- Thursday, December 19, 9pm
- 511 Frankin St, Tampa
If you bring a toy to donate, you’ll receive a free drink ticket to help children whose families were affected by hurricanes. Custom drink menu, special decor, and an appearance by both Santa and the Grinch himself, come hang under the mistletoe!
Dueling Pianos at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Friday, December 20, 6-9pm
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
CMA guests can join in the fun for a delightful Dueling Pianos performance presented by Tampa Tunes on the fourth floor of the Visitors’ Center. Featuring the talented Nick Peters and Julian Pernett, this dynamic live performance will fill the night with inspiring and festive music.
This experience is included with Aqua Lanterns admission on Dec. 20. To purchase tickets to Aqua Lanterns, please visit www.cmaquarium.org/aqua-lanterns/.
Mermaid Star Motel Mini Golf – Unchant: Christmas with a Florida Twist
- December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- FloridaRAMA
For the first time ever, they’re transforming the experience into a glowing gameland with 9 holes of neon minigolf! Perfect for celebrating with family & friends, this limited-time holiday event is unlike anything they;ve done before.
Each hole will light up with vibrant colors, adding an electrifying twist to your visit during Unchant: Christmas with a Florida Twist! Make forever memories with our exclusive prize menu of special treats while you play. It’s a WHOLE NEW way to experience FloridaRAMA! Tickets are $13 per person (in addition to General Admission) and are available for a limited time.
Mezzo Market: Holiday Edition
- Saturday, December 21, 11am – 4pm
- ST PETE LOCATION: Baum Ave in Downtown St Pete between Intermezzo Coffee & Green Bench Brewing. 1133 Baum Ave N (Downtown St Pete)
Small businesses to shop, delicious food and drinks, and good music! Mezzo Market is free to the public, & family-friendly and pet-friendly always.
Cousin Eddie’s Real Nice Christmas
- Saturday, December 21, 8pm – 1am
- GenX Tavern, Tampa
Enjoy Christmas Vacation themed drinks and shots while DJ Matt Dodge spins a mix of 80’s & 90’s hits mashed up with your classic holiday favorites. Come in your most creative Cousin Eddie costume and win a $50 bar tab! There will be merchandise giveaways all night long as well as a VIP table for 6 for NYE 2025 at GenX Tavern!
Dyke Nite St. Pete presents Magical Realms Ye Olde Gay Yuletide Ball
- Saturday, December 21, 10pm – 2am
- Good Intentions, St. Pete
21+ and up. Come dressed in your finest fantasy garb—faeries, nymphs, witches, wizards, knights and royalty are all welcome! Bring a trinket or two to participate in the unofficial Goblin Market.
Pay what you can for entry.
Break out the Bubbly!
- Sunday, December 22, 3pm
- Ybor City Society Wine Bar, 1600 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Sip and learn about different types of sparkling wine. Ticket includes wine tastings with food pairings. Tax and gratuity not included.
$45 per person
Madame Fortune – A Very Merry Madame Christmas
- Sunday, December 22, 7pm – 9pm
- Madame Fortune, Ybor
Cozy up with your loved one and enjoy the sounds of Qiana Miles as she sings some of your favorite Christmas songs LIVE. Dinner and cocktail service will be in full effect.
Events Next Week in Tampa Bay
Stay tuned as we gather up more local events!