The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay
Celebrate Christmas in Tampa Bay!
The holiday season is on its way, and it’s safe to say that people are more than ready for some festive fun. Get ready for even MORE holiday cheer since some Christmas experiences will be even bigger and brighter than last year.
Whether you want to meet Santa, take in the dazzling Christmas lights, or celebrate the season at local theme parks, we’re sharing our list of favorite Christmas events in Tampa Bay for families– and we’re breaking it down by theme to help you find an event that best suits you.
Related: The BEST Free and Cheap Holiday Events in Tampa Bay
*Keep in mind that dates, times, and events are subject to change, so be sure to check with each destination’s website or social media pages before you go. Want to add your family-friendly event to our holiday events lists? Email us at editor@tbparenting.com.
Experience the BEST Christmas Light Displays in Tampa Bay!
There are so many ways and places to enjoy the splendor of Christmas lights in Tampa Bay! Among our favorites: Busch Gardens Christmas Town boasts millions of twinkling lights, and Enchant Christmas in St. Pete is a not-to-miss indoor holiday light spectacular. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite holiday light displays in Tampa Bay.
(Keep scrolling for some awesome DRIVE-THRU holiday light experiences in Tampa Bay!)
Enjoy the Holiday Family Fun at Theme Parks and Attractions
We’re pretty lucky to be within a quick drive to some world-renowned theme parks! Take advantage of it during the holidays. Here are some of our family's favorite events at theme parks and more holiday attractions:
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Tampa
- Dates: Daily November 14, 2025 – January 5, 2026
- Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr.
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.
ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild in Tampa
- Dates: Select nights November 28 – December 31, 2025
- Location: 1101 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa
This year’s Christmas in the Wild promises to be the biggest and brightest yet! They’re not only adding new animal light sculptures, but you’ll still get to enjoy returning favorites like the illuminated Ice Cavern. Kids will also love exploring Gingerbread Jubilee, meeting Randolph the reindeern in person at Randolph’s Reindeer Games, getting silly in the land of Ticky Tacky Christmas, and more!
Holidays at LEGOLAND in Winter Haven
- Dates: Select dates December 6 – December 31, 2025
- Location: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven
Get ready to celebrate an awesome holiday season at LEGOLAND Resort! This bricktacular event features unforgettable seasonal shows, LEGO holiday character experiences, sweet treats, and special activities. Light displays will twinkle throughout the park, and a giant LEGO Christmas tree is sure to mesmerize guests with its 360-degree light show. From December 24-31, you can also join in their Kids' New Year's Eve festivities. Holidays at LEGOLAND is included with admission.
Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides at Largo Central Park
- Dates: November 7, 2025-January 4, 2026, from 5 pm-10 pm
- Location: Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Dr.
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 the carousel is 36″ and 56″ for the Ferris wheel.
Visit with Santa Claus in Tampa Bay
Santa is making his rounds in Tampa Bay before his big adventure to deliver holiday cheer to kids around the world on Christmas Eve! We’ve put together a list of some of the best spots to take pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay.
You can also eat breakfast with Santa in Tampa Bay! One of our favorite stops for the jolly old elf is Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Breakfast with Santa on December 20, 2025!
Set Sail on A Pirate's Christmas Cruise with The Lost Pearl
November and December bring an extra sprinkle of holiday magic with “A Pirate’s Christmas.” Families can join White Beard and his jolly pirate crew for a festive 1-hour cruise full of games, sing-alongs, and even “snow” on the high seas.
Kids will love writing letters to Santa and mailing them at Tampa’s only floating North Pole buoy, while every child receives a gift from the treasure chest.
Parents can relax with a cocktail in hand while elves and holiday games entertain little ones. It’s the perfect way to add a Florida twist to your family’s holiday traditions. You can book your Christmas cruise here!
Check Out a Drive-Thru Holiday Lights Event
In addition to all the awesome walk-through Christmas light displays, there are plenty of drive-thru holiday lights experiences too! There are some really cool drive-thru events that you can enjoy from your car!
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
- Dates: Nov. 27-Dec. 28. 2025
- Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village returns with over 1.5 million lights across a 2-mile drive-thru. New this year is 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!
Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale
- Dates: Select nights from December 4-28, 2025, from 6 pm-9 pm
- Location: 1052 US-92, Auburndale
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 visit Santa’s Village at the end of the drive-through Christmas lights! Santa’s Village features rides, entertainment, a visit with Santa, and Holiday activities for children and adults of all ages! Visitors are also encouraged to bring a toy for Toys for Tots.
Celebration of Lights at the Concourse in Shady Hills-Pasco County
- Dates: November 28-December 22, 2025, select nights
- Location: 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills
Drive or walk one mile through a beautiful display of larger-than-life holiday lights at the Concourse in Shady Hill's annual Celebration of Lights event. You can also park to board a mini train over to Safety Town, a miniature town decorated with lights. Santa will even be there! Tickets go on sale on November 1. Drive-through only dates are December 23, 26, and 27, 2025.
Holiday Lights at the Chick-fil-A on Waters Ave in Tampa
- Dates: Now open through January 4, 2026
- Location: 6299 Waters Ave., Tampa
This Chick-fil-A store is taking holiday decorating to a whole new level, and they’re back at it again this year. Add this to your family’s holiday bucket list! Follow their Facebook page here for updates.
ABC's The Great Christmas Lights Fight House in Valrico
- Dates: December 7- January 17, 2026
- Location: 2014 Sydney Road, Valrico
The Burton Family is once again going big with their amazing lights display! Their home was featured on ABC's The Great Christmas Lights Fight in 2023 and we recently had the chance to talk to them about their experience. Their home is located at 2014 Sydney Road in Valrico. While it is free to experience their light display, they do ask for donations towards The Kitten Place and Raining Cats and Dogs. Lights turn on at 7 pm with a worship hour every Sunday from 6 pm-7 pm.
Want more? We're sharing the BEST Holiday Light Displays in Tampa Bay here.
Go Ice-Skating or Play with Real Snow in Tampa Bay
Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
- Dates: November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026
- Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa
You and the kids can skate along downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink and even try a game of street curling at Winter Village. But that's not all. Not only will they be hosting fun, themed nights and Santa on select days, but you can also get some holiday shopping done at The Shops of Winter Village and try some seasonal holiday sips and treats from The Cafe. We love that Pirate Water Taxi's River of Lights is now departing from Winter Village! This is a chance to experience all of the floating light displays while singing along to your favorite holiday music. It's a must-do!
Go Sledding at Snow Fest at North Straub Park in St. Pete
- Date: December 6, 2025, from 9 am-2 pm
- Location: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr., St. Petersburg
Adults and kids can purchase a wristband for $5 for toboggan sledding in North Straub Park! There will also be inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks, and more. Stay in the area til after sunset to enjoy the Christmas lights and displays at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park, and the new St. Pete Pier.
Cozy Up for Holiday Movies at Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre is bringing back Holiday Classics on select days!
- Sundays, showtimes at 3 p.m.
- Beginning Sunday, November 30
- Location: Tampa Theatre, Downtown Tampa
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Tampa Theatre! Enjoy timeless Holiday Classics like Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life every Sunday afternoon. Choose “naughty or nice” with late-night Friday REWIND hits like Die Hard and Gremlins, or Wednesday night Big Pictures like The Muppet Christmas Carol. And all are welcome for a FREE community screening of Saint Nick of Bethlehem on December 6! For tickets, ornaments, gift ideas and more, visit TampaTheatre.org/holidays
Holiday Movies at Sparkman Wharf
- Dates: December 2, 9, and 16, 2025
- Location: Sparkman Wharf
Don't miss a few classic holiday movies playing at Sparkman Wharf this season, where the first 25 guests will receive a themed sweet treat!
- Elf
- Tuesday, December 2, 6 p.m.
- The Grinch
- Tuesday, December 9, 6 p.m.
- Four Christmases
- Tuesday, December 16, 6 p.m.
St. Pete Holiday Movie in the Park
- Dates: December 6, 13, and 20, 2025
- Location: Crescent Lake Park
Enjoy a free holiday movie in the park! Holiday activities begin at 6 p.m. and the movie starts a 7 p.m.
- December 6, Vinoy Park
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- December 13, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- The Santa Clause
- December 20, Huggins-Stengel Field
- A Mizer Brothers' Christmas
There are other outdoor movie experiences too, like downtown Clearwater, and other locations in Tampa Bay.
Check out a Holiday Boat Parade
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa
- Date: December 20, 2025, at 6:15 pm
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.
River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa
- Dates: Select dates. Parade cruise on December 20, 2025, 6:15 pm
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 visits 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 20, 2025.
Annual Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and Celebration
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 6 pm
Watch the parade from a spectacular vantage point and participate in the events at Treasure Bay. A DJ, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive entertainers, and food/beverage concessions will be available.
READ MORE: 15 Awesome Holiday Street Parades and Boat Parades in Tampa Bay
Go experience the Nutcracker in Tampa Bay
There are several performances of the Nutcracker in Tampa Bay, including a show-stopping performance by the Next Generation Ballet at the Straz in Tampa.
- The St Petersburg Ballet Company – December 5-7, 2025
- The Next Generation Ballet at The Straz – December 19-23, 2025
- The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete – December 28-29, 2025
- Nutcracker High Tea at the Vinoy Grand Ballroom – Sunday, December 7, 2025
Experience the MAGIC of the Holidays with Zubrick Magic
If you’re seeking to make this holiday season truly enchanting, there’s one essential experience you can’t miss in Tampa Bay: the Zubrick Magic Theatre. On select days starting November 13, 2025, through January 4, 2026, prepare to be captivated by the exceptional illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick as they unveil never-before-seen Christmas-themed magic sprinkled throughout their performance.
Attend a Holiday Performance in Tampa Bay
These are a few of our favorite kid-friendly holiday shows in Tampa Bay! (We're sharing even MORE holiday shows in Tampa Bay here)
A Christmas Carol A Live Radio Play
- Dates: December 5-23, 2025
- Location: Shimberg Playhouse
Celebrate the holidays with a timeless classic reimagined! Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” comes to life as a live 1940s radio play, with holiday music, clever sound effects, and a cast of favorites.
The Nutcracker at Palladium Theater in St. Pete
- Date: December 5-7, 2025, at various times
- Location: Palladium Theatre, 253 5th Avenue N, St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at TBA
The St Petersburg Ballet Company will perform The Nutcracker at the Palladium Theater in St. Pete.
The Florida Orchestra Handel's Messiah December 5-6, 2025, multiple times and locations
- December 5: The Straz Center in Tampa 8 pm
- December 6: Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete, 8 pm
The Florida Orchestra Holiday Brass
- December 6, 2025, 7:30 pm
- Church of the Ascension
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
- Date: December 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
- Tickets: Tickets start at $57
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back at Amalie Arena in Tampa with the NEW version of Christmas Eve and Other Stories.
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!
The Florida Orchestra Holiday Pops December 19-21, 2025, multiple times and locations
- December 19: The Straz Center in Tampa a 8 pm
- December 20: Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete at 2 pm and 8 pm
- December 21: Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Enjoy the sounds of the holidays as performed by the Florida Orchestra!
A Very Broadway Christmas in St. Pete
- Dates: December 21, 2025, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Location: The Mahaffey Theatre, 400 First Street S, St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at $57
Broadway on the Bay’s A Very Broadway Christmas is an enchanting holiday experience featuring musical numbers from some of your favorite Broadway Christmas shows as well as some holiday classics. Come spend an evening at the Mahaffey Theater with multiple Broadway stars representing an array of Broadway shows.
Head to the Museum for Pint-Sized Holiday Fun!
Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children's Museum
110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
Glazer Children’s Museum is getting into the holiday spirit with a gingerbread-inspired wonderland, sponsored by Macy’s, Gingerbread Village. Located on Level 2 of the museum, children can step into a sweet winter wonderland to build a gingerbread house made from recycled materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, bottle caps, and more.
Visit Robert's Christmas Wonderland in Clearwater
If you've lived in the Tampa Bay area for a while, you've probably visited Robert's Christmas Wonderland at least once. Located at 2951 Gulf to Bay Blvd., this local treasure is open year-round and has the most beautiful holiday decorations, ornaments, and trees. You can literally spend an entire afternoon simply exploring the store and dreaming up new ways to decorate your own home. We love visiting to pick out a new ornament each year, which is a fun tradition many local families share and one your family can start this year. The best part is, you get to support a local business too!
All aboard! Experience the coolest holiday-themed train rides in Tampa Bay
Holly Jolly Express at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
- Dates: November 14, 2025-January 5, 2026
- Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The Holly Jolly Express at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is a must-experience when you attend! You can sing along to holiday music as you take a ride around the park and take in all of the beautiful lights!
North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish
- Dates: November 28-December 22, 2025, select days/nights
- Location: 12210 83rd Street E., Parrish
The North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum is a 35-minute family favorite in Tampa Bay. You and the kids can board the open-air train for a ride to the North Pole, where there are themed activities and a visit with Santa. Tickets tend to sell out fast, so be sure to buy your ticket early!
Celebration of Lights at the Concourse in Shady Hills-Pasco County
- Dates: November 28-December 22, 2025, on select nights
- Location: 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills
Drive or walk one mile through a beautiful display of larger-than-life holiday lights at the Concourse in Shady Hill's annual Celebration of Lights event. You can also park to board a mini train over to Safety Town, a miniature town decorated with lights. Santa will even be there! Drive-through only dates are December 23, 26, and 27, 2025.
The Rudolph Limited Mini Train Rides with Largo Central Railroad
- Dates: December 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21, 2025
- Location: 225 Central Park Dr., Largo
Largo Central Railroad is offering its themed “The Rudolph Limited” mini-train rides that take you and the kids on a beautiful ride through the park that is lit and decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $10 each if paid in cash.
Explore Holidays of Christmas Past
Henry B Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll in Tampa
- Dates: December 2025
- Location: 401 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Each room in the historic Henry B Plant Museum will be beautifully decorated with a different theme. You just might leave with a list as long as Santa’s full of decorating ideas! Tickets start at $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $12 for kids. There are discount days, too.
Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa
- Date: December 13, 2025, from 10 am-4 pm
- Location: 4800 Hwy 301, Tampa
Christmas in the Country is where you and the kids can experience an old-fashioned Christmas through holiday traditions from the 19th century! There will be carols, historical interpretations, decor, holiday keepsake collecting, and more. You’ll also be able to churn butter and make salt dough ornaments. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and kids ages 6-11. Kids 5 and younger get in for free. Some activities cost an additional fee.
An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village
- Date: December 13, 2025, from 10 am-3 pm
- Location: 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton
Enjoy a day filled with make-and-take crafts, shopping, holiday fun, entertainment, and food! Admission is free.
Experience Winter Waterland at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park proudly presents Winter Waterland on select nights, however they haven't announced their dates for 2025. The entrance fee is only $12 per person. Children two and under are free. Take a festive stroll through the park which is lit up with holiday lights, watch An Elf Story underwater mermaid show, take a picture with Santa and his mermaid elves, and MORE!
Write a Letter to Santa
Did you know your child can get a letter from Santa? The United States Postal Service’s “Greetings from the North Pole” program makes this possible, real postmark from the North Pole and all! You’ll want to get your child’s letter in the mail no later than December 1, 2025, to be safe. We’re sharing the details on what you need to know here.
Celebrate Christmas on the Farm in Tampa Bay
There are so many fun Christmas on the Farm events that not only showcase pretty lights, but also give you and the kids a chance to get up close with farm animals! We’re sharing our top picks here.
One of our favorite farms to celebrate the holidays is Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia! They'll be hosting their holiday event November 21-December 21 with holiday lights and decor, Santa meet-and-greets on select days, seasonal food and drinks, live music, and more! There are also 15 awesome attractions for kids to explore, like the giant treehouse and bounce pillows.
It may not be set up for the holidays, but a visit to a local citrus grove for an afternoon U-Pick is a perfect day outside for families seeking some natural Vitamin D and Vitamin C! We checked out Dooley Groves in Ruskin for their December u-pick of sugarbelles which was a great experience. Find more u-pick farms in Tampa Bay here.
Awesome Christmas Events in Orlando – since it’s so close to Tampa Bay!
ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ at Gaylord Palms Resort
- Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026
- Location: Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee
For the very first time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ will be featured at Gaylord Palms Resort in 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice sculptures in ICE!, the resort's signature holiday attraction. Strike a pose with Santa and Rudolph in one of the longest ice carvings measuring over 32 feet long, crawl into whimsical photo setups, or become one of the misfit toys in this winter wonderland made for memory-making. Experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
- Dates: Select dates November 7, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Head to SeaWorld Orlando to make new holiday memories with festive shopping, delicious food, and dazzling live shows inspired by the natural world. Stroll the lakeside Christmas Market and pick out unique, artisan-crafted gifts. The Christmas Celebration is included with park admission.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Dates: November 7-December 21, 2025, select nights
- Location: Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will bring back old favorites like cocoa and cookies at designated locations throughout the park, snow on Main Street, a themed parade and fireworks show, and more. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 28-December 30, 2025, with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season from cultures around the world.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
- Dates: November 21, 2025-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. 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.
More events coming soon as they’re announced!
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