The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay
Celebrate Christmas in Tampa Bay!
The holiday season is here 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 beauty of 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.
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*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.
Updated October 2024
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.
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
Daily November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
10165 McKinley Dr., 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.
ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild in Tampa
Select nights November 29 – December 23, 2024
1101 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa
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. There’s a new Lantern Lullaby area in Asia where you can walk among gorgeous Asian paper lanterns to the tunes of your favorite holiday music, a new Gingerbread Jubilee, and new Holiday Signature Animal Encounters. There are also returning favorites like visits with Santa, Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus, the Forest of Fantasy light show, and MORE! Christmas in the Wild is a separately ticketed event.
YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium
November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025
701 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Join the aquarium for a BRAND-NEW coastal holiday tradition for the whole family! Details coming soon.
Holidays at LEGOLAND in Winter Haven
Select dates November 29 – December 31, 2024
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 26-31, you can also join in their Kids’ New Years Eve festivities. Holidays at LEGOLAND is included with admission.
Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides at Largo Central Park
November 28 – December 29, 2024, from 5 pm-10 pm
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. Minimum height for 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.
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!
Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover
November 28 – December 29, 2024
215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover
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.
Celebration of Lights at the Concourse in Shady Hills-Pasco County
November 29-December 30, 2024, on select nights
11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills
Drive 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! It’s $25 per carload.
Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale
November 28-December 29, 2024 from 6 pm-9 pm Sunday-Thursday and 6 pm-9:30 pm Friday-Sunday
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.
Holiday Lights at the Chick-fil-A on Waters Ave in Tampa
2024 Dates TBD
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! Visit the store at 6299 W Waters Avenue in Tampa. Follow their Facebook page here for updates.
The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC House in Valrico
2024 Info TBD
A local family, the Burtons, is competing on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight reality show and you can see their spectacular holiday light display for yourself! Their home is located at 2014 Sydney Road in Valrico. While it is free to experience their light display, they do ask those who can donate pet food. This year, they are supporting two non-profits: A Kitten Place and It’s Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter. You can see their story on ABC Action News here.
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
2024 Info TBD
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.
Play with REAL Snow at Snow Days at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa
2024 Info TBD
Grab your gloves and join the Aquarium for Snow Days, hands-on real snow experiences! Dash your way through a snow-flurried “Snow Maze,” toss a snowball with your hands or snowball slingshot, and dance to your heart’s content at a Winter Wonderland Dance Party! Snow Days is free for Aquarium members and included with general admission.
Go Sledding at Snow Fest at North Straub Park in St. Pete
2024 Info Coming Soon
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.
Go See a Huge Gingerbread Village Display
2024 Info TBD
691 Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach
The JW Marriott in Clearwater Beach invites you to check out their gigantic gingerbread display that measures 17 feet by 25 feet. There are so many sweet details to explore. On Fridays and Saturdays, they are also hosting 12 Days of Cocktails with holiday-themed drinks for adults.
Cozy Up for Holiday Movies at Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre is bringing back Holiday Classics on select nights from November through January (2024 info TBD).
There are other outdoor movie experiences too, like downtown Clearwater, and other locations in Tampa Bay. You’ll likely see more of these events popping up around town as we get closer to the holiday.
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!
Experience Winter Waterland at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park proudly presents Winter Waterland (2024 Info TBD). The entrance fee is only $10 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!
Check out a Holiday Boat Parade
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in the 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.
River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa
Select dates in November and December. The 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 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 21, 2024.
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 Next Generation Ballet at The Straz – December 20-23, 2024
- The St Petersburg Ballet Company – 2024 dates TBD
- The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Tradition at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete – December 28-29, 2024
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 through New Year’s Day, 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)
The Florida Orchestra Holiday Pops December 20-22, multiple times and locations
- December 20: The Straz Center in Tampa a 8 pm
- December 21: Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete at 2 pm and 8 pm
- December 22: Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Enjoy the sounds of the holidays as performed by the Florida Orchestra!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at The Straz Center
December 26-28, 2024
Cirque Dreams Holidaze will keep the seasonal cheer going with a dazzling celebration of the red and the green. Characters from holiday stories come to life on stage as acrobats soar above, dancers sparkle, and contortionists contort in ways not thought possible. Classic holiday songs get a twist as well in this whimsical holiday show.
Play Holiday Themed Putt-Putt at the St. Pete Pier
The St. Pete Pier is bringing back its holiday-themed putt-putt event, Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition, (2024 info TBD). You and the kids can play the 18-hole course on the waterfront with biodegradable golf balls. Note that there will be a $5 lost ball fee for each one that goes in the water. You can find the course along the Majeed Foundation Nature Walkway. Tickets are $12 per person.
Attend Clearwater’s Polar Express Experience at the NEW Coachman Park
Ruth Eckerd Hall is hosting Clearwater’s Polar Express Experience on Friday, December 13, 2024, beginning at 4:30 pm. This is a FREE event that will feature a snowfall, a magical ride around The Sound on a Polar Express train, pictures with Santa, and a Gingerbread mini putt-putt. Tel-an-Elf where kids can video chat with Santa’s elves at the North Pole, games, and more. There will also be a screening of The Polar Express!
Head to the Museum for Pint-Sized Holiday Fun!
Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children’s Museum
2024 Dates TBD
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.
All aboard! Experience the coolest holiday-themed train rides in Tampa Bay
North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish
November 30-December 22, 2024 select days/nights
12210 83rd Steet E., Parrish
The North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum is a 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, but a few dates and times are still available.
Celebration of Lights at the Concourse in Shady Hills-Pasco County
November 29-December 30, 2024, on select nights
11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills
Drive 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!
The Rudolph Limited Mini Train Rides with Largo Central Railroad
2024 Dates TBD
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.
Holly Jolly Express at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
November 15, 2024-January 7, 2025
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!
Explore Holidays of Christmas Past
Henry B Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll in Tampa
November 23-December 23, 2024 from 10 am-8 pm (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)
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
2024 Dates TBD
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, and more. You’ll also be able to churn butter and make salt dough ornaments. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $12 for adults and $10 for kids ages 6-11. Kids 5 and younger get in for free.
An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village
December 14, 2024, from 10 am-3 pm
1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton
Enjoy a day filled with make-and-take crafts, shopping, holiday fun, and food. Admission is free.
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, 2024, 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.
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.
Worth the Drive:
A Winter Wonderland Experience at Westgate River Ranch
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Westgate River Ranch and Rodeo’s Winter Wonderland Experience (2024 Dates TBD). Enjoy a festive Hayride with classic Christmas Carols and explore the brand-new 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 on a wonderland hayride. Wrap up your journey at the festive tree farm, where unforgettable memories and delectable treats await, promising to delight your taste buds! Come enjoy a magical holiday celebration!
Awesome Christmas Events in Orlando – since it’s so close to Tampa Bay!
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience Orlando
2024 Dates TBD
Deck the halls with tons of COLOR! Colorful Christmas is back. From November 18 – January 7, come enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Make handmade gifts from the heart, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt, and more! It’s a holiday hullabaloo with SNOW much to do!
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
November 15, 2024 – January 4, 2025
There are holiday activities here morning, noon, and night. Plus, ICE! returns this holiday season featuring Elf! Step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. The story of Elf envelops you in larger-than-life sculptures.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World
November 8 – December 20, 2024, select nights
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns this year after a two-year hiatus. This special event 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 29-December 30, 2024, with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season from cultures around the world.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
Select dates November, 2024-January, 2025
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.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
November 22 – December 31, 2024
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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