Where to find the most DAZZLING Christmas lights in Tampa Bay
Look no further, your family’s 2025 guide for the best holiday lights in Tampa Bay is here! There’s no better way to put your family into the holiday spirit than touring one of the beautiful Christmas light displays!
Related: The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay
Our Favorite Family-Friendly 2025 Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights Displays in Tampa Bay:
Events are listed by COUNTY to help you find a holiday lights display near you. Keep in mind that dates and events are subject to change, so always check with the event website before heading out the door. We'll continue updating this page as event dates are announced.
The BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa and Hillsborough County
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
Thanksgiving, Nov. 27 through Dec. 28
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!
Burton Family Light Show
2014 Sydney Rd., Valrico
Every year the Burton family puts together a spectacularly choreographed holiday light show! Don't miss out on one of the biggest neighborhood light displays in the Tampa Bay Area!
Water Street Season Spectacular
Friday, November 14, 2025, 5 pm-9 pm
Water Street Tampa
Step into the magic of the holidays at the 4th Annual Season Spectacular filled with twinkling lights, joyful music, and festive cheer! This enchanting evening marks the official lighting of the neighborhood and the start of the holiday season.
River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi
Select dates in November and December. The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is on December 20, 2025, 6:15 pm
Downtown Tampa
Don’t miss this very Florida way to view Christmas lights and holiday decorations! The Christmas Light cruise with Pirate Water Taxi departs from the Tampa Convention Center, and includes Holiday Christmas carols and a 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 20, 2025.
Holiday Lights at Water Street in Tampa
Begins Friday, November 14, 2025
Water Street
Water Street is illuminated with gorgeous lights and holiday decor! You can simply walk along and enjoy the lights or attend a seasonal event like the Holiday Promenade on December 11, and much more! You can see the full lineup of events at Water Street here.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Daily November 14, 2025 – January 5, 2026
10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa
Going to Busch Gardens is a Tampa bucket list item year-round, but during the holiday event season, it’s even more enticing! With thousands of lights and 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 festive bites from all around the park, and more. Highlights this year include the return of the fireworks show and a Serengeti Light Show!
Ybor City 14th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 6 pm-9 pm
Centro Ybor
Enjoy a spectacular holiday evening in Centro Ybor with live music, photos with Santa, snow machines, a holiday market, and a tree lighting. After the tree lighting, a holiday movie will be played to close out the evening!
Happy Holidaze: Christmas with a Florida Twist
November 20 – January 12, 2026
FloridaRAMA, St. Petersburg
Get swept up in the HoliDAZE at FloridaRAMA, a holiday celebration with a Florida twist! Explore a playful art paradise featuring a portal-trapped Christmas tree, gravity-defying ice rink, mischievous panther elves, flamingos in Santa hats and 15+ Florida-themed trees. Shop Florida-inspired treats in Lucy Sparrow’s Quick Shop and add Neon Minigolf December 18–January 5 for extra glow and festive fun!
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
Friday, November 21, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026
600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa
Celebrating the 10th anniversary, experience the magic of the holiday season at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa at Winter Village! This year the park sparkles with lights and festive holiday decorations and an expanded sensory experience. 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 over 70 local businesses throughout the holiday season. Shop Small Weekend will be from November 28–30 from 12 pm to 4 pm. The first 100 shoppers will receive a “I Shopped Small at Winter Village” tote bag.
Christmas Lights at Chick-fil-A on Waters Avenue
Begins Thursday, November 21, 2025
6299 W Waters Ave., Tampa
Visit the most festive Chick-fil-A in Tampa Bay and check out their annual Christmas lights display! Santa will also be there on select dates so be sure to stop by and say hello.
Riverwalk Holiday Decor Challenge
November 25, 2025, to January 2, 2026
All along the Tampa Riverwalk and Hillsborough River
Enjoy the holiday decor displays from businesses, homes, condos, and apartments along the Riverwalk!
ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild in Tampa
Select nights November 28 – December 31, 2025
1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa
This year’s Christmas in the Wild will be the biggest and brightest yet! You’ll still get to enjoy returning favorites like the illuminated Ice Cavern, and experience new additions. Kids will also love exploring Gingerbread Jubilee, meeting Rudolph in person at Rudolph’s Reindeer Games, getting silly in the land of Ticky Tacky Christmas, and more!
Christmas Lane in Plant City
November 28-December 24, 2025
303 BerryFest Place, Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland. Take in the wonder of the 1.5 million lights that adorn 200 Christmas trees from 4 to 40 feet. They will have rides, food, live entertainment, and a kids' zone. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph will also be there to celebrate and take festive photos with guests.
Christmas at Dinosaur World
November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026
5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City
Dinosaur World is turning into a giant-filled winter wonderland this holiday season! Celebrate with miles of one of a kind dazzling lights, massive Christmas lantern displays, Christmas trees galore, and more! There will be a Christmas market filled with seasonal food and beverages. Hop on board the Candy Cane Express for a festive train ride and visit with Santa on select weekends!
Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B Plant Museum in Tampa
November 28-December 31, 2025
401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
The Victorian Christmas Stroll is back for its 44th year! It's the perfect way to step back into time at the Henry B Plant Museum and be dazzled by the beautifully decorated rooms. Peek at one special Christmas morning as experienced by President Theodore Roosevelt and his family, and explore the true meaning of the holiday as hotel staff members take time from their duties to prepare gifts for needy local families. Guests will also delight in the display of antique ornaments and Santa figurines, have the opportunity to view authentic goosefeather trees, and period fashions!
Raprager Family Farms Old Fashioned Country Christmas
Select Dates November 29-December 22, 2025
16907 W Boy Scout Rd, Odessa
Raprager Family Farm is exploding with Christmas cheer as lights and decorations blanket the farm! Go on a holiday hayride and take a picture inside a giant inflatable snow globe or check out the lighted gingerbread village, hear stories from Mrs. Claus pay a visit to Santa, and take pictures with him at his workshop. In addition to holiday-themed attractions, there will be a corn pit, playground, live music, crop maze, and more! There will also be extra activities for an additional $5, like the be a petting zoo, bounce pillow, and more! While you are there, be sure to stop by the Sweet Shop for some warm cinnamon-roasted nuts, hot cocoa, and Christmas fudge.
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park
November 30, 2025-January 2, 2026
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 floating gingerbread lighted display, and a lighted pine tree forest. Hotels, restaurants, and bars along the Riverwalk will also have festive lighted displays.
Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display
Begins in December
7804 River Ridge Rd, Tampa
This neighborhood is one of the top areas to go see amazing holiday lights in Tampa Bay! The community has been hard at work putting together a display you can watch from your car. Tune to 95.5 FM as you approach to listen to the music as it's synchronized with the lights.
City of Tampa Santa Fest & Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1 pm
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!
The Light of Christmas, First Baptist Church, Plant City
2025 TBA
3309 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City
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!
The Best Christmas Lights in St. Pete and Pinellas County
Robert's Christmas Wonderland in Clearwater
Open daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
2951 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater
If you've never been to Robert's Christmas Wonderland, make this the year you go! For many of us long-time residents, it's become a family tradition to visit this store which is actually open year-round. They have the most magical display of lighted Christmas trees which you can wander through and a wide selection of ornaments and holiday decor. While it sounds a bit crazy to mention a store in our top picks of holiday lights, when you go, you'll see why it made our list!
Holiday Lights & Rides at Largo Central Park
November 27, 2025-January 4, 2026, 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. Largo Central Park’s light display will begin on evenings from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. It is free to park and stroll among the sparkly Christmas lights.
Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens
November 28th, 2025, to January 3, 2026
5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. every night
The Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo
The gardens sparkle with more than one million LED lights that twinkle in a variety of bright colors! Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures wow guests of all ages. The Botanical Bounty Gift Show will be open from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. if youre looking for special garden themed gifts to give for Christmas!
Donations of $10 per person over 12 years old will be graciously accepted. These donations will help maintain the garden and provide programming.
Waterfront Lights in St. Petersburg
November 29, 2025-January 1, 2026
Downtown St. Petersburg
Enjoy twinkling light displays along the waterfront in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier!
St. Petersburg Drive by Christmas Lights Neighborhoods in Seminole, St. Pete
December 1-30, 2025 from 6 pm-10 pm
5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Seminole Neighborhood, St. Petersburg
Drive through 3+ miles of St. Petersburg Christmas lights’ neighborhoods from 6 pm to 10 pm for a St. Petersburg Christmas light display and Christmas light show you’ll never forget! This 3.2-mile Christmas light drive-by tour takes place in the Seminole/St Petersburg subdivisions of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village, where these St. Petersburg residents generously decorate their homes and yards with beautiful Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, and even more Christmas lights for Tampa Bay to drive by and enjoy!
Safety Harbor Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 5, 2025, 6 pm-7:30 pm
Gazebo at John Wilson Park
Bring your family and friends out to enjoy the lighting of Safety Harbor's giant Christmas tree! Choirs will warm up the crowd for a visit from Santa Claus.
Safety Harbor’s Harbor Holiday Nights at Folly Farm and Safety Harbor
Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20, 2025, 6 pm-9:30 pm
1562 Dr. MLK Jr. Street S., Safety Harbor
Enjoy holiday lights, a campfire, children's activities, a trolley light tour, shopping, crafts, and more! Harbor Holiday Nights is FREE. The Jolley Trolley ride to Merry Lane has a ticket fee of $5/person. $7/person after December 13.
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 have 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.
Indian Trails Hot Cocoa and Holiday Lights Fundraiser
2025 TBA
Indian Trails, Palm Harbor (follow signs)
The Indian Trails neighborhood off Alderman Rd. and Omaha Street in Palm Harbor dazzles with a spectacular display of lights. Local meteorologist Denis Phillips will have a hot chocolate fundraiser along with items from his “Rule #7” collection. All proceeds go to the Children's Miracle Network and Feeding Tampa Bay.
The Best Christmas Lights in Wesley Chapel and Pasco County
Tree Lighting + Symphony in Lights
November 9-December 31 2025
The Shops at Wiregrass
Experience the magic and whimsy of the holiday season with dazzling lights and soft snowflakes presented by AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. Don't miss out on this classic holiday tradition!
The North Pole Experience
Opening Sunday, November 30, 2025
3552 Ballastone Drive in Land O' Lakes
A Land O' Lakes man created an interactive holiday light and animatronic display in his front yard for the community called ‘The North Pole Experience.' The North Pole Experience features multiple themed areas and scavenger hunts for children and adults!
Holiday Tree Lighting and Stroll
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5 pm-9 pm
Largo Central Park
Largo Central Park has more than one million LED Christmas lights to enjoy as you stroll. There will also be a Strolling Market, carolers, and other entertainers for a holiday-centric night out! $10 on-site parking is limited, or you can park and walk from Largo Middle or Largo High School for $5.
The Best Christmas Lights in Masaryktown and Hernando County
Celebration of Christmas Lights in Shady Hills
November 28-December 22, 2025, on select nights
Concourse, Shady Hills
Enjoy a great Christmas lights and holiday lights display in the Port Richey area. This Christmas light event takes place at the Concourse in Shady Hills in Pasco. Go on a one-mile drive through a larger-than-life holiday light display and then park to take a ride on the Grand Concourse Railroad through the lighted Christmas Wonderland to Safety Town which is decorated in lights for the holidays.
Experience the joy of the tree lighting on November 28, at 6:30 pm, with other special nights happening throughout the holiday season!
Christmas Under the Moon at HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown
November 29,-December 23-2025
15990 Stur St., Masaryktown
Head to HarvestMoon Fun Farm for their very first dazzling Christmas light display! You can also take a stroll down Christmas Tree Lane, visit with the animals in the petting farm, sip on some Hot Chocolate, munch on some Kettle Corn, and more!
Tickets are $$14.95 per person for ages 3 and up. Kids ages 2 and under are free. Activities included with admission: Jumping Pillow, Petting Farm, Cow Train, Ball Zone, Hill Slide, Swings, Arts & Crafts, Photo Ops, an enchanted hayride, and more!
The Best Christmas Lights in Polk County and Auburndale
Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale
December 4-28, 2025, select nights, 6 pm-9 pm
1052 US-92., Auburndale
This is a drive-through Christmas lights event! You and your family will drive through Christmas lights for a mile to experience spectacular lights, and next, if you choose, you can make a visit at Santa’s Village at the end of the drive-through Christmas lights! Santa’s Village features rides, entertainment, a visit with Santa, Holiday activities for children and adults of all ages!
Snowfest: A Walk in the Snow
December 6, 2025, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
121 S. Lake Ave, Lakeland
Head to Lake Mirror, where man-made snow will be falling as visitors enter the designated event area! There will also be arts, crafts, vendors, a beautiful 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, entertainment, food trucks, and more! Grab some hot cocoa while you check out the artisan markets and enjoy the festive lights of Lake Mirror!
Shimmering Lights Winter Festival at Sun Kissed Acres in Dover
2025 TBA
2302 N Dover Rd, Dover
This is an outdoor walking trail that’s about 1/4 mile long, filled with shimmering lights, outdoor movies, games, a scavenger hunt, maze, and holiday music. There will even be visits with Santa and a foam play area on select nights. They ask you to wear comfortable close toed shoes and bring bug spray just in case the mosquitoes come out. Tickets are $8 for everyone 3 and older in advance and $9 at the gate.
Light Up Bonnet Springs Park
On pause until 2026
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
The new Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland is hosting Light UP BSP, a free community event featuring themed activities, holiday lights along the boardwalk, live performances, character meet-and-greets, and more.
Related – Check out the Orlando Holiday & Christmas Lights
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Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park's Winter Waterland
December 12-13 and 19-20, 6 pm-10 pm
6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee
The entrance fee is only $8.24 per person. Children two and under are free. Take a festive stroll through the park, which is lit up with holiday lights, and take a picture with Santa and his mermaid elves, and MORE! This year's event highlights include The Grinch show, Grinch Village, Christmas Carnival (incurs an additional fee), live nativity, and a water sleigh ride!
The Best Christmas Lights in Sarasota
Lights in Bloom 2025
December 6, 2025-January 3, 2026
1534 Mound St., Sarasota
Lights in Bloom features more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus! Step into a tropical wonderland with photo ops, activities, and entertainment for the whole family. There will also be food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Winter Nights Under the lights at Palma Sola Botanical Gardens in Bradenton
December 11-15, 2025, 6 pm-9 pm
9800 17th Avenue NW, Bradenton
The Palma Sola Botanical Gardens is hosting families for this free holiday lights even in the gardens! Enjoy acres of lights, music, food trucks, hot coca and cider, a visit from Santa, and more! There will be donation boxes throughout the park if you feel inclined to make a donation to help support the community gardens.
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