Where to find the most DAZZLING Christmas lights in Tampa Bay
Look no further, your family’s 2024 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
Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?
>>This Week’s Favorite Events
>>Halloween Events, Pumpkin Patches, and MORE
>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids
Our Favorite Family-Friendly 2024 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 be updating this page as event dates are announced.
The BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa and Hillsborough County
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Going to Busch Gardens is a Tampa bucket list item year-round. 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. You can enjoy the signature thrill rides at night, watch the holiday shows, eat at restaurants all around the park, and more. Highlights this year include a fireworks show and the return of Christmas on Ice
Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
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. 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. NEW this year – an expanded drive to include the new area Santa’s Winter Wonderland.
>>Click to Watch our Christmas and Holiday Lights Reel!<<
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5pm through January 5, 2025
600 N Ashley Dr., 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.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
November 29- December 23, 2024
1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa
Christmas in The Wild is back and is bigger, better, and brighter than ever! Enjoy the magic of ALL-NEW larger-than-life lighted animals while celebrating the holiday season. We love how the zoo transforms into a whimsical wonderland filled with beautiful lights, seasonal holiday treats, festive shows and entertainment, and more.
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park
2024 Dates TBD
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.
River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi
Select dates in November and December. Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is on December 21, 2024
Downtown Tampa
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 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 21, 2024.
Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B Plant Museum in Tampa
November 23-December 31, 2024
401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
The Victorian Christmas Stroll is back for its 42nd 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, each with a different theme. This year, they will have a display of 40 vintage Santas in honor of 40 years. Take in the beauty of a 14′ Christmas tree and travel back in time to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. You just might be inspired by one of the beautiful trees!
Holiday Lights at Water Street in Tampa
2024 Dates TBD
Water Street
Water Street illuminates with gorgeous lights and holiday decor. You can simply walk along and enjoy the lights or even attend a seasonal event like the Holiday Promenade on December 7 and more. You can see the full lineup of events at Water Street here.
Christmas Lights at Chick-Fil-A on Waters Avenue
November 17-December 30, 2024
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.
Raprager Family Farms Old Fashioned Country Christmas
Select Dates November 24-December 23, 2024
16907 W Boy Scout Rd, Odessa
Raprager Family Farm is exploding with Christmas cheer! Lights and decorations blanket the farm. Go on a holiday hayride and take a picture inside a giant inflatable snow globe. 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 petting zoo, corn pit, bounce pillow, playground, live music, crop maze, 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.
The Light of Christmas, First Baptist Church, Plant City
November 26-January 1, 2024 from 6-10 pm
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!
Christmas Lane in Plant City
November 29-December 24, 2024
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.
Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display
2024 Dates TBD
Temple Terrace
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. Visit their Facebook page here for more.
A Night of Lights Chanukah Celebration
2024 Dates TBD
Water Street, Downtown Tampa
Celebrate Chanukah at Water Street with a special Menorah lighting in the neighborhood. The event includes live entertainment, food, and activities for all ages. This event is free and open to the public.
The Best Christmas Lights in St. Pete and Pinellas County
Holiday Lights & Rides at Largo Central Park
November 28-December 29, 2024
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 Christmas lights and Holiday lights will light up 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 29, 2024- January 5, 2025 from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm nightly
12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo
The gardens sparkle with one million LED lights that twinkle in a variety of bright colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures are sure to wow guests of all ages. The Children’s Area will provide free kids crafts on Thursday and Sunday evenings. There is a $10 suggested donation per person.
Waterfront Lights in St. Petersburg
November 25, 2024-January 1, 2025
Downtown St. Petersburg
Enjoy twinkling light displays, which dazzle even more reflected off the water at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park, and the St. Pete Pier!
The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg
2024 Dates TBD
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.
Robert’s Christmas Wonderland in Clearwater
Open Daily, Year-round
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!
Safety Harbor’s Harbor Holiday Nights at Folly Farm and Safety Harbor
2024 Dates TBD
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 Trolley Light Tour has a ticket fee of $5/person.
Indian Trails Hot Cocoa and Holiday Lights Fundraiser
2024 Dates TBD
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 on December 9th and 16h along with items from his “Rule #7” collection. All proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network and Feeding Tampa Bay.
St. Petersburg Drive By Christmas Lights Neighborhoods in Seminole, St. Pete
2024 Dates TBD
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!
The Best Christmas Lights in Wesley Chapel and Pasco County
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
Starting November 9, 2024
28211 Paseo Dr., Wesley Chapel
Symphony in Lights presented by AdventHealth Wesley Chapel provides guests the opportunity to experience an array of dancing lights choreographed to music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, holiday festivities, and snow for the whole family to enjoy.
Celebration of Christmas Lights in Shady Hills
November 29 – December 21, 2024, 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, a short Christmas light drive away from Tampa. 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.
The Best Christmas Lights in Masaryktown and Hernando County
Christmas Under the Moon at HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown
2024 Dates TBD
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 $10 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, and an enchanted hay ride.
The Best Christmas Lights in Polk County and Auburndale
Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale
November 28-December 29, 2024, nightly
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 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!
Shimmering Lights Winter Festival at Sun Kissed Acres in Dover
November 24-December 24, 2024 on select nights from 6:30pm-9:30pm
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.
Snowfest: A Walk in the Snow
2024 Dates TBD
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, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Workshop, a book giveaway, entertaiment, food trucks, and more! Grab some hot cocoa while you check out the artisan markets and enjoy the festive lights of Lake Mirror.
Light Up Bonnet Springs Park
December 15-31, from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
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
The Best Christmas Lights in Citrus County
Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park’s Winter Waterland
2024 Dates TBD
6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee
The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park proudly presents Winter Waterland! 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!
The Best Christmas Lights in Sarasota
Lights in Bloom 2024
2024 Dates TD
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. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Winter Nights Under the lights at Palma Sola Botanical Gardens in Bradenton
2024 Dates TBD
9800 17th Avenue NW, Bradenton
The Palma Sola Botanical Gardens is hosting families for this free holiday lights even in the gardens. There will be donation boxes throughout the park if you feel inclined to make a donation to help support the community gardens.
More stories we think you’ll love:
- 25+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay from our sister site tampabaydatenightguide.com
- More Tampa Christmas Lights & Holiday Lights
- YES, you can cut down your very own Florida Christmas Tree at Ergle Tree Farm in Dade City!
- Wondering Where to Find Orlando’s Best Christmas and Holiday Lights? Or Orlando’s Best Christmas + Holiday Events?