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
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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
Aqua Lanterns Chinese Festival of Lights at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Through December 30, 2024: Wednesday-Sunday Evenings & Select Holiday Dates
249 Winward Passage, Clearwater
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!
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
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 Rudolph in person at Rudolph’s Reindeer Games, getting silly in the land of Ticky Tacky Christmas, and more!
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park
November 29, 2024-January 2, 2025
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.
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
Starting November 15, 2024
Water Street
Water Street is illuminated with nearly a half million 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 22, 2024-January 4, 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.
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.
Christmas at Dinosaur World
November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025
5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City
Dinosaur World is turning into a 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 also 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!
Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display
Opening December 2, 2024
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.
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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
November 29, 2024-January 3, 2025
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
December 19-21, 2024
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. $7/person after December 15.
Indian Trails Hot Cocoa and Holiday Lights Fundraiser
December 7 and 14, 2024
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.
St. Petersburg Drive by Christmas Lights Neighborhoods in Seminole, St. Pete
December 1-30, 2024 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!
The Best Christmas Lights in Wesley Chapel and Pasco County
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
November 9-December 30, 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 North Pole Experience
Thursday – Sunday, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
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 scavenger hunts for children and adults. The display features multiple themed areas.
The Best Christmas Lights in Masaryktown and Hernando County
Christmas Under the Moon at HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown
November 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, and 28, 2024
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! Beer and wine will also be offered this year for guests ages 21 and up.
Tickets are $13.95 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
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 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
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
December 7, 2024
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 13-31, 2024 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.
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Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park’s Winter Waterland
Select Nights December 13-21, 2024
6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee
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!
The Best Christmas Lights in Sarasota
Lights in Bloom 2024
December 6, 2024-January 1, 2025
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
December 13-17, 2024
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.
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