28+ BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa, St. Pete & Clearwater!

Look no further, your family’s 2022 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!

Tampa Bay’s Best Christmas Content!

Our Favorite Family-Friendly 2022 Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights Displays in Tampa Bay:

Events listed by location 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 Holiday Lights

November 14, 2022-January 9, 2023
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.

Winter Village’s Christmas Lights at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa

November 18, 2022-January 4, 2023
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

Select nights in November 25 – December 30, 2022
Christmas in The Wild is back and is bigger, better, and brighter than ever! Enjoy the magic of wildlife at night while celebrating the holiday season. The zoo will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland filled with lights, seasonal holiday treats and festive shows. There will be six illuminated zones of lights, two new light shows across the entire manatee circle, and a 30-foot Christmas tree with thousands of dancing lights. Wander through the Ice Cavern in Africa as you’re surrounded by glowing lights.

Holiday Spectacular Christmas Lights on the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park

November 28, 2022 – January 2, 2023
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 in Tampa

Select dates in November and December | Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is on December 17, 2022
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 17, 2022.

Christmas Lights along Water Street in Downtown Tampa

Through the holiday season

Tampa’s Water Street is gorgeous at night with the trees decked out in shimmering lights with even more light displays along the way. Stop for a scoop of ice-cream at Chill Bros. and then pick up a cute house plant from Yura Vine Brothers as a hostess gift for your next party!

Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B Plant Museum in Tampa

December 1-December 23, 2022
The Victorian Christmas Stroll is back for it’s 41st 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!

Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

December 17, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Tampa’s largest boat parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf. Boats will be judges by pairs from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the sailboat and motorboat competitions will each receive a trophy. Many viewing spots along the Riverwalk between Armature Works all the way through the Sail Pavilion and over by Sparkman Wharf provide fantastic views of the parade.

Christmas Lights at Chick-Fil-A on Waters Avenue in Tampa

November 18 – January 6, 2023 (Closed Sundays), 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
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.

TAMPA BAY’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SANTA’S VILLAGE

Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 2023 | 6-9pm weekdays, 6-10pm weekends
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village immerses everyone in holiday fun with family favorites and new attractions, making it bigger and better than ever! The fairgrounds are enveloped in 1 million lights with a 2-mile drive-thru of elaborate displays. The expanded Santa’s Village will feature an Arctic Plunge Inflatable Snow Tube, holiday-themed rides, a self-guided walking tour of Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village, visits with Santa, camel rides, holiday movies, tasty treats and more! Visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com/festival-of-lights for details on hours and ticket prices.

Raprager Family Farms 12 Days of Christmas Winter Festival in Odessa

Select dates November 25-December 23, 2022
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 and 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, and crop maze. While you are there, be sure to stop by the Sweet Shop for some warm cinnamon roasted nuts, hot cocoa, and Christmas fudge.

Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display

Every evening from 6:00pm-11:00pm

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 the music as its synchronized with the lights. On some nights, they even have snow! Visit their Facebook page here for more.

Christmas Lane in Plant City

November 25-December 24, 2022
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.

Shimmering Lights Winter Festival at Sun Kissed Acres in Dover

November 25, 2022-Dec 31 2022
This is an outdoor walking trail that’s about 1/4 mile long, filled with shimmering lights, outdoor movies, games and holiday music. There will even be visits with Santa. They ask you to wear comfortable close toed shoes, a face mask for when it gets busy, and bug spray just in case the mosquitoes come out. Tickets are $7 for everyone 3 and older. thesunkissedacres.com

Shadrack’s Christmas Light Show in Wimauma

November 25, 2022- January 1, 2023
South county residents have a new drive through light show to experience at the Masonic Park and Youth Camp in Wimauma. There are millions of lights on display that are synchronized to music on your radio as you drive through. There’s even a 300 foot drive through tunnel. Tickets are $29.99 per car. Pre-purchased tickets are required.

Take a Day Trip to Orlando for these Holiday Light Displays

Just a couple of our favorites include Night of a Million Lights and Gaylord Palms ICE!

Night of a Million Lights

Through Jan. 1, 6-11pm
Island H2O Water Park

Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O Water Park is so much more than a dazzling lights display – it’s the one-stop spot for family fun, festive food, holiday shopping, and nightly entertainment – with all proceeds benefitting Give Kids The World Village. Now through January 1, Island H2O Water Park has been transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of lights, luminous displays, festive family activities and live entertainment for a one-of-a-kind, fully immersive holiday experience.

This dazzling and fun event is great for families, and for couples. There is a play area for little tykes, plus character and Santa Claus greetings. And for couples, the full-service bar is open, near the adults-only pool. All the food and beverage spots around the park are open too.

Nightly entertainment includes performances by Dueling Pianos Jingle and Jangle and the strolling a cappella group Santa’s Dancing Reindeer, with DJ Jack Frost Ice Block Party leading an interactive holiday hits dance party. The Emmy Award-winning RWS Entertainment Group partners with Give Kids The World and Island H2O Water Park to produce the event.
$30 – $40

ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort

The weather forecast this Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee calls for a high of 9 degrees, with a 100% chance of ICE! In ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, guests step into an arctic attraction – kept at a frosty 9 degrees – into a wondrous world of larger-than-life, hand-carved ice sculptures. After experiencing frozen fun inside ICE!, guests can enjoy a sleigh-full of live shows, immersive family events, millions of sparkling lights, a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree that comes to life in a kaleidoscope of color, and more all across the resort’s 64-acre winter wonderland.

The Best Christmas Lights in St. Pete

(Events listed in order of opening date.)

Holiday Lights & Rides at Largo Central Park

November 24, 2022-January 1, 2023
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 $5 each or 5 for $20. 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. 101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771.

Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens In Largo

November 25, 2022- January 1, 2023
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 Candy Cane Area will provide free kids crafts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

Waterfront Lights in St. Petersburg

November 26, 2022-Jan. 2, 2022
Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting in North Straub park with the Mayor and Santa on November 26, 2022 with a Santa Parade and Tree Lighting! From then on, you can walk along the pedestrian walkways at North and South Straub Parks in St Petersburg to experience the most beautiful lights along the water. There will also be a Christmas lights and displays at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park and the new St. Pete Pier.

The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg

November 25, 2022-January 3, 2023
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 has 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.

The Polkadot Hallway at Fairgrounds St Pete.

Holiday Lights Immersive Experience at Fairgrounds St. Pete

November 22, 2022-January 8, 2023
Experience a sparkling spectacle of art and lights during the inaugural Holiday Lights Immersive Experience! Visit Fairgrounds St. Pete to see the Mermaid Star Motel, Strawberry Room, and other whimsical art installations transformed for the holiday season. Included with daily admission.

Safety Harbor’s Harbor Holiday Nights at Folly Farm and Safety Harbor

December 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2022 from 5:00-9:00 pm
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

December 10 and 17, 2022 at 6pm
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 10th and 17th along with items from his “Rule #7” collection. All proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network and Feeding Tampa Bay.

Enchant Christmas in St. Pete

November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Millions of twinkling lights return to Tropicana Field in St. Pete for another year and a new story for the light maze, “Santa’s Magic Timepiece”. There is also ice-skating, visits with Santa, a holiday village with merchants and snacks, and more! Tickets start at $35 for adults and $20 for kids ages 3-17.

The Best Christmas Lights in Wesley Chapel and Pasco County

Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass

Saturday, November 12 at 5pm – Tree Lighting and Santa
Symphony in Lights will continue nightly through December 31st, 6 to 9 p.m.

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 2022 in Shady Hills

Select Nights from November 25-December 23, 2022
Enjoy a great Christmas lights and holiday lights display in Port Richey! This Christmas light event takes place at the Concourse in Shady Hills in Pasco, a short Christmas light drive away from Tampa Bay! Take a ride on the Grand Concourse Railroad through thel lighted Christmas Wonderland. Roll past the beach, tree lot, Whoville, and more with a brief stop at Santa’s Workshop. Bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots on December 2nd and receive a free entry. This Port Richey Christmas light event happens weeknights 6pm-9pm; Weekends 6pm-10pm. 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills FL 34610.

The Best Christmas Lights in Masaryktown and Hernando County and Citrus County

Christmas Under the Moon at HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown

Select nights starting November 25-December 30, 2022
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 a NEW ATTRACTION, an enchanted hay ride.

Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

December 1-3, 8, and 15, 2022 from 6pm-9pm
Cost: $5 | Children 5 and younger are free
The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park invite you to experience their holiday light display at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. There will even be a chance to snap a photo with Santa’s Mermaid elves! Tickets are only available on Eventbrite here.

Light Up Inverness

December 3, 2022
Kids will love this Christmas celebration in Inverness, featuring train rides, live music and light displays at Liberty Park, a boat parade, and a visit from Santa himself. Visitors can enjoy the local competition for Lamp Post Decorations, too.

Fort Cooper Nights of Lights in Inverness

December 9-10, 2022
This holiday event is a must-see. Stroll through this beautiful state park under a canopy of sparkling lights, make your own s’mores, and enjoy holiday music and refreshments. Instead of an entrance fee, guests are asked to bring a food item or toy for the Citrus United Basket of Inverness or pet feed for Citrus County Animal Services.

Celebration of Light in Homosassa

December 17-23, 2022
The community can expect to see different entertainment and refreshments nightly. Enjoy Sebastian’s Winter Wonderland, a synchronized light, sound show and more! Donations will benefit the Friends of Homosassa Springs.

The Best Christmas Lights in Polk County and Auburndale

Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale

November 25-December 25, 2022
1052 US-92 in 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! The International Market World, 1052 US-92 in Auburndale.

The Best Christmas Lights in Bradenton and Manatee County

Hunsader Farms Country Christmas in Bradenton

December 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, and 23, 2022
5800 CR 675, Bradenton
Enjoy an old-fashioned country Christmas as the farm lights up in a dazzling display of over 300,000 lights. Enjoy activities such as hayrides, train rides, campfires, Christmas music, snow tubing, and a display Christmas village. Watch Christmas movies on the big screen, say hello to Santa, and warm up with hot chocolate and s’mores. Parking is free and tickets are $15 per person (cash only). Kids 5 and younger are free.

Winter Nights Under the lights at Palma Sola Botanical Gardens in Bradenton

December 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2022 from 6pm-9pm
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.

NOTE:

The Christmas Trail in Plant City

Canceled for 2022, will reopen in 2023

This east Tampa Christmas light display also features a Christmas Tree Light show, a Jack Frost ice show, and more! Learn more about this Tampa Christmas light show at TheChristmasTrail.com