Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa

Where to find the most DAZZLING Christmas lights in Tampa Bay

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!

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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

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

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 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.

Christmas in the wild at zoo tampa
Christmas in The Wild at ZooTampa

Holiday Spectacular 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.

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

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.

Festival of Lights
Festival of Lights

Raprager Family Farms 12 Days of Christmas Winter Festival

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. 

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.

The Best Christmas Lights in St. Pete and Pinellas County

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

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 and Santa Parade 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! Stand along the pedestrian walkways at North and South Straub Parks in St Petersburg for this free light show on 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.

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.

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

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.

The Best Christmas Lights in Polk County and Auburndale

Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village 

November 25-December 25, 2022
 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
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.

Related – Check out the Orlando Holiday & Christmas Lights


Keep an eye out for these! We’re anxiously waiting for more information and promise to let you know as soon as they’re announced!

Hyde Park Village Lights the Park

November 27-December 26, 2020 from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm

Hyde Park Village in South Tampa will light up with beautiful lights along Snow Avenue. It’s a perfect hot cocoa strolling type of event for the entire family. The event is in support of Make a Wish sponsored by St. Joseph’s Hospital. hydeparkvillage.com

Shimmering Lights Winter Festival at Sun Kissed Acres in Dover

November 27, 2020-end of December
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

Wesley Chapel Holiday Tree and Light Display 

December 4, 2020- January 3, 2021
The Grove at Wesley Chapel is unveiling a 20 acre display of holiday lights including visits with Santa, Christmas Trees, hundreds of thousands of lights, rides, music, real snow and more! Learn more here.

St. Petersburg Drive By Christmas Lights Neighborhoods in Seminole, St. Pete

Through December 1 through December 31 (usual dates, exact dates TBA)
Drive through 3+ miles of St. Petersburg Christmas lights’ neighborhoods from 6pm to 10pm 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!  Short drive by or drive across Tampa Bay for families looking to see some beautiful Christmas lights near Tampa and Clearwater.  102nd Ave & 109 Ave N, Seminole FL 33777 LightsofLakePark.com

Christmas Trees at Sims Park in Downtown New Port Richey

Through December

Stroll through Sims Park and admire the 100+ Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and families in support of charity. There are a ton of outdoor events scheduled throughout the month in downtown too including outdoor markets. See the full line up here.

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. Visit their Facebook page here for more.

The Christmas Trail in Plant City (The Christmas Trail will not be operating in 2021 and will return in 2022)

December 11-23, 2020 from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm
Masks will be required to attend this Plant City Christmas light display which has over 100,000 Christmas lights. Guests are asked to buy their tickets in advance online to ensure there is plenty of space to social distance while you explore the Christmas light trail! 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


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