The holidays are expensive, so why not save a bit with these awesome free and cheap holiday events in Tampa Bay! We're sharing everything from beautiful holiday light displays to free community events and free photos with Santa to carry you through the season.

We'll be adding more events and information as they're announced for 2025, so be sure to check back here often for great free and cheap holiday events in the area!

This guide is divided up into categories to help you locate the type of event you are looking for:

Our Favorite Free and Cheap Holiday Events and Lights
Free Holiday Parades and Lighted Holiday Boat Parades
Where to Take Free and Cheap Photos with Santa in Tampa Bay
Free Holiday Movies in the Park

Featured Holiday Market

The Junior League of Tampa Holiday Market

Dates: November 6-9, 2025
Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa

This is the Junior League of Tampa's biggest fundraiser, bringing together more than 200 vendors as a one-stop shop for holiday gifts! Merchants include products such as apparel, candles, home goods, artwork, gourmet food, cookware, jewelry, outdoor furniture, pet apparel, holiday décor, and so much more. With the variety of merchants, shoppers will be sure to find something for their entire gift list!

Market visitors can take advantage of gift wrapping, bag check, fan cave, and a Mother's Nook. This holiday market raises key funds for their community projects and programs.

An arial view of the Junior League of Tampa's Holiday Market — An arial view of the vendors at the Junior League of Tampa's Holiday Market — Image by Junior League of Tampa

Our Favorite Free and Cheap Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for Families

(Events listed in order of launch date.)

When we say cheap that means we're only including events that are $25 or less for a family of four to attend. There is the possibility of having to pay to park at some of the free holiday events, but we'll make a notation of this on the event listing.

Updated October 2025

Winter Wonder Wharf in Tampa

When: Friday, November 14, 2025, 5 pm-9 pm
Where: Sparkman Wharf in Tampa
Cost: FREE to attend | Parking may cost you

Sparkman Wharf is getting a holiday twist with Winter Wonder Wharf! The Tree Lighting will take place at 7 pm. New this year, AR Workshop will host holiday crafts for all ages! There will also be an ice-skating act, LED drummers, a Rockettes-style show, special photo ops, a live DJ, and more!

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

When: Friday, November 21, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Where: Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
Cost: FREE to attend | Parking may cost you

Winter Village is free to attend; however, additional activities like ice skating will cost money. Ice skating is $17, which includes skate rental. There are other activities, including street curling, shopping from a bunch of local boutiques in the Village, and enjoying the beautiful holiday light show at Curtis Hixon Park!

Holiday Craft Fair & Bake Sale

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: 6111 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL
Cost: Free to attend

This precious craft fair and bake sale takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, but it is still a great event to have on your date idea radar. If you want a cozy small-town feel for the Thanksgiving season, this charming fair has it!

Tampa Bay Holiday Market & Expo

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 am-5 pm
Where: The Coliseum, St. Pete
Cost: Free to attend

Kick off the holiday season with local artists, creators, and local businesses! The Tampa Bay Holiday Market & Expo will be a great place to spend the day with shoping, seasonal treats, live entertainment, DIY Workshops, and more!

34th Annual Tarpon Springs Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Festival

When: Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23, 2025, 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 1 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Cost: Free to attend

If you like getting your holiday shopping done right after Thanksgiving, but the idea of waiting in Black Friday lines pains you, you’re not alone! Shop small, walk off the stuffing and avoid the lines by heading to the Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Festival in Tarpon Springs the weekend after turkey day.

Local craft vendors will take over Court Street, giving you the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your shopping.

Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides at Largo Central Park

When: November 27, 2025-January 4, 2026, 5 pm-10 pm
Where: 101 Central Park Dr., Largo
Cost: Free to attend, rides do have a fee

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. It is free to park and stroll among the sparkly Christmas lights. Minimum height for the carousel is 36″ and 56″ for the Ferris wheel.

Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens

When: November 28, 2025-January 3, 2026
Where: Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo: 12520 Ulmerton Road
Cost: Free to attend, but donations appreciated

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.

Christmas Lane in Plant City

When: November 28-December 24, 2025
Where: Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City
Cost: last year's cost was $8.85 per adult, $7.08 per child ages 4-12 and $44.16 for a Season Pass

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.

Waterfront Lights and Santa Parade in St. Petersburg

When: November 29, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown St. Pete
Cost: Free to enjoy the lights

Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting in North Straub Park with the Mayor and Santa 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 Christmas lights and displays at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park, and the St. Pete Pier.

Celebration of Lights at the Concourse in Shady Hills-Pasco County

When: November 28-December 22, 2025, on select nights
Where: 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills
Cost: $25 for a carload of people

Drive one mile through a beautiful display of larger-than-life holiday lights at the Concourse in Shady Hill's annual Celebration of Lights event. You can also park to board a mini train over to Safety Town, a miniature town decorated with lights. Santa will even be there!

Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk

When: November 30, 2025,-January 2, 2026
Where: Tampa Riverwalk
Cost: FREE to participate | Parking may cost you

Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk among the festive holiday lights as the area transforms into a winter wonderland! Major highlights of this walk include a 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor, a 30-foot-tall LED panel Christmas tree synchronized to music, a holiday selfie station at Water Wrks Park, a floating gingerbread lighted display, a lighted pine tree forest by Curtis Hixon Park, and much more! Hotels, restaurants, and bars along the Riverwalk will also have festive lighted displays.

There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs

When: December 12, 2025, from 5 pm-10 pm
Where: 100 E. Tarpon Ave. Tarpon Springs, Florida
Cost: Free to attend

The biggest Christmas event in north Pinellas returns to beautiful, historic downtown Tarpon Springs. This FREE event gets bigger and better every year! Snow Place features snow slides, visit with Santa, write and mail your letter to Santa, Holiday movies, street performers, children’s Christmas activities, DJ, Live performers, Christmas music & more.

Jingle Bell Bazaar At Centennial Park

When: December 14, 2025, 12 pm-6 pm
Where: Centennial Park, Ybor City
Cost: Free to attend

The Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar is a fun, festive holiday event in Historic Ybor City featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, and a large holiday market

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

When: December 18-21, 2025
Where: 9800 17th Avenue NW, Bradenton
Cost: Free to attend, donation encouraged

The Palma Sola Botanical Gardens is stringing up acres of lights for a wonderful Winter Nights Under the Lights! There will also be a holiday gift market, holiday music, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Toys for Tots, and more!

Harbor Holiday Nights at Folly Farm

When: December 20, 2025, 6 pm-9:30 pm
Where: Folly Farm Nature Preserve, Safety Harbor
Cost: Free to attend, Holiday Trolley tickets are $5 before December 12.

Celebrate the season in Safety Harbor with holiday lights, festive cheer, cozy campfires, and family-friendly activities. Take a ride on the Holiday Trolley to Merry Lane—tickets are $5 if purchased by December 12, $7 after.

This community favorite is free to attend and fun for all ages, and offers free parking and shuttle at Harborside Church.

Free and Cheap Holiday Events to be Announced for 2025

Winter Wonderland in Oldsmar

When: 2025 TBA
Where: R.E. Olds Park in Oldsmar
Cost: Free to attend

Annual free event featuring a giant snow slope, pictures with Santa, concessions, and lots of family fun! Arrive by 5 pm to catch Miss Suda's Dancers year-end Holiday Recital.

Snowfest at North Straub Park in St. Pete

When: 2025 TBA
Where: 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
Cost: FREE to attend | Parking may cost you

While this is not a free event, a family of 4 can participate for about $20 with wristbands to participate in activities going for $5 each. Kids and adults can enjoy a toboggan slide! There will also be inflatables, arts and crafts, and more!

12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach

When: 2025 TBA
Where: Pier 60 Park
Cost: Free to attend

Local Clearwater businesses are hosting this holiday celebration including a Christmas tree lighting, caroling, parade, a Christmas market and more. Free admission.

Clearwater’s Polar Express Experience at Coachman Park

When: 2025 TBA
Where: Coachman Park in Clearwater
Cost: FREE to attend

Ruth Eckerd Hall this is a FREE event at Coachman Park that will feature a snowfall, a magical ride around The Sound on a Polar Express train, pictures with Santa, and a Gingerbread mini putt-putt. Tel-an-Elf, where kids can video chat with Santa’s elves at the North Pole, games, and more. There will also be a screening of the film The Polar Express at 7 pm.

Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

When: 2025 TBA
Cost: $12 | Children 5 and younger are free

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!

Free Holiday Parades and Boat Parades in Tampa Bay

A boat parade is probably one of the most “Florida” ways to celebrate the holidays, other than building a sand snowman on the beach. And here in Tampa Bay, with our wonderful waterways, we’ve got quite a few of them. During December, fill your calendar with these holiday boat parades around the Bay. All events are free to watch; however, you might have to pay for parking.

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting at North Straub Park in St. Pete

When: November 29, 2025, 6:30 pm
Where: Albert Whitted Park to 5th Ave. NE, St. Pete

The Santa Parade and Tree Lighting is the perfect way to kick off the holidays in St. Pete. The Santa Parade begins at Albert Whitted Park and then runs along Bayshore Drive to 5th Avenue NE. The tree lighting will follow so be sure to stick around!

The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa is on December 23, 2023.

Holiday Parade at Safety Harbor

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am
Where: Main Street of Safety Harbor

Beautifully decorated boats and an appearance by Santa at the end of the parade are just a few of the highlights. Further details will be released as the parade date gets closer. This parade will be held rain or shine.

City of Tampa Santa Fest Parade and Festivities

When: December 6, 2025, 1 pm
Where: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Cost: FREE to attend | Parking may cost you

The parade kicks off at 1 pm on Morgan Street and Madison Street and then travels west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive before turning north and ending at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. The best viewing is along Madison Street. After the parade, head to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for Santa Fest entertainment and activities from 1 pm-4 pm which will be followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 pm with Mayor Castor and Santa Claus!

After the tree is lit there will be a holiday movie shown in the park for free.

Annual Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade

When: Friday, December 12, 2025, 7 pm
Where: Craig Park, Tarpon Springs, FL

Vessels will begin at the Tarpon Landing Marina and will end in Spring Bayou at 8 p.m. Trophies will be awarded to the best-decorated boats!

Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade

When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6 pm
Where: Begins at Gulfport Municipal Marina

See the parade from the Gulfport Municipal Marina, Clam Bayou Nature Park, Osgood Point, Gulfport's Williams Pier, and the Gulfport Casino before passing by the Gulfport beach.

The parade will then make it's way through the communities of Town Shores, Pelican Bay, Skimmers Point, Bayview Circle, past Kipps Colony, near the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club (note: due to the Marina, the boats can only get halfway down that canal), then along Dolphin Blvd, to the Pasadena Golf Club Estates, across to Isla del Sol.

58th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Madeira Beach

When: December 13, 2025, 6:15 pm-8:30 pm
Where: Best public viewing at ROC Park – Madeira Beach

This annual boat parade kicks off at ROC Park and ends at John’s Pass Village. There will be a Merry Market at ROC Park and there will also be holiday shopping at John's Pass with live holiday music.

Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

When: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 6:15 pm
Where: Tampa Riverwalk

The parade begins near the lighthouse off Davis Islands and travels past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center. The small parade boats will continue upriver past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Ulele, finishing near Water Works Park and Armature Works.

Spectators can enjoy free viewing at multiple locations along the Riverwalk! Check out this year's parade map here.

Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Boat Parade

When: December 20, 2025, 7 pm-10 pm
Where: Parade lineup at Holiday Inn Harbor Side

Parade will begin at the Walsingham Bridge, winding through the fingers and ending at Harbor Drive North.

Annual Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and Celebration

When: Saturday, December 20, 2025, time TBA
Where: Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis

Last year, spectators watched the parade from a spectacular vantage point and participated in the events at Treasure Bay. A DJ, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive entertainers, and food/beverage concessions were available to enhance the evening.

Downtown St. Pete Lighted Boat Parade

When: December 21, 2025, 6 pm
Where: Downtown St Pete and St. Pete Pier

Head to the St. Pete Pier for the holiday-lighted boat parade and other activities!

Annual Palm Harbor Holiday Parade

When: 2025 TBA
Where: The parade starts at Delaware and 12th Street

This FREE family fun tradition starts at Delaware & 12th Street and ends at 11th and Michigan Ave. If you want to continue the festivities, there will be a Gift Market in the Harbor Hall parking lot.

Where to take FREE and cheap pictures with Santa

You will need to bring your camera to these photo ops, so be sure everything is fully charged before you go!

Gallagher’s Pumpkins and Christmas Trees in St. Petersburg

When: Now open. Follow on social for Santa dates.
Cost: Varies

Head to the Insta-worthy Gallagher’s in St. Pete to pick up your Christmas Tree and experience more holiday fun like the snow machine, free visits with Santa on select dates and times, apple cider with donuts, poinsettias, and more! We recently chatted with Ciera Gallagher who owns the tree lot with her husband to learn more about their family business, Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees.

Santa at Bass Pro Shops

When: Beginning November 1, 2025
Where: 10501 Palm River Rd in Tampa

FREE reservations are strongly suggested at all locations to secure your spot. Reservations may be made within a 7-day timeframe. Reserve your Santa visit time slot. Santa is back at Bass Pro Shop’s FREE Santa’s Wonderland experience! There will also be fun events for the whole family and weekday giveaways.

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa

When: Friday, November 21, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Cost: FREE to attend | Parking may cost you

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa with festive lights, ice skating, and more. Keep an eye out for Santa – he’ll be making a few surprise visits at Winter Village! Be sure to stay off the naughty list and stay tuned to the @WinterVillageTampa Facebook and Instagram pages for clues as to when you might be able to catch a glimpse of the man in red yourself. Bring your camera and prepare for a Santa experience like no other.

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Armature Works

When: November 22, 2025, 5 pm-9 pm
Cost: FREE to attend | Parking may cost you

Kids can visit with Santa in the South Lawn near the Armature Works Christmas Tree! There will also be a tree lighting with s'mores and a mini market for holiday shopping.

Santa in the Park at North Straub Park in St Pete

When: December 13-23, 2025, 6 pm-9 pm
Cost: FREE to attend | Parking may cost you

Bring the kids out for free photos with Santa in Straub Park! Be sure to bring your own camera to capture the memories.

Christmas Lights at Chick-Fil-A on Waters Avenue

When: 2025 TBA
Cost: Free. Food available for purchase.

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.

Santa at Hyde Park Village in South Tampa

When: 2025 TBA
Cost: Free to attend. Pumpkin prices vary.

Santa will be popping in at Hyde Park Village for visits and photos at various shops throughout the village. Each shop will host Santa on their designated day, so check here for updates: hydeparkvillage.com

Free Holiday Movies in the Park

Movie in the Park after Santa Fest in Downtown Tampa

When: December 6, 2025
Where: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa
Cost: Free to attend

Bring your own blankets for a movie on the lawn of Curtis Hixon Park after enjoying a full day of festive fun during Santa Fest! The movie will start after the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Holiday Movies in the Park at Crescent Lake Park in St. Pete

When: December 6, 13, 20, 2025, all movies begin at 7 pm
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend

The Crescent Lake Neighborhood Association is hosting a free movie in the park with a showing of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York at Vinoy Park on December 6, The Santa Clause at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve on December 13, and Miser Brothers Christmas at Huggins-Stengel Field on December 20.

Tampa Theatre Holiday Movies at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

When: 2025 TBA
Where: Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
Cost: FREE to attend | Parking may cost you

Enjoy a night out at Winter Village with a stroll to view the holiday lights and maybe participate in a game of curling before the movie. There are two free holiday movie nights in partnership with the Tampa Theatre.

Holiday Movie in the Park in Tarpon Springs

When: 2025 TBA
Where: Craig Park: 100 Library Lane, Tarpon Springs
Cost: Free to attend

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets for a fun & free night out! Families can pick a special viewing spot in the park for a showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

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