Outdoor Ice Skating Returning to Downtown Tampa at Winter Village in 2026
Get ready to buckle up those ice skates for a unique experience in downtown Tampa! Outdoor ice skating will return to Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park Friday, November 20, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027!Â
Winter Village is one of Our Favorite Holiday Events for Families in Tampa Bay, so let’s dish on the details so you know what to expect.
What are the hours for Winter Village?
Winter Village will be open Friday, November 20, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027. Hours do vary a bit around the holidays, so check the ice skating and shops calendars on the website to confirm. They will also be open from 12 pm-11 pm on Hillsborough County non-school days.
Returning Favorites at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park 2026
Ice Skating in downtown at Winter VillageÂ
When we say there’s nothing quite like ice-skating on real ice outside in the middle of downtown…in FLORIDA…there’s truly nothing like it. You must pre-book your ice-skating time online at WinterVillageTampa.com to secure your spot on the ice. You will get 75 minutes to skate. Tickets are $17 for people 12 and older and $15 for kids under the age of 12–the price includes your skate rental. Please follow their Facebook page for real-time updates.
Tip: They offer both figure and hockey skates, but we recommend figure skates for beginners since they’re easier to balance! Also, make sure to fill out the online waiver before heading over to save time.Â
River of Lights Boat Tours, in partnership with Pirate Water Taxi
Guests can hop aboard the River of Lights cruise for a dazzling 45-minute journey down the Hillsborough River, now departing directly from Winter Village (Stop #12). The festive cruise features sing-alongs with snow flurries, games, and visits from Santa’s helpers.
Kids can even mail letters to Santa via Tampa’s only floating mail station, bringing awareness to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children, available here.
Winter Village Express
The Winter Village Express is back in 2026 on select nights! It takes you on a unique, festive ride on the TECO Streetcar on select evenings with new characters, Rudy and Holly.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy cookies and milk, holiday sing-a-longs, and more festive surprises. The Winter Village Express takes you from Whiting Station Downtown to Ybor City and back. Tickets are $10 – book here before they sell out!
Ice-Skating Shows
There are several shows on schedule for this year during opening weekend, holidays, and closing weekend:
360-degree Light ShowÂ
Upgraded with new lights that wash the park in color each night. These stunning 10-15 minute displays typically take place at 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm. You’ll know it’s going on when you hear the Christmas music bursting out of the speakers!
The Shops at Winter Village
Check off the holiday wish list and shop local at the Shops at Winter Village. You’ll find local businesses nestled inside PODS along the sidewalk next to the skating rink. You can support them during regular hours and on Shop Small Saturdays.
It’s a great way to find unique gifts for family and friends! From jewelry to custom tumblers, to Tampa-themed gear.
The Cafe at Winter Village
While you’re at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, be sure to stop by The Cafe at Winter Village for a snack and sips! Â And for a sweet treat, make sure to grab one of their specialty crepes!
They also have a stand with coffees and hot chocolate to keep you toasty after a swirl around the skating rink.
Santa at Winter Village
Santa is slated to make an appearance during Santa Fest in Tampa on Saturday, December 5, 2026!
The Christmas Lights at Winter Village and Curtis Hixon Park
The trees along Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park are lit for the holidays and even synchronize to music during mini-shows throughout the night! It’s beautiful and best of all, it’s FREE to watch!
Related: The BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay
Winter Village is not to miss!
It is free to go to Winter Village, however, you will need to pay to go ice skating. Your family can truly make an afternoon/evening out of your visit to Winter Village. There are plenty of areas to snap cute family photos, so keep that camera handy! Since Glazer Children’s Museum is nearby, pop over for a visit to check out Gingerbread Village where you can make a gingerbread house out of recycled materials and add it to the growing village!
