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While we may not get snow for Christmas in Tampa, the city’s magical holiday activities and events transform Tampa into a winter wonderland by the water during the holiday season. The city sparkles with millions of holiday lights and the holiday spirit comes alive through festive Tampa holiday events that have become special traditions for many families like mine.
To help you plan your Tampa holiday adventures, I’ve compiled a list of my top recommendations for Tampa holiday activities and our family’s favorite Tampa holiday events.
If you want to enjoy the holly jolliest holiday activities in Tampa this year, you’ve found the perfect list.
Tampa Holiday Activities with Magical Light Displays
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
On select nights in November and December, ZooTampa transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and immersive holiday realms full of festive entertainment and special holiday activities.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa is a perfect Tampa holiday event for families with kids of all ages. Our family has made some magical holiday memories here and we always love seeing the animals under the glow of Christmas lights.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
During the holiday season, Busch Gardens Christmas Town brightens the Tampa theme park nightly with twinkling lights and festive fun included with daily park admission. It’s our family’s favorite place for a visit with Santa, plus Rudolph, Clarice and Bumble.
You can also climb aboard the Holly Jolly Express train, watch holiday shows like Christmas on Ice and treat yourself to cookies, cocoa and more. The cheer-filled Tampa holiday activities at Busch Gardens are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park – Ice Skating and More Tampa Holiday Activities
Downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park transforms into Winter Village during the holiday season complete with holiday lights displays, ice skating, curling, holiday shops, a café, holiday performances and more.
On select nights, the Winter Village Express takes families on a holiday excursion on the TECO Line Streetcar featuring a holiday sing-a-long, holiday trivia, milk & cookies, and more. If you want to take the Winter Village Express Tampa holiday train ride, make sure to buy tickets in advance.
River of Lights with Pirate Water Taxi – Enjoy Tampa Holiday Activities on the Water
Hop aboard downtown Tampa’s Pirate Water Taxi during the holiday season for a magical holiday cruise down the Hillsborough River. This family-friendly Tampa holiday adventure includes Christmas sing-a-longs—complete with snow flurries during “Let it Snow”—and festive games that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Every child will have the chance to write a letter to Santa and deliver it to Tampa’s only floating mail buoy! Keep your eyes peeled for a special visit to the “Elf on a Barge,” where each child will be gifted a stocking filled with holiday surprises. River of Lights Tampa Christmas cruises are offered on multiple dates and times from late November through December.
Beyond Tampa: Magical Holiday Lights Events in Pinellas County
AquaLanterns at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
This holiday festival of lights is worth the drive to Clearwater! As the sun sets during the holiday season, Clearwater Marine Aquarium transforms into a shining seascape. AquaLanterns: a Chinese Festival of Lights sets the aquarium aglow on Wednesday through Sunday evenings Oct. 18 through Dec. 30, and other select dates. You’ll be mesmerized by the illuminated lantern displays and CMA’s amazing rescued dolphins and other marine animals.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens
From late November through early January, beautiful Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo sparkles with one million twinkling holiday lights. A winter fundraiser for Florida Botanical Gardens, Holiday Lights in the Garden has a suggested donation of $10 per person, with kids 12 and under admitted free.
Throughout the month of December, the event will include free kids’ activities in the new children’s garden, Majeed Discovery Garden, every Sunday and Thursday evening.
Free Tampa Holiday Events
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular Lights Display
From late November through early January, the entire Tampa Riverwalk will glisten with holiday lights. As you take a holiday stroll along the Riverwalk to enjoy the Holiday Spectacular, you’ll also see floating light displays on barges in the Hillsborough River.
Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Tampa’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is a beloved Tampa holiday event held on the Saturday before Christmas. The parade is free to watch from anywhere along the Tampa Riverwalk. Families can also decorate their own boats and participate in the holiday boat parade, but advance registration with a registration fee is required.
Holiday Shows in Tampa
See a Holiday Show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Whether you kick off the holiday season with Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical in November or enjoy the treasured holiday tradition of going to see Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker performance at Christmastime, you’ll love making holiday memories at Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
In 2024, Cirque Dreams Holidaze will also keep the holiday cheer going on Dec. 26 and 27. Check out the full show calendar for even more holiday options.
Watch a Classic Holiday Movie at the Tampa Theatre
The Holiday Classics film series at the historic Tampa Theatre is another wonderful Tampa holiday tradition. You can make holiday memories as you enjoy special showings of favorite holiday films like Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life in the elaborate 1920s movie palace.
More Tampa Bay Winter Adventures
Want to plan some Tampa Bay winter adventures to enjoy after Christmas? Check out our guide to the best outdoor things to do in January around Tampa Bay.
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Tampa during a Florida vacation, check out Adventure-Seeking Mom approved Florida travel experiences on Viator.
Dreaming of a tropical winter vacation? Check out our guide to amazing Caribbean destinations for adventure.
Follow along on Instagram for even more family adventure inspiration in Florida and beyond.
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