It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is taking over all events in Tampa Bay and we couldn’t be more excited! It can be difficult narrowing down which holiday event is worth checking out. We tried to make your decision easier with this list of must-see holiday events in Tampa Bay with the help of visittampabay.com. From tree ceremonies, to light-up boat parade, here are the holiday celebrations you shouldn’t miss out on.
Winter Village - Curtis Hixon Park
It’s back! The winter village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa is back from November 18, 2022 – January 4, 2023. Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Here are 13 things to know before going to the winter wonderland.
Lighted Boat Parade - Tampa Riverwalk
Go from one event to another! Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen the Saturday before Christmas, December 17, 2022 along the Hillsborough river. The 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 where judging will occur and the parade will end. The parade starts at 6pm but you might want to show up a little early to get a good spot.
You can also get in the spirit early by attending the Harbour tree lighting taking place on 11/28 at 6pm!
Snow Days At The Florida Aquarium
Who says it can’t snow in Florida? Grab your gloves and join us for a week full of winter festivities and hands-on snow experiences! Activities include a snow maze, snowball toss, Winter Wonderland Dance Party and more. Snow Days takes place Monday, December 26 – Friday, December 30 and is included with general admission.
Enchant - St. Pete
One of Tampa Bay’s best holiday traditions is back! Cross the bridge to St. Pete for a winter wonderland experience you won’t forget. From November 25 2022 – January 1, 2023, stroll through lighted tunnels, travel to magical illuminated lands as you search for stars, find your way to our epic 100 foot tall Christmas tree, and look for special surprises along the way. If ice skating outside at Curtis Hixon doesn’t fit in your schedule, take some time from your Enchant experience to skate at the Trop! Ice skating tickets cost $18 and rental skates are included. General admission tickets start at $35 for adults and $20 for kids.
Watch A Holiday Classic At The Tampa Theater
One of the brightest and most beloved of those experiences is the tradition of sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen with family and friends, and singing along to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before select shows. Click here to see all movies are playing this year & showtimes.
River Of Lights Holiday Cruise
Hop on Tampa’s Pirate Water Taxi tour of holiday lights and decorations along the river including Holiday Island. This unique holiday cruise will quickly become your new favorite holiday tradition. Adult tickets start at $30 and kids start at $25.
Boarding and Departure Location: Pirate Water Taxi Stop 7 – behind the Tampa Convention Center
Cruise Times: 6:15 P.M., 7:15 P.M., 8:15 P.M., 9:15 P.M.
Duration: 45-minutes
Dates: Fri 11/25, Sat 11/26, Fri 12/2, Sat 12/3, Fri 12/9, Sat 12/10, Sun 12/11, Fri 12/16, Sun 12/18, Mon 12/19, Tues 12/20, W 12/21, Th 12/22, Fri 12/23, Sat 12/24
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights
The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds announces their UPGRADED holiday light spectacular, opening on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, and running through Sunday, January 1. Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village will envelop guests in an enchanting winter wonderland. The entire site will feature over a million lights. This year’s event features a nearly two-mile drive-thru of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. Tickets are $25/car, so bring the whole family!
Visit A Pop-Up Christmas Bar
Head to Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails in St. Pete for “Miracle at Mezzo,” or to Strandhill Public Tampa Heights for “Miracle on Main.” For the first time ever, “Sippin’ Santa,” a tiki-themed holiday pop-up bar, will open in Dunedin at The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar near Tampa and St. Pete.
These holiday experiences only last for a limited time, starting Nov. 25 and open through New Year’s Eve.
Holiday Dinner Buffet Cruises
Spend an holiday evening aboard the Yacht Starship! Set sail and create an evening of awe as you cruise through Tampa Bay’s beautiful skyline. Adult tickets start at $79.95 and include:
- Holiday Buffet Dinner Menu – View Menu
- 2.5-hour Cruise
- (2) Well Drink Tickets Per Person (Ages 21+) – Well Drink Tickets Include: Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, NUTRL Seltzers, Shock Top, House Wines, and House Liquors
- Cash Bar
- Complimentary Water, Tea, and Coffee
- DJ Entertainment
Hyde Park Holiday Happening
Hyde Park Village invites the community to take part in the Holiday Happening benefiting Make A Wish Southern Florida. This Saturday, November 19 stroll through a holiday market in Hyde Park Village. The tree lighting starts at 7pm! While you’re there, stop by this pop-up store and grab a custom Tampa Bay sweater or hoodie for any Bucs or Lightning fan in your life!
Winter Wonder Wharf - Sparkman Wharf
Celebrate the season with the whole family at Sparkman Wharf at Winter Wonder Wharf. Enjoy holiday-centric events and entertainment including a tree lighting, live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus and festive backdrops for fun photo-ops. Each weekend starting November 18 will feature a different holiday celebration.
Friday, November 18th kicks off their holiday events with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Saturday, December 3rd – Holiday Remix Singalong: Sing your favorite holiday songs at a special Holiday Remix Singalong with a Snow Queen as your host on the Sparkman Wharf lawn.
Saturday, December 10th – Comedy Show: Experience the joy of the holiday season and join us for a special interactive Holiday Comedy Show with Wit Improv Comedy.
Saturday, December 17th – Caroling: Experience the joy of the holiday season and join us for a special holiday caroling with a twist.Experience Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Amalie Arena
If you’ve never seen a Trans-Siberian Orchestra show, you’ll need to cross this off your holiday bucket list! There are two shows to choose from on December 18,one at 2p the other at 7p. Enjoy all-new songs as well as classics from their entire discography of genre-bending records presented with mind-blowing light and pyrotechnic show.
Winter Wonder Ride
As a holiday-themed bike ride, the Winter Wonder Ride allows participants to set out and see the iconic sights and sounds of Downtown Tampa and the beautiful Bayshore Boulevard. Tickets include access to the Winter Wonder Ride Concert at Curtis Hixon Park, or you can just grab tickets for the show! Click here for more info.
Season Spectacular - Water Street Tampa
Head to Water Street in Downtown Tampa for their first annual Season Spectacular! Meet Santa on November 18 from 6-9pm. Get festive with live music, holiday-themed silent disco, dazzling decor, hot chocolate bars, seasonal cocktails and bites, plus more surprises!
Water Street is also hosting The Holiday Promenade on Thursday, December 8 from 5p-8p. At this very merry market, you can discover unique gifts and enjoy the picture-perfect backdrop of seasonal entertainment. Grab the perfect unique gift for all of your loved ones.
