While near-freezing temperatures inhabit other cities for winter, Tampa Bay remains warm and sunny. The Bay Area’s mild temperatures are ideal for getting out, exploring, and experiencing everything this holiday season, just without mittens.
CHRISTMAS TOWN
NOV 14, 2022 – JAN 9, 2023
Millions of twinkling lights illuminate the night at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Christmas Town. Experience Florida’s most thrilling rides after dark, indulge in seasonal food & drink and explore a world of fantastically festive live entertainment perfect for all the family, including Christmas On Ice and a chance to meet the little one’s favorite Sesame Street characters.
WINTER VILLAGE
NOV 18, 2022 – JAN 4, 2023
Outdoor ice skating – in Florida? Festive magic makes it possible at Curtis Hixon Park’s Winter Village. The picturesque waterfront park shines in Downtown Tampa for a celebration full of jubilation and festive cheer. Take t
LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
DEC. 17
On Dec. 17, the Tampa Riverwalk will shimmer with the sparkle of Tampa Bay’s largest lighted boat parade. Stroll the 2.6-mile-long riverside pathway, soak up the spirit of the season, and enjoy a celebration that is uniquely Tampa Bay.
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
NOV 28, 2022 – JAN 2023
On Monday Nov. 28, join the community on the iconic Tampa Riverwalk for the start of the celebrations as a 35-foot-tall floating Christmas tree is ceremonially illuminated for the first time of the season! Then, the festivities continue through January 2023 with festive activities, floating light displays, and even a floating gingerbread display for all to enjoy.
SNOW DAYS AT FLAQ
DEC. 26 – DEC. 30
Snow Days is back at The Florida Aquarium! Grab your gloves and join in on 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 is free for members and included with general admission.
NEXT GENERATION BALLET’S NUTCRACKER
DEC 16-18
Now a glittery Tampa Bay tradition, the family favorite performance of Nutcracker at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts features principal dancers from powerhouse companies alongside NGB’s award-winning young dancers.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL
DEC. 1 – DEC. 23
A holiday tradition four decades in the making, Tampa Bay’s Victorian Christmas Stroll offers a unique glimpse into the magic of Christmas past. A 14′ tree decked out in stunning antique ornaments anchors rooms and halls bursting with decorations old and new, with complementary cider and cookies completing the festivities.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
NOV 24, 2022 – JAN 1, 2023
With presentations representing Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa, the Festival of Lights enchants visitors in its wintery wonderland that features featuring more than one million lights. Featuring a two-mile drive-thru of twinkling displays and even hilarious elves wrestling alligators, this is truly a Floridian holiday tradition that cannot be missed!
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE
NOV. 9 – JAN. 3
Glazer Children’s Museum’s Gingerbread Village continues to be a holiday favorite for Tampa Bay locals and visitors alike. Join the celebration with your family and get hands-on, creating your very own gingerbread house to add to the village that grows day by day. The village is made entirely of recycled materials like cardboard and pipe cleaners, making for an entertaining and educational Christmas experience.
WINTER VILLAGE EXPRESS
NOV. 21 – DEC. 19 (SELECT DATES)
Nothing will get you into the holiday spirit more than a ride on the Winter Village Express. Hop aboard Tampa’s TECO Line Streetcar for a holiday trip like no other. This interactive experience brings you from downtown Tampa to historic Ybor City and back for a one-hour, round-trip holiday excursion. Bring the whole family for FREE cookies and milk on board, holiday sing-a-longs, Christmas stories, and other added surprises along the way. The Winter Village Express is a ticketed event, so don’t miss out!
HOLIDAY CRUISES
NOV. 25 – DEC. 30
A dazzling adventure awaits you this holiday season aboard Yacht StarShip! Set sail and create an evening of awe as you cruise through Tampa Bay’s beautiful skyline. Take in the fresh sea air after a specially prepared holiday meal and refreshments, concluding your evening with dancing on the top deck with your friends and family. Don’t forget to flaunt your most festive attire!
SANTA’S FLIGHT ACADEMY
NOV. 10 – DEC. 24
Santa’s flight academy is more than a photo op with Santa Claus! It is an innovative Holiday experience that delivers the magic and tradition of the season.
RIVER OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY BOAT TOUR
NOV 25 – DEC 24
Cruise cheerfully along the Hillsborough River for a festive tour of Tampa Bay’s wonderful waterfront holiday lights. As you enjoy the displays, a Dickens caroler performs sing-a-longs accompanied by cookies, hot chocolate, and even a snow flurry.
WINTER WONDER WHARF
NOV. 18 – DEC. 17
Celebrate the season 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. Winter Wonder Wharf is a series of holiday weekend celebrations happening this season at Sparkman Wharf.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
NOV. 19
Hyde Park Village reignites its traditional tree lighting celebration, featuring special live entertainment, holiday-themed sips, and bites, in addition to local food trucks that will preview select 2023 offerings. The tree lighting takes place at 7 pm, and a portion of the evening’s proceedings will benefit Make-A-Wish Florida.
CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD
NOV. – DEC. (SELECT NIGHTS)
Christmas in the Wild returns bigger, better, and more joyful than ever this year at ZooTampa. Immerse yourself in six different festive realms, see incredible shows, explore the Twinkletown Marketplace, and of course get up close and personal with ZooTampa’s exotic wildlife for a family-friendly Christmas experience unlike any other.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
NOV. 26 – DEC. 19
Kids of all ages will delight in the magic of the holiday season at The Florida Aquarium. Beginning on Friday, November 26 enjoy daily showings of the holiday classic, POLAR EXPRESS™ in 4D at the 4Ducks Theater! Kick-off the season with a visit from Santa on Friday, November 26 from 5pm to 7pm and every Saturday and Sunday through December 19 from 11am to 3pm. Santa will be available for photos inside of his “snow globe,” allowing families to safely visit and snap a memorable family photo. Both are free with membership or general admission.
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
DEC. 18
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back with the new show, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. Enjoy all-new songs as well as classics from their entire discography of genre-bending records.
ENCHANT CHRISTMAS
NOV. 25 – JAN. 1
The adventure begins in an all-new story-themed festive light maze, where Santa’s magical timepiece transports you. Illuminated lands, sparkling tunnels, and ice skating are complete with a magnificent 100-foot-tall Christmas tree that spreads the season’s spirit all around.
HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND
NOV 25 – DEC 31, 2022
Enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions, rock around the giant LEGO tree, and ring in the new year with spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky: a truly brick-tacular celebration that will dazzle and delight any young LEGO fans!
SANTA FEST
DEC. 3
Enjoy a fun and festive parade through Downtown Tampa before Christmastime entertainment and activities take hold at the park! Later in the evening, meet Santa Claus and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, then stay for Tampa’s annual tree lighting ceremony, followed by a movie showing.
HOLIDAY CLASSIC SHOWINGS
NOV. 27 – JAN. 8 (SELECT NIGHTS)
One of the most cherished holiday traditions is watching a holiday favorite on the big screen. Visit the historic Tampa Theatre on select nights throughout November and December for showings of holiday classics like Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life! To get into the holiday cheer, sing along to your favorite carols with friends and family at select sing-along showings featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.
WINTER WONDER RIDE
DEC. 10
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. After the ride, join the celebration at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for food, drinks, and Tampa Bay’s largest outdoor pajama party.