19 Festive Things To Do In Tampa Bay this Holiday Season
Holiday Pop Ups, Tree Lightings and Boat Parades Oh My
Looking for the top things to do in Tampa Bay this holiday season? Whether you’re planning festive outings with friends, romantic evenings with your partner, or family-friendly Christmas adventures, Tampa Bay has you covered with an amazing lineup of outdoor holiday fun. From Christmas tree lightings to dazzling holiday light displays, there’s no shortage of things to do in Tampa. Grab your favorite people and make memories that will last beyond the new year. Make sure you take pictures! Don’t forget that Central Florida is home to the ONLY snow park in Florida!
As Tampa Bay transforms into a winter wonderland, you’ll find holiday events and seasonal attractions all over, perfect for embracing the Christmas spirit. Picture this: sipping hot cocoa at a waterfront tree lighting, watching a lighted boat parade, or gliding around an ice rink under the twinkling lights. There’s something for everyone, and with so many options, we’ve curated the best outdoor holiday activities to make this season unforgettable. Let’s dive into Tampa Bay’s must-do holiday events for 2024!
Downtown Tampa
Amalie Arena
Pentatonix Holiday Concert
Date: December 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM
Ticket Price: Starting around $40
Details: Celebrate with Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix as they perform their holiday hits.
Parking: Paid parking available on-site and nearby garages.
Curtis Hixon Park – Winter Village
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Dates: November 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Features: Ice skating rink, holiday market, light displays, and themed nights (like Ugly Sweater Skate and Silent Disco Fridays).
Hours: Various hours daily
Ticket Price: Ice skating is $17 including skate rental; other activities vary.
Kid-Friendly: Yes, includes activities for children.
Parking: Available at nearby garages like the Poe Garage.
Santa Fest and Tree Lighting
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: Parade at 1:00 PM, Santa Fest from 3:30-5:30 PM, and Tree Lighting at 6:30 PM
Price: Free
Details: A parade downtown leads into holiday festivities at Curtis Hixon Park, culminating in the tree lighting with Mayor Castor and Santa.
Armature Works
Holiday Heights Night Market
Date: December 13, 2024, 5:30-9:30 PM
Price: Free entry
Details: Shop holiday-themed goods from local makers, enjoy food trucks, and embrace the festive vibes along the Hillsborough River.
Kid-Friendly: Yes, family-friendly atmosphere.
Sparkman Wharf & Water Street Tampa
Water Street Season Spectacular
Date: November 17, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM
Price: Free
Details: Holiday decor, photo ops, and activities. Walk to Sparkman Wharf for Winter Wonder Wharf with a 30-foot tree lighting, Santa visits, and festive treats.
Kid-Friendly: Yes.
Holiday Promenade and Night of Lights (Chanukah Celebration)
Promenade Date: December 8, 2024
Night of Lights Date: December 14, 2024
Price: Free
Details: Holiday market with artisans, local vendors, and a light-filled celebration for Chanukah.
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Boat Parade
Tampa Lighted Boat Parade
Date: December 21, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Route: Hillsborough River, from Davis Islands to Sparkman Wharf
Price: Free viewing from the Riverwalk
Kid-Friendly: Yes, popular with families.
Details: Tampa's largest lighted boat parade with decorated boats, great viewing spots along the Riverwalk and Sparkman Wharf.
St. Petersburg
A. Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field
o Dates: November 24, 2024 - December 31, 2024
o Highlights: Largest Christmas light maze, ice skating trail, shopping village, Santa visits.
o Cost: Starting at $25 for kids, $30 for adults
o Kid-Friendly: Yes
o Parking: Stadium parking available at Tropicana Field.
B. Santa Parade and Tree Lighting
o Date: November 30, 2024, at 6:30 PM
o Location: North Straub Park
o Cost: Free
o Kid-Friendly: Yes
Dade City
A. Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park
o Opening Date: November 22, 2024
o Season End Date: March 2, 2025
o Price: Starting at $49.95 for general admission
o Details: Florida’s only snow park features a 60-foot snow tubing hill called Snowy Slopes, the Arctic Igloo for snow play, the Crystal Ribbon ice skating area, and Santa’s Christmas Lane with holiday decor and Santa visits. Additional amenities include food trucks, campfires, and private igloos for group reservations.
Dunedin
A. Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting
o Date: December 2, 2024
o Time: Tree lighting at 5:30 PM, boat parade following
o Location: Downtown Dunedin Waterfront
o Cost: Free
o Kid-Friendly: Yes
Sarasota
A. Holiday Lights at St. Armands Circle
o Date: December 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM
o Highlights: Tree lighting ceremony, holiday carolers, and festive decor around St. Armands Circle.
o Cost: Free
o Kid-Friendly: Yes
B. Selby Gardens Lights in Bloom
o Dates: December 14 - 31, 2024
o Highlights: Over two million lights in botanical gardens, Santa visits, and holiday displays.
o Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for children (members receive a discount)
o Kid-Friendly: Yes
KRATE at the Grove (Wesley Chapel)
A. KRATE Holiday Market
o Dates: December 9 - 10, 2024
o Highlights: Holiday shopping with local vendors, live music, and seasonal treats.
o Cost: Free entry
o Kid-Friendly: Yes
Christmas Pop Ups for the Adults
Miracle pop-ups
Strandhill Public (Tampa)
Event Duration: November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11 AM - 1 AM
Friday: 11 AM - 3 AM
Saturday: 11 AM - 3 AM
Sunday: 11 AM - 1 AM
Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails (St. Petersburg)
Event Duration: November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Hours: Not specified yet
XMAS Bar (St. Petersburg): Nov – early January (not specified).
Joy Bar: It’s Christmas ALL YEAR
Please follow up with each venue for any updates or schedule changes!
Thanks for this!