As we approach the end of 2025, the holiday season kicks into full gear with joyful activities and events. With December coming, you might be curious about what Tampa Bay has in store for this year’s celebrations.
Prepare to enter a Christmas wonderland as Tampa Bay unveils a spectacular variety of Florida’s most extravagant and festive events. From mesmerizing Christmas light displays to the sounds of holiday music, endless activities are scheduled for the family this season!
Being a part of the Tampa Bay business community, we know some of the most festive events to attend this season. Explore our comprehensive 2025 holiday event guide to discover the perfect experience for you and your family.
Holiday Markets, Tree Lightings, Christmas Light Displays, Boat Parades, and Christmas Events in the Tampa Bay Area
Check out the area’s top holiday events across Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, and Tampa below, listed by date. Please note: it’s essential to check each event’s website for additional details before attending.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
Location: ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604
Dates: Select nights Friday, November 22, 2025 – Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Admission: $29.95 for non-pass holders | Free for ZooTampa members
What’s included: Themed light zones, wildlife encounters, photo ops with Santa, and seasonal treats.
Details: Christmas in the Wild offers one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in Tampa Bay. Wander through glowing trails, see your favorite animals, and enjoy holiday entertainment surrounded by nature.
Website: https://zootampa.org/events/christmas-in-the-wild/
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Dates: Friday, November 21, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026
Time: Check daily schedule (ice skating and shops vary)
Admission: Free village entry; skating and activities ticketed
What’s included: Outdoor ice skating, holiday shops, and family activities along the Riverwalk.
Details: Winter Village Tampa returns for its 10th anniversary in 2025, offering riverfront views, festive décor, and Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink.
Website: https://wintervillagetampa.com/
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL
Dates: Select dates Friday, November 15, 2025 – Sunday, January 5, 2026
Time: Park open to park close
Admission: Included with park admission
What’s included: Millions of dazzling lights, Christmas shows, Rudolph meet-and-greets, holiday dining, and the Holly Jolly Express.
Details: Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens into a winter wonderland with nightly fireworks, festive treats, and a visit from Santa himself. It’s one of Tampa’s largest and most beloved holiday attractions—perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Website: https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/christmas-town/
Safety Harbor Tree Lighting
Location: Gazebo at John Wilson Park, 401 Main Street, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Dates: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Admission: Free
What’s included: Choir performances, family activities, food, and a visit from Santa.
Details: Celebrate the start of December with Safety Harbor’s charming annual tree lighting. The downtown transforms into a glowing holiday scene that’s perfect for families.
Website: https://www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=22347
Winter Wonder Wharf at Sparkman Wharf
Location: Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Dates: Friday, November 29, 2025 – Sunday, December 29, 2025
Time: Evenings; check venue calendar for schedules
Admission: Free entry
What’s included: Light displays, live entertainment, themed photo ops, and holiday market pop-ups.
Details: Winter Wonder Wharf turns Sparkman Wharf into a vibrant waterfront holiday destination. Stroll among twinkling lights, sip hot cocoa, and shop local vendors—all while enjoying Tampa’s downtown skyline and waterfront views.
Website: https://www.visittampabay.com/tampa-events/details/winter-wonder-wharf/98842/
Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Location: 830 Bayway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: Parade starts at 6:30 PM
Admission: Free
What’s included: Dozens of illuminated boats, festive music, and waterfront celebrations.
Details: The 51st annual Clearwater Yacht Club Boat Parade brings Florida’s coastal charm to life with glowing sailboats lighting up Clearwater Harbor.
Website: https://clearwateryachtclub.org/calendar/category/boat-parade/list/
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – Tampa Riverwalk
Location: Hillsborough River, Downtown Tampa (view from Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, or Armature Works)
Dates: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: Parade begins around 6:15 PM
Admission: Free for spectators
What’s included: Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade with decorated vessels gliding through downtown.
Details: The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Boat Parade is a can’t-miss waterfront tradition, bringing together locals and visitors for one of the most beautiful nights of the season.
Website: https://thetampariverwalk.com/events/holiday-lighted-boat-parade.html
Trans-Siberian Orchestra “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More”
Location: AMALIE Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Dates: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Admission: Starting at $59
What’s included: A full-scale rock symphony with lasers, lights, and holiday hits.
Details: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Tampa for a high-energy Christmas show that blends storytelling, pyrotechnics, and symphonic sound for an unforgettable night.
Website: https://www.ticketmaster.com/trans-siberian-orchestra-tickets/artist/780815
Cracker Country – Christmas in the Country
Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Hwy 301 N, Tampa, FL
Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: General admission applies
What’s included: Traditional crafts, caroling, historic décor, and pioneer holiday exhibits.
Details: Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country offers a step back in time with costumed interpreters, handmade crafts, and the sights and sounds of a 19th-century Florida Christmas.
Website: https://www.visittampabay.com/tampa-events/details/cracker-country-christmas-in-the-country/96991/
Tampa Bay Holiday Market & Expo
Location: The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL
Dates: Saturday–Sunday, November 22–23, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free entry
What’s included: Holiday décor, handmade gifts, jewelry, crafts, and local vendors.
Details: The Tampa Bay Holiday Market & Expo is the perfect place to find unique gifts from small businesses and enjoy festive entertainment in St. Petersburg’s historic Coliseum.
Website: https://mytbtickets.com/events/2025-tampa-bay-holiday-market-11-22-2025/tickets
Santa Fest & Tree Lighting – Downtown Tampa
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa, FL
Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: Parade at 1:00 PM, tree lighting to follow
Admission: Free
What’s included: Santa parade, holiday crafts, live entertainment, and photos with Santa.
Details: Tampa’s Santa Fest brings holiday joy to the city with a family-friendly parade and tree lighting in the heart of downtown.
Website: https://www.tampa.gov/special-events-coordination/news-and-events/santa-fest
Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park
Location: 101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771
Dates: November 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Time: Nightly from 6:00 PM
Admission: Free entry; rides ticketed
What’s included: More than 2 million LED lights, a Ferris wheel, carousel, and concession stands.
Details: Largo Central Park comes alive each night with stunning displays and carnival-style rides for kids of all ages.
Website: https://tampabayparenting.com/best-christmas-events-10357/
Holiday Lights in the Gardens – Florida Botanical Gardens
Location: 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774
Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Admission: Suggested donation
What’s included: Walk-through garden displays illuminated by over a million lights, with nightly entertainment and refreshments.
Details: One of Pinellas County’s most scenic holiday light displays, perfect for romantic strolls or family nights out.
Website: https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/17-ways-to-celebrate-the-holidays-in-the-tampa-bay-area
Holiday Spectacular – Tampa Riverwalk
Location: Tampa Riverwalk, Downtown Tampa
Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Time: Nightly
Admission: Free
What’s included: Floating barge light displays, music, and illuminated art installations along the Riverwalk.
Details: The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular brings festive spirit to the waterfront with lights that reflect beautifully across the Hillsborough River.
Website: https://thetampariverwalk.com/events/holiday-spectacular.html
Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover, FL
Dates: November 22, 2025 – December 28, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Admission: Ticketed per vehicle
What’s included: Drive-through light show, carnival rides, Santa’s Village, and holiday treats.
Details: The Tampa Bay Festival of Lights is one of the largest drive-through Christmas light displays in Florida, featuring over a million lights across themed holiday scenes.
Website: https://dreamlandamusements.com/upcoming-events-amusement-carnival/tampa-bay-festival-of-lights/
Tampa Bay Web Development Solutions | Websults
At Websults, we’re passionate about not only offering our clients and the community our extensive web design services but also keeping everyone informed about upcoming Christmas and holiday events.
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Choosing to partner with Websults means working with a team that listens carefully and delivers precisely what your business needs to stay ahead. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and discover how we can help you achieve your web development goals.
