The holiday season is here, and Tampa Bay is getting festive. Watch the holiday spirit take over downtown at the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade or sip on a toasty cup of hot chocolate while immersed in the magic of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay. With events for all visitors, you can holiday your way in Tampa Bay.
Select Dates through Dec. 28
Marvel at your favorite holiday classics as they light up the big screen this season at Tampa Theatre. Experience a dose of nostalgia with family and friends as you watch beloved films like Elf, Love Actually, and It’s a Wonderful Life. Keep an eye on select dates so you don’t miss the chance to enjoy your favorite holiday movie in one of Tampa Bay’s most iconic theatres.
Select dates in Nov. and Dec.
Set sail on Pirate Water Taxi’s River of Lights cruise, now departing from the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, for a sparkling journey along the Hillsborough River filled with twinkling holiday lights and waterfront décor. This family-friendly ride includes festive sing-alongs with snow flurries, games, surprises, and a stop to meet the “Elf on a Barge,” where kids receive a special gift and can mail letters to Santa at Tampa’s floating mail buoy. With magical moments and scenic views throughout, it’s a beloved Tampa holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.
Select Saturdays and Sundays in Nov. & Dec.
Celebrate the season on the water with Yacht StarShip’s Holiday Brunch Buffet Cruise. Enjoy a festive brunch, spectacular views of Tampa, and live music with dancing on the top deck. It’s the perfect way to share holiday cheer with friends and family.
Select Dates in Nov. & Dec.
Experience a dazzling holiday evening aboard Yacht StarShip as you cruise past Tampa Bay’s stunning skyline. Enjoy a chef-prepared holiday meal and refreshing drinks before heading to the top deck for dancing under the night sky. Gather your friends and family for a festive celebration filled with beautiful views and unforgettable moments
Nov. 4 - Jan. 1
Step into Gingerbread Village at MakeSpace, where families can design and build whimsical, gingerbread-inspired creations using everyday, recyclable materials. The village grows throughout the season, offering a hands-on, imaginative experience that encourages creativity and collaboration. Plus, enjoy festive guest appearances — from WEDU storytime to a special elf meet-and-greet — adding extra magic all season long.
Nov. 7 - Dec. 24
Meet Santa at International Plaza & Bay Street for a picture-perfect holiday moment, then dive into the fun at Santa’s Flight Academy. This interactive experience lets kids step into the magic of the season — complete with a towering 22-foot sleigh. A festive stop that brings holiday cheer to life!
Nov. 14 - Jan. 5
Christmas Town is back for its 13th season, bringing holiday magic to Busch Gardens once again. Make new memories on your favorite rides, all dressed up with cheerful lights and Christmas charm. Sip rich hot cocoa from their limited-edition holiday cups and snack on warm holiday cookies as you catch festive shows or hop aboard the Holly Jolly Express. It’s a joyful tradition and the longest-running holiday celebration in Tampa Bay, perfect for getting you and your family into the spirit of the season.
Nov. 21 - Jan. 4
Watch the holiday spirit take over the Tampa Riverwalk this season at Winter Village, where Curtis Hixon Park transforms into a winter wonderland. Explore The Shops of Winter Village, featuring small local businesses with unique gifts, handmade goods, and festive finds. After shopping, hop on the Pirate Water Taxi and admire Tampa Bay’s dazzling holiday lights from the water. As one of Tampa Bay’s most popular holiday experiences, it’s sure to get your family into the Christmas spirit.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 28
Experience an expanded holiday light spectacular featuring more than a million dazzling lights along a nearly 2-mile immersive drive-thru. After the glowing journey, stroll through Santa’s Village for festive treats, attractions, and a visit with Santa. Gates open nightly at 6 p.m.
Nov. 28 - Jan. 2
Brighten the season with the Riverwalk Holiday Decor Challenge! Businesses, homes, and apartments along the Riverwalk are invited to deck the halls and spread holiday cheer, with prizes for the “Best Decorated.” Join this festive Tampa tradition, delight visitors, and gain recognition on the Riverwalk’s website and social media.
Nov. 28 - Dec. 31
The 44th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll returns, inviting visitors to step back into the charm of a Gilded Age holiday at Tampa’s historic grand hotel. Wander through beautifully themed rooms filled with antique ornaments, goosefeather trees, period fashions, and heartwarming scenes—from the Roosevelt family’s Christmas morning to hotel staff preparing gifts for local families. This beloved tradition blends timeless favorites with new wonders to create unforgettable holiday memories.
Nov. 28 - Dec. 30 (select nights)
Feel the joy of the holidays at ZooTampa as it transforms into one of the largest light displays in Tampa Bay. Enjoy festive treats as you take in the sparkling lights and cheerful entertainment throughout the park. And before you leave, don’t forget to grab a photo with Santa to cap off the night. Bring the family and see how this year is bigger, better, and brighter than ever.
Nov. 28 - Jan. 4
Step into a holiday wonderland at Dinosaur World, where sparkling lights and lantern displays bring the magic of Christmas to life among towering dinosaurs. Meet Santa, enjoy festive activities, and join in special events throughout the celebration. Browse the Christmas Market for unique gifts, hop aboard the Candy Cane Express for a magical ride, and pick up a special gem bag from Uncle Rex’s Gem Mine. Warm up with a cup of delicious Swedish hot chocolate and create wonderful memories with your family this holiday season.
Nov. 28 through Jan. 4
Dive into the holiday spirit at YuleTides, a one-of-a-kind celebration at The Florida Aquarium! Wander through the Holiday Tree Trail, where each boat is decked out with a one-of-a-kind tree, and don’t miss the stunning Signature Tree made from upcycled beach materials. Snap a festive photo with Santa at his Wharf, then join in the fun with caroling, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, and meet Rocky and Tango in their holiday gear. With sand sculptures and a ton of coastal charm, YuleTides is a holiday experience unlike any other!
Nov. 30 - Jan. 2
Experience the magic of Holiday Spectacular and take in the joyful holiday lights along the Tampa Riverwalk. Witness a 35-foot LED Christmas tree, a 22-foot LED pirate ship, and a glowing toy train all twinkling along the Hillsborough River. Stroll the Riverwalk to enjoy the lights and celebrate the holiday spirit with family and friends. It’s a free, self-guided experience that brings a little extra sparkle to every step of your holiday season.
Select Nights in December
Come witness the magic of the Nutcracker live with Tampa City Ballet. A long-standing Tampa Bay holiday tradition, this performance truly stands out. With a blend of rising students and seasoned professionals, the talent on stage will captivate you from start to finish. Experience the beauty, elegance, and festive spirit that make Tampa City Ballet’s Nutcracker one of the most memorable shows of the holiday season.
Dec. 4
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Home Alone. Celebrate this iconic Christmas movie with Macaulay Culkin by heading to the Straz Center on December 4 for a special screening. Enjoy the nostalgia as this classic lights up the big screen and brings back holiday memories. After the showing, stick around for an interview with Macaulay himself as he shares behind-the-scenes stories from this beloved holiday favorite.
Dec. 4
Celebrate the season with a hands-on, artful workshop. Participants will craft their own surreal holiday ornaments inspired by the Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí exhibition, guided by imagery and techniques drawn from the show.
Dec. 4 - 23
Experience the holiday classic A Christmas Carol like never before in a live 1940s radio play, featuring Tampa Bay favorite Michael Gregory. Enjoy festive music, clever sound effects, and a captivating cast as Ebenezer Scrooge’s story of ghosts and redemption comes to life. This nostalgic performance is a heartwarming reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.
Dec. 6, 7 & 20
Break out your most delightfully awful holiday sweater for Yacht StarShip’s festive two-hour brunch cruise. Enjoy $15 unlimited mimosas, a top-deck ugly sweater contest, and beautiful views of Tampa Bay as you sail. With a specially crafted brunch menu and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss.
Dec. 6
Santa Fest returns to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday, Dec. 6, with a parade kicking off at 1 p.m. along Madison Street before ending on Ashley Drive. Stick around for Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m., featuring Tampa’s ShowStars and the lighting of seven Christmas trees with Mayor Castor and WFLA’s Jeff Berardelli. The night closes with a free outdoor screening of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, presented by the F.E. Lykes Family Foundation.
Dec. 6
Find one-of-a-kind gifts at a special trunk show in The Dalí Museum Store, featuring an exclusive collection of handcrafted Murano glass jewelry – just in time for holiday shopping.
Dec. 11, 5pm-9pm
Come join in on this holiday twist of the iconic Water Street Market. Explore local vendors and enjoy festive activities like live entertainment, holiday treats, and a photo with Santa, all set along one of Tampa Bay’s newest and most vibrant districts. With holiday décor throughout the neighborhood, it’s the perfect place for a cheerful seasonal stroll.
Dec. 11-12
Enjoy a festive midday getaway aboard Yacht StarShip’s Holiday Lunch Cruise, a unique way to dine on Tampa Bay this season. Savor a freshly prepared holiday meal, take in skyline views, and enjoy cheerful music as you cruise the waterways. After lunch, head to the top deck for sunshine, dancing, and plenty of holiday cheer with friends, family, or coworkers.
Dec. 13
Prepare for a festive holiday hangout paddle on the water with a dazzling full moon experience. Wear your festive gear as you embark on a group adventure from Armature Works, guided by Urban Kai. Glide along the Hillsborough River, taking in the stunning views of downtown Tampa illuminated by holiday decorations and twinkling lights. A basic level of paddling is needed, so bring your sense of adventure and get ready for some festive fun
Dec. 13
Get into the holiday spirit at MOSI’s Merry Maker’s Market, a festive, one-of-a-kind shopping experience featuring handcrafted gifts, local artisan creations, and unique finds. With a wide variety of vendors showcasing beautifully made items, it’s a great way to support small businesses while discovering meaningful presents for everyone on your list. Free with general admission, the market adds an extra dose of holiday cheer to your museum visit.
Dec. 13
Santa’s Scientific Workshop brings festive, hands-on fun to MOSI with holiday-themed science experiments, sweet treats, and a magical planetarium show. Families can meet Santa, snap a photo, and send wish lists through MOSI’s Magical Mailbox while enjoying crafts like ornament decorating and complimentary hot cocoa for kids. This all-ages event often sells out, so advance tickets are recommended.
Dec. 13 -14
Run now, wine later? Head down to Keel Farms this holiday season for their Christmas Wine Run. Due to the popularity of this event, you can choose from two days and enjoy the scenic views as you run with friends and family. Complete the 5K and end it off with a glass of their farm-to-table wine. Choose from multiple race times across the weekend and make it a fun and festive start to your holiday celebrations.
Dec. 14
Experience an exciting new show with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra as they arrive in Tampa for their highly-anticipated Winter Tour. With a rock twist on holiday classics and stunning visuals, this is an event you won’t want to miss. There will be two performances at 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM.
Dec. 14
Experience the most magical holiday festival in historic Ybor City from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Jingle Bell Bazaar features dazzling live performances, festive music, food trucks, holiday shopping, and Santa’s Village where you can snap photos with Santa. This free, family-friendly celebration is filled with seasonal flavors, joyful entertainment, and holiday cheer for all ages.
Dec. 14 & 21
Santa’s trading snow for sunshine, and you’re invited to join him aboard Yacht StarShip this December. Enjoy a festive boarding photo with Santa, a delicious brunch, and stunning top-deck views set to holiday classics from the DJ. During this two-hour cruise, Santa will make a special appearance, filling the experience with magical moments and holiday cheer for the whole family.
Dec. 19 - 23
Step into Clara and Drosselmeyer's enchanting world of dancing sweets, battling mice, and some of ballet’s most beloved music. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker stars award-winning young dancers alongside special guests from New York City Ballet, Isabella LaFreniere and Jovani Furlan. This sparkling Tampa holiday tradition is a must-see for the whole family.
Dec. 20
Watch the Hillsborough River come to life as boats covered in dazzling lights sail through the heart of Tampa Bay during the annual lighted boat parade. Enjoy the view for free along the Riverwalk, or make it a jolly night out with a VIP experience at Sparkman Wharf. Feeling spirited? Register your boat and join the fun for a chance to win a prize.
Dec. 24
Celebrate Christmas Eve on the water with Yacht StarShip’s festive Holiday Buffet Cruise. Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner while taking in the sparkling sights and sounds of the season, followed by dancing under the stars with a live DJ. It’s a magical way for the whole family to experience holiday cheer in Tampa Bay.