Are you looking for the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas?
It may be sunny days in Florida but the holiday spirit has arrived in Tampa with bells on.
Decked out in lights, yuletide cheer and endless festive fun you will love it from head to mistletoe. The lightning capital of the world is shining brighter than ever!
The Florida Hipster Blog has rounded up the 12 Most Festive Things to Do in Tampa for Christmas to rock your Christmas socks off!
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1. Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Tis the season to sparkle at Busch Gardens Christmas Town with their twinkling lights beaming throughout the park.
Festive fireworks scheduled for special nights and yuletide shows make everything merry and bright.
From November 14, 2022 until January 9, 2023 Christmas Town Village is brimming with holiday indulgences of festive and savory sweets.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at Busch Gardens Christmas Town:
- Santa’s North Pole Experience
- Holly Jolly Express
- Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
- Favorite Sesame Street Characters with special Christmas entertainment
- Ice-skating festive shows like Christmas on Ice
Location: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
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2. Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up Bar at Miracle At Mezzo
Get all spruced up for the holidays and make your way to Miracle at Mezzo. This holiday cocktail pop-up bar will have you nostalgic with cheer.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
It’s some good ol’ fashioned fun in its kitshy and colorful festive décor giving off those Christmas office party vibes.
So put on that ugly Christmas sweater, treat yourself to a cocktail and celebrate the holiday spirit from Black Friday until New Year’s Eve at Miracle.
Location: 1111 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
3. Enchant Christmas
The world’s largest Christmas light maze and village is brightening up 9 different locations and St. Petersburg, Florida is one of them.
Presented by the Hallmark Channel, Enchant Christmas has transformed Tropicana Field into something out of their holiday movies from November 25 to January 1.
And The Florida Hipster Blog has a secret Santa tip for you….on select Wednesday nights kids are free.
All you need to do is just buy one adult, senior or military ticket admission ticket! Tickets start at $35 for an adult and children at $20.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at Enchant Christmas:
- Story-themed Christmas light maze
- Ice skating through the sparkling forest of Christmas lights
- Holiday shopping in the Christmas village of tiny shops
- Little Elves Play Place
- Meet Santa
- Tipsy Tree Lounge or if you are driving the Lightbulb Cup for merry mocktails
- Holiday live entertainment
Location: 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33705
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4. Tree Lighting and Symphony in Lights at Wiregrass Shops
Your “presents” is requested beginning November 12th at The Shops at Wiregrass when Christmas comes to Wesley Chapel.
Your dreams of white Christmas have just been fulfilled. Looks like we weren’t on Santa’s naughty list after all!
Say it ain’t snow?! Yep, that’s right, white fluffy snow, right here in the sunshine state! So don’t miss out on their snowfall.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
Santa arrives, dazzling twinkling trees and the harmonies of the season. It is holiday fun for all ages and best of all…. it’s free!
You’ll also be able to visit Santa Claus from November 12th through December 24th of 2022.
Location: 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Save 54% or more on Tampa Bay’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS TODAY!
5. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon
It’s love at first frost when you arrive at Curtis Hixon Park, winter has arrived!
Tampa’s riverwalk is now decked out for the holiday season with some Winter Village Tampa fun. Ice skating is only $17 for all ages and don’t worry it includes your ice skate rental too!
Running from November 18, 2022 until January 4, 2023 you have plenty of time to take in the festive winter spirit.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
A holiday trip on the Winter Village Express is one of the best Christmas activities in Tampa. With milk and cookies on board, hop aboard and be a kid again.
Location: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
6. City of Tampa Santa Fest
Mark Saturday, December 3 on your calendars for Tampa’s Santa Fest Tree Lighting, and join in all the reindeer games.
Be a part of Tampa’s holiday tradition and feel the magic of Christmas come alive.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
With a jolly parade, festivities, and entertainment all your worries go away. Sit back, stay for the movie and let your inner child have a merry night out.
Location: The parade begins at Morgan Street and Madison Street at 1 p.m.
7. Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights
All is calm and bright…well very bright, with 1 million LED colorful lights.
Florida Botanical Gardens annual event is back and twinkling with its Holiday Lights in the Garden Event.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
It’s pet friendly (as long as they are leashed) so everyone in the family can come out and play.
With free parking, 12 and under free and pay by donation it is definitely a must-do
Location: 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL. 33774
Save 54% or more on Tampa Bay’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS TODAY!
8. The 12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach
It may be called the 12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach but you will feel the joy almost all month long.
It puts even the Grinch in a festive mood! Come see for yourself when the Grinch is on an 80 ft inflatable screen.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
Making Spirits Bright Parade, a stroll of the Christmas trees, market music and mimosas have Clearwater Beach in the holiday spirit.
Starting on December 1st, you’ll find EVERYTHING you need to celebrate Christmas in Florida right here!
My favorite is the Paw-rade on December 18. Happy Feliz Naughty Dog!
Location: Clearwater Beach
9. Winter Beach at St. Pete Pier
Florida is feelin’ frosty at St. Pete Pier. Put away those flip-flops and trade them in for some skates.
Winter Beach is here from November 20 to January 17 with their real ice-skating rink right at the beachfront!
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
Themed skate nights, free holiday concerts, an arcade, and Winter Beach holiday market is true holiday fun!
Location: 600 2nd Ave NE St. Petersburg, FL. 33701
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10. Tampa Holiday Boat Parade
Mark your calendars for Tampa’s Holiday Boat Parade. It’s sure to be one of your favorite Christmas activities in Tampa.
Decked out in lights and décor, boats sail and compete to take the title of boat parade winner.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
From sailboats to motorboats watch as the waterways sparkle and shine.
Don’t forget to give out a round of Santa-plause for who you think should be the top Christmas star!
Location: Along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa.
11. Tampa Theatre Holiday Classics
Put hibernation mode on and cozy up for a night at the Tampa Theatre.
Christmas in Tampa can’t be complete without a date night or girl’s night out with some holiday classics.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
Traditional classics like It’s a Wonderful Life or some festive laughs with Elf, the lineup begins in late November (final details pending).
Location: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
12. Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Get ready to jingle down the Riverwalk and feel the spirit and beauty of a Tampa Christmas all around you.
The harbor tree lighting on November 28 brings the shore into holiday mode and sends Christmas magic into the air.
Why We Love This Christmas Activity in Tampa
The holiday spectacular runs until January with lighted displays all down the way.
A selfie booth, a lighted pine tree forest floating out in the river, and festively decorated scenes put you in a jolly good mood.
Location: Riverwalk, Tampa, FL 33602
My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Tampa for Christmas
Christmas in Tampa is one of the most wonderful times of year!
You are never too grown to feel the spirit of Christmas so be sure to check off as many Christmas activities in Tampa as your inner elf can.
The Florida Hipster Blog sends you candy cane wishes for a merry and bright holiday season.
Happy Florida Travels Hipster!