12 Most Festive Things to Do in Tampa for Christmas (2023)

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! 

Downtown Tampa. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!
Downtown Tampa

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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. 

Toy Soldier in front of Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Festive fireworks scheduled for special nights and yuletide shows make everything merry and bright. 

Iron Gwazi Roller Coaster during Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!
NEW Iron Gwazi Roller Coaster (Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment)

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

Save up to 29% off of Your Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets on Groupon TODAY!

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.

Holiday Lights Tunnel Enchant Christmas in St. Petersburg Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!

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

Get up to 82% off of the Tampa Bay attractions with Groupon TODAY!

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.

Tree Lighting and Symphony in Lights at Wiregrass Shops in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Keep reading to learn about things to do in Tampa for Christmas.

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!

Santa holding cup of hot cocoa at Tree Lighting and Symphony in Lights at Wiregrass Shops in Wesley Chapel. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas.

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!

Ice Skating in the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!

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.

City of Tampa Santa Fest with Christmas Lights on Tree. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!

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 orange butterfly on orange flower. Keep reading Florida Hipster to get the best Christmas Lights in Tampa, Florida

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. 

The 12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Beach with red flip flops next to green ornament on sandy beach. One of the best things to do for Christmas in Clearwater Beach, Florida

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.

St. Petersburg Waterfront Lights and Display Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!

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

Save up to 29% off of Your Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets on Groupon TODAY!

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.

Downtown Tampa Bay, Florida old Tampa theater. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!

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. 

Tampa Riverwalk during the holidays Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!

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.

Tampa Riverwalk at the Holidays. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Tampa for Christmas!

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. 

12 Best Things to do in Tampa for Christmas
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The Florida Hipster Blog sends you candy cane wishes for a merry and bright holiday season.

Happy Florida Travels Hipster!

UP NEXT: Top 10 BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa You MUST See

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