Are you looking for holiday activities and Christmas Lights in the Tampa Bay Area? Celebrating Christmas in Tampa? We can help you plan a day trip to Tampa or St. Petersburg to see a Christmas light display, visit a Christmas maze, or enjoy a holiday lights show.
Some of these activities in Tampa are FREE – including the outdoor Christmas lights at the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Park, and the Waterfront in St. Pete. Other Christmas events in Tampa have a reasonable admission charge, and we’ve also included special activities for a Christmas splurge.
We’ve also got details on Christmas Events in Orlando, and plenty of information on Christmas Events in Lakeland, Florida.
All prices listed below are subject to change, they are general guidelines to help you get an idea of a price range, check directly with event hosts to confirm current prices. Please keep in mind most of these activities are outdoors and weather dependent. Links are provided so you can check directly with event organizers for any last minute changes or closures.
Looking for more holiday magic? Don’t miss the 2025 Lakeland + Polk County Christmas Guide — your go-to list for parades, Santa photos, Christmas lights, concerts, craft fairs, and all things merry and bright this season.
★ NEW for 2025! Grab our Printable Holiday Guides (Christmas Lights Guide + Holiday Activities Planner) to print or save to your phone — no ads, no scrolling, all your holiday fun in one festive guide. Holiday planning made easy!
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Christmas Lights in Tampa – Free
The Lights of Lake Park Estates in Seminole
Drive through over 3 miles of Christmas Lights in the neighborhoods of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village (between Clearwater and St. Pete). Follow the arrows through the neighborhood. Donations are accepted along the route – 100% of the donations are provided to Suncoast Hospice to support their community activities. (The event has raised over $1 million dollars since its inception in 1993 – wow!!) FREE – Donations encouraged TIP: Go earlier in December and earlier in the night if possible for less traffic, but be prepared to drive through slowly in a line of cars. December 1 – 31 from 6:00 – 9:30pm
Address: 102nd Ave & 97th St, Seminole FL 33777
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Lights
Price Range: Free
More Info: Website
Largo Central Park Holiday Lights & Rides
Stroll through Largo Central Park where guests can enjoy holiday fun and show stopping Christmas lights in Clearwater, featuring over two million twinkling LED lights. This is a walking display, not a drive through. Rides and food also available. Ride the ferris wheel to see the 70 acre park from up high, or enjoy the carousel. The rides and light display are open nightly from 5-10pm. November 28 – December 29
Address: 101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Lights
Price Range: Free
More Info: Website
Winter Wonderland Clearwater
Each year since 1993, the Clearwater Community Volunteers put on Winter Wonderland ? a complete Christmas village in Downtown Clearwater with Christmas lights, an entertainment stage, photos with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate shop and Holiday Express Train! Entrance to Winter Wonderland is free but we ask visitors to bring a non-perishable food item and/or an unwrapped toy to be donated to local area charities. Winter Wonderland is full of Christmas fun but its true purpose is a two to three-week long charity drive to benefit the children of Pinellas County.
Address: 201 N Fort Harrison Ave Clearwater, FL 33755
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Lights
Price Range: Free
More Info: Website
Waterfront Lights in St. Pete
Waterfront Lights in St. Pete Take a stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park, and the St. Pete Pier – Downtown Waterfront Parks in St. Petersburg, FloridaDon’t miss the giant greeting card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park made by local teens and participants from St. Petersburg’s recreation centers. Plus special events happening throughout December including photos with Santa, Snowfest, S’Mores with Santa and more. November 30 – January 1
Address: 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Lights
Price Range: Free
More Info: Website
Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg
If you’re in the area, you’ve got to check out this amazing Christmas light display in St. Petersburg, Florida. Oakdale Christmas House in St. Pete has been putting up a display for over 40 years. They’ve been HGTV’s #1 display and NBC’s Today Show Top 3. This mega Christmas display is FREE for the public to enjoy.
Address: 2719 Oakdale Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Lights
Price Range: Free
More Info: Website
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk
Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk Friends of the Riverwalk invites you to enjoy a Holiday Spectacular light display in Tampa. Displays include a 35′ tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor, several other lighted displays floating on barges in the Hillsborough River, and the lighted garland and red bows on the Riverwalk light poles.Enjoy the Christmas lights at your leisure. The 2.6 miles of the Tampa Riverwalk runs from Armature Works to Curtis Hixon Park to Sparkman Wharf. {TIP – Check the for big events happening in Curtis Hixon Park/Downtown Tampa}
Address: Riverwalk, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Lights
Price Range: Free
More Info: Website
★ New for 2025 ★
Printable Holiday Planner + Christmas Lights Guide
Want an easier, more magical holiday season?
Our 2025 Printable Holiday Planner and Christmas Lights Guide bundle includes 50+ easy-to-use pages of local events, can’t-miss activities, Christmas light displays, planning tools, scavenger hunts, memory-making ideas, and more — all beautifully designed and ad-free.
Perfect for saving to your phone or printing to take along — your cheerful companion for the busy month ahead.
Ticketed Attractions – Christmas Light Displays
Nights of Shimmering Lights in Dover
Nights of Shimmering Lights in Dover Sunkissed Acres Farm in Dover presents Shimmering Lights – a winter event featuring a 1/3-mile outdoor walking trail through the shimmering lights dancing to music. Walk at your own pace and stop as often as you like. Santa will be on hand for pictures and wishes. Get in the holiday mood with seasonal music and themed areas, plus foam play area on select nights. Shimmering Lights is a one-way wide walking trail, you can repeat the 1/3 mile trail as many times as you would like. Free parking. Restrooms on site. Light concessions include fresh hot mini donuts and hot cocoa. ** This is an unpaved walking trail and ground can be uneven in places, wear appropriate footwear and use caution, bring bug spray** Open select nights from November 29 – December 25 from 6:30-9:30 pm – Admission is $9-10, tickets are required for children 3 years old and older.
Address: 2302 N. Dover Road, Dover, FL 33527
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Lights
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
Festival of Lights + Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough Fairgrounds
Festival of Lights + Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough Fairgrounds The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is hosting Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village – a Holiday Light Spectacular that features two-miles of drive-thru Christmas lights followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. If you’re looking to drive through Christmas lights in Tampa, check out the Festival of Lights! There’s something for everyone at this festive event, from dazzling lights to games and activities for all ages, visits with Santa, tasty treats, holiday movies and holiday shopping. Be sure to check the event calendar – some nights are drive through only with no village activities. November 28 – December 29 – $30 Per Carload (up to 8 people). Admission includes light displays and entrance to Santa’s Village, other activities may cost extra. Admission is $20 for drive-through only nights. See website for bus and group pricing.
Address: 215 Sydney Washer Road Dover, FL 33527
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Lights
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
Free Christmas Activities in Tampa
Tampa Christmas Parade – Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade for Christmas runs along the Tampa Riverwalk on the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa.The Holiday Boat Parade kicks off at 6:15 PM near the Lighthouse off Davis Islands, with both large and small vessels cruising past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center.From there, large boats will conclude at the Convention Center, while smaller boats (under 12’ air draft) continue upriver past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Ulele, finishing near Water Works Park and Armature Works.Spectators can enjoy free viewing along the Riverwalk at multiple locations. Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Address: 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: Free
More Info: Website
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa -Winter Village Tampa has outdoor ice skating {the only outdoor ice rink in Central FL}, vendors, Downtown Tampa Christmas light show, curling, Tampa Bay Lightning Thunderstruck Thursdays, silent disco Fridays, and more. Advance reservations for ice skating are highly recommended.Stroll through Curtis Hixon Park and enjoy a beautiful view of the Hillsborough River and Tampa’s Christmas Lights.TIP – walk north or south and check out the decorations along the Tampa Riverwalk and on the river. FREE to explore, ice skating is $17/person
Address: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: Free
More Info: Website
Ticketed Christmas Events + Attractions
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Unwrap a beautiful family tradition at Busch Gardens Christmas Town, where Busch Gardens Tampa transforms into a holiday wonderland of Christmastime entertainment and attractions, holiday shopping, visits with Santa, festive treats and more than a million twinkling lights. Nightly from November 15 – January 5 Christmas Town is included with any Busch Gardens pass membership, Fun Card or daily admission. Current deals: Buy a 2025 Fun Card and get the rest of 2024 FREE! Get a FREE 1 Day Busch Gardens Ticket at Kane’s Furniture after a Bucs Home Game
Address: 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
YuleTides at the Florida Aquarium
YuleTides at the Florida Aquarium Discover a BRAND-NEW coastal holiday tradition for the whole family, YuleTides at the Florida Aquarium. Experience the magic of coastal holiday traditions, winter’s beauty, and community connection. A holiday tree trail, meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, interactive experiences, and more. Advance reservations are required – don’t miss out, reserve your spot today! November 29 – January 5 {some activities only on specific dates} Christmas Lights in St. Pete + Clearwater
Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
Winter Village Express Streetcar in Downtown Tampa
Winter Village Express Streetcar in Downtown Tampa The Winter Village Express is a 50 minute, round-trip excursion on a Tampa streetcar with fun for the entire family! Your ticket includes 50 minutes of holiday entertainment aboard the Historic Tampa Streetcar and refreshments. This holiday ride will make its way from Downtown Tampa’s Whiting Station to Ybor and back on the TECO Line Streetcar. Sundays from late November through December – be sure to book in advance! $10 per person
Address: 104 South Franklin Street, Tampa, FL
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities | Christmas Trains • Trolleys • Boat Rides
Price Range: Under $10 per person
More Info: Website
Christmas Lane at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City
Christmas Lane at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City Christmas Lane is an interactive walk through Christmas event held at the fairgrounds in Plant City, FL. Various Christmas themed displays, live entertainment, food, and rides (additional cost for food & rides). Plus, you can meet and take pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer! Open select nights from November 29 – December 24 from 6-10pm – Admission is $10-12 per person, free for 3 and under
Address: 2508 W Oak Ave, Plant City, FL 33563
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
Christmas at Dinosaur World
Christmas at Dinosaur World Experience the magic of Christmas at Dinosaur World! Stroll through ancient pathways aglow with miles of twinkling holiday lights, and marvel at towering Christmas lantern displays that bring majestic dinosaurs and festive scenes to life. Meet Santa, enjoy special activities, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. With unique events happening throughout the celebration, every visit is a memorable adventure filled with Christmas cheer! Select nights November 29 – January 5 Included with Admission
Address: 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565, USA
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
River of Lights Holiday Boat Cruise – Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa
Hop on a water taxi tour of Tampa Christmas lights and decorations along the river including Holiday Island. As you cruise, you will get up-close views of Downtown Tampa’s spectacular seasonal decorations and holiday lights.This family-friendly event will include a visit by a jolly pirate elf, Christmas song sing-a-longs, and a chance to see snow flurries in Florida! Every child will have an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and drop it off in Tampa’s only floating mailbox. Select nights in November and December Boarding at the Tampa Convention Center
Address: 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Trains • Trolleys • Boat Rides
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
Christmas In The Wild at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Christmas In The Wild at ZooTampa at Lowry Park It’s the most wonderful time of the year at ZooTampa with the return of Christmas in the Wild, featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, amazing wildlife and new festive adventures. This year is BIGGER, better, and brighter than ever, with six new illuminated zones of lights, festive entertainment that the whole family will enjoy. Christmas in the Wild is a limited capacity event. Advanced purchase tickets and timed reservations are strongly encouraged and the only way to guarantee admission. Select Nights in November & December. Tickets are $29.95/person or included with annual pass
Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
Snowcat Ridge Florida Snow Tubing
Snowcat Ridge Florida Snow Tubing Snowcat Ridge is Florida’s only Alpine Snow Park, featuring snow tubing, snow play, ice skating, and more! Go snow tubing in Tampa at Snowy Slopes – a 60-foot tall, 400-foot long snow tubing hill featuring single, tandem, and 10-person snow tubing. Snowy Slopes also features a nightly music and light show visible throughout the park. Play in the artic igloo and go ice skating. Select Dates from November – March. $30+ per person – prices vary by date and activity
Address: 27839 Saint Joe Rd., Dade City, FL 33525
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas Trail in Plant City
Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas Trail in Plant City The Christmas Trail {a family friendly event we listed here in previous years} has converted to Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas Trail and is not suitable for children under 12. Tampa Christmas Events + Attractions
Address: 2837 South Frontage Road, Plant City, FL 33566
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Type of Activity: Christmas Events + Activities
Price Range: $10+ per person
More Info: Website
Map – Find Tampa Bay Area Christmas Lights + Activities
Christmas Events + Holiday Activities
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas Events + Holiday Activities to find more things to do including Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays, FREE Christmas Events, Santa Photos, Christmas Parades, and more.
