Tampa, the largest city in Tampa Bay, is especially vibrant when Christmas time arrives. Everywhere and everything is brightly lit and decorated with Christmas cheer. Rich with history and beautiful waterfront scenery, Tampa celebrates Christmas in a unique Florida fashion. Tampa Riverwalk, the location of the well-known Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, boasts holiday light displays that attract millions of visitors yearly. In addition, the floating Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and brightly lit Pirate Water Taxis illuminate Tampa Bay at night. Though the city’s last snowfall was in 1977, you’ll find an annual Winter Village that offers ice skating. There’s so much more to see and do in Tampa both on land and on the water during the holidays. Read this list of the top things to do at Christmas in Tampa, Florida, and have a delightful time during the holidays.
1. Visit the holiday light displays in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay turns bright as day with its holiday light displays during the Christmas season. The light attractions start in mid-November and run until early January. Stroll down Tampa Riverwalk and the downtown area and take in the famous landmarks adorned with colorful Christmas lights and décor. The festive scenery will put you into holiday mode as you pass them by.
Along Tampa Riverwalk is Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which transforms into a winter wonderland, boasting a Christmas tree, skating rink, multiple shops, and a little train that goes around the village. In the same area is the spectacular Water Works Park where you’ll see a brightly lit Christmas tree floating in the harbor.
Moreover, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers rides, an outdoor show called “Christmas on Ice,” fireworks, and tons of other fun activities. Similarly, ZooTampa at Lowry Park becomes a holiday destination where kids and families celebrate the holidays with their favorite animals in colorful Christmas-themed surroundings.
Holiday Light Displays in Tampa Bay
Address: Winter Wonderland at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States; Water Works Park: 1701 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: 10165 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; ZooTampa at Lowry Park: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, United States
Website: Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Opening hours: Winter Village: Nov. 18, 2022 - Jan. 4, 2023; Water Works Park: Nov. 28, 2022 - Jan. 2023; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Nov. 14, 2022 - Jan. 9, 2023; ZooTampa at Lowry Park: selected dates in late Nov. to late Dec.
Price: Varies per attraction
2. Ride the holiday train at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay turns into a brightly lit Christmas Town during the holidays. This huge park celebrates the holidays with lots of cheer and traditions made a little more special. Their unique feature is the Holly Jolly Express, which is an exciting roller coaster that gives you expansive views of the twinkling city lights.
The park also offers live shows, lots of shops and dining options, a chance to see Santa and his workshop, and time to bond with Rudolph the reindeer and his friends. Christmas Town is open from November 14, 2022, to January 9, 2023, and has different opening hours depending on the day. You’ll need to book your tickets online to get the specific schedule and date that you want.
Holly Jolly Express at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Address: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
Website: Holly Jolly Express at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Opening hours: Nov. 14, 2022 – Jan. 9, 2023 (time varies depending on the date)
Price: From $99.99
3. Enjoy Christmas in the Wild at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo (from USD 47.95)
Bring your family to the zoo and celebrate the holidays with your favorite animals. Christmas in the Wild boasts one of the biggest light displays in Tampa. Despite all the holiday festivities, you’ll still get to meet your favorite animals, including penguins and rhinos.
Enjoy jolly yuletide music as you venture from one area to another and feast on holiday treats along the way. Don’t forget to visit Santa and shop at the Twinkle Town Marketplace while you’re there.
Tampa: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Entry Ticket
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4. Go ice skating in Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There’s nothing like November 2nd – Mariah Carey is defrosting, Downtown is decking the halls and #WinterVillageTampa is...
Posted by Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park on Wednesday, November 2, 2022
This huge 8-acre (3.23-hectare) waterfront park can be found along Tampa Riverwalk. During the holidays, the park transforms into a Winter Village complete with an ice skating rink decorated with Christmas-themed lights and sounds. You’re sure to feel the holiday spirit as you glide through the ice with your friends and family.
When you get tired, indulge in tasty treats from the café and find thoughtful gifts among the shops of local vendors.
Ice skating in Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Address: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Website: Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Opening hours: Nov. 18, 2022 – Jan. 4, 2023 (Times vary)
Price: 17 USD
5. Join the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa River
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Tampa Riverwalk on Monday, October 31, 2022
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade happens annually in Hillsborough River. The parade of boats festooned with brightly colored lights makes its way down the southern region of Davis Island and circles back to Sparkman Wharf.
If you’re feeling competitive, you can join the festivities by registering your motorboat or sailboat. You might even win a trophy for your efforts! Even if you don’t place in the top spots, you’ll be pleased to know that everyone who registers a boat will receive a token.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Website: Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Opening hours: Dec. 17: from 6pm
6. Hop on a River of Lights Holiday Cruise by Pirate Water Taxi
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
November 1st means it’s officially time to queue the holiday cheer! Who’s ready for River of Lights?! Book Now: bit.ly/PWTRiverofLights
Posted by Pirate Water Taxi on Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Get ready for an exciting ride with Pirate Water Taxi, which offers a rare holiday cruise around downtown Tampa via the river. Guests will be riding the L’atitude Lindsey II vessel on a 45-minute excursion that will give participants a closer look at the city’s dazzling holiday lights and decorations.
The cruise will take you past floating yuletide displays, singing Dickens Carolers, and Holiday Island and promises a special snow-filled finale. In addition, kids will be able to drop off their letters to Santa at the floating mail buoy that will take them to the North Pole.
River of Lights Holiday Cruise by Pirate Water Taxi
Address: Pirate Water Taxi Stop 7, Marriot Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Website: River of Lights Holiday Cruise by Pirate Water Taxi
Opening hours: Nov. 25 - 26, Dec. 2 - 3, 9 -11, 16, 18, 19 - 24: from 6:15pm, 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 9:15pm
Price: From $25
7. Join the Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise at Yacht StarShip
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
You’re invited aboard Santa’s Brunch Cruises! Although his work is never done, even Santa needs a break to escape the...
Posted by Yacht StarShip on Friday, October 21, 2022
Step on board Yacht StarShip, the first 3-diamond dining yacht in America, and celebrate Christmas Eve with a sumptuous holiday brunch. The luxury yacht will take you on a two-hour tour of the lovely Tampa Bay area while you dine on a delicious holiday buffet.
Put on some stylish casual clothes and be ready for dancing and photo opportunities along the water. This fun cruise is sure to be a wonderful family outing that you’ll look back on fondly.
Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise at Yacht StarShip
Address: 603 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Website: Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise at Yacht StarShip
Opening hours: Dec. 24: 12pm - 2:30pm
Price: From $54.95 USD
8. Watch "The Lion King: A Christmas Remix" at Crossover Church
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Worship & Creative Arts Department of Crossover Church presents its unique take on “The Lion King,” an all-time favorite Broadway show and classic movie by The Walt Disney Company. The company will perform unique remixed versions of well-loved songs, such as “Hakuna Matata.”
Enjoy this song and dance production that will take you along the journey of Simba, Mufasa, Pumbaa, Timon, and more.
"The Lion King: A Christmas Remix" at Crossover Church
Address: Crossover Church, 1235 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33612, United States
Website: “The Lion King: A Christmas Remix” at Crossover Church
Opening hours: Dec. 8: 7pm - 10pm; Dec. 9 & 16: 7pm – 10pm; Dec. 10 & 17: 6pm – 9pm
Price: From $10
9. See the Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Here is a look back at the Victorian Christmas Stroll in 1991! Check out the crazy orange paint on the walls of the Museum. Things definitely look different today!
Posted by Henry Plant Museum on Thursday, December 19, 2019
For over four decades, Victorian Christmas Stroll has been a favorite Christmas tradition in Florida. It happens at Henry B. Plant Museum, which is transformed into a Christmas-themed display of Victorian artifacts. Visitors get to experience what it was like to celebrate Christmas during the Victorian era by walking through exhibits featuring antique Christmas ornaments and more.
Free cookies and cider are served on the veranda to warm your tummies during the event. In addition, you’ll be serenaded by live music while you shop and stroll. To make the event even better, its proceeds will be used for the museum’s preservation, restoration projects, and educational programs.
Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
Address: 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606, United States
Website: Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
Opening hours: Dec 1, 2022 - Dec 23, 2022: 10am - 8pm
Price: From $12
10. Experience Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visit Christmas in the Country on Saturday, December 11, and learn what mail-order shopping was like a century before...
Posted by Cracker Country on Thursday, December 2, 2021
Do you want to experience a country-style Christmas celebrated in 19th-century fashion? Visit Cracker Country, a living history museum, where they celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way.
The guides are dressed in 19th-century fashion and perform various activities, such as chair caning and candle dipping. You’ll also see old houses decorated in Christmas boughs made of leaves, pinecones, and cherries. During your visit, immerse yourself in a past lifestyle and see the unique and interesting ways they celebrated Christmas.
Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country
Address: 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
Website: Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country
Opening hours: Dec. 10: 10am - 4pm
Price: From $10
Have a festive Christmas in Florida
It’s amazing how Florida celebrates Christmas in so many ways. They celebrate with modern lights and ancient traditions that keep the holiday unique. Find the perfect holiday activity from this list to get yourself in the Christmas spirit.
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