‘Twas the month before Christmas and all through Tampa Bay, the citizens were stirring, getting ready for the big day! The twinkle lights were hung from Busch Gardens to Lowry Park Zoo, and everyone wished Santa would skate in downtown too! Ahhh….. Christmas in Tampa!
If you are looking for fun Tampa Christmas events, look no further! Here is our guide to the action. Updated for 2021
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Tampa Christmas Events 2021
Christmas in Tampa- Holiday Performances
At Ruth Eckerd Hall you will find a variety of holiday- themed performances taking place throughout the season, including A Christmas Carol and Rockapella Christmas.
Experience the Next Generation Ballet production of The Nutcracker at the Straz Center December 17-19, 2021. This timeless ballet classic is always a holiday favorite and is designed to be family friendly.
Turn back the clock at Tampa’s oldest theater, Tampa Theatre, and enjoy holiday classic movies during the December such as It’s a Wonderful Life or White Christmas. During these holiday classic film showings, Tampa Theatre will be hosting a food drive so please consider donating.
Christmas in Tampa Includes Amusement Park Fun
Busch Gardens turns into Christmas Town during the holidays. Enjoy millions of lights, holiday shows, and plenty of festive fun. The event runs November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022.
Lowry Park Zoo turns into a wild wonderland during Christmas in the Wild from late November through December. Families love the strolling carolers, 50-foot animated Christmas tree, and story time with Mrs. Claus.
The Florida Aquarium hosts Snow Days between Christmas and New Years with a real snow play area, later hours, and a holiday light show!
Tampa Holiday Parades & Festivals
The City of Tampa hosts it’s annual SantaFest Parade and Fest at Curtis Hixon Park December 4, 2021 at 1:30pm.
This parade is the perfect start to a fun-filled weekend of holiday activities that happen throughout the day in downtown Tampa. There will be photos with Santa, entertainment, crafts, and games.
You won’t want to miss fire trucks, floats, old-time cars, Shriners, and Santa Claus at Safety Harbor’s Annual Holiday Parade.
There will be a Holiday Boat Parade at the Tampa Riverwalk on December 18, 2021 at 6pm. Speaking of The Riverwalk, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Spectacular which runs November 20, 2021 through January 2, 2022.
There will be a floating 35-foot Christmas Tree in the harbor, a floating lighted gingerbread display, floating toy train, and tons of lights throughout Waterworks Park. There will also be a Holiday Hunt scavenger hunt along the Riverwalk that you can participate in via an app on your smartphone.
Stop in at The Vinoy and enjoy their festive holiday decor and snack on milk and cookies while watching the St. Petersburg Santa Parade pass by on the parade route.
Play in the snow at the Snowfest in North Straub Park where over 65 tons of snow will keep Florida kids busy for hours building snowmen and making snow forts for as long as they’ll last in the Tampa Bay sun! This event takes place December 18th from 9-2pm.
Holiday Ice Skating in Tampa
A recent addition to Tampa is The Winter Village! This year it will take place November 19, 2021 through January 2, 2022.
It transforms Curtis Hixon’s Waterfront Park into a holiday hot spot with sights, sounds, and activities for the holidays for children and adults.
It is also home to downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink. Add views of the beautiful Hillsborough River and free play spaces on the great lawn with the big city lights in the background and it’s pure holiday magic.
Insider Tip: While you’re in Curtis Hixon Park, make sure to stop and see the City of Tampa Christmas tree, or visit the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.
Historic Holiday Spirit in Tampa
Take a stroll through the University of Tampa and see the Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum’s annual old-time Christmas event. See nineteenth century Christmas decor with rooms displayed in both old and new holiday decorations.
You can also drive along Ybor City’s historic 7th Avenue and see old-fashioned Christmas decor or visit the 1883 Safford House in Tarpon Springs and see the beautiful Victorian holiday decorations.
Christmas Events in Tampa- Tree Lightings
Don’t miss the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Street Party in Hyde Park Village. This family-friendly traditional event offers Santa’s arrival, live holiday music, food trucks, kid’s activities, and more.
At Curtis Hixon Park, watch holiday movies on the lawn, holiday themed entertainment, and more. Safety Harbor will also have a Tree Lightning Ceremony with singing choirs and a visit from jolly St. Nick.
Look for the best prices on family-friendly hotels in Tampa.
Enchanted Music
Let the Florida Orchestra fill your soul with the holiday spirit at their Holiday Pops concerts, performed at the Straz Center, the Mahaffy Theater, and Ruth Eckerd Hall. Sing along with Christmas classics as you enjoy this annual holiday celebration.
Classic Holiday Movies
Take your family to one of the great holiday-themed shows at the Largo Cultural Center.This season’s highlights include Elf Jr., Santa’s Holiday Revue, Big Band Christmas, and The Nutcracker.
Santa Meet and Greets
Sit on Santa’s lap and tell him how good you’ve been this year! International Plaza hosts Santa in the Grand Court, where you can join Santa’s flight crew.
Kids can try on a virtual flight suit, dance under magical lights and snowfall, and more before meeting the jolly old man!
Santa will also be stopping by various stores in Hyde Park Village throughout the season.
Find more Christmas events near you! Trekaroo has guides for dozens of cities across the country.
Check for availability on family-friendly hotels in Tampa.
Special thanks to Tiffany Vaughn for updating this post for 2018 and Sharlene Earnshaw for updating it for 2019 – 2021.
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Featured photo by: Shutterstock