Top Holiday Events in Tampa Bay 2024: Festivals, Parades & Family Fun

As the holiday season arrives in Tampa Bay, many festive events await. Here is a list of the top holiday activities you can enjoy:

1. Christmas Town

Dates: November 15 – January 5, 2025
Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Celebrate the season with nearly 70 miles of lights. Enjoy holiday dishes and meet characters like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

2. Holiday Extravaganza

Date: November 21, 2024
Location: Hyde Park Village
Join the festivities from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy live music, tree lighting at 7 p.m., food trucks, and a visit from Santa. Part of the proceeds will benefit The Children’s Dream Fund.

3. Winter Village

Dates: November 22 – January 5, 2025
Location: Curtis Hixon Park
Explore a festive wonderland with holiday sights and sounds along the Tampa Riverwalk. The Winter Village has activities and treats for all ages.

4. Victorian Christmas Stroll

Dates: November 23 – December 31
Location: Henry B. Plant Museum
Experience themed displays, antique trees, and vintage holiday decor in a nostalgic setting.

5. Unchant: Christmas with a Florida Twist

Dates: November 25 – January 13, 2025
Location: FloridaRAMA
This event features coastal-inspired decorations and interactive displays that celebrate Florida’s unique holiday spirit.

6. Enchant Christmas

Dates: November 26 – January 2, 2025
Location: Tropicana Field
Visit a 100-foot animated tree, skate on a sparkling ice trail, and enjoy delicious holiday treats.

7. Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village

Dates: November 28 – December 29, 2024
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Drive through a mile of light displays and explore Santa’s Village with attractions and treats.

8. Christmas in the Wild

Dates: November 29 – December 23, 2024
Location: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Enjoy dazzling animal sculptures, light shows, and holiday treats at this popular event.

9. Holiday Lights in the Garden

Dates: November 29 – January 4, 2025
Location: Florida Botanical Gardens
Experience over a million colorful LED lights and stunning displays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly.

10. Deck the Walls

Dates: November 29 – January 5, 2025
Location: FloridaRAMA
Explore art installations and festive decorations perfect for the holiday spirit.

11. Yuletides at The Florida Aquarium

Dates: November 29 – January 5, 2025
Location: The Florida Aquarium
This event blends marine life and holiday cheer with special activities every weekend.

12. Heights District Seventh Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Date: November 30, 2024
Location: Armature Works
Join the celebration with live performances, a market, and Santa from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

13. Riverwalk Tree Lighting

Date: December 1, 2024
Location: Tampa Convention Center
Celebrate the season with food, family fun, and entertainment while Mayor Castor lights the holiday trees.

14. Santa’s Scientific Workshop

Date: December 14, 2024
Location: MOSI
Enjoy a fun, scientific twist on the holiday season with interactive activities.

15. Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Date: December 21, 2024
Join Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade along the Hillsborough River starting at 6:15 p.m.

Explore these holiday events to make the season special!