The holiday season is here, and Tampa Bay is getting festive. Watch the holiday spirit take over downtown at the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade or sip on a toasty cup of hot chocolate while immersed in the magic of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay.
Holiday Movie Classics
Select Dates through Dec. 28
Marvel at your favorite holiday classics as they light up the big screen this season at Tampa Theatre. Experience a dose of nostalgia with family and friends as you watch beloved films like Elf, Love Actually, and It’s a Wonderful Life. Keep an eye on select dates so you don’t miss the chance to enjoy your favorite holiday movie in one of Tampa Bay’s most iconic theatres.
River of Lights
Select dates in Nov. and Dec.
Set sail on Pirate Water Taxi’s River of Lights cruise, now departing from the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, for a sparkling journey along the Hillsborough River filled with twinkling holiday lights and waterfront décor. This family-friendly ride includes festive sing-alongs with snow flurries, games, surprises, and a stop to meet the “Elf on a Barge,” where kids receive a special gift and can mail letters to Santa at Tampa’s floating mail buoy. With magical moments and scenic views throughout, it’s a beloved Tampa holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.
Tampa Holiday Brunch Cruise
Select Saturdays and Sundays in Nov. & Dec.
Celebrate the season on the water with Yacht StarShip’s Holiday Brunch Buffet Cruise. Enjoy a festive brunch, spectacular views of Tampa, and live music with dancing on the top deck. It’s the perfect way to share holiday cheer with friends and family.
Tampa Holiday Dinner Cruises
Select Dates in Nov. & Dec.
Experience a dazzling holiday evening aboard Yacht StarShip as you cruise past Tampa Bay’s stunning skyline. Enjoy a chef-prepared holiday meal and refreshing drinks before heading to the top deck for dancing under the night sky. Gather your friends and family for a festive celebration filled with beautiful views and unforgettable moments.
Gingerbread Village
Nov. 4 – Jan. 1
Step into Gingerbread Village at MakeSpace, where families can design and build whimsical, gingerbread-inspired creations using everyday, recyclable materials. The village grows throughout the season, offering a hands-on, imaginative experience that encourages creativity and collaboration. Plus, enjoy festive guest appearances — from WEDU storytime to a special elf meet-and-greet — adding extra magic all season long.
Photos with Santa
Nov. 7 – Dec. 24
Meet Santa at International Plaza & Bay Street for a picture-perfect holiday moment, then dive into the fun at Santa’s Flight Academy. This interactive experience lets kids step into the magic of the season — complete with a towering 22-foot sleigh. A festive stop that brings holiday cheer to life!
Christmas Town
Nov. 14 – Jan. 5
Christmas Town is back for its 13th season, bringing holiday magic to Busch Gardens once again. Make new memories on your favorite rides, all dressed up with cheerful lights and Christmas charm. Sip rich hot cocoa from their limited-edition holiday cups and snack on warm holiday cookies as you catch festive shows or hop aboard the Holly Jolly Express. It’s a joyful tradition and the longest-running holiday celebration in Tampa Bay, perfect for getting you and your family into the spirit of the season.
Winter Village Tampa
Nov. 21 – Jan. 4
Watch the holiday spirit take over the Tampa Riverwalk this season at Winter Village, where Curtis Hixon Park transforms into a winter wonderland. Explore The Shops of Winter Village, featuring small local businesses with unique gifts, handmade goods, and festive finds. After shopping, hop on the Pirate Water Taxi and admire Tampa Bay’s dazzling holiday lights from the water. As one of Tampa Bay’s most popular holiday experiences, it’s sure to get your family into the Christmas spirit.
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
Nov. 27 – Dec. 28
Experience an expanded holiday light spectacular featuring more than a million dazzling lights along a nearly 2-mile immersive drive-thru. After the glowing journey, stroll through Santa’s Village for festive treats, attractions, and a visit with Santa. Gates open nightly at 6 p.m.
Riverwalk Holiday Decor Challenge
Nov. 28 – Jan. 2
Brighten the season with the Riverwalk Holiday Decor Challenge! Businesses, homes, and apartments along the Riverwalk are invited to deck the halls and spread holiday cheer, with prizes for the “Best Decorated.” Join this festive Tampa tradition, delight visitors, and gain recognition on the Riverwalk’s website and social media.
Victorian Christmas Stroll
Nov. 28 – Dec. 31
The 44th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll returns, inviting visitors to step back into the charm of a Gilded Age holiday at Tampa’s historic grand hotel. Wander through beautifully themed rooms filled with antique ornaments, goosefeather trees, period fashions, and heartwarming scenes—from the Roosevelt family’s Christmas morning to hotel staff preparing gifts for local families. This beloved tradition blends timeless favorites with new wonders to create unforgettable holiday memories.
Christmas in the Wild
Nov. 28 – Dec. 30 (select nights)
Feel the joy of the holidays at ZooTampa as it transforms into one of the largest light displays in Tampa Bay. Enjoy festive treats as you take in the sparkling lights and cheerful entertainment throughout the park. And before you leave, don’t forget to grab a photo with Santa to cap off the night. Bring the family and see how this year is bigger, better, and brighter than ever.
Christmas at Dinosaur World
Nov. 28 – Jan. 4
Step into a holiday wonderland at Dinosaur World, where sparkling lights and lantern displays bring the magic of Christmas to life among towering dinosaurs. Meet Santa, enjoy festive activities, and join in special events throughout the celebration. Browse the Christmas Market for unique gifts, hop aboard the Candy Cane Express for a magical ride, and pick up a special gem bag from Uncle Rex’s Gem Mine. Warm up with a cup of delicious Swedish hot chocolate and create wonderful memories with your family this holiday season.
YuleTides
Nov. 28 through Jan. 4
Dive into the holiday spirit at YuleTides, a one-of-a-kind celebration at The Florida Aquarium! Wander through the Holiday Tree Trail, where each boat is decked out with a one-of-a-kind tree, and don’t miss the stunning Signature Tree made from upcycled beach materials. Snap a festive photo with Santa at his Wharf, then join in the fun with caroling, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, and meet Rocky and Tango in their holiday gear. With sand sculptures and a ton of coastal charm, YuleTides is a holiday experience unlike any other!
Holiday Spectacular
Nov. 30 – Jan. 2
Experience the magic of Holiday Spectacular and take in the joyful holiday lights along the Tampa Riverwalk. Witness a 35-foot LED Christmas tree, a 22-foot LED pirate ship, and a glowing toy train all twinkling along the Hillsborough River. Stroll the Riverwalk to enjoy the lights and celebrate the holiday spirit with family and friends. It’s a free, self-guided experience that brings a little extra sparkle to every step of your holiday season.
Nutcracker
Select Nights in December
Come witness the magic of the Nutcracker live with Tampa City Ballet. A long-standing Tampa Bay holiday tradition, this performance truly stands out. With a blend of rising students and seasoned professionals, the talent on stage will captivate you from start to finish. Experience the beauty, elegance, and festive spirit that make Tampa City Ballet’s Nutcracker one of the most memorable shows of the holiday season.
Christmas Eve Cruise
Dec. 24
Celebrate Christmas Eve on the water with Yacht StarShip’s festive Holiday Buffet Cruise. Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner while taking in the sparkling sights and sounds of the season, followed by dancing under the stars with a live DJ. It’s a magical way for the whole family to experience holiday cheer in Tampa Bay.