It’s Christmas time and Tampa Bay has lit up with lights, activities, events and more! There are a ton of Christmas activities and events taking place throughout the area. We’ve compiled a list of the top places to visit – places that make you feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole!

WINTER VILLAGE AT CURTIS HIXON PARK IN DOWNTOWN TAMPA 

Nov. 18, 2022 – Jan. 4, 2023

Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages.

WINTER WONDER WHARF AT SPARKMAN WHARF IN TAMPA

Nov. 18 – Dec. 17, 2022

Celebrate the season at Sparkman Wharf at Winter Wonder Wharf. Enjoy holiday-centric events and entertainment including a tree lighting, live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus and festive backdrops for fun photo-ops.

TAMPA BAY’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SANTA’S VILLAGE IN DOVER

Nov. 24, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023

A holiday light spectacular with more than a million lights from entrance to exit. Enjoy the nearly 2 mile drive-thru immersive experience of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village, full of attractions, holiday goodies and visits with SANTA!

CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD AT ZOOTAMPA

Nov. 25, 2022 – Dec. 30, 2022

Christmas in the Wild, featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, amazing wildlife and new festive adventures is back! This year is BIGGER, better, and brighter than ever, with festive entertainment that the whole family will enjoy.

RAPRAGER FAMILY FARMS WINTER FESTIVAL AND CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA IN ODESSA

Select dates Nov. 26, 2022 – Dec. 23, 2022

Deck the halls on the farm! Enjoy Christmas lights galore, decorations as far as the eye can see, photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, Santa’s workshop, a gingerbread village and more!

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR ON THE TAMPA RIVERWALK AND WATER WORKS PARK IN DOWNTOWN TAMPA

Nov. 28, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023

See all the festive lights and décor while you stroll along the Riverwalk. There is a 35 foot Christmas tree, floating light displays, giant themed displays, and much more! You can also enjoy the shops and restaurants along the river.

TAMPA HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

Dec. 17, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf where judging will occur and the parade will end.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS & RIDES AT LARGO CENTRAL PARK

Nov. 24, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023

This family-friendly annual tradition presented by the City of Largo features a spectacular holiday light display, stunning carousel, and seven-story Ferris wheel that offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the 70-acre Largo Central Park and more than two million dazzling LED lights.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDENS AT THE FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS

Nov. 25, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023

The Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages.

WATERFRONT LIGHTS IN ST. PETERSBURG

Nov. 27, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023

Take a stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier.

SAFETY HARBOR’S HARBOR HOLIDAY NIGHTS

Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, 2022,  5pm-9pm

Weekends in December will be full of Christmas cheer in Safety Harbor. Folly Farm is the focal point of Harbor Holiday Nights, a free, family favorite that returns for the third year. The festive event features children’s activities and a campfire, live entertainment and a bevy of colorful holiday lights at the Folly Farm facility

WINTER WONDERLAND CLEARWATER

Dec. 3 – Dec. 18, 2022, Wed-Sun, 6pm-9pm

Dec. 19 – Dec. 23, 2022, Mon-Fri, 6pm-9pm

Winter Wonderland is a complete Christmas village with an entertainment stage, photos with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate shop and Holiday Express Train!

ENCHANT CHRISTMAS

Nov. 25, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023

A place where Christmas comes to life. Visit the world’s most magical Christmas village. Get ready to embark on all new immersive Christmas adventures.

LIGHTS OF LAKE PARK ESTATES

Dec.1 – Dec. 31, 2022, nightly, 6pm-10pm

The neighborhoods of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village, generously decorate their homes and yards with over 3.0 miles of Christmas Lights and Decorations for the public to enjoy.

WINTER BEACH AT THE ST. PETE PIER

Nov. 20, 2022 – Jan. 17, 2023

There’s always something to do at Winter Beach and at the St. Pete Pier: Enjoy Ice Skating, Santa sightings, an arcade, and a free holiday concert. Find the perfect gift this holiday season at the Winter Beach Holiday Market, featuring a diverse lineup of local vendors, artists, and the Winter Beach gift shop.

SNOWCAT RIDGE ALPINE SNOW PARK

Nov. 16, 2022 – Feb. 27, 2023

Real snow in Florida! This family friendly snow park features 60-foot-tall and 400-foot-long real snow-covered tubing slope. There is also an igloo, village, ice skating and more!

CHRISTMAS TOWN AT BUSCH GARDENS

Nov. 14, 2022 – Jan. 9, 2023

Experience the joy of the season up close with animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday inspired culinary delights and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. Keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night with millions of twinkling lights and dazzling fireworks, plus heartwarming moments with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!