Whether you're looking for festive lights or place to experience winter activities, these 17 events are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
TAMPA
Selfie WRLD Tampa
When: November 8 - December
Where: 250 Westshore Plaza, Tampa
Cost: $20+
Info: If you're still looking to take your family Christmas photos, Selfie WRLD Tampa has 12 holiday rooms and backdrops to choose from. The festive displays at this DIY selfie studio are unique, interactive and there's a fun, instagramable scene for everyone. Sessions are one hour and included a ring light with a phone attachment and a wireless remote that you can sync up to your phone in order to take your own pictures. And if you can't decide on just one outfit, they even have a dressing room so you can mix and match your ensemble for the backdrops.
Winter Village
When: November 18 - January 4
Where: Curtis Hixon Park at 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy The Shops of Winter Village featuring boutiques from local vendors, winter cafe that serves up holiday treats, an ice skating rink ($17, includes skate rental), and brand new this year, curling. Hop aboard the Winter Village Express ($10 for everyone over the age of 2), a one hour excursion that features a sing-a-long, trivia and milk and cookies.
River of Lights
When: November 25 - December 24 (select dates)
Where: Tampa Convention Center (Pirate Water Taxi Home Dock: Stop #7)
Cost: $25+ for children | $30+ for adults
Info: Hop on Tampa's water taxi tour of holiday lights and decorations along the river including Holiday Island. As you cruise, you will get up-close views of Downtown Tampa's spectacular seasonal decorations and holiday lights. This family-friendly event will include a holiday river tour hosted by Ebenezer, Dickens Carolers performing Christmas sing-a-longs, and a chance to see snow flurries in Florida! Every child will have an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and drop it off in Tampa's only floating mailbox to the North Pole.
Christmas in the Wild
When: November 25-December 30 (select nights)
Where: ZooTampa at 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa
Cost: $29.95 (ages 2 and under get in FREE)
Info: It’s the most wonderful time of the year at ZooTampa with the return of Christmas in the Wild, featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, amazing wildlife and new festive adventures. This year is BIGGER, better and brighter than ever, with festive entertainment that the whole family will enjoy. ZooTampa Members and Pay For A Day ticket holders get free admission to seasonal events like Christmas in the Wild.
RELATED | Holiday events at Florida amusement parks in 2022
Tampa Riverwalk’s Holiday Spectacular
When: November 28 - January
Where: Tampa Riverwalk
Cost: Free
Info: The Tampa Riverwalk is decking the halls or should we say the river! From November 28th into January 2023, you can get in the holiday spirit and experience the Riverwalk’s Holiday Spectacular! Enjoy lots and lots of festive light displays as you stroll alongside the river. As most holiday events on the Tampa Riverwalk are, the holiday spectacular is free and fun for all ages!
Victorian Christmas Stroll
When: December 1-23
Where: Henry B. Plant Museum at 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa
Cost: $18 for adults | $12 for kids
Info: Tampa’s favorite holiday tradition returns with the 41st Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll! What started as a small, three-evening event has grown over the past four decades into a month of extravagance and grandeur. Allowing visitors a glimpse into the magic of Christmas past, this holiday experience is wonderful way to celebrate all the season has to offer. Gaze in wonder at a 14’ tree bedecked in antique ornaments. Decorations include visitor favorites from years past as well as new marvels that are sure to amaze and enthrall.
St. Petersburg
Putt The Pier: Holiday Edition
When: December 16-18
Where: St. Pete Pier at 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg
Cost: $12
Info: Check out the inaugural Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition. Be one of the first to play an 18-hole Putt Putt Golf over Tampa Bay waters on the St Pete Pier. Enjoy 360 degree water view as you and your family play putt putt with holiday themed obstacles surrounded by holiday decorations while listening to classic holiday tunes. Golf Balls being used are made of biodegradable materials in case if gets in the water. However, each golf ball lost in the water will be assessed a $5 fee.
Enchant Christmas
When: November 25 - January 1 (select days)
Where: Tropicana Field at 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg
Cost: $35+ for adults | $20+ for children ages 3-17 (ages 2 and under are free)
Info: The immersive experience is back this year and will again transform Tropicana Field into a Christmas wonderland. This year you’ll be transported to the ends of the earth by Santa’s Magic Timepiece. Stroll through lighted tunnels, travel to magical illuminated lands as you search for stars, find your way to our epic 100 foot tall Christmas tree, and look for special surprises along the way. Enchant also features ice skating, Christmas light maze, the Village full of holiday treats and shopping, live entertainment, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Around Hillsborough
Tampa Bay's Festival of Lights and Santa's Village
When: November 24 - January 1 (select nights)
Where: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds at 215 Sydney Washer Rd, Dover
Cost: $25/car (up to 8 people)
Info: Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village will envelop guests in an enchanting winter wonderland from beginning to end. Young and young at heart will 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 like camel rides, holiday goodies and visits with Santa!
Nights of Shimmering Lights
When: November 25-December 31 (select nights)
Where: Sunkissed Acres at 2302 N Dover Road, Dover
Cost: $7. 50 (kids 2 and under get in FREE) | $8.50 at the gate
Info: This winter event features a ¼-mile walking trail through the shimmering lights dancing to music. Walk at your own pace and stop as often as you like. Didn’t get enough the first time through? Try it again and again as many times as you like! When you need a break, make sure to stop at the Holiday Village for light refreshments, watch a seasonal movie on the big screen, play some games or take pictures at the photo spot. New this year is a FOAM play area on select night.
Sir Henry's Haunted Christmas
When: December 9-11, 16-18
Where: 2837 S Frontage Road, Plant City
Cost: $25+
Info: If you're looking for the eerie side of the holidays, check out Sir Henry's Haunted Christmas! This event will feature two Christmas-themed haunted trails, and for an extra fee you can try out two new Christmas escape games, axe throwing and laser tag. Enjoy all new spooky Christmas characters and photo ops, as well as new Christmas swag and concessions. General admission includes one-time entry to each of the trails, or opt for a Front of Line pass for $35 to gain unlimited entry.
Around Pinellas
Holiday Lights at Largo Central Park
When: November 24 - January 1
Where: 101 Central Park Dr, Largo
Cost: FREE
Info: 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. Park admission is free. Rides are $6 each. Food and beverage vendors will be on site selling delicious treats and eats. Dogs on a leash are welcome, but must remain on the leash at all times.
Florida Botanical Gardens
When: November 25 - January 1
Where: 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo
Cost: $10 suggested donation for those over 13
Info: 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.
Around Pasco
Snowcat Ridge
When: November 16 - February 26 (select days)
Where: 27839 St Joe Rd, Dade City
Cost: $26.95+ (kids under 2 get in FREE)
Info: Florida's only alpine snow park is back in Tampa Bay! Enjoy a 60-ft tall and 400-ft long tubing hill with real snow, as well as an arctic igloo with a snow play area, an outdoor ice skating rink, and an alpine village featuring a variety of food, drinks, shopping and cozy campfires.
12 Days of Christmas Festival
When: November 25 - December 23 (select nights)
Where: Raprager Family Farms at 16907 Boy Scout Road, Odessa
Cost: $14.95+ (2 years old and under are FREE) | $17.50+ at the gate
Info: Everywhere you look will be tastefully decorated with lights, garland and Christmas cheer. From the 34-foot digital pixel pine Christmas tree, to the 70-foot light wall, to the assortment of nutcrackers and toy soldiers guarding the property, it's Christmas decor galore. Enjoy the gingerbread village, axe throwing, holiday hayrides, a petting zoo plus plenty of photo ops.
Around Osceola
ICE! at Gaylord Palms
When: November 18 - January 1
Where: Gaylord Palms at 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee
Cost: $29.99 for adults | $19.99 for kids ages 4-11
Info: ICE! is back at Gaylord Palms. Don a signature, blue parka and step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. You'll see the story of the Grinch in larger-than-life sculptures and even plunge down slides made entirely of ice in this Gaylord Hotels original experience.
Around Sarasota
Lights in Bloom
When: December 10 - January 5 (select nights)
Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens at 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Cost: $30 for non-members | $25 for members | $15 for kids ages 5-17
Info: Lights in Bloom features more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways. Don’t miss a holiday photo opportunity, activities, and entertainment. Food is available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill, including a cash bar. A limited number of onsite valet parking vouchers are available for each night during the run of Lights in Bloom and may be purchased online.
