There are plenty of events around town to get you in a festive spirit and lots of opportunities to meet the big guy himself – he definitely gets around town this time of year. So put on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater (or T-shirt) and get ready to fa la la your way through the most wonderful time of the year
Christmas Town
Nov. 16–Jan. 6
Busch Gardens
10165 McKinley Drive
Busch Gardens gets decked out for the season with millions of twinkling lights and impressive holiday ornaments. Santa will be on site, along with characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. You can also take in a holiday show or experience the thrill of riding the park’s coasters after dark.
Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market
Nov. 7-10
Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 U.S. Highway 301 N.
The 16th annual Holiday Gift Market provides a unique shopping experience featuring more than 200 merchants selling all sorts of different goodies, including clothing, jewelry, holiday décor, food and children’s items. Your child can have their picture taken with Santa or attend a character breakfast or high tea.
Winter Village
Nov. 22–Jan. 5
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N. Ashley Drive
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa with a festive holiday lights display, outdoor ice-skating rink, pop-up shops and a café. Back this year, the TECO Line Streetcar will offer themed rides on the Winter Village Express.
Enchanted Tree Lighting
Nov. 23, 5 to 9 p.m.
Hyde Park Village
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with festive surprises, live music, photos with Santa and delicious food and drinks, plus the lighting of the village tree.
Christmas in the Wild
Nov. 23–Dec. 30, select nights
ZooTampa
1101 W. Sligh Ave.
In addition to thousands of lights and tasty holiday treats, ZooTampa has a 50-foot animated Christmas tree complete with 12,000 dancing lights, 2,000 ornaments and an 8-foot star. Jolly St. Nick is on site and carolers dressed in Victorian finery will perform traditional classics and contemporary favorites. There’s even a holiday-themed animal show.
Victorian Christmas Stroll
Dec. 1-23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Henry B. Plant Museum
401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
The museum celebrates the grandeur of a Victorian Christmas with vintage decorations, antique toys, fanciful ornaments and Christmas trees. After enjoying complimentary cider and cookies on the veranda, take your holiday shopping list to the museum gift shop, where you’ll find elegant jewelry, unique artwork and beautiful holiday accessories.
Santa Fest and Downtown Tampa Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N. Ashley Drive
The 38th Annual Parade begins at Morgan Street and ends at the intersection of Ashley Drive and Cass Street with the best viewing along Madison Street. Afterward, Curtis Hixon Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with free photos with Santa Claus, holiday entertainment, make-n-take holiday crafts, and games and activities.
Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 6, 6 to 10 p.m.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N. Ashley Drive
Festivities include a countdown to light the tree and a free movie in the park. Blankets, low back chairs, coolers and dogs on leashes are allowed, but leave glass containers and alcohol at home.
Snow on 7th Parade
Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. pre-show
7 p.m. parade
7th Avenue (Ybor City)
The snow will be falling on Ybor City during the eighth annual parade, featuring 10 middle and high school marching bands, local dance teams and krewes, all led by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and the Tampa Bay Pride Band along with the guests of honor — Santa and Mrs. Claus.
