Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Nov. 16 to Jan. 6
10165 N. McKinley Drive
Busch Gardens
Celebrate Christmas every night at Busch Gardens. With visits from Santa, an array of holiday lights, a sing-a-long train, and holiday shows. Create new memories every night, you wont want to miss out. Christmas Town is included with your admission.
Winter Village
Nov. 22–Jan. 5
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N. Ashley Drive
The centerpiece of this annual holiday marketplace is the outdoor ice skating rink, but the Winter Village also includes pop-up shops from local retailers, a cafe and bar, and other special themed events during its month and a half of operation.
Enchant Christmas
Nov. 22-Dec. 29
Tropicana Field
1 Tropicana Drive
Billed as the world’s largest Christmas light maze and market, Enchant sends guests to find Santa’s missing reindeer in time for Christmas Eve. Centered around an 80-foot lighted pine tree, the experience also features more than 40 artisans and merchants, special seasonal food and drink, an ice skating trail, and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus in a completely transformed Tropicana Field.
Ybor City Tree Lighting
Nov. 20, 6 p.m. (preshow) 6:50 p.m. (countdown)
Centro Ybor
1600 E. 8th Ave.
Ybor’s holiday festivities kick off with a holiday shopping market at Centro Ybor starting at 5 p.m., followed by Mayor Jane Castor lighting the neighborhood’s tree. Cookies and hot chocolate will be handed out throughout the event, and kids can get free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the tree lighting.
Christmas in the Wild
Nov. 23– Dec. 30, select nights
ZooTampa
1101 W. Sligh Avenue
In addition to thousands of lights and delectable 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.
The Nutcracker
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
The Straz Center
1010 N. Macinnes Place
The Nutcracker is back in Tampa and you don’t miss out on this holiday tradition. This is an unforgettable holiday ballet – with performances all across the world. Get tickets now before they sell out!
Holiday Tree Lighting With Mayor Jane Castor
Nov. 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Armature Works
1910 N. Ola Avenue
Hosted by Mayor Jane Castor is the 2nd annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at Armature Works. With live music, photos with Santa and Mrs Claus and plenty of family friendly activities this is an event your not going to want to miss. The ceremonial tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. followed by a performance by the Tampa Opera. Seasonal drinks and food will be available for purchase from the vendors at Heights Public Market.
7th Annual OE Holiday Gift Bazaar
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oxford Exchange
420 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Inspired by European holiday markets, Oxford Exchange is hosting a weekend-long shopping event on its second floor to promote local businesses, crafters and artisans. Announced vendors include Albisia fine jewelry, Conscious Coconut, Pretty Peacock Paperie, Savvy Jack Wear and Sweet Harvest Farms.
93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball
Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
Amalie Arena
401 Channelside Drive
93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball 2019 Presents the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour at the Amalie Arena. The event captures the seasons holiday spirit. With performances this year from Lizzo, Sam Smith, French Montana, Normani, Why Don’t We, and Max and AJ Mitchell.
Victorian Christmas Stroll
Dec. 1-23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Henry B. Plant Museum
401 W. Kennedy Boulevard
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.
Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 6, 6 to 10 p.m.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N. Ashley Drive
Jane Castor will light her first city Christmas tree as Tampa’s mayor at this annual tradition. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the festivities will continue with a free outdoor movie.
Westchase Holiday Market
Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Westchase Golf Club
11602 Westchase Golf Club Drive
This annual community event is celebrating its 10th year with shopping, food, music, face painting, Santa and raffles. All proceeds from the raffles and auctions benefit Autism Speaks.
2019 Jingle Bell Run
Dec. 7, 9 a.m.
George M. Steinbrenner Field
1 Steinbrenner Field Drive
The Arthritis Foundation is hosting the annual Jingle Bell Run. There will be a 5k Run and a 1 mile run/walk. This is a very family friendly event, with entertainment, a kids zone, visits from Santa, Elsa and Anna, and a costume contest. and it all benefits a great cause.
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 runs along Madison Street and Ashley Drive, ending in front of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Santa will be on hand after the parade for free photos, and holiday crafts, games and activities will add to the Winter Village experience.
Snow on 7th Parade
Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. pre-show | 7 p.m. parade
7th Avenue (Ybor City)
This annual parade might be your only chance to catch a falling snowflake this season in Tampa. The cavalcade of marching bands, floats and krewes travels down Seventh Avenue, paving the way for Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Winter Wonder Ride
Dec. 14, 2 p.m.
Bayshore Boulevard & Curtis Hixon Park
With a “Tropic Like It’s Hot” theme, this charity bike ride along Bayshore Boulevard and through downtown raises money for onbikes’ mission to purchase bikes and helmets for kids in need. After the ride, cyclists head back to Curtis Hixon Park for food, drinks, concert and dance party.
Cirque Musica Presents Holiday Wishes
Dec 18. 7 p.m.
Amalie Arena
401 Channelside Drive
This Christmas themed musical circus is fun for the whole family. This event connects acrobatics, dancing, and stunning performances with a full symphony orchestra.
2019 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tampa Riverwalk
Come out and enjoy the 2019 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. This family friendly parade will run all the way down the Tampa Riverwalk and will showcase boast of all sizes decked out in their most festive holiday lights.
