‘Tis the season! Ornaments are hanging, lights are twinkling and eggnog is flowing. While we may not be enjoying a white Christmas this year (or any year, for that matter) there are enough events going on in the downtown area and beyond to fulfill our holiday dreams.
Christmas Town
Select days from Nov. 17 – Dec. 31
Busch Gardens | 10165 McKinley Drive
Get in the Christmas spirit at Busch Gardens. The park will be adorned with twinkling lights and filled with holiday shoppers. Take a tour of Santa’s House and meet characters from the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” holiday special. Christmas Town is included in Busch Gardens park admission.
Winter Village
Nov. 16 – Jan. 5
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N. Ashley Drive
Ever dreamed of skating at the Rockefeller Center ice rink in New York City but don’t want to go through the hassle of traveling across the nation? Well, you’re in luck.An open air ice rink is coming to Curtis Hixon Park, lit with holiday lighting to create a winter wonderland in DowntownTampa. Pop-up retail shops, waterside dining and two holiday movies on the lawn will keep the fun going.
Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 17, 5 to 9 p.m.
Hyde Park Village
Watch Hyde Park’s tree dazzle in the night as the village kicks off the holiday season. Live music, vendors and food trucks will spread the holiday cheer throughout the community.
Holiday Makers Marketplace
Nov. 23 – Dec. 23 | Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Westshore Plaza | 250 Westshore Plaza
For five weeks, local artists and business will be offering unique holiday gifts, art pieces, foods, clothing, personal care items and more. Some artists will be painting live,while others will be exhibiting their art hoping to win the art competition decided by visitors of the marketplace. During the event, “make-and-take” gift classes will be available on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants can make watercolor mandalas and glass jewelry, paint rocks and ornaments, and so much more.
Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 30 | 6-10 p.m.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N. Ashley Drive
Mayor Bob Buckhorn will lead the countdown for the city’s official tree lighting. A free movie will follow the tree lighting ceremony. Blankets, chairs, coolers and dogs on leashes are permitted, but glass and alcohol are not.
2018 Santa Fest and Christmas Parade
Dec. 1 | 12 to 4 p.m.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N. Ashley Drive
The Christmas parade will begin at 11 a.m. at Morgan Street and Madison Street and march down Ashley Drive. After the parade, head to Curtis Hixon Park for pictures with Santa, holiday crafts and games.
Snow on 7th Holiday Parade
Dec. 8 | 6-9 p.m.
7th Avenue (Ybor City)
Snow will fall from the rooftops as Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Santa and many marching bands parade down Seventh Avenue. The Tampa Bay Pride Band will usher in the parade and local dance groups will also perform for the crowd.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31
Busch Gardens | 10165 McKinley Drive
Ring in the new year with thrilling rides, music and a fireworks show. With the park open until 1 a.m., your first hour of 2019 is sure to be a fun one.
More holiday events around the downtown area are still being scheduled. Stay tuned to tampamagazines.com for updates leading up to and throughout the holiday season.
