From the warm Gulf Coast waters to sunshine 12 months a year, Tampa Bay residents have it all. For those who yearn for the pitter-patter of falling snowflakes and the thrill of the chill, you don’t have to give up the dreamy perks of living in paradise. Here are eight wintry experiences just a car ride away.
Enchant (photo featured above)
Friday, November 24 to Sunday, December 31, 2023
Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr.,St. Petersburg
The world’s largest Christmas light maze is back and better than ever with a brand-new holiday experience. Enchant features captivating entertainment, an immersive walk-through light maze, an impressive 100-foot-tall holiday tree, an ice-skating trail, visits with Santa and a holiday shopping marketplace. Did we mention they have snow?
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Saturday, November 11 – Sunday, January 7, 2024
10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Busch Gardens Christmas Town is back with brand new experiences to razzle your dazzle. Christmas Town joyfully bundles millions of twinkling lights, uplifting shows like “Christmas on Ice,” iconic holiday light displays, culinary delights and award-winning attractions. Christmas Town is included with park admission.
(Courtesy of Tampa Riverwalk)
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
November 2023 – January 2024
201 North Franklin St., Tampa
Enjoy a festive stroll, as you take in the sights and sounds along the Tampa Riverwalk. Delight in a 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor alongside the Pirate Water Taxi ticket booth, a floating gingerbread lighted display, along with a lighted pine tree forest.
St. Pete (Courtesy of Teri Grosze)
Christmas at Sundial St. Pete
Thursday, November 23 – Sunday, December 31
153 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg
It’s “snow time” at the Sundial St. Pete, where the fluffy flakes fall each night. Put the finishing touches on your holiday shopping as you sip hot cocoa amidst shimmering lights, toasting the holiday season.
Largo’s Holiday Stroll
Thursday, November 23 – Sunday, December 31
101 Central Park Dr., Largo
From a stunning carousel to the seven-story Ferris wheel that boasts breathtaking views of the lighted park, this annual event at Largo Central Park is a must. Featuring a spectacular holiday light display of over two million enthralling LED lights, families will enjoy rides as they stroll through the park. Every 15 minutes seven nights a week, there’s a 100-percent chance of snow.
Season Spectacular and Winter Wonder Wharf
Individual events throughout December
Water Street and Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Grab your mittens and marvel at the 35-foot Christmas tree, a 600-pound Crystalline Teddy Bear and over 300,000 twinkling lights on Water Street. Winter Wonder Wharf will feature different entertainment on select nights in December and on December 7, head to The Holiday Prominade for an evening of shopping, strolling and discovering unique gifts.
Holidays in the Sunshine City
Saturday, November 25 – Monday, January 1, 2024
St. Petersburg, Event locations vary
The City of St. Petersburg hosts several holiday events throughout the season like Cookies with Santa, Santa’s Calling, Movie in the Park and more. Where else can you glide down an icy slide in a toboggan, create holiday arts and crafts or go “glice” skating? For that special snow encounter, don’t miss Snowfest on Saturday, December 2.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, December 31
12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo
For the ultimate in un-brr-lievable light displays, look no further than Holiday Lights in the Gardens. The Florida Botanical Gardens will sparkle with no less than one million magical glistening LED lights. Prepare to be wowed by vibrant laser lights and lighted figures. Suggested donation of $10 per person, kids 12 and under are free.
Snow Days at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa
Saturdays & Sundays December 2 – December 24; Daily December 26 – December 31
701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Grab your mittens and join the Aquarium for festivities and hands-on snow-related experiences. Dash through the snow as you make your way through a “snow” maze. Battle monsters at the Sno-Fly Zone or dance on the rooftop terrace. Photos with Santa are also available select weekends. Free for Aquarium members and included with general admission.
Want to know what’s happening for the rest of the year? Check out our 2023-24 Events Calendar. Or if you need info on advertising, click here.
