Christmas in Tampa Bay: Snow, Holiday Boat Parades, Tree Lightings & More!

Despite the warm temperatures that still linger on in Florida well into November and December (this time of year, the daily highs average in the low 70’s and can often top the high 80’s), you can still enjoy a few fun themed events to help you get into the holiday spirit.

As I am originally from the north, I try to seek out festive fun no matter where I am living or traveling. While I was used to frosty temps and snow growing up, I still enjoy festive activities no matter the temps outside. After moving to Tampa, I have to say I was pretty impressed with the number and quality of holiday events. Plus, there is so much more to enjoy in this underrated city.

Even though by day temperatures are still quite warm, by night it has usually cooled down enough to wear a (light) sweater. Rare cold fronts have brought night temperatures into the lower 40’s on several occasions. It’s not uncommon to see long time residents bundled up in heavy jackets and gloves. Mike and I find the temps pretty comfortable as we moved here from Massachusetts.

For those visiting from colder climates, the weather for you will likely be a real treat. Those visiting from the Midwest and Northeast will most likely feel as if the air is tropical compared to back home! Throughout the month of December, you will find many worthwhile events throughout the Bay including: tree lighting ceremonies, festive boat parades, holiday concerts and plays, and even a bit of snow!

If you are looking for something a bit more quaint, many small Gulf Coast communities offer an entertaining lineup of unique events, including a few “snow events.” These charming towns often have old time Main Streets where you can shop for local goods and dine at local restaurants. There is something extra special about supporting local businesses this time of year.

Below I have listed some of my favorite events to check out this season.

Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights

• Location: Largo
• Cost: Free, $10 pp (over age 12) suggested donation. Free parking
• 2025 Dates: November 28th – January 3rd, from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m

My favorite event in the suburbs is the Florida Botanical Garden’s Holiday Lights extravaganza. If you only have time for one event, this is the one to attend in my opinion. It’s a wonderful budget friendly display featuring over a million lights, unique tropical Florida themed displays, and visits from Santa. On a side note, leashed dogs are allowed which is pretty rare for a holiday event.

As you stroll along the many diverse gardens, all beautifully lit for the season, you will definitely find yourself getting into the holiday spirit. It is difficult not to with all the gorgeous lights and fantastic photo opportunities at every turn!

Colorful displays over the years

What I enjoyed most was the tropical flair: I loved seeing the palms decorated with lights and the fun flamingo, poinsettia, and bird displays.

Snowfest

• Location: St. Petersburg
• Cost: Free admission. $5 for activity wristbands
• 2025 Date: December 6th, from 9am-2pm

St. Petersburg is one of the warmest year-round cites, with an average yearly high in the low 80’s.  Average temperatures range from the lower 90’s in the summer months to the lower 70’s in the fall and winter months. But this doesn’t mean the city never sees snow. Every December, the city hosts Snowfest, an event loaded with seasonal fun including an outdoor ice rink and a snowslide, complete with 60 tons of real snow.

A holiday parade, karaoke, and reindeer races are also on the line up. I would think any transplants missing the traditional snow up north (especially kids) will enjoy this one. On the other hand, kids who have never seen snow should have a blast sledding on a real snow hill. The event is located at beautiful North Straub park, so you will be able to enjoy some scenic views of the waterfront as well.

We combined this event with the annual Santa parade which was fun and festive. Unfortunately, for 2025, the parade will be held on Nov. 29th at 6:30pm. This year marks the 97th anniversary which is pretty impressive. On a side note, they seem to move everything up every year – pretty soon we will be seeing holiday events before Halloween!

Note: this event, as many others in the area, is very popular and over crowded. Anticipate hoards of crowds and a long walk from your parking spot. Arrive early to find a decent spot.

There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs

• Location: Downtown Tarpon Springs
• Cost: All activities are free!
• 2025 Date: December 12th, from 5-10pm

One of the holiday events I’ve had the most fun at was “There’s Snow Place like Tarpon Springs.” Tarpon is a small waterfront town located just 45 minutes or so from the city. There is a lot to do here including dining at great local Greek joints and exploring the sponge dock history.

As you stroll the historic Main St., you will be transported outside of Florida as snow falls around you and carolers greet you with traditional favorites.An old-fashioned horse drawn carriage ride takes you down a short, beautifully lit and decorated section of the Pinellas Trail (a rail trail I recommend biking if you have the time).

Other activities include: visits with Santa, a snow play area, dance performances, and a boat parade. Many shops and restaurants stay open late during the event. Treat yourself to some delicious authentic Greek fare – I recommend Hellas (serving great desserts and spanakopita) and Mr. Souvlaki (a local gem serving great Greek salad).

The event is very popular, meaning there are long waits for everything, however, I would say it is worth the hassle if you want to “see snow.” Although the snow doesn’t accumulate, it does look pretty when it is falling down. If you are looking for that nostalgic feeling of being back home up north, if only for an hour or 2, “There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs”, is sure to leave you feeling festive.

Note: Street parking is near impossible to find due to the popularity of this event. I recommend parking further away and take the Jolley Trolley to avoid the hassle of searching for parking.

Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade & Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration

• Location: Dunedin, Florida
• Cost: All activities are free!
• 2025 Date: December 13th at 6pm

Dunedin is home to one of my favorite downtown on the Gulf. I love dining and shopping on beautiful Main Street. December is the perfect time of the year to visit as the community hosts a festive boat parade. This unique event is a great opportunity to do something different for the holidays, especially if you are from a cold Northern city.

This was my first time watching a boat parade and I had a blast – some of the boat owners really got into it with over-the-top lights. On the last boat, Santa arrived to light the town tree. Holiday music accompanied the lighting, as well as a make your own S’Mores station.

I recommend arriving early to find parking and check out the unique shops and restaurants lining Main Street. Cork and Beans is a beautiful place to stop for a cup of coffee or glass of wine. In terms of food, The Living Room on Main is an eclectic international option.

For more festive fun, add the annual holiday parade and old fashioned Christmas to your lineup. This event takes place Dec. 13th at 3:30pm. A few of the fun events and activities on this special night include: fake snow along Main Street, carriage rides, a snow slide, and a holiday themed parade.

Largo Central Park Holiday Lights

• Location: Largo, Florida
• Cost: Free! Extra fee for rides
• 2025 Dates: November 27th – January 4th, from 5-10pm.

Largo, a suburb located halfway between St. Pete and Clearwater, offers a wonderful free holiday event for the whole family to enjoy. The park is lit up with a million beautiful lights and colorful displays (update: the number is now up to 2.5 million!). This is my favorite free event, no question. I highly recommend anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit to check it out. Along with millions of colorful lights, you will also find a bit of Florida flair such as beautiful candy cane lit palm trees and flamingo displays.

Each year, the park offers a special night of fun seasonal activities, including: the tree lighting, live music, visits with Santa, a snow slide, and holiday crafts. If you are looking for a romantic stroll, visit on a regular night. If you are looking for a lineup of festive activities and do not mind hefty crowds, then plan for the Holiday Stroll event. Carousel and Ferris Wheel rides available for a small fee.

Festive displays over the years

The Shops of Wiregrass Symphony of Lights

• Location: Wesley Chapel, Florida
• Cost: Free!
• 2025 Dates: November 9th – December 21st, from 6-9pm

The Shops of Wiregrass, an upscale open air shopping center, is my favorite outdoor mall in the area. I love walking around during the holiday season. First off, it’s decorated beautifully. Second, there are a number of great shops and restaurants. And finally, there is a really fun show with synchronized lights and music.

The grand 55 foot tall tree dances along to the music of Trans Siberian Orchestra in a wonderful choreographed show. I love the fake snow falling and the festive music – it really adds a nice festive touch while you are shopping.

Check out a video of the show featuring fake snow and the music of Trans Siberian Orchestra!

Other special events include: Santa pet photos from Nov. 10th-Dec. 15th and Santa photos for the kids from Nov. 8th-24th (a special sensory Santa will be available at Dec. 7th). Do check the mall website for additional details.

Oakdale Christmas House

• Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
• Cost: Free!
• 2025 Dates: TBA

With over half a million lights, the Oakdale house in St. Petersburg, is easily the most decorated house in the Bay area. It has been featured on various TV specials over the years including HGTV’s All Out Christmas special and on The Today Show as one of the top 3 decorated houses in the US. The tradition is almost 50 years old.

The house is quite a sight to see, and a striking contrast in comparison to the barren blocks with no lights around it. If you are looking for a house with a lot of lights, you have found it at Oakdale. Be prepared for a unique display (emphasizing quantity over quality for sure) of crazy, over-the-top strangeness.

Note this display is very cheesy and over-the-top (I have never seen so many stuffed animals and random decorations), however, might be worth a quick stop if you are doing other stuff in the area. Not my personal style, but it was worth a quick drive just to see what the fuss was about. Also note that there is heavy Evangelical advertising as part of the display.

Heavy on the cheese factor, but very colorful!

Safety Harbor Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Location: Safety Harbor, Florida
• Cost: Free!
• 2025 Date: December 6th at 10am (parade), December 5th at 6pm (tree lighting)

Each year, at John Wilson Park in Safety Harbor (a small Gulf coast community about 20 minutes from Clearwater), you can enjoy a fun holiday tree lighting ceremony, complete with live music and visits from Santa kicks off the season. For more fun, attend the festive parade held on historic Main Street.

Downtown Main Street is home to many local shops, restaurants, and bars. One local restaurant I recommend if you are looking for a bite is Nona Slice House. They serve awesome pizza and I love the retro decor. In this city, you will also find the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, said to be the location of the Fountain of Youth. I’ve taken many daytrips here to soak in the healing mineral waters.

Holiday Movies at CineBistro

• Location: Tampa, Florida (Hyde Park neighborhood)
• Cost: Varies
• 2025 Dates: Check the theater’s website for details

Each December, this swanky dine in theater in Hyde Park Village offers several holiday movies as part of their Tuesday night classic movies series. For 2022, A Christmas Story, Four Christmases, The Polar Express, and Christmas Vacation are on the lineup.

As opposed to simply grabbing popcorn and candy at a regular theater, you will be able to enjoy a full meal (a full menu including options such as: Pan Seared Salmon, Blue Crab Cakes, Orange Roasted Chicken, and dinner sized salads are available) while watching your favorite holiday classics.

Before or after your movie, you can take in the beautiful lights around Hyde Park Village. There are plenty of shops and bars in the area too if you feel like making it a full night. Buddy Brew serves delicious coffee and hot chocolate! I think this is one of the most gorgeous trees in the area.

Holiday Classics at the Tampa Theater

• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Cost: $10 per movie (update now $16.50)
• 2025 Dates: Check the Tampa Theater website for screening times.

Each year, this gorgeous historic theater screens a few holiday classics. It’s the perfect place to see a movie you may have missed the first time around on the big screen. It was rated one of the most beautiful theaters in the world (I’m not surprised), so really a perfect place to take a date or enjoy a quiet night out in the city. 2025 screenings include Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas sing-along, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Love, Actually.

More seasonal activities worth checking out

Wild Wonderland at Zoo Tampa. This festive seasonal event features more than a million lights, visits from Santa, and special treats. Unfortunately, this zoo lights event does not compare with other big city zoo festivals I’ve attended like Lincoln Park Zoo Lights in Chicago or Phoenix Zoo Lights, but it’s a great add on activity.

Ice skating at the Tampa Bay Skating Center. Nothing says the holidays quite like ice skating. Although there are many outdoor rinks around the area this time of year, skating inside in the cold just feels more wintry and festive. Grab your coat, hat, and scarf and enjoy a night skating at this fantastic indoor rink.

If you want to combine some holiday shopping with skating, I recommend heading over to Countryside Mall in Clearwater for an afternoon of shopping and skating. Skating is pricey, but it’s a gorgeous rink.

Ice skating downtown. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is home to the city’s official tree. Winter Village is the only real outdoor city rink in the area. I enjoyed skating in the tropical ambiance – it was a unique experience. Also there is a festive and free choreographed show to enjoy next to the city tree and the Riverwalk is decorated with festive red and green lights.

Please check each individual attraction website for updated dates/hours for the current year.