12 Festive & Free Holiday Light Displays in Tampa Bay
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
7. Riverfront holiday spectacular
The Riverfront downtown comes alive each holiday season with a colorful light display. Highlights of this holiday spectacular include a floating LED tree on the water, pretty light displays, and an annual boat parade. The length of the trail is just over 2 miles, so perfect for a nice night stroll.
Also if you like skating, stop by Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park for a night of ice skating (on a real outdoor rink!) as well as festive food and drink. A bit pricey at 17 bucks but admission includes skates. One of my favorite Christmas Eve memories in The Bay was ice skating here followed by dinner at the wonderful Columbia restaurant (I love their Paella and Cuban black beans).
Also in this area you will find the city tree. There is a nicely synchronized light show which is free to watch.
Address: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 (free street parking North of Kennedy Blvd. after 6/all day weekends).
8. Christmas in the Wild at Zoo Tampa
Tampa’s zoo membership is a pretty good deal as you also receive free admission to holiday events. There’s lots of colorful lights, plus special shows and plenty of holiday treats (I tried some festive peppermint ice cream) to go around. It wasn’t as spectacular as some of the bigger city zoo lights I’ve attended like Phoenix and Chicago, but a nice add on activity for the season.
9. Hyde Park Village
This upscale outdoor shopping destination is a great place to shop and dine anytime of the year. Winter is the best time to take a stroll as the weather is much more tolerable, and also the plaza is decorated beautifully. One of my favorite trees in the metro is located here. I recommend stopping by Buddy Brew for a deliciously prepared espresso or hot cocoa prior to your walk. Also consider supporting Poinsettias in the Park, a local seasonal market (4-10″ poinsettias available) which benefits Make a Wish.
10. Downtown Dunedin
Downtown Dunedin is another great destination during the holiday season. This quaint Main Street is loaded with great local restaurants and shops. There are so many great local shops to browse for gifts for everyone on your list. The town looks beautiful with a unique Christmas tree in the park. Also, there are numerous festive events on the lineup including a holiday boat parade, an old fashioned Christmas celebration, and a holiday parade. I visited the city often living just minutes away in harbor. I recommend taking a look at my Dunedin travel guide for the full scoop on the best things to do.
11. Downtown Tarpon Springs
It’s worth taking a trip over to Tarpon Springs to indulge in authentic Greek food. The small Gulf coast community, known for its’ sea sponges, is also home to the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the US. Food aside, the city puts on a whole lineup of festive holiday activities. There’s Snow Place in Tarpon Springs, the signature event, features horse drawn carriage rides and real snow. Other free events include a festive boat and Christmas parade. I really love the Christmas tree display by the water – it’s so simple, yet so festive!
12. McDonald’s on Hwy 19 Palm Harbor
The most festive McDonalds you will ever see lies on Hwy 19 in Palm Harbor. The entire exterior is decked out in thousands of lights. Seriously, the lights are so bright they can be seen from blocks away. If you happen to be heading out to any event in Palm Harbor, Dunedin, or nearby communities, it’s definitely worth a quick drive by.
Address: 33817 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Things to Know
- Any listed prices are subject to change at any time. Check with each business.
- Most events are fairy crowded, as both locals and snowbirds will be out.
- December highs are typically in the 70’s-80, while night lows are typically in the 50’s.
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