It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in Tampa Bay
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I was surprised by the number of festive events that I could enjoy during my time living in Tampa. I wasn’t sure what to expect my first year living here, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even with the lack of snow and warm temps, I definitely still felt that festive holiday vibe in the air. While building a snowman, taking a sleigh ride, and skiing are all surely out of the question, there are so many light shows, holiday 5ks, and even a real rink downtown.
Unique to the area, you will find illuminated boat parades and even some “snow events” at various malls and city parks. My guide will include some of these fun and festive holiday attractions including a few freebies.
Free seasonal fun
For anyone on a budget, there are a number of events to check out. You can sled down real snow, enjoy various parades, and even enjoy some falling snow. Also, a few great light shows are free.
Snowfest St. Pete
Over 60 tons of snowfall arrive in North Straub park every December. Here’s your unique (and likely) only chance to go sledding down a hill with palm trees in the distance. This Tampa Bay article details how the snow is made possible.
Shops of Wiregrass Symphony of Lights
This outdoor shopping mall in suburban Wesley Chapel features a spirited choreographed tree light show featuring music from Trans Siberian Orchestra. If you stay through the whole show, you may just get caught in a rare Florida snowstorm.
The mall is decorated beautiful, the show is great, it’s fun to see the snow, and I can shop & dine in the same place! After seeing the show and shopping, I usually enjoy some pizza in a local cafe called 900 Woodfired
There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs
The biggest holiday event in Pinellas County features horse drawn carriage rides, a snow play area, holiday movies, and even falling snow! This was a really fun event – everyone was in a great mood enjoying the temporary snowstorm. Typically held the first week of Dec.
While you are in the Greek Capital of Florida, I recommend checking out a local restaurant. Tourists usually love Hellas (they offer the most amazing bakery with various Greek specialties like Baklava cheesecake).
Boat parades in Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Madeira Beach, & downtown Tampa
Almost every coastal community in Florida puts on an extravagant boat parade. Growing up in the Midwest, I’ve never had a boat parade on my holiday lineup, so I had a fun time attending these events. The communities mentioned above put on the biggest and boldest illuminated parades in the Bay.
Some boat owners really get into it with all sorts of crazy decorations. Get out early to score a prime view! Check each town’s website for details on this year’s parade.
Santa Parade at North Straub Park
The annual Christmas parade in St. Pete is about as festive as it gets. The weather may be mild, but there is no lack of holiday spirit here. I love the mix of palms and traditional holiday scenes. Typically held in late November.
Holidays Lights extravaganza
I was surprised by the number of lights shows in the metro, many of which are free or cheap to attend. Here are a few of my personal favorites.
Lights of Largo Central Park
At this local park, you can stroll through 2 million colorful lights for free. It’s the biggest light event in the area. This is my favorite lighting event: it’s free and very well designed.
Florida Botanical Gardens
This free display ($10 donation suggested) includes a variety of whimsical nature and tropical themed light displays. I love all the tropical themed wire displays and decked out palms. You can see more pics from my visit.
Holiday Spectacular at Riverwalk Tampa
I had no idea before moving here that I would still be able to ice skate on a real rink. The rink is actually pretty nice (as long as the sun isn’t beating down melting it). After your skating session, take a stroll along the downtown Riverfront trail to see the red and green holiday lights and 35 foot tall floating tree. I also recommend a stop at Columbia for a delicious bowl of Cuban Black Beans.
The grandest Christmas trees
I love visiting the various small town Main Streets to see what type of Christmas tree they will put up. Another great place to see beautiful trees is at any of the malls, either indoor or outdoor.
Downtown Dunedin
Head over to Edgewater Park near the Dunedin marina to check out this beautiful tree. Plan your visit on the boat parade day and also explore downtown Dunedin for a full day out. I recommend the quirky Beatles museum, Cork and Vine coffee bar, and The Living Room on Main restaurant.
Hyde Park Village
The gorgeous tree in the city’s most beautiful outdoor shopping village draws big crowds each December. Bonus – while you are in the vicinity, you can get some shopping done and enjoy a mug of the best local coffee in the city at Buddy Brew. Also, there are a number of great local restaurants to choose amongst and a great dine in movie theater called Cinebistro.
Downtown Tampa
The city’s tree lighting ceremony takes place sometime around the first week of December each year. From here, you can enjoy a walk along the festively decorated Riverwalk and/or ice skate at Curtis Hixon Park.
The best neighborhood light displays
One of the best parts about living in warm weather areas is the neighborhood light shows. Most of the best displays I have seen were in Long Beach, Tucson, and Tampa.
Lights of Lake Park Estates
Drive through 3 miles of houses decked out Griswold style for the holidays in suburban Largo. It’s one of the brightest spots in all of the Bay and almost every house is beautifully decorated. Donations support Suncoast Hospice.
Indian Trail HOA Lights
While not as grandiose as the Lights at Lake Park, this subdivision in Palm Harbor also goes all out. The drive is 3 miles long with a majority of the neighborhood getting into the festive spirit. It’s free. It’s fun. And everyone goes really all out – I’ve seen everything from light up dog collars to light up bikes here.
Oakdale Christmas house
This massive display has grown to include over 1/2 million lights since its’ inception in 1977. A little over-the-top on the cheese factor, but hey, it’s all part of the fun! The over-the-top decor has earned it many awards including the number 1 spot on HGTV’s “All out Christmas.” Note – there is a lot of evangelical advertising as a heads up. Location: 2719 Oakdale St S, St. Petersburg
Winter fun
Winter sports are not necessarily out. This will come as a surprise to many, but you can still ice skate, sled, and even be trapped in a temporary snowstorm at various destinations across the metro.
Ice skating at Westfield Countryside Mall
An ice rink in a mall? Surprisingly, this is not at all an unusual sight today, especially in warm weather destinations. Enjoy the unique opportunity to skate on a real rink in Florida. Then, treat yourself to a Peppermint Mocha (Starbucks on-site) after your session!
This is my favorite place to shop around the holidays. You got an ice rink, plenty of good stores, great chains like PF Changs & Cheesecake Factory, and even a movie theater. They even have one of those spas were the fish eat the dead skin off your feet (Garra). You can easily spend half the day here.
Curtis Hixon Winter Village
Enjoy a festive skating session on a real rink surrounded by festive lights. Afterwards, enjoy a local cup of coffee from Kahwa and enjoy the free synchronized light show. Typically opens in late November.
Themed 5ks
Burn off all those extra holiday calories in a fun way by signing up for a festive 5k. Check out Run Tampa’s schedule of upcoming races. You will find lots of options, ranging from candy cane and jingle bell runs to a New Year’s run to start the year off on a positive and healthy note.
Festive Dining
If you are looking for a beautiful place to dine this time of year, I recommend Columbia. This Spanish restaurant (the largest in the world) is worth visiting anytime of the year for the black bean soup alone. During the holidays, the dining room transforms into a festive winter wonderland. I’ve dined here on Christmas Eve a few times as the food, ambiance, and service are all spectacular.
Holiday Shows
Tampa Theater
Every holiday season, the gorgeous historic Tampa Theater screens a number of classics. Recent screenings have included It’s A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street on the big screen just like in the old days. Check out the lineup of holiday films for more details.
Florida Orchestra Holiday Pops
There’s no better place for traditional holiday music lovers than at the symphony. Show lineup.
Straz Center
The Straz Center is the place to go for world class entertainment. During the holiday season, you can look forward to a number of great holiday productions including The Nutcracker. Check out the lineup of events.
Where to shop
Robert’s Christmas Wonderland
Shop til you drop everything Christmas at one of America’s largest specialty shops. I love just waking around looking at the miniature house village display and the room with all the Christmas trees. I feel as if I am transported to the North Pole temporarily even though the temps are in the 80’s. Location: 2951 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater
International Mall
Featuring over 200 retailers and 16 restaurants, this upscale mall is the perfect destination for an afternoon of high end shopping. I love the mix of casual and upscale shops.
Westfield Countryside
This casual Clearwater shopping center is a great place for a laid-back shopping experience. Asides from plenty of shops, there are a number of great restaurants (PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory), an ice rink, and a movie theater.
Shops of Wiregrass
This outdoor mall features a mix of big name retailers and small shops. I recommend The Living Room or 900 Woodfired for dinner. Also, I recommend a stop at Le Macaron for a delicious French pastry. Don’t miss the Symphony of Lights and the synthetic ice rink.
Westshore Plaza
The best mall in Tampa features a nice mix of high and mid end retail. There is a Maggiano’s on-site – I love dining here over the holidays for their Chef’s favorites for 2 special. I also think this mall has the best decorations. Tip – stop at Luna Cafe for an espresso drink – I love this local cafe and it’s great to take a nice break from the craziness for a bit.
