Gotta Go Orlando
- Nov 21, 2022

The Top Tampa Bay Holiday Events In 2022

Tampa Bay offers a winter wonderland of fun and happening activities to celebrate the holiday season, and is more than worth the two hour festive drive.

Visit Tampa and experience ice skating on real ice, witness beautiful holiday boat parades, and even see floating Christmas trees, all this and more is happening this holiday season in Tampa Bay.

So pack up your sleigh and head west to Tampa and experiencing a winter wonderland of holiday offering, just without the hat, coat, and mittens!

The Top Tampa Bay Holiday Events 2022

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Now through January 9, 2023

Millions of twinkling lights illuminate the night at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Christmas Town.

Experience Florida's most thrilling rides after dark, indulge in seasonal food & drink, and explore a world of fantastically festive live entertainment perfect for all the family, including Christmas On Ice and a chance to meet the little one's favorite Sesame Street characters.

Curtis Hixon Park's Winter Village

Now through January 4, 2023

Outdoor ice skating – in Florida?

Festive magic makes it possible at Curtis Hixon Park's Winter Village. The picturesque waterfront park shines in Downtown Tampa for a celebration full of jubilation and festive cheer.

Take to the ice, discover seasonal shopping, or hop aboard the Winter Village Express for a merry journey through Downtown, complete with onboard cookies and milk!

Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular

November 28, 2022 through January 2023

On Monday November 28, join the community on the iconic Tampa Riverwalk for the start of the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular as a 35-foot-tall floating Christmas tree is ceremonially illuminated for the first time of the season!

Then, the festivities continue through January 2023 with festive activities, floating light displays, and even a floating gingerbread display for all to enjoy.

Tampa Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade

December 17, 2022

On December 17, the Tampa Riverwalk will shimmer with the sparkle of Tampa Bay's largest lighted boat parade. Stroll the 2.6-mile-long riverside pathway, soak up the spirit of the season, and enjoy a celebration that is uniquely Tampa Bay.

Henry B Plant Museum Victorian Christmas Stroll

December 1, 2022 though December 23, 2022

A holiday tradition four decades in the making, Tampa Bay's Victorian Christmas Stroll offers a unique glimpse into the magic of Christmas past.

A 14' tree decked out in stunning antique ornaments anchors rooms and halls bursting with decorations old and new, with complementary cider and cookies completing the festivities.

Henry B Plant Museum Victorian Christmas Stroll

Hillsborough Fairgrounds Festival Of Lights

November 24 2022 through January 1, 2023

With presentations representing Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa, the Hillsborough Fairgrounds Festival Of Lights enchants visitors in its wintery wonderland that features featuring more than one million lights.

Featuring a two-mile drive-thru of twinkling displays and even hilarious elves wrestling alligators, this is truly a Floridian holiday tradition that cannot be missed!

The Florida Aquarium Snow Days

December 26, 2022 through December 30, 2022

Snow Days is back at The Florida Aquarium!

Grab your gloves and join in on a week full of winter festivities and hands-on snow experiences! Activities include a snow maze, snowball toss, Winter Wonderland Dance Party and more.

Snow Days is free for members and included with general admission.

Glazer Children's Museum's Gingerbread Village

Now through January 3, 2023

Glazer Children's Museum's Gingerbread Village continues to be a holiday favorite for Tampa Bay locals and visitors alike.

Join the celebration with your family and get hands-on, creating your very own gingerbread house to add to the village that grows day by day.

The village is made entirely of recycled materials like cardboard and pipe cleaners, making for an entertaining and educational Christmas experience.

Glazer Children's Museum's Gingerbread Village

TECO Line Streetcar Winter Village Express

November 21, 2022 though December 19, 2022 (select days)

Nothing will get you into the holiday spirit more than a ride on the Winter Village Express.

Hop aboard Tampa’s TECO Line Streetcar for a holiday trip like no other.

This interactive experience brings you from downtown Tampa to historic Ybor City and back for a one-hour, round-trip holiday excursion.

Bring the whole family for FREE cookies and milk on board, holiday sing-a-longs, Christmas stories and other added surprises along the way.

The Winter Village Express is a ticketed event, so don’t miss out!

TECO Line Streetcar Winter Village Express

International Plaza Flight Academy

Now through December 24, 2022

Santa’s flight academy at International Plaza Mall is more than a photo op with Santa Claus!

It is an innovative Holiday experience that delivers the magic and tradition of the season.

Santa’s flight academy at International Plaza Tampa Bay

Winter Wonder Wharf At Sparkman Wharf

Now through December 17, 2022

Celebrate the season at Sparkman Wharf at Winter Wonder Wharf.

Enjoy holiday-centric events and entertainment including a tree lighting, live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus and festive backdrops for fun photo-ops.

Winter Wonder Wharf is a series of holiday weekend celebrations happening this season at Sparkman Wharf.

Christmas In The Wild At Zoo Tampa

November 25, 2022 through December 30, 2022 (select nights)

Christmas in the Wild returns bigger, better, and more joyful than ever this year at ZooTampa.

Immerse yourself in six different festive realms, see incredible shows, explore the Twinkletown Marketplace, and of course get up close and personal with ZooTampa's exotic wildlife for a family-friendly Christmas experience unlike any other

The Florida Aquarium Holiday Happenings

November 26, 2022 through December 19, 2022

Kids of all ages will delight in the magic of the holiday season at The Florida Aquarium.

Beginning on Friday, November 26 enjoy daily showings of the holiday classic, POLAR EXPRESS in 4D at the 4Ducks Theater!

Kick-off the season with a visit from Santa on Friday, November 26 from 5pm to 7pm and every Saturday and Sunday through December 19 from 11am to 3pm.

Santa will be available for photos inside of his “snow globe,” allowing families to safely visit and snap a memorable family photo.

Both are free with membership or general admission.

Enchant Christmas At Tropicana Field

November 25, 2022 through January 1, 2023

The adventure begins at Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field in an all-new story-themed festive light maze, where Santa's magical timepiece transports you to Illuminated lands, sparkling tunnels, and ice skating, complete with a magnificent 100-foot-tall Christmas tree that spreads the season's spirit all around.