Get Jolly! Fun Holiday Events in Tampa

Breakout the lights, the music and the fun! Whether you are home for the holidays or a resident of one of our seven Tampa Camden communities, there are a variety of holiday festivities to enjoy this season that are only minutes from your apartment home. Here are a few of my favorite ways to have some holiday fun in Tampa:

Winter Village

When: Now until January 5^th

Where: Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa

Located on the Tampa Bay Riverwalk in Curtis Hixon you will enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. At Winter Village take in the Tampa’s main Christmas tree and skate on the outdoor ice rink – yes an ice rink outside in Florida! Savor your favorite seasonal treats at the café and even enjoy a little holiday shopping with pop-up markets featuring local artist and vendors. They have everything from handmade jewelry, clothing and special items for your four-legged friends.

Christmas Town

When: Now until December 31^st

Where: Busch Gardens Tampa

When the night falls at Busch Gardens Tampa then the over one million twinkling lights of Christmas Town appear. Christmas Town Village opens up daily at 5 PM and you can meet Santa, sip on hot cocoa and taste your favorite holiday treats. Christmas Town is included in your regular park admission.

Symphony in Lights!

When: Now until December 31^st

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass

Enjoy the dancing lights, amazing holiday décor and even snow – yes snow in Florida – at the Shops at Wiregrass. Every night the lights come alive and dance to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and your holiday favorite every hour from 6 PM to 9 PM. The fun doesn’t end there! Skate on the synthetic ice rink, get your gifts wrapped, watch local holiday performances and you can even meet Santa himself!

Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village

When: Now until December 31^st

Where: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds

Drive throw over one mile of dazzling lights and holiday decorations. It is a beautiful sight to see and will surely get you in the Christmas spirit. After you drive through the lights, stop at Santa Village’s to enjoy seasonal treats, a comedy/circus show, visit the big man himself or take a horse-drawn wagon ride with the whole family.

Christmas in the Wild

When: Select days now until December 30^th

Where: ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa transforms at night to a stunning scene with twinkling lights, 50-foot tall tree and a festive Christmas event that your whole family will love. Stop by the Christmas Lodge to get your favorite holiday treats like the Sugar Plum Fairy Float, spiked hot chocolate and peppermint churros. Meet Santa and interact with a few animals when they come out for a mingle with their keepers. You children will love Christmas in the Wild!

Victorian Christmas Stroll

When: December 1^st until December 23^rd

Where: Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa

Take a step back in time and enjoy the Christmas of yesteryears at the Victorian Christmas Stoll at the former 1891 Tampa Hotel. Discover the warmth and spirit of an old fashion Christmas by visiting the 14 decorated room with gorgeous trees, vintage toys, beautiful ornaments and hundreds of feet of garland. After you stroll inside, head out to the veranda for complimentary cider and cookies to enjoy.

Lighted Boat Parade

When: December 22^nd from 6 PM – 8 PM

Where: Along the Tampa Bay Riverwalk on the Hillsborough River

Over 100 holiday small and large boats alike will be decorated to tee! The boats will light up the Hillsborough River and show their holiday cheer. Twinkly lights, giant snowmen, icicles and even a few Santa decorations make an appearance. The creativity and holiday décor on each of these boats is amazing! While you are along the Riverwalk you can stop by the Winter Village in Curtis Hixon Park.

Your family and friends will make precious memories at each of these holiday events. You will surely create a tradition and come back year after year! Need some more holiday cheer? Take a short drive check out all their amazing holiday festivities in Orlando!