Tampa, Florida · Holiday Events

Christmas Lights and Holiday Events in Tampa

From theme park spectaculars to waterfront lights and wildlife wonderlands, Tampa Bay goes all-out for the holidays. Here are the five best holiday events in Tampa, FL you won't want to miss!

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Busch Gardens Christmas Town

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 884-4386

Busch Gardens transforms into a glittering holiday spectacular every November and December for Christmas Town, lighting up the park with over 10 million lights, festive shows, and appearances by Santa. Families can enjoy holiday-themed entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, and all the iconic rides in a fully decorated winter setting. It's one of the most magical holiday experiences in the Tampa Bay area, plan a weeknight visit for the best atmosphere with smaller crowds.

Visit Busch Gardens Christmas Town

ZooTampa: Christmas in the Wild

1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 (813) 935-8552

ZooTampa's Christmas in the Wild is a beloved annual tradition that turns the zoo into a glittering nighttime spectacle, with thousands of light displays woven through the animal habitats and a brand-new illuminated tree at the entrance. Stroll the North Pole Lane, visit Santa, enjoy seasonal treats, and watch the animals in their holiday-lit surroundings after dark. It runs select evenings through December and regularly sells out, grab tickets early for the best date selection.

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Where You'll Sleep

Two Big Homes Minutes From All of It

Sixteen real beds, a heated pool steaming at sunrise and a pickleball court out back, 12 minutes from TPA.

Twilight from above: court, pool, hot tub and fire pit inside one fenced yard

Tampa Bae at twilight from above: the pickleball court, heated pool, hot tub and the 16-chair fire pit, all inside one fenced backyard

Twilight at Tampa Bae: the pool glowing, umbrellas up, the mural lit, and the whole house waiting for your crew

The whole backyard from above: private pickleball and basketball court, pool deck with umbrellas, hot tub, play set and fire pit

Loved by Big Families

Tampa, FL92 reviews

Tampa Bae

Everyone under one roof, everyone happy, and you finally get to relax

16 guests · 6 bedrooms · 10 beds · 3 baths

Heated Pool
Sleeps 16
Pickleball Court
Movie Theater

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The backyard: pool, hot tub, pickleball court, swings and games in every corner

Twilight with string lights, the fire pit and the glowing pool

Airbnb Guest Favorite · Top 10%

Tampa, FL173 reviews

Rustic Retreat

The one where nobody wanted to leave the house

16 guests · 5 bedrooms · 13 beds · 3 baths

Guest Favorite
Heated Pool
Pickleball Court
Sleeps 16

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Halloween Week and Thanksgiving, Sorted

Happening Near Tampa Right Now

Happening NowSelect nights through October 31, from 7pm

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · About 25 minutes from both Tampa homes · Teens and adults

Haunted houses, scare zones and the coasters running in the dark. This one is for the teens and the grown-ups, so plan a movie night at the house for the little ones.

Details

Happening NowFriday to Sunday nights through October 31, 4pm to 10pm

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park · About 20 minutes from Tampa Bae · All ages

The zoo after dark with trick-or-treat trails, glowing lanterns and a family-friendly haunted neighborhood. Costumes welcome, strollers fine, nobody jumps out at the kids on the family trail.

Details

From Oct 30October 30 to November 1 (moved from early October because of weather)

Oktoberfest Tampa

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, downtown · About 20 minutes from both Tampa homes · All ages by day

Steins, bratwurst, oompah bands and the river right there. Saturday runs all day, so the kids can come for the pretzels and the games before the evening crowd arrives.

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See everything on around Tampa this season

Tampa Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, holiday ice skating and lights

Curtis Hixon Winterfest

600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosts Tampa's most scenic holiday celebration each December, with outdoor ice skating, a holiday market, live music, and festive vendors set against the Hillsborough River and downtown skyline. The event is free to walk through and pairs beautifully with a stroll down the adjacent Tampa Riverwalk before or after. It's a beloved local tradition that draws families from across the Bay Area every holiday season.

Visit Curtis Hixon Winterfest

Tampa Riverwalk Christmas holiday lights at night

Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lights

333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

The Tampa Riverwalk lights up beautifully during the holiday season, with 2.6 miles of waterfront walkway adorned in seasonal decorations and festive activations at restaurants and venues along the way. Local holiday events, pop-up markets, and parades take place along the Riverwalk from Thanksgiving through New Year's, and it's completely free to enjoy. It's the perfect evening outing, especially after dinner in Channelside or the downtown area.

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YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 273-4000

YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium is Tampa's most uniquely aquatic holiday experience, featuring an upcycled holiday tree, festive light installations throughout the galleries, and special seasonal programming across November and December. Santa has even been known to make underwater appearances, to the absolute delight of visiting kids. Combine your YuleTides visit with a walk along the Tampa Riverwalk or dinner in Channelside for the perfect holiday evening on the waterfront.

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