Selecting which vacation occasions to attend could be a daunting activity, particularly when there are such a lot of to select from – together with a handful of brand name new occasions for 2021. To remove among the stress of choice making, we’ve curated this information to the very best vacation occasions in Tampa Bay, Clearwater & St Pete to gas your vacation date nights.
Try our bucket checklist of must-do experiences, view some vacation lights, discover our picks for FREE occasions, watch a basic Christmas film, take your beloved ice skating, attend vacation performances, or try a neighborhood vacation marketplace for distinctive presents. Our information has all of it!
Our vacation occasions information is organized into the next sections that will help you simply discover the kind of occasion you’re searching for:
- Christmas Occasions Bucket Record
- Greatest Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay
- Free Vacation Occasions
- The place to Watch Christmas Films
- Ice Skating
- Theme Park Christmas Occasions
- Vacation Performances and Leisure
We're together with 2022 dates and data as bulletins are made.
Have a Vacation occasion you desire to featured? Contact us and we'll think about including it!
Table of Contents
Christmas Occasions Bucket Record for 2021
On the lookout for an summary on our high picks for celebrating the vacations in Tampa Bay? That is your part! Beneath you may skim our curated checklist of the must-do vacation occasions and experiences in Tampa Bay.
Go to the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Get some purchasing accomplished on the vacation outlets, sip drinks on the café, ice skate at Downtown Tampa’s solely out of doors ice rink, and extra at this iconic Tampa Bay Christmas occasion. Admission to the Winter Village is free, however some actions like ice skating require tickets.
Try this publish from our media companions at Tampa Bay Parenting for the total occasion particulars, plus what’s new for 2021.
Discover Busch Gardens Christmas City
November 13, 2022 – January 2, 2023
Going to Busch Gardens is a Tampa bucket checklist merchandise year-round. In the course of the vacation occasions season, it’s much more attractive. With decorations strung out throughout the park, Busch Gardens’ Christmas City is a vacation occasion like no different. You may benefit from the signature thrill rides at evening, watch the vacation reveals, eat at eating places throughout the park, and extra. Highlights this yr embrace a model new fireworks present and the return of Christmas On Ice.
Watch a Tree Lighting Present
Now that is a simple one for the vacation occasions checklist! Tree lighting ceremonies are popping up throughout Tampa Bay at many out of doors areas together with Curtis Hixon Park, Security Harbor, and extra. Take your vital different to observe these tree lighting reveals and cross one other merchandise off of your vacation bucket checklist.
Attend a Vacation Boat Parade
It’s all the time enjoyable to see boats adorned with festive lights, vacation inflatables and extra. A couple of of our favorites embrace the Tampa Riverwalk Vacation Lighted Boat Parade (December 18), Tarpon Springs Vacation Boat Parade (December 3) and the 36th Annual Treasure Island Vacation Lighted Boat Parade (December 4).
Go Ice Skating
It might not be that chilly in Florida, however ice skating continues to be a should this vacation season. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park is a basic choice, and NEW for 2021 is Winter Seaside on the St. Pete Pier. This new occasion options out of doors ice skating on actual ice, vacation performances, visits from Santa and a lot extra. Each occasions require tickets for ice skating.
Check with the Ice Skating part under for the very best native spots to take pleasure in this vacation pastime.
Take a Christmas Lights Cruise on the Pirate Water Taxi
Choose dates November 26 – December 30, 2021 (2022 TBD)
Head over to the Hillsborough River to the Pirate Water Taxi for a novel approach to have a good time the vacation season. Throughout this 45-minute River of Lights tour, you’ll take pleasure in nice views of Downtown Tampa’s greatest Christmas lights and decorations from the water. Different perks embrace snow flurries, grownup drinks obtainable for buy onboard, a go to from a pirate elf, letters to Santa and extra. Tickets start at $25 for adults.
Read more Winter Bucket List: 60 Fun Activities & Things to Do When its Cold
Watch Traditional Vacation Films
This yr marks the return of Tampa Theatre’s Vacation Classics sequence. Snag tickets to screenings of Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (December 12), Elf (December 26) and extra. The theatre can be bringing again FREE out of doors motion pictures at Curtis Hixon Park along with Winter Village. The present lineup consists of ‘Serendipity’ on December 17, 2021 at 7:30pm. (2022 TBD)
See the Christmas Films part under for added film screenings for the vacations.
Go to a Christmas Bar
Get pleasure from vacation spirits – actually – at Miracle at Mezzo. This annual pop-up Christmas cocktail bar will once more return to Intermezzo Espresso & Cocktails this November 2021 (2022 TBD). Get pleasure from a particular menu of vacation concoctions (served in particular vacation glasses) plus festive decor and extra.
Get Snowed “Inn” at Sparkman Wharf
Sparkman Wharf is getting a vacation twist with a particular Snowed Inn occasion Thursdays this December. On December 2, 9, and 16, Sparkman Wharf will remodel into a comfy ski lodge decked out with falling snow, vacation photograph ops, a scorching toddy bar, seasonal leisure, swings reworked into ski lifts and extra. There can even be a tree lighting on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 5:30pm. (2022 TBD)
Volunteer
Serving to these in want is within the spirit of the vacations and a fantastic addition to your vacation occasions checklist. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, like Metropolitan Ministries, is an effective way to offer again. You may also assist with Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels, or different native charities.
Watch New Yr’s Eve Fireworks
Try our inclusive itemizing of NYE fireworks in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete and all the things in between in our publish on New Yr’s Eve Fireworks. We’ll be updating this publish quickly with present occasions. For New Yr’s Eve occasion, try The Greatest New Yr’s Eve Occasions in Tampa Bay Clearwater St Pete.
Greatest Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay 2022
Nothing says Christmas fairly like strolling round hand in hand to “oooh” and “ahhhh” at vacation lights. Beneath are just a few of our favourite Christmas lights shows in Tampa Bay.
Vacation Lights within the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens
November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
The gardens sparkle with a million LED lights that twinkle in a wide range of vibrant colours. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures are positive to wow company of all ages.
Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Subject
November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Wander by the unimaginable dazzling show of lights, spin round on the ice-skating rink, and create some enjoyable vacation crafts. Head over to Santa’s Touchdown to fulfill Santa himself. Nestled in a serene snowscape under a sky stuffed with twinkling stars, it's a fascinating and memorable setting for a one-of-a-kind Christmas expertise. Head over to Tampa Bay Parenting for an inside have a look at this festive celebration.
The next occasions can be up to date with 2022 data quickly
Tree Lighting + Symphony in Lights
Nightly present November 13 – December 31, 2021, 6-9pm
Get pleasure from a full of life array of dancing lights, dazzling decor and snow. Symphony in Lights is a tremendous vacation mild present at The Outlets at Wiregrass, choreographed to music that includes the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Tampa Riverwalk Vacation Spectacular
November 20, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Get within the festive spirit due to the Tampa Riverwalk’s cheery vacation mild shows. Shows embrace the 35′ tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats within the harbor, a number of different lighted shows floating on barges within the river and the lighted garland and purple bows on the Riverwalk mild poles.
Vacation Lights at Largo Central Park
November 25, 2021 – January 2, 2022
The annual family-friendly custom at Largo Central Park will characteristic a spectacular vacation mild show of over two million dazzling LED lights. Friends can even take pleasure in a surprising carousel and a seven-story Ferris wheel that provides breathtaking views of the lighted park.
Oakdale Christmas Lights Home
November 26, 2021 – January 3, 2022, 6-10pm
Put together to be dazzled by an array of half one million flashing colourful twinkles for a free vacation mild show that garnered a high Three displaying as a finalist on NBC’s “At the moment” present. The handle is 2719 Oakdale Road South, St. Petersburg, FL.
Waterfront Lights and Shows in St. Pete
November 27, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Take a stroll alongside the waterfront to see hundreds of vacation lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park, and the St. Pete Pier. Further festivities embrace drive-in vacation motion pictures within the park, a meet and greet with Santa in North Straub Park and extra.
Learn our information to The place to Discover the Greatest Vacation Lights in Tampa Bay for even MORE concepts!
FREE Vacation Occasions (2022 TBD)
A vacation date evening doesn’t need to value a dime. Partake in free festive celebrations all through Tampa Bay together with tree lightings, a enjoyable holiday-themed scavenger hunt, and a lot extra.
Metropolis of Tampa Santa Fest
December 4, 2021, 1:30-7:30pm
Festivities embrace a vacation parade starting at 1:30pm, plus leisure and actions at Curtis Hixon Park from 3:30-5:30pm. Lastly, keep for the Tampa Tree Lighting leisure and see Mayor Castor and Santa Claus mild up the tree earlier than The Grinch (2018) film performs performs within the park to finish the day.
Jingle Bell Bazaar At Centennial Park
December 12, 2021, noon-6pm
The Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar is a enjoyable, festive vacation occasion in Historic Ybor Metropolis. Be part of the enjoyable in Centennial Park.
12 Days of Christmas on Clearwater Seaside
December 12 – 23, 2021
Native Clearwater companies are internet hosting this vacation celebration together with a Christmas tree lighting, caroling, parade, photograph ops, a Christmas market and extra.
Read more 12 Best Cute Date Ideas for Couples of All Ages 2022
Vacation Hunt
December 17, 2021 – January 2, 2022
The Tampa Riverwalk Vacation Hunt is a mobile-based scavenger hunt alongside the Tampa Riverwalk. People and/or groups will compete to be the Vacation Hunt winner as they make their manner by the Vacation Hunt by fixing puzzles, finishing vacation challenges and answering historic Tampa trivia. This occasion is free to the general public. It's essential to obtain the cell app Cell Adventures to take part.
Tampa Riverwalk Vacation Lighted Boat Parade
December 18, 2021, 6pm
This festive annual parade alongside the Tampa Riverwalk begins within the Conference Middle basin, travels to the Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf.
Try our information to 30+ Free Vacation Occasions in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date for the total scoop on the very best free vacation occasions to attend.
The place to Watch Christmas Films (2022 TBD)
It doesn’t get extra basic than cuddling as much as watch vacation movies collectively! From free out of doors motion pictures to Christmas classics returning to the massive display, right here’s the place to see vacation motion pictures in Tampa Bay this season.
FREE Outside Films at Winter Village
November 20 and 27, December 17, 2021, 7pm
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Tampa Theatre is bringing again FREE out of doors motion pictures at Curtis Hixon Park along with Winter Village. The present lineup consists of ‘The Polar Categorical’ (November 20, 7pm), ‘A Christmas Story’ (November 27, 7pm) and ‘Serendipity’ (December 17, 7:30pm).
FREE
Tampa Theatre Vacation Classics
A number of dates November 28 – December 26, 2021
Tampa Theatre
Partake within the custom of sharing favourite vacation movies on the massive display with household and pals, and singing alongside to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ earlier than the present. The lineup consists of Miracle on 34th Road (November 28), White Christmas sing-a-long (December 5), Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (December 12), It’s a Fantastic Life (December 17-23), and Elf (December 26).
$10 – $13
Sparkman Wharf Film on the Garden: 4 Christmases
December 6, 2021, 6:30-9pm
Sparkman Wharf
Watch this vacation rom-com whereas crafting your personal vacation decoration with AR Workshop Tampa.
$35 for workshop
Clearwater Seaside Monday Evening Films on the Capitol Theatre
December 13 and 20, 2021, 6-8pm
Capitol Theatre
Film schedule and extra particulars TBA. This occasion is a part of the 12 Days of Christmas – Clearwater Seaside operating from December 12 – 23, 2021.
Ticket particulars TBA
Tarpon Springs Vacation Film within the Park
December 18, 2021, 4:30pm
Splash Park area
Put your pj’s on and snuggle as much as take pleasure in an out of doors vacation film. There can be crafts and even a go to from Santa!
FREE
St. Pete Vacation Drive-In Film: Dwelling Alone
December 18, 2021, lot opens at 7pm
Crescent Lake Park
First come, first served. The lot opens at 7pm and the film will start at 8pm. Concessions can be obtainable for buy.
FREE
Clearwater Seaside Vacation Film Matinee on the Capitol Theatre
December 18 and 19, 11am – 12:30pm
Capitol Theatre
Film schedule and extra particulars TBA. This occasion is a part of the 12 Days of Christmas – Clearwater Seaside operating from December 12 – 23, 2021.
Ticket particulars TBA
Ice Skating
Questioning the place you may skate hand in hand on REAL ice? Look no additional. A number of vacation celebrations provide ice skating seasonally, and public skating classes at indoor rinks proceed the enjoyable all yr.
NEW! Winter Seaside at St. Pete Pier
November 20, 2021 – January 17, 2022
2021 marks the debut of a brand new vacation custom, Winter Seaside on the St. Pete Pier. Actions at this inaugural vacation occasion embrace free vacation motion pictures, a vacation market, snow days and extra. However the true spotlight is ice skating in an out of doors rink fabricated from actual ice! The enjoyable is enhanced with themed ice skating nights like Britney evening, 90s evening, and a Santa hat skate. Tickets are $17 for 75 minutes of skating, together with rental. Our media companions at Tampa Bay Parenting have the total scoop right here.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Open November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022
The ice skating rink on the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park is one in all all people’s favourite vacation occasions. It means that you can skate whereas having fun with stunning views of the Tampa Riverwalk and Hillsborough River. When you don’t have your personal ice skates, don’t fear, skate rental is included within the ticket value. Tickets for ice skating are $17 and embrace 75 minutes of skating time plus your skate rental.
TGH Ice Plex
Ice skating by no means will get previous on the TGH Ice Plex, particularly because it’s the official coaching facility of the Tampa Bay Lightning! All through the week, there are totally different public skating classes obtainable. On choose nights you may even skate with a stay DJ enjoying music. Admission for ice skating is $10, $15 with skate rental. Public skating instances differ.
AdventHealth Middle Ice
This rink makes the checklist of good vacation occasions in your vacation skating date. With a number of public skate classes, you’ll be capable of discover a good time in your date. Together with skate rental, admission is $15. With out skate rental, admission is $10.
Tampa Bay Skating Academy and Clearwater Ice Enviornment
At any of the three areas of the Tampa Bay Skating Academy, you may skate your coronary heart out on a phenomenal date. You and your vital different can skate for 90 minutes and spend the remainder of the day collectively getting a meal on the Bar and Grill or depart the TBSA to discover the world round you and discover another enjoyable occasion to maintain your date going. Admission for skating varies relying on the skating session you select.
Read more 31+ Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults
Points of interest + Theme Park Christmas Occasions 2022
Have fun in severe model by attending a vacation celebration at Tampa and Orlando sights and theme parks.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
November 11, 2022 – December 31, 2022
Head to SeaWorld Orlando to make new vacation recollections with festive purchasing, scrumptious meals and dazzling stay reveals impressed by the pure world. Stroll the lakeside Christmas Market and select distinctive, artisan-crafted presents. The Christmas Celebration is included with park admission
Christmas City at Busch Gardens
November 13, 2022 – January 2, 2023
Get pleasure from park-wide festive enjoyable at this award-winning vacation occasion. The park turns into stuffed with vacation cheer and company can take pleasure in vacation traditions with a twist. Trip the Holly Jolly Categorical prepare, view tens of millions of twinkling lights from the highest of a curler coaster, go to Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his pals from the basic vacation film, Rudolph the Crimson-Nosed Reindeer. Friends can even take pleasure in festive stay reveals and participate in particular vacation eating and purchasing
Holidays at Common Orlando
November 12, 2021 – January 1, 2023
Head to Common Orlando Resort for the most important, loudest, awesomest vacation celebration of the season! Have fun with seasonal reveals and decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sip on scorching Butterbeer in Diagon Alley in Common Studios and Hogsmeade in Common Islands of Journey as they arrive to life with magical lights and festive occasions. The Vacation Parade that includes Macy’s options larger-than-life balloons, with appearances by the Minions and characters from Shrek and Madagascar. Head over to Whoville for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring The Grinch himself
Christmas within the Wild at ZooTampa
Choose nights Choose Nights Nov-Dec 2022
Get pleasure from one in all Tampa’s largest mild shows because the zoo transforms right into a seasonal wonderland. This yr guarantees to be greater, higher, and brighter than ever. Get pleasure from six new illuminated zones of lights, festive leisure, delectable vacation treats, and wonderful wildlife. Wander over to Twinkle City Market the place you may meet Santa.
Vacation Occasions at Walt Disney World
By means of December 31, 2022
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Social gathering returns for 2022! Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are additionally adorned and may have character cavalcades all through the day. The Style of Epcot Worldwide Pageant of the Holidays begins on November 25-December 30, 2022 with the sights, sounds and tastes of the season from cultures around the globe.
Vacation Performances and Leisure (2022 TBD)
Get within the vacation spirit at these particular performances together with The Nutcracker, vacation live shows, and extra.
Cirque Goals Holidaze at The Mahaffey
November 30, 2021, 7:30pm
Mahaffey Theater
Convey within the vacation season with a bang! With colourful new acts, cool vacation scenes, distinctive performances and particular appearances from Santa himself this can be a vacation extravaganza you gained’t need to miss!
$35 – $65
A Christmas Carol at Ruth Eckerd Corridor
November 30, 2021, 7pm
Ruth Eckerd Corridor
The vacation basic involves life on the stage on this all-new stage manufacturing with 26 vacation songs integrated into the present.
$29 – $75
Victorian Christmas Stroll
December 1 – 23, 2021
Henry B. Plant Museum
Expertise the grandeur of a Victorian Christmas throughout this signature occasion of the Henry B. Plant Museum on the College of Tampa. Journey again to the 1890s as you go to adorned exhibit rooms.
$16
St. Petersburg Metropolis Theater presents A Christmas Carol
December 3 – 12, 2021, a number of instances
St. Petersburg Metropolis Theatre’s MainStage
In a single evening, Ebenezer Scrooge sees his previous, current & future come to hang-out him & discovers the true which means of Christmas. A bunch of beloved characters come to life on stage on this spectacular annual manufacturing.
$23
The Florida Orchestra Vacation Pops
December 10, 2021: The Straz Middle
December 11, 2021: Mahaffey Theater
December 12, 2021: Ruth Eckerd Corridor
The Florida Orchestra returns for a particular Vacation Pops live performance sequence carried out by Enrico Lopez-Yañez.
$18 – $48
Patel Conservatory Vacation Music Live performance
December 14, 2021
The Straz Middle
Have fun the season with vacation classics, modern interpretations, and extra! Be part of the Patel Conservatory Chamber Strings ensembles, Vocal Arts choirs and Suzuki Strings as we ring within the holidays, together with a efficiency of the Hallelujah Refrain!
$23.75 and up
Subsequent Generations Ballet’s Nutcracker
December 17 – 19, 2021
Straz Middle
Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa vacation custom, Subsequent Technology Ballet’s Nutcracker consists of principal dancers from American Ballet Theatre. This family-friendly favourite takes audiences into Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents and a few of ballet’s most well-known music.
$30 and up
Rockapella Christmas
December 18, 2021, 8pm
Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
Rockapella brings it’s thrilling, internationally acclaimed, a cappella sound again to the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre with an evening of vacation classics! For his or her new Christmas present, the a capella superstars will carry out vacation classics like “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to City,” and “White Christmas” with their unique vacation hits.
$30 – $59
Trans-Siberia Orchestra
December 19, 2021, 3pm and seven:30pm
Amalie Enviornment
The Trans-Siberia Orchestra is again at Amalie Enviornment in Tampa, celebrating 25 years of its multi-sensory present, Christmas Eve and Different Tales.
$39.95 and up
New Yr’s Eve 2023 | Dec. 31
On the lookout for the Greatest New Yr’s Occasions in Tampa Clearwater and St Pete? Examine our our information to NYE! And we've got the 411 on the way to take pleasure in NYE fireworks in and round Tampa Bay!
Updates for New Yr’s Eve this yr coming quickly.
Need extra vacation enjoyable in Tampa Bay?
Our media companions at Tampa Bay Parenting have a complete checklist of family-friendly vacation occasions round Tampa Bay!
Characteristic picture credit score: Enchant Christmas
