10 Bucket List Christmas Events To Do In Tampa Bay

Enjoy the holiday season with these fun events happening in Tampa Bay

While the holiday season is looking a little different in 2020, there are still many ways to safely celebrate in Tampa Bay. Don't miss out on these amazing events!

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon:

Winter Village is an annual event at Curtis Hixon and this year they have ice skating set up. You can also enjoy festive lights along the Riverwalk and winter treats from local businesses such as Kahwa Coffee. Ice skating tickets can be purchased online in advance and only cost $15. This event will last until Jan 3.

River of Lights Holiday Cruise:

Enjoy a ride on a water taxi tour presented by Pirate Water Taxi. The tour will be carried out on the Captain Jack II and will operate at 50% capacity. Kids will have the opportunity to write a letter to Santa and drop it in Tampa's only floating mailbox. There will also be holiday treats, a visit from a jolly pirate elf, and Christmas song sing-a-longs.

A Pirate's Christmas:

Lost Pearl's A Pirate's Christmas is a 45-minute cruise that will set sail from Sparkman Wharf. The cruise will bring passengers by Holiday Island, where they can get a view of Tampa's largest floating Christmas tree. Cruises will run from 6-9 PM until Jan 3.

Holiday Spectacular:

Enjoy a plethora of lights along the Tampa Riverwalk while also getting a glance at a massive 35 inch tall LED Christmas tree that floats in the harbor. There are also other light displays floating on barges in the river and light garland and bows are displayed on the Riverwalk light poles.

Sylvan Ramble Lights:

Enjoy an amazing light show in South Tampa that features over 200,000 individually controllable channels of lights, fountains, smoke effects, and moving props. The show is about 20 minutes long and includes popular songs to get you in a holiday mood. This year, Sylvan Ramble Lights will be supporting a local charity Clothes To Kids.

Oakdale Christmas House:

Operating for over 40 years, Oakdale Christmas House has been named "one of the top displays in the nation" by ESPN. The house features an enormous display that takes up half an acre and includes hundreds of thousands of lights, a 70-foot tall Christmas tree, and a manger display with over 150 pieces. The display is also free to the public.

Wesley Chapel Holiday Tree and Light Display:

Located at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, this festival is sure to bring you holiday joy. There are over 1 million lights on display, as well as carnival rides, live music, and an opportunity for kids to meet Santa. The festival will also have food, drinks, and local vendors with handcrafted items for sale.

The Concourse Celebration of Lights:

The Concourse property will be decorated with lights and feature a drive-thru wave to Santa and a ride on the miniature holiday train. For just $20 a car, the whole family can enjoy this festive event.

ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild:

The annual Christmas in the Wild event happens at ZooTampa and provides a lot of holiday fun. Guests can see a Christmas tree light show, a marketplace with European style holiday treats, meetings with Santa and his reindeer, and a holiday kaleidoscope light show. Reservations are required and tickets start at $26.95 per person.

Victorian Christmas Stroll:

Located in the old 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, this event will show guests the beauty and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas. Each exhibit room will have its own unique display that includes trees, Victorian art, and other holiday decor. Due to social distancing guidelines, tickets must be purchased in advance.