Tampa Bay Festival of Lights

Tampa Bay Festival of Lights, the upgraded Holiday light spectacular!

Guests entering Tampa Bay's Festival of Lights and Santa's Village will be surrounded by an enchanting winter wonderland, beginning with a custom-designed light display on Route 60 the moment they enter the Fairgrounds and ending with twinkling trees as they leave. The entire site will feature over a million lights.

This year’s event features a nearly two-mile drive-thru of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. A variety of elaborate light displays themed to Florida and traditional winter holidays are complemented by individual presentations celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

With hilarious elves, wrestling alligators, giant gingerbread houses filled with candy and cakes, and a beautiful Feliz Navidad presentation, each area flows seamlessly along the driving route. Santa's Village offers fun activities and treats for young and old alike, such as Santa's barnyard, holiday movies, Santa's visits, and plenty of photo opportunities.

“People who attend this year will feel as if they’ve been dipped in holiday magic while creating family memories. With enchantment in mind, we have added brighter lights, jaw-dropping displays, new activities, and music that combine to create an unforgettable immersive experience,” said Suzanne Holcomb, the event producer. “We are focused on the guest journey from the time they enter the road leading to the gate to the moment they leave Santa’s Village.”

The immersion begins upon entrance, as vehicles travel through 80 themed display areas with more than 250 larger-than-life pieces. Post-drive-thru parking makes it easy for guests to walk to Santa's Village, where 3,000 feet of lights on buildings and 500 animated dripping lights on trees will decorate the village.

Tickets are $25/car and can be reserved in advance online.