With the holidays in full swing, the kids out of school, and friends and family in town, you may find yourself looking for fun, family-friendly events to enjoy the season.
So we’ve put together a list of a few holiday- and New Year’s Eve-themed events around town for you to squeeze every last second of holiday magic out of the season with your loved ones!
Held at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, the Wonderland of Lights will dazzle with beautiful animated and still LED light displays and a blend of fun, family activities and entertainment sure to please all. From November 23 – December 30, take some time to stop by the Christmas village featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, North Pole train ride, amusement rides, food and crafts
Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B Plant Museum
Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel during the Henry B. Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll. From December 1 – 23, explore the museum transformed by Christmas trees ranging in height from a few inches to more than 14 feet, 40,000 lights, and hundreds of feet of garland. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda each day while holiday music floats through the air.
Tampa’s largest New Year’s Eve fireworks display is held at the free Channelside Lights Up the Bay waterfront party. The event starts at 7 p.m. with fireworks at midnight. Enjoy a custom ball drop, live entertainment, local vendors, and a variety of food and beverages. Best viewing for the fireworks is along the waterfront at Channelside Bay Plaza, but space is limited, alcohol is not allowed, and wristbands given out on a first come first serve basis are required for entry. The party extends along the Riverwalk with viewing areas available from the Channelside Plaza to the Convention Center with several stopping points along the way refresh your drink.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
From November 17, 2017 – January 5, 2018, celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, presented by USAmeriBank. Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults.
Christmas in the Wild at Lowry Park Zoo
The zoo is brimming with holiday cheer as Christmas in the Wild returns with even more twinkling lights and jolly surprises! From December 21 – 23 and 26 – 30, experience 18 wild and wonderful nights. Enjoy seasonal treats, enchanting entertainment and a 50-foot animated Christmas tree! Best of all, visit the big guy in red at Santa’s Village and marvel at the magic of wildlife at night. Only at the zoo, can families be nose-to-horn with an Indian Rhino and then stroll hand-in-hand with Santa’s elves.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Christmas Town beams with twinkling lights, Yuletide shows, holiday shopping, a visit to Santa’s house and a visit from the beloved characters from the television special ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ for the Christmas Town’s debut of Sam the Snowman. The Christmas cheer begins on select dates from November 19 – December 31.
Whether you venture out for some holiday cheer or stay home to enjoy some quiet time, we hope that this holiday season brings you bountiful tidings of love, peace and happiness in the company of the ones you love.
Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’
