It’s December and if you’re like us, the entire month is dedicated to being The Most Wonderful Time of The Year. So we found this list of more than 100 things to do for the holidays in Tampa Bay from the Tampa Bay Times so you know where to go to find light displays, boat parades, fake snow, main street festivals, concerts and more.
So while we can’t list all 100+ things to do here, check out this abbreviated-but-still-exhaustive list of things to do to celebrate the holidays for the next few weeks.
With a list like this, you’ll have something new and fun to do every day for the rest of the year with your loved ones!
BOAT PARADES
St. Pete Beach
Viewing in the park with music, hot chocolate, children’s art projects and a visit from Santa. Free. 6 p.m. Friday. St. Pete Beach Community Center and Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive. (727) 363-9245.
Tarpon Springs
The annual lighted boat parade on the Anclote River follows bayous and ends with Santa giving treats to children in Spring Bayou. Free. 7-9 p.m. Friday. Craig Park, 100 Beekman Way. (727) 942-5628.
Twinkle in Tampa Bay
Tampa’s holiday lighted boat parade takes place along the Riverwalk, down the Hillsborough River and through downtown Tampa. Good viewing spots can be found all along the waterfront near downtown Tampa. Free. Riverwalk, 601 Old Water St., Tampa. (813) 731-4508.
LIGHT DISPLAYS
River of Lights Christmas Cruise
Board the Pirate Taxi for a 45-minute cruise up the Hillsborough River to see festively lighted bridges and shimmering downtown skylines. Includes hot cocoa, cookies and Christmas carols. $28, $18 children. Departs hourly between 6 and 10 p.m. 333 S Franklin St., Tampa. (813) 223-7999.
Tampa Winter Village
The riverfront park turns into a winter wonderland with a 360 degree light display set to holiday music, ice skating, the Winter Village Express, 10 pop-up boutiques, food and drink. Hours are for the ice rink, other hours vary. Free (skating/skate rental/trolley additional). Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. (813) 221-3686.
Fairgrounds Wonderland of Lights
Drive through 1-mile of animated and still light displays, as well as a Christmas village featuring animals of Bethlehem, camel rides, a comedy show, magic and photos with Santa. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Corner of Sydney Washer Road and Hwy 60, Brandon. (800) 377-4625.
SNOW FLURRIES
Down Home Holiday Show
An interactive musical show of holiday favorites, sing-a-longs, crafts and snow. Free. 2:30-3:15 p.m. Monday. North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N Boulevard. (813) 273-3652.
Magic of Christmas
Kids ages 3 to 9 can join Buffalo and Brandy for an interactive show with holiday crafts, sing-a-longs and snow. Free. 3-4 p.m. Saturday. Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N 22nd St., Tampa. (813) 273-3652.
Snow on 7th Holiday Parade
The Tampa Bay Pride Band and Mayor Bob Buckhorn lead the parade with more than 15 marching bands, dance groups, snow flurries and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. 7 p.m. Saturday. Snow on Seventh District, Seventh Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets, Tampa. (813) 247-2555.
PARADES & FESTIVALS
Holiday Carnival
You’ll find rides, games, music and family fun. Free (tickets required for rides). Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater.
Safety Harbor Holiday Parade
Help welcome Santa to Safety Harbor as he makes his way down Main Street in the holiday parade that includes Shriners, antique cars, fire trucks, high school bands and scout troops. Free. Main Street Safety Harbor, 750 Main St., Safety Harbor. (727) 724-1555.
Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade
The annual parade includes Shriners clowns and members on a wide variety of vehicles, floats and community marching units. After the parade, the fun moves to Craig Park for a candy cane hunt and a visit from Santa. Free. Manatee Village, 955 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. (727) 942-5628.
FOR THE FUR BABIES
Santa Paws
Have your dog or cat photo taken with Santa. All pets must be leashed or in a cage with a harness. Free (photo packages additional). International Plaza and Bay Street, 2223 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa. (813) 342-3790.
NORTH POLE FESTIVITIES
Santa’s Flight Academy
Enjoy a special visit with Santa and become a member of his crew. Members try on a virtual flight suit, dance in the snow and receive a personalized cadet badge. Check mall hours for end times. Free. International Plaza and Bay Street, 2223 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa. (813) 342-3790.
Visit with Santa at Tyrone Square
Children can visit with Santa, tell them what they want for Christmas and get their holiday photos taken. On Sunday, children with sensory, physical and developmental disabilities can visit with Santa in an environment adjusted to their needs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, bring your furry friend for pet photos with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. On Dec. 17, pet also gets photos with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. Free (photos additional). Tyrone Square Mall, 6901 Tyrone Square, St. Petersburg. (727) 347-3889.
Santa and Suds
Watch the sunset as you run across the Clearwater bridge in this 5K to benefit the Deaf Literacy Center. Then there’s a post-race party with beer and food for all athletes. Sign up at santa5k.racehawk.com. $25-$35 day of. 400 Block of Cleveland Street, Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street, Clearwater. (727) 724-1525, ext. 4120.
THEME PARKS
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
More than 2 million twinkling lights transform the park into a holiday wonderland with Rudolph, Christmas-themed entertainment and visits with Santa in his house. Included with admission through Dec. 31. $104, 2 and younger free. Save $15 if you order online. Busch Gardens, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa. (813) 884-4386.
Christmas in the Wild
The animals come out at night for the zoo’s holiday party with carolers, a 50-foot animated Christmas tree, a holiday hoedown, storytime with Mrs. Claus and a Candy Cane Lane. Runs through Dec. 30 on select nights. Included with admission. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. (813) 935-8552.
Gingerbread Village
Families can build their own gingerbread house from recycled materials including cardboard, pipe cleaners and bottle caps. Then, add them to the ever growing village. Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. (813) 443-3861.
PHEW. And that barely scratches the surface of the list – and doesn’t even touch on things to do for music, tree lightings and parties, films and theatre, and other fun. So now, you can have something – or two or three – to do every day until 2019 to celebrate the holiday season!
Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’
