Top 10 Holiday Events in Tampa

 

The holidays are here!

December is one of my most treasured times of year. Whether we get a “REAL” winter in Florida or not, I love participating in local Holiday events to get me in the spirit!

This month I initiated my first official “Month of Giving” for December, where I promise to give back to my community each day. Whether it’s volunteering as a driver for Meals on Wheels, or baking cookies for the local fire station… I’m determined to spread some cheer!

1. Downtown Tampa Tree Lighting

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Have you seen the big, fabulous tree that lives downtown? Join Mayor Bob Buckhorn for the lighting of the tree! This annual celebration features live entertainment, free Christmas movie in the park & more. Teddy Bear donations requested.

December 5^th, 6 PM.

2. Santa Fest & Rough Riders’ Holiday Parade

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Starting off at 11 AM with the Rough Riders’ parade, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland! Photos with Santa, games, crafts, & ice skating for the whole family.

Dec. 6^th, 11 AM -4 PM. 

3. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens

Your favorite park transforms into a holiday wonderland with Christmas shows & more! Christmas Town is included with any admission to the park.

Select dates from Nov. 28- Dec. 31th.

 4. Tampa’s Downtown on Ice

Curtis Hixon Park

Ice skating outdoors in FL?! Sounds too good to be true! This is the perfect date night or family fun day. A must-do in the Tampa area.

Open thru Jan. 4^th. $10.

5. Twinkle in Tampa Bay: A Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Channelside district of Tampa

Reason #532 I love Florida, Boat parades! Where else would you see town parades on the water? The parade starts near Davis Island.

Dec. 20^th,6:30 PM. Free.

 6. Artful Holidays: Holiday Art Show

Art Center Manatee

Local artisans and crafters coming together with free wine, beer, and appetizers? Count me in! Nothing better than shopping local during the holidays… making the entrepreneurs & dreamers have a great season, too!

Dec. 11^th 5-7 PM & Dec. 12^th-13^th, 9 AM-5 PM. Free.

7. 14th Annual Santa Pub Crawl: Sponsored by Tampa Charities Inc.

The Honey Pot

Break out your best holiday-themed costumes and head out for a night on the town with 1,000 of your closest friends! The best part is your entry fee goes toward Meals on Wheels of Tampa Bay, and you’re required to bring a new unwrapped toy (or pay $5 fee) upon arrival. Love it!

Dec. 6^th, 6:30 PM sharp, next stop at 7:30 PM on a secret pub crawl route!

8. Tampa Ballet Theatre’s Annual Nutcracker Performance

James B. White Performing Arts Center

No holiday season would be complete without decorations, family, sweets, or seeing a Nutcracker performance. It’s classic!

Dec. 6^th, 7 PM & Dec. 7^th, 3 PM. $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for children and college students.

 9. Victorian Christmas Stroll

Henry B. Plant Museum

This reminds me of the Biltmore Mansion display in North Carolina. For 33 years, the hotel, now the Henry B. Plant Museum, has reached back to its earliest days for holiday inspiration. The museum’s 14 display rooms includes an ornately decorated Christmas tree, cider & cookies!

Dec. 1^st-23^rd; 10 AM-8 PM daily. $15 for adults, $13 seniors and $9 youths (4-18 years).

10. Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown

Tampa Bay History Center

“Christmastime is here…” Iconic, right? Celebrate the season with the Peanuts Gang at the new exhibition featuring classic Peanuts daily and Sunday comic strips, vintage Peanuts-themed seasonal novelties, a Santa letter writing station, & more.

Thru Dec. 24^th, 9 AM-5 PM.

 

Marking any events on your calendar this year? I want to know your favorite way to celebrate the holiday season!

I highly recommend you must read the eBook on what you need to have for starting a business in Tampa, I believe you’ll get a lot out of it. If you haven’t claimed yours, go and grab it now for free! See you inside – I can’t wait to start working with you! We’re better together!