Tampa Bay
Holiday Traditions
istockphoto.com/ Hachio Nora
With the holidays officially in full swing, it’s safe to say that people are more than ready for some festive fun. Although safety measures are still in place, many locations have adjusted their Christmas experiences to make them bigger and better than last year. Whether you want to meet Santa, take in the dazzling beauty of Christmas lights, or celebrate the season at local theme parks, here is a list of places that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
WHERE TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS:
WHERE TO SEE SANTA:
ENCHANT CHRISTMAS AT TROPICANA FIELD
SANTA AT BASS PRO SHOP IN BRANDON
Select dates through Jan. 2 | Become part of the magical story of “The Mischievous Elf” as you help save Christmas at the World of Enchant. Wander through the incredible dazzling display of lights, spin around on the ice-skating rink and create some fun holiday crafts. Head over to Santa’s Landing to meet Santa himself. Nestled in a serene snowscape below a sky full of twinkling stars, it is an enchanting and memorable setting for a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience. enchantchristmas.com
SYLVAN RAMBLE LIGHTS
Shows begin Dec. 3 | Sylvan Ramble creates an unforgettable light show for a worthy cause. Each incredible light display set to popular music lasts about 20 minutes. Proceeds from the shows will go to Where Love Grows, a charity that helps fight childhood hunger. sylvanramblelights.com
TAMPA RIVERWALK HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Daily through Jan. 2 | Stroll along the lit-up winter wonderland of Tampa Riverwalk. Highlights include a 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor, a holiday selfie station at the Pirate Water Taxi ticket booth, a floating gingerbread lighted display and a lighted pine tree forest. Hotels, restaurants and bars along the Riverwalk will also have festive lighted displays. thetampariverwalk.com/events
HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDENS AT THE FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Daily through Jan. 2 | One million LED lights twinkling in a variety of bright colors, vibrant laser lights and lighted figures are sure to wow guests of all ages. The Children’s Candy Cane Area offers free kids crafts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. flbgfoundation.org/holidaylights
HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN LARGO CENTRAL PARK
Select dates through Jan. 2 | The annual family-friendly tradition at Largo Central Park will feature a spectacular holiday light display of over two million dazzling LED lights. Guests can also enjoy a stunning carousel and a seven-story Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the lighted park. playlargo.com
THE OAKDALE CHRISTMAS HOUSE IN ST. PETERSBURG
Through Jan. 3 | Oakdale Christmas House in St. Pete offers an amazing walk through Christmas light experience that is bigger and better than before! You’ll be amazed by the Oakdale Christmas House’s half million twinkling lights which has been ranked as among the world’s best Christmas light displays! Featured on both HGTV and The Today Show, this event is not to be missed. The house is located at 2719 Oakdale Street South, St. Petersburg, FL. christmasdisplay.org
WATERFRONT LIGHTS IN ST. PETERSBURG
Through Jan. 3 | Stand along the pedestrian walkways at North and South Straub Parks in St. Petersburg for this free light show on the water. There will also be Christmas lights and displays at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park and the new St. Pete Pier. stpeteparksrec.org
Daily through Dec. 24 | Santa is back at Bass Pro Shop! Since Santa still needs to stay healthy during the holidays, kids won’t be able to sit on his lap, but they will be able to sit on the bench in front of him while visiting. The whole family can enjoy games, events, carousel rides and holiday craft gift bags to take home. Visits are by appointment only and reservations can be made online within a 7-day timeframe of the visit. basspro.com
BUSCH GARDENS CHRISTMAS TOWN Daily through Jan. 2 | Wander through sparkling lights as you make your way to the North Pole for an all-new Santa experience! Jolly elves will guide guests to visit Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season. buschgardens.com
CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD AT ZOOTAMPA
Select dates through Dec. 30 | Enjoy the magic of wildlife while celebrating the holiday season at the zoo, which transforms into a whimsical wonderland at night filled with lights, seasonal holiday treats and festive shows. Meet the big guy himself at Santa’s village and get a socially-distanced photo in front of his sleigh. zootampa.org
SANTA PHOTOS AT TAMPA BAY SHOPPING CENTERS
Daily through Dec. 24, dates and times vary by location | Santa will be back at several Tampa area malls including International Plaza. Orchestrated once again by Cherry Hill Productions, there are still safety measures in place, though guests now have the option to sit with Santa or take socially distanced pictures with Santa. Other safety standards include vaccinated Santa characters, required staff face coverings (except for Santa) and increased cleaning procedures. Reservations required at select locations. whereissanta.com
DECEMBER 2021 TampaBayParenting.com
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