10 minute read
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS IN TAMPA BAY
Tampa Bay Holiday Traditions
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:
ENCHANT CHRISTMAS AT TROPICANA FIELD
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
WHERE TO SEE SANTA:
SANTA AT BASS PRO SHOP IN BRANDON
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
CHRISTMAS TOWN AT BUSCH GARDENS
Daily through Jan. 2 | Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping. buschgardens.com
HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND
Select dates through Dec. 31 | Get ready to celebrate an awesome holiday season! This bricktacular event features unforgettable seasonal shows, LEGO holiday character experiences, sweet treats and special activities. Light displays twinkling throughout the park,and a giant LEGO Christmas tree with its all-new 360-degree light show are sure to mesmerize guests. legoland.com
CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD AT ZOOTAMPA
Select dates through Dec. 30 | Christmas in The Wild is back and is bigger, better and brighter than ever! Enjoy the magic of wildlife at night while celebrating the holiday season. The zoo will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland filled with lights, seasonal holiday treats and festive shows. There will be six illuminated zones of lights, two new light shows across the entire manatee circle, and a 30-foot Christmas tree with thousands of dancing lights. Wander through the Ice Cavern in Africa as you're surrounded by glowing lights. While you're there, join Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for some reindeer games in Wallaroo, take a ride on the Candy Cane Carousel, decorate cookies at Mrs. Claus's shop, and celebrate a Caribbean Christmas in Key West. Be sure to make your way to Twinkle Town Marketplace to meet Santa and take a photo with him. The Animal Giving Tree, which is located next to the Binturong habitat, gives guests the chance to give a gift to the animals that call ZooTampa home. zootampa.org
DRIVE-THRU HOLIDAY LIGHTS
WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS & SANTA’S VILLAGE
Through Jan. 2 | Experience a mile of spectacular lights with a visit to Santa’s Village at the end, if you choose. This year will be hosted at a NEW location in Auburndale. Santa’s Village features wagon rides, a circus show, camel and pony rides and more. thewonderlandoflights.com HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE CHICK-FIL-A ON WATERS AVENUE IN TAMPA
Daily through Dec. 31, Closed Sundays | Visit the most festive Chick-Fil-A in Tampa Bay and check out their annual Christmas lights display! Santa will also be there on select dates so be sure to stop by and say hello. facebook.com/CFAwaters
HOLIDAY ICE-SKATING AND MORE!
ENCHANT CHRISTMAS AT TROPICANA FIELD IN ST. PETE
Through Jan. 2 | The beautiful lights of Enchant Christmas are back in person this year and we can’t be more excited! This year’s theme is the Mischievous Elf. In addition to the millions of beautiful lights and light maze, you can shop the local businesses inside the marketplace, go ice-skating and even meet Santa! Keep your eyes to the top of the Trop for a beautiful light display too! enchantchristmas.com WINTER BEACH AT THE ST. PETE PIER
Daily through Jan. 17 | Go ice-skating, play in the snow and meet Santa at St. Pete Pier’s inaugural Christmas event. Didn’t get a chance to meet Santa in person? Write him a letter and pop it into the Winter Beach North Pole Mailbox. winterbeachstpete.com
WINTER VILLAGE CURTIS HIXON
Daily through Jan. 2 | Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. The park sparkles with lights and festive holiday decorations. Guests can skate along downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink while taking in views of the Tampa River Walk. The Shops of Winter Village will feature five boutiques from local markets, and the Icicle Craft Kitchen of Winter Village will serve up some seasonal holiday treats. wintervillagetampa.com
SNOW FEST AT NORTH STRAUB PARK IN ST. PETE
Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | This is also a chance to stroll along the waterfront to view the holiday lights along all of the parks in that area, including Vinoy Park and the St. Pete Pier. stpeteparksrec.org SNOW DAYS AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
Dec. 26-Jan. 2 | This December, you and the kids can play in real snow, so make sure to bring the gloves! This timed event requires a reservation along with your Aquarium ticket. Learn more at flaquarium.org.
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Daily through Jan. 3 | GCM is getting into the holiday spirit with a gingerbread-inspired wonderland sponsored by Macy’s. On Level 2 of the museum, children can build a gingerbread house made from recycled materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, bottle caps and more. glazermuseum.org LOST PEARL’S A PIRATE’S CHRISTMAS
Select dates in December at 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Celebrate the holidays Florida style aboard White Beard’s ship. This festive cruise will travel by Holiday Island to get an up-close look at Tampa’s largest floating Christmas tree, and kids will receive a gift from our treasure chest. Children will also write and mail a letter to Santa to drop into Tampa’s only floating mailbox. There will also be Christmas sing-alongs and swashbuckling games, and child and adult beverages are free at sea. The magic of Christmas may even bring some snow flurries! tampapirateship.com/events/a-pirates-christmas-event
ZUBRICK MAGIC THEATRE – HOLIDAY MAGIC!
Ongoing every Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m. | The Zubrick Magic Theatre adds more sparkle and magic to the holidays! Performers Chris and Ryan Zubrick are featuring some new illusions this holiday season. Looking to give the gift of magic? Gift vouchers are available for purchase now, or book specific show dates online for a 70-minute performance of sleight-ofhand, family-friendly comedy, and grand-scale illusion. Lobby opens at 6 p.m. to purchase concessions. Performance begins promptly at 7 p.m. Get your tickets today before they all… disappear! zubrickmagic.com
RAPRAGER FAMILY FARM’S WINTER FESTIVAL AND CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
Select dates through Dec. 28 | Raprager Family Farm is exploding with Christmas cheer! Lights and decorations blanket the farm. Go on a holiday hayride and take a picture inside a giant inflatable snow globe. Check out the lighted gingerbread village, hear stories from Mrs. Claus and pay a visit to Santa and take pictures with him at his workshop. In addition to holiday-themed attractions, there will be a petting zoo, corn pit, bounce pillow and crop maze. Be sure to stop by the Sweet Shop for some warm cinnamon roasted nuts, hot cocoa and Christmas fudge. rapragerfamilyfarms.com/christmas
NEXT GENERATION BALLET’S NUTCRACKER
Dec. 17-19 | Experience this glittering, star-studded holiday tradition at the Straz Center. Enjoy the classic tale of Clara and her beloved nutcracker as they perform their way through the whimsical world filled with dancing sweets and sword-fighting rodents. NGB’s Nutcracker features principal dancers from powerhouse companies alongside their award-winning young dancers. strazcenter.org
HUNSADER FARMS COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Select dates Dec. 10-19 | Enjoy an old-fashioned country Christmas as the farm lights up in a dazzling display of over 300,000 lights. Enjoy hayrides, train rides, campfires, Christmas music, snow tubing and a display Christmas village. Watch Christmas movies on the big screen, say hello to Santa and warm up with hot chocolate and s’mores. hunsaderfarms.com
