City of Christmas Lights
Tampa Bay has no shortage of festive light displays during the holidays. Many Christmas light events come with more fun activities that the whole family will love. Whether you are looking for an all-inclusive family fun event or a cozy Christmas drive, Tampa has something for you. Here are some places to go to see the best Christmas lights in Tampa.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Every year, Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa turns into a holiday extravaganza. Winter Village features amazing lights, festive decorations, and activities for the whole family. Skate on the only outdoor ice rink in Tampa, ride on the Winter Village Express train, take pictures with Santa, and more at Winter Village. Visit The Shops at Winter Village where you can shop boutiques featuring local makers. Enjoy all of this and more this Christmas season in Tampa. It’s worth a visit.
Christmas in the Wild
ZooTampa hosts one of the largest light displays in all of Tampa Bay. You can enjoy wildlife, light displays, and yummy treats. This zoo goes all out with six different light zones, two light shows, a giant illuminated Christmas tree, Christmas rides, and more lit-up attractions. It’s a popular Christmas activity for families across Tampa, but it is a limited-capacity event. We highly recommend reserving your tickets ahead of time. The zoo promises that this year will be bigger and brighter than ever, so be sure to get your tickets early!
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens attracts visitors year-round. When it transforms into a festive holiday scene, it becomes even more popular. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is next level. At Christmas Down, you can enjoy the incredible Christmas lights, attend holiday shows, and visit Santa’s workshop. On top of all that fun, Christmas Town boasts Christmas culinary confections that are unlike any other.
Raprager Family Farms Winter Festival and Christmas Extravaganza
Every year, Raprager Family Farms turns into a Winter Festival and Christmas Extravaganza. When you visit this local farm during Christmas time, you’ll find it “tastefully decorated with lights, garland, and Christmas cheer.” Even more, you can experience the Gingerbread Village, Santa’s Workshop, Raprager’s Sweet Shop’s Christmas fudge, live entertainment, face painting, pony rides, and more!
Indian Trails Neighborhood Holiday Lights
The residents of the Indian Trails neighborhood go all out for Christmas. Stop by and enjoy dazzling light displays set up by the community. In addition, you can participate in a delicious hot cocoa fundraiser for a few days. Proceeds from your hot chocolate purchases go to the Miracle Network and Feeding Tampa Bay. It’s the best of both worlds.
Symphony in Lights
Visit the Shops at Wiregrass for a spectacular symphony of lights. The festivities include joyous music, light shows, a snowy wonderland, and holiday events. It starts with their famous tree lighting celebration in November and continues all season long. Check out their schedule for fun events including live music, performers, and of course, Santa!
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
The Florida Botanical Gardens reside in Tampa. During the holidays, it turns into one of the most fun holiday light experiences Tampa has to offer. Twinkling LED lights, lasers, and bright light sculptures illuminate the gardens for guests to enjoy. This is a great Christmas light destination for families with kids. Holiday Lights in the Gardens includes a Children’s Candy Cane area. Here, children can participate in crafts and other fun activities. The Florida Botanical Gardens is a perfect family destination during Christmas time.
St. Petersburg Drive-By Christmas Lights
The St. Petersburg Drive-By Christmas Lights is a community-driven Christmas light display in the Tampa Bay area. There is something so magical and joyful about enjoying the product of neighborly collaboration. You can drive through more than 3 miles of Christmas lights in these St. Petersburg neighborhoods:
- Lake Park Estates
- Wieker
- Lakeside Estates
- Lake Seminole Village
Enjoy the lights in these neighborhoods every night for the entire month of December. Pack your family into the car with some festive treats and drive through for a fun and easy Christmas-themed excursion.
The Plant City Christmas Trail
Plant City hosts The Christmas Trail, a spectacular holiday destination. Here, you can enjoy a Christmas tree light show, Jack Frost ice show, ornament decorating, balloon animals, sweet treats, and more. The Christmas Trail’s website proclaims it to be “Central Florida’s premiere Christmas attraction.” You’ll just have to check it out for yourself!
Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
There’s nothing that screams Christmas in Florida more than a holiday boat parade. Attending one of Florida’s many boat parades is a great Christmas activity. Watch lit-up boats of many varieties travel past as you enjoy sitting on the water’s edge. The largest boat parade in Tampa runs from the southern tip of Davis Islands to Sparkman Wharf. It passes through the Convention Center basin and the Heights. View this extravagant boat light show from anywhere along the Riverwalk!
The bottom line
The holidays are about being with the ones you love. If you’re looking for some festive new activities for your family this Christmas season, check out one of these beautiful Christmas light displays in the Tampa area this year. There’s something about looking at Christmas lights that sparks joy and gets you into the Christmas spirit.
If you want to get in on the fun and spread Christmas light cheer, you should decorate your own home with lights! Call Blitzen Lighting for hassle-free light installation that will impress your whole neighborhood.