Halloween is over which means it’s basically Christmas! I just love keeping the holiday spirit alive with my family and finding fun weekend events locally to help teach the true meaning of Christmas. I’ve put together a list of the best family holiday events right here in the Tampa Bay area!
RELATED: Our Favorite Family Holiday Traditions
20+ Best Family Holiday Events in Tampa Bay
When you live in a warmer climate, sometimes you need holiday events to help keep your spirits bright. This list is organized by date order of when each family holiday event begins (if spanning multiple dates).
November Family Holiday Events in Tampa
November 2
Michaels Kids Club Crafts – Michaels Stores
Kids ages 3+ can register to craft a snowman ornament, Christmas paper decor, snowman cookies, and reindeer antlers on select Saturdays through December 14. Cost is $3. Register online.
November 16
Me & My Mini Kids Baking Class – Armature Works, Tampa
Chef Beth will teach kids how to make mini pies. They’ll also be able to decorate aprons while parents sip on a complimentary mimosa. Recommended for children 8+. Grab tickets here.
Christmas Town Holiday Event – Busch Gardens
It’s Christmas every day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, with millions of twinkling lights, the Sing-Along Train, holiday shows for families and of course, visits with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Christmas Town is included with daily admission, Fun Cards and Annual Passes. Runs November 16 – January 6.
Symphony in Lights Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival – Shops at Wiregrass
There will be a tree light ceremony, Santa, and a choreographed show featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Click for more details.
November 21
Disney Junior Holiday Party! On Tour – Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Family holiday party featuring Mickey & Minnie, Puppy Dog Pals, Vampirina and Santa Claus. Buy tickets.
November 22
Enchant Christmas – Tropicana Field, St Petersburg
Enchant Christmas is the family holiday extravaganza in Tampa Bay, featuring the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Marketplace. There will be an ice skating trail and visits from Santa & the Mrs. Buy tickets + season passes. Runs through December 29.
November 23
Holidays on the Farm – Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms, Plant City
Family holiday activities include Santa, U-Pick, Hayride, Farm Animals, Bounce House and more. Runs Saturdays November 23 + 30, December 7, 14, 21. Cost is $5, under 10 is free.
November 29
Christmas in the Wild – Lowry Park Zoo
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa is the perfect family holiday family event complete with a 50-ft tree, Santa’s Village, Santa, and holiday treats + cocktails for the adults. Event runs on select nights through December 23. Visit ZooTampa.org for more info.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens – Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo
Features 1 million twinkling lights, food/drinks and nightly entertainment. Cost is a suggested donation of $5. Runs through January 4.
Christmas Lane – Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds
A winter wonderland featuring rides, a KidZone, nightly entertainment, food and favorite Christmas characters like Frosty, Rudolph and Santa. Runs through December 24.
November 30
Home Depot Kids Workshop – Stocking Ornament – Home Depot Stores
Check your local Home Depot schedule to verify, but several local stores are hosting a kids workshop to create their own stocking ornament. Projects are free + kids must be present.
Christmas in the Barn – Darby Harvest Country Market
Visit with Santa, create a personalized ornament craft and Santa letter, hay rides and a hay bale maze. Photo ops with mini pig and mini cows. Cost is $3, under 12 is free. Bring a canned food item for $1 off admission.
Snow Bash! – Tom Varn Park, Brooksville
SNOW! plus a designated sledding area, activities, food trucks and more. Purchase tickets here.
December Family Holiday Events in Tampa
December 1
Santa’s Secret Paradise – Top Secret Location
You’ll have to message them on Facebook for this year’s new location. They keep their location secret to add to the holiday magic. Runs the entire month of December.
Gingerbread Village – Glazer Museum, Tampa
A gingerbread-inspired wonderland where little ones can make their own house to add to the village. Free with general admission. Runs through December 30.
Elf Breakfast – Glazer Museum, Tampa
Take your Elf on the Shelf to the Museum the week of November 24-30 so he/she can have Elf adventures documented on Facebook and Instagram stories. Pick up the Elf on December 1 for breakfast, visit from Santa and a holiday craft. (Members only event.)
December 5
Christmas on Main Street – Brooksville
Visit the annual tree lighting in Downtown Brooksville along with merchants and street vendors.
December 6
Christmas Tree Lighting Festival presents Grinchmas – Crystal River
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas will be on the big screen and the Whobilation pageant, plus catch a ride on the ice slide! Admission is free.
There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs – Tarpon Springs
Tree lighting, boat parade, activities, carriage rides, holiday dancers, live music, holiday shopping, restaurants, food vendors, falling snow, outdoor movies, snow slide, and much more. Santa will also be in attendance! This family friendly event is FREE.
December 7
Festival of Lights 2019 – Main Street Zephyrhills
Parade with live entertainment.
Santa Fest & Christmas Parade – Downtown Tampa
After the parade there will be entertainment, interactive games, bounce houses, a rock wall, and make-n-take crafts. More info.
December 8
Winter Waterland – Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Activities include the World-Famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids performing a holiday-themed performance, a Christmas light show, and more! And of course, Santa and his mermaid elves will be available for pictures. Runs December 8-9, 15-16. Click here for tickets and info.
December 14
Ybor Snow on 7th Parade – Tampa
8th annual snow parade with Santa + Mrs.
Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade & Candy Cane Hunt – Downtown Tarpon Springs
After the parade, bring the family to Craig Park for the annual Candy Cane Hunt. Children up to age 12 can hunt for the lucky candy cane. We will have crafts, hot chocolate and even a visit from Santa.
December 19
Grinchmas – Sparkman Wharf
Meet the Grinch and enjoy the Whoville Singers at Grinchmas in Sparkman Wharf! More details to come here.
December 21
Weeki Wachee Boat Parade 2019 – Upper Deck, Weeki Wachee
Other events pending details:
Candy Cane Express – Crews Lake Wilderness Park