Published on
November 11, 2025
Florida St. petersburg is preparing for the first A Taste of the North Festival, which is planned for December 19-20 , 2025, at the Spa Beach Park of the St. Pete Pier. The festival aims to blend Christmas in Florida with other festive activities. The festival is an attempt to celebrate the long cherished traditions of Christmas celebrated in the northern states, with the relaxed beach atmosphere of Florida. The festival is lined with activities for the whole family, including mouth-watering food, keeping in mind people of all age groups.
An Unmissable Holiday Experience in the Heart of St. Pete
The A Taste of the North Festival offers a unique blend of classic northern holiday cheer and St. Petersburg’s coastal charm. Visitors will enjoy a wide variety of food, music, and entertainment that captures the warmth and comfort of a traditional northern Christmas, all while celebrating in sunny Florida style.
Festival Highlights:
Northern comfort foods from over 15 local vendorsA sand sculpture contest with a holiday themeLive entertainment and performancesBeach-style Santa photosCharity toy drive benefiting a local nonprofitAn inflatable kids’ zone with plenty of family-friendly activitiesDog-friendly atmosphereSavor the Flavors of the North
The festival will feature some of the best comfort foods from northern cities, bringing the tastes of winter holiday classics to the warmth of the Florida coast. With more than 15 food vendors on-site, guests can enjoy everything from hearty stews and roasts to festive desserts that bring the spirit of a northern Christmas to life.
The festival will also feature festive cocktails, with an exclusive North Pole VIP experience allowing guests to taste and vote on holiday drinks created by local breweries and distilleries.
Exciting Family Fun and Holiday Entertainment
One of the key attractions is the Amateur Sand Sculpture Contest. This contest invites creative teams to craft Christmas-themed sculptures from mounds of sand, with all entries on display throughout both festival days. The contest is free to enter, but teams must pre-register online by December 17 or until all spots are filled. It’s the perfect opportunity for families to get creative and celebrate the season in a new and exciting way.
In addition to the sand sculpture contest, the festival will feature live music and entertainment, ensuring a festive atmosphere throughout the event. There’s also plenty to keep children entertained with an inflatable kids’ zone and an array of family-friendly activities.
A VIP Experience with Extra Perks
For those looking to elevate their festival experience, the North Pole VIP ticket offers exclusive access to a number of perks. VIP guests will gain entry to the holiday cocktail competition, enjoy front-row seating for live entertainment, and access to a special double-decker cocktail bar. The VIP area also offers exclusive lounge furniture, executive restrooms, and a prime spot to enjoy the holiday festivities. Tickets for the VIP experience are priced at $39 in advance or $45 on the day of the event.
Support Local and Give Back
As part of its community spirit, A Taste of the North will feature a charity toy drive, benefiting a local nonprofit organization. This provides attendees with an opportunity to give back to the community while enjoying the holiday festivities. Bringing a toy to donate is a great way to make the season brighter for families in need.
When and Where to Attend
The festival will take place at Spa Beach Park at the St. Pete Pier, located at 615 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL. The event will run on Friday, December 19, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and on Saturday, December 20, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. General admission to the event is free, making it an ideal outing for families, friends, and holiday visitors. VIP tickets are available for those looking for an upgraded experience.
For more information, including vendor details and ticket purchasing, visit www.atasteofthenorth.com or follow Brewed Life Festivals on Facebook.
A Unique Holiday Experience in St. Petersburg
Locals and tourists alike will find A Taste of the North to be a fascinating and a fun-filled experience combining the delights of the holidays up north with the charm of the Florida coast warm. Whether you`re spending time with a family or with a partner, this will surely be a perfect event for making lifetime holiday memories together.
Travel Tips for AttendeesPublic Transport: St. Petersburg is easily accessible by public transport, including the PSTA bus system. For those staying in downtown, consider taking a trolley to the Pier.Parking: Parking is available at the St. Pete Pier, but be prepared for limited spots during peak times. Consider arriving early to secure parking or use a ride-share service.Nearby Attractions: While you’re in the area, be sure to explore the St. Pete Pier itself, along with other nearby attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dali Museum.
The upcoming holidays will be invigorating with sunshine and northern traditions that ‘A Taste of the North’ brings to St. Petersburg.
