Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town
Nov. 20-Jan. 5. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa. Busch Gardens will transform into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of twinkling lights and two spectacular new additions — a holiday drones show synchronized to classic holiday music, and an immersive, multi-sensory light and music display across the park’s iconic Serengeti Plain. Favorites such as Santa’s North Pole Experience and Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland return.
Thanksgiving Wine Pairings
7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Aspirations Winery, 22041 U.S. 19, Clearwater. Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate the flavors of fall. Join Aspirations Winery for a Thanksgiving-themed wine pairing, where Aspirations is blending the warmth of the season with the artistry of its wines. Each glass will be thoughtfully paired with holiday-inspired bites, crafted by staff to bring out the best in each wine. $47.67. https://tinyurl.com/5b7zms3b
Play it By Ear — Holidays Gone Wild
8 p.m. Nov. 21-23. Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. One of the most outrageously funny shows in the history of Carrollwood Players is back. What happens when a group of actors walk onto the stage to perform a comedy they’ve never heard of? Actors have no advance knowledge of the play they must perform until the audience chooses. Saturday shows are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. $20. https://tinyurl.com/2f9d749c
Christmas Craft Sale
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. McGough Nature Park, 11901 146th St., Largo. Support local crafters/artisan during the annual Christmas Craft Sale. 727-518-3147.
Early Elf Market
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23. Downtown Tarpon Springs, 1 N. Pinellas Ave. Craft vendors set up tents on charming brick-paved Court Street. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and support local merchants at the same time. https://tinyurl.com/3mxj6hz9
Fall into the Holidays Sale and Cookie Walk
4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. St. Brendan’s CCW, 245 Dory Passage, Clearwater. Enjoy fall, winter, holiday shopping and do the cookie walk for your holiday cookies. Complimentary beverages. Proceeds benefit local charities. 727-443-5485.
Holiday Tree Lighting
5-9 p.m. Nov. 22. Armature Works South Lawn, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer as you shop local at the mini market, meet Santa, and cozy up by the fire with s’mores. Delight in live performances throughout the night, leading up to the tree lighting ceremony at 8 p.m.
Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot Pre-Party & Packet Pickup
5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26. BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. Join an evening full of fun before the big race. The Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot Pre-Party will feature live entertainment, vendors, food and more at the bright and beautiful BayCare Ballpark.
Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot
7-10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27. Clearwater High School, 1951 Gulf to Bay Blvd. Don’t miss out on this early-morning Thanksgiving tradition. Line up before 7 a.m. at Clearwater High School to take part in either a one mile or 5K race. MyClearwater.com/TurkeyTrot
Gobbler 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
7:30 a.m. Nov. 27. Jay B. Starkey Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., New Port Richey. Run, walk, or stroll with your family through beautiful Starkey Park. The entire event is family and pet friendly with music, vendors and fun. Gates to the park open at 6:45 a.m. $35-$40. https://tinyurl.com/yckedf6w
Largo’s Holiday Lights
5-10 p.m. nightly, Nov. 27-Jan. 4, 2026. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. This walking tour features a spectacular holiday light display, with more than 2.5 million dazzling LED lights. No golf carts or unauthorized vehicles allowed. Food, beverage and market vendors on site selling homemade items, delicious treats and eats. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Amusement ride tickets available at $6 for one ride or $50 for 10 rides. 727-587-6740 Ext. 5014.
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village
6-11 p.m. Nov. 27-Dec. 28. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover. Children and even the young at heart will enjoy the nearly 2-mile drive-thru immersive experience of continuous light features, followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. The monthlong event is full of attractions, holiday goodies and visits with Santa. Guests can bring their well-behaved dogs and cats on a leash to join Paws & Claus Nights on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. Heroes Night on Dec. 18 offers active and retired military, police, fire and first responders a discounted admission of $15 per car. Other nights vary from $25-$30. https://tinyurl.com/unxnk2yw
Christmas in the Wild
4-10 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 30. ZooTampa, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. This popular holiday tradition transforms the Zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with over a million lights, larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures, unforgettable entertainment, delicious seasonal food, and interactive experiences. Christmas in the Wild takes place on select nights, visit zootampa.org for more information.
Merry & Bright
5-8 p.m. Nov. 29. Chick-fil-A, 3800 Ehrlich Road, Tampa. Come and celebrate the first annual Merry & Bright Night— a festive evening where the community can enjoy our indoor and outdoor decorations, capture photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sample a new Peppermint Milkshake, and pick up the December calendar filled with holiday events and family-friendly fun. At this location only.
Clearwater’s Bright and Beautiful Tree Lighting
Sunday, Nov. 30. Coachman Park, 300 Drew St., Clearwater. Save the date for the city of Clearwater’s official tree lighting event, where Clearwater will celebrate the start of the holiday season.
SHAMcGiving
4-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Safety Harbor Art and Music Center, 706 2nd St. N, Safety Harbor. Celebrate SHAMc’s ninth anniversary with a party and a decorated umbrella parade. Help fill the streets of Safety Harbor with a parade, with beats by Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band. After parading, head back to SHAMc for a party with music by Tribal Style. This year’s theme is ArtZy HeartZy One Love. Dress in hearts, anything love-related. Bring a decorated umbrella with you for the parade.
Holiday Happy Hour
7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2. Bayboro Brewing, 2390 Fifth Ave. S., St. Petersburg. RadioStPete.com and Sunshine 96.7 FM present the second annual Holiday Happy Hour featuring The St. Pete Collective celebrating the music of James Taylor.
Sponge Docks Tree Lighting
5-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Sponge Docks, 735 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs. Join the Sponge Docks merchants for this annual event, Lighting the Christmas Tree at the Sponge Docks.
The Red Party: Seminole’s Ultimate Holiday Gala
6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. St. Petersburg College Conference Center, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, food, door prizes, and fun at The Red Party, Seminole’s most anticipated holiday gala. Dress to impress in your finest holiday red and dance the night away with live music performed by The Sounds of Soul. Advanced tickets $60, $70 at the door. https://tinyurl.com/yya69tnh
The Many Moods of Christmas Concert
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. This candlelight concert features exciting and heartwarming Christmas music. Student musicians from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts join with the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir to continue a holiday tradition and support the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. Free.
A Christmas Carol
8 p.m. Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21. Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. CWP’s annual holiday tradition returns to its roots as they present the beloved, classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas, adapted for the stage with all the Victorian splendor, warmth, laughter and storytelling you expect from the original Dickens novella. Matinee shows available. $24-$27. https://carrollwoodplayers.org
Stuff Your Stocking Drive-Thru
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Dec. 6. Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive, Lutz. Get ready for one of the most magical mornings of the year. Decorated vehicles line up early with families and children wearing their cutest holiday pajamas—all buzzing with excitement. Meet The Grinch, experience a staging dance party to keep the fun going while you wait, win prizes and check out a trail of local businesses ready to stuff your stockings full of goodies.
Holiday Parade
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Main Street, Safety Harbor. Floats, community groups, and cars — both old and new — are just a few of the highlights. And of course, the Jolly Old Elf himself will make an appearance at the end of the parade. This Safety Harbor tradition is the perfect way to start the season and get in the holiday spirit.
A Vintage Christmas Home Tour
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. The homes on this year’s tour are a beautiful blend of vintage craftsmanship and modern updates that are perfect examples of Dunedin’s unique historical vibe. Transportation between the five homes, the Fenway Hotel and the Hale Center for this year’s tour is even easier by the exclusive use of the Tour of Homes Jolley Trolley Shuttle, which is included in the ticket price. $40 advance, $45 day-of. www.dunedinyouthguild.org
Westchase Holiday Gift Gala
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6. Westchase Town Center, 9540 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa. Come out for the ultimate holiday shopping experience. Get ready to shop, celebrate, and find the perfect gifts. This one-day festive shopping event is filled with home décor and seasonal accents, gourmet treats, handcrafted creations and more.
Holiday Village
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 6. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. Holiday Village presented by the Carrollwood Village Phases II & III HOAs is a family‐friendly event with holiday‐themed crafts, activities, food trucks, music, decorations, and more.
Tampa’s Santa Fest and Tree Lighting
1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 6. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. beginning at Morgan Street and Madison Street. Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. with a concert of familiar Christmas favorites, dazzling dancers, and stage entertainment starring SuperStar Cortni. Once the trees are lit, a holiday movie will be shown. Admission is free. https://wintervillagetampa.com
Bicycles and Holiday Bells Fundraiser
1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Belleair Towers, 1100 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Clearwater. Enjoy an afternoon featuring photos with Santa, food, drinks, raffles, silent auctions, and a Family Fun Ride on the Pinellas Trail at 2 p.m. This festive afternoon will bring joy to the senior residents of Belleair Towers, while all proceeds go directly to Bikes For Christ’s ongoing programs.
Love Came Down at Christmas: A Musical Spectacular
3 p.m. Dec. 6. Hudson First United Methodist Church, 13123 U.S. 19. Featuring the Voices of Praise, Bellaires, and J.R. Farley’s Anclote Symphonic Winds. Donations appreciated, cash or canned vegetables for food pantry.
Christmas Tree Lighting
3-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Downtown Palm Harbor. Join the festive frenzy, soak up the holiday spirit, and make memories that’ll twinkle all year long. Check out vibrant vendors, exciting games for all ages, a special visit from Santa, a parade at 4 p.m. and tree lighting at 6 p.m. https://phparksandrec.org
HolidayFest 2025
4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Pasadena Yacht and Country Club, 6300 Pasadena Point Blvd. S., Gulfport. This event will be activities included with a HolidayFest Infinity Pass Ticket. Highlights include holiday food stations, welcome signature cocktail, putting for booze, chipping for cash, live and silent auctions, and more. Proceeds aid abused children and adults through services provided by CASA, Brookwood Florida, Inc and Suncoast Center, Inc. $100. Infinitystpete.org
Cotee River Christmas Boat Parade
6-8 p.m. Dec. 6. Cotee River/Sims Park, New Port Richey. A dazzling lineup of boats decked out in twinkling lights and festive décor. Watch as they cruise from Miller’s Bayou through the Cotee River to Sims Park, filling the waterfront with music, cheer, and Christmas spirit. Learn more about participating at https://tinyurl.com/4tb9bhpz
Merry Martini
6-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. AHEPA, 20 W. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. Join the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association to help make Christmas great for 75 Tarpon Springs elementary, middle school and high school kids. Online ticket sales were cut off at noon on Nov. 10, and tickets will be available at the door for the same price (cash or card). https://spongedocks.net/event/merry-martini
Holiday Concert with New Horizons
2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. New Horizons Tampa offers numerous opportunities to promote “music for life.” All entry points to music, from those with no musical experience to those advanced musicians who enjoy playing in a group setting, are welcome. This group of musicians are bound by their shared love of making music and having fun. $12-$15. https://tinyurl.com/4sn69rtm
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
5-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Nature Park (formerly Del Bello), 17925 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores. Celebrate the holidays with the Town of Redington Shores Christmas tree lighting. There will be chowder, a hot cocoa bar, cookies, a visit from Santa and more.
Game Night at the Grove
7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. B&B Theatres, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Game nights alternate between trivia and bingo each week. This week’s theme is Christmas movie trivia (Grinch/Home Alone/Christmas Story/Elf). Free to play, no reservations required.
Christmas Concert
2 p.m. Dec. 11. First United Methodist Church, 5901 Indiana Ave., New Port Richey. Thursday Musicale presents their Christmas Concert. Free, donations welcome.
Movies in the Park
5:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Northdale Park & Recreation Center, 15510 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa. This free family event is for all ages and abilities and is sure to be fun for the whole family. Movies are played on a large outdoor screen with surround sound. Light refreshments and activities will be available for attendees. Bring a blanket and chairs. Preshow activities include popcorn, games and crafts. This evening’s film is “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tampa City Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-14. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Join Clara on a magical journey filled with toy soldiers, mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. With stunning dance and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this holiday tradition brings joy to all ages. Saturday and Sunday matinees start at 3 p.m. $45-$90. www.newtampaartscenter.org/events
2025 Reindeer Run 5K
8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. John Chestnut Sr. Park, 2200 E. Lake Road S., Palm Harbor. Get in the holiday spirit and join the Reindeer Run to help support the MASH program at John Geigle YMCA, which serves adults with special needs and their families. Ymcasuncoast.org/reindeer-run
Merry Maker’s Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 13. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. This special event is the perfect opportunity to purchase unique gifts for friends, family, or even yourself, just in time for the holiday season. Whether you’re searching for handcrafted goods, local artisan creations, or distinctive pieces that you won’t find anywhere else, the market offers something for everyone. Free with general admission to MOSI.
Holiday Family Fun Day
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Palm Harbor Museum, 2043 Curlew Road. Stop in the Hartley House decorated for the holidays. Enjoy family crafts, games, activities & refreshments sponsored by Pinellas County Foundation & Faith Mission Grant. Free. Followed by Membership Holiday Mingle 2-4 p.m. Memberships start at $35. www.palmharbormusuem.com
Winter Wonderland
4 p.m. Dec. 13. Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road. The main part of the event will be held from 4-6 p.m. inside the recreation complex. Don’t miss a visit from Santa, bounce houses, crafts, food trucks and more. At 6 p.m. the event moves to the back lawn for a movie in the park, so bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and all things cozy. $2. https://tinyurl.com/2uj2w57v
Avalon Aglow
5-9 p.m. Dec. 13. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, 4424 Friendly Way. Celebrate the holidays with a fun-filled evening of community performances, children’s entrepreneur market, nocturne plein air, bounce park, food trucks, pictures with Santa and more. Fireworks will end the night at 9 p.m.
Santa’s Scientific Workshop
6-9 p.m. Dec. 13. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Meet Santa Claus and capture a special photo to remember the evening. Write letters to Santa and send your wishes straight to the North Pole with MOSI’s Magical Mailbox. Explore festive science experiments that bring holiday magic to life and take part in a dazzling planetarium show to journey through the stars. Enjoy holiday treats along the way. $15 for youth under 18, $20 for adults. https://mosi.org/event/santas-scientific-workshop
Holiday Concert
7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 13. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. From the campfire to the Red Carpet, members from all walks of life come together to share their gifts and love of song. The Carrollwood Community Chorus performs regularly at the Center, local events, and has even been known to “pop up” in crowds around the holidays. Everyone in this ensemble has a song in their heart and brings heart to each song. $12-$15. https://tinyurl.com/yfyayuww
Annual Town Holiday Parade
5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Constitution Park, 18216 Sunset Blvd., Redington Shores. Join the town of Redington Shores for its Commission Parade and Resident Golf Cart Parade. There will be a watch party for the parade at Constitution Park with music and warm beverages to be served. If you are a resident or business interested in registering a golf cart for the parade, please call Town Hall at 727-397-5538 or email helpdesk@redshoresfl.com
Game Night at the Grove
7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. B&B Theatres, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Game nights alternate between trivia and bingo each week. This week’s theme is Christmas music bingo. Free to play, no reservations required.
ELVIS: A Blue Christmas Show
7-9 p.m. Dec. 18. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Matt Stone performs the closest thing to the King in history. Matt brings a never-before-seen level of authenticity and attention to detail to his craft, captivating audiences with flawless recreation of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll in his prime. $30-$87. www.newtampaartscenter.org/events
Laser Light Shows: Holiday/Pink Floyd
6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 19. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Laser light shows are taking over MOSI’s new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre. Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. The first show will feature a mix of holiday music, while the second show will feature the music of Pink Floyd. $10-$13. https://mosi.org/event/laser-light-shows
Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Celebrate the season with the immersive holiday-themed environment full of décor and seasonal music. Family-friendly activities include “Lil’ Miss and Lil’ Sir Candy Cane” contest for kids and pets, a 20-foot snow man bounce house, a gingerbread themed obstacle course along with a toddler zone, games and more. Local artisans, makers, and small businesses will offer one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and handcrafted goods.
Game Night at the Grove
7:30 p.m. Dec. 23. B&B Theatres, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Game nights alternate between trivia and bingo each week. This week’s theme is Christmas movie trivia (Christmas Story/White Christmas/Love Actually/Die Hard). Free to play, no reservations required.
New Year’s Eve Disco Casino Night
7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Introducing a new way to ring in the New Year. Casino Night features casino tables, roulette, poker, and more. Dance the night away to live music, earn prizes, enjoy special cocktails, a cash bar, a photo booth, and a silent auction. $150. 727-543-5050.