City of St. Petersburg
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The City of St. Petersburg has released its official schedule for the 2025 winter season, confirming the return of its “Holidays in the Sunshine City” series. The lineup, co-sponsored by the Parks and Recreation and Library Systems Departments, spans from late November through late December with events ranging from the traditional downtown parade to neighborhood film screenings.
The season officially begins Thanksgiving weekend with the 97th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting. The event is set for Saturday, Nov. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the downtown waterfront district.
Outdoor Events and Snowfest Following the opening weekend, North Straub Park will host “Snowfest” on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The city is also continuing its “Holiday Movies in the Park” tradition. Screenings begin at 7 p.m., with pre-movie activities starting at 6:30 p.m. The 2025 film schedule rotates through different city parks:
Dec. 6: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York at Vinoy Park.
Dec. 13: The Santa Clause at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement (Gate 2).
Dec. 20: A Miser Brothers’ Christmas at Huggins-Stengel Field.
Santa Claus Visits Families will have multiple opportunities to interact with Santa Claus this year, both in person and virtually.
Santa in the Park: Santa will be at North Straub Park evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., running Dec. 13 through Dec. 23.
Santa’s Calling: This free program allows children to receive a phone call from Santa between Dec. 9 and Dec. 11. Registration is required by Friday, Dec. 5.
Library Tour: Santa will visit specific community libraries between Dec. 15 and Dec. 18. Locations include the West Community Library, North Community Library, Johnson Community Library, and the President Barack Obama Library.
S’mores with Santa: Scheduled for Dec. 12 and 13 at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement. Admission is $5, and registration is available online.
Workshops and Recreation The schedule includes several interactive events requiring prior registration. A DIY Giftwrapping session is planned for Dec. 7, followed by a Gingerbread Building Contest on Dec. 13 at the President Barack Obama Library.
On Saturday, Dec. 20, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve will host a “Cocoa Night Hike” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission for the hike is $5. That same afternoon, the Thomas “Jet” Jackson Recreation Center will host the free “Chimney in the Trunk” event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
City officials noted that specific registration forms and further details on library visit times are available at stpeteparksrec.org/HolidayEvents or by calling the Parks & Recreation Department.
READ: City of Tampa Sets Thanksgiving Closures And Waste Collection Schedule
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