St. Petersburg brings holiday magic to Florida’s Gulf Coast with a distinctly coastal twist. Where else can you watch a Santa Parade along the waterfront, play in snow at Snowfest under sunny skies, or enjoy Nutcracker performances in historic downtown theaters?


These are holidays by the bay—Victorian charm meets beachside cheer, and palm-lined parks sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights.


Grab your sunscreen and your festive spirit. St. Petersburg shows that the holidays shine brightest near the water.



St. Petersburg’s Holiday Events

Here are some of St. Petersburg’s top holiday attractions, organized by type to help you plan the perfect festive itinerary:



🎄 Holiday Parades & Tree Lighting Ceremonies

97th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting (Nov. 29) – St. Petersburg kicks off the holiday season with its 97th Annual Santa Parade at 6:30 p.m., starting at Albert Whitted Park and traveling along Bayshore Drive to 5th Ave. NE. The Tree Lighting ceremony immediately follows in North Straub Park, illuminating the waterfront with festive cheer. Free to attend.


Snowfest (Dec. 6) – Snow comes to sunny St. Pete! North Straub Park transforms from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatable bounce houses, arts and crafts tents, holiday games, and food trucks. Wristbands are $5 and include all activities (food not included). Purchase online or at any City recreation center until Dec. 5 at noon, or at the event.



✨ Light Displays & Illuminated Attractions

Holiday Lights & Displays (Nov. 29–Jan. 1) – Stroll along St. Petersburg’s beautiful waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations illuminating North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier. Don’t miss the giant greeting card display in Vinoy Park, crafted by local teens. This free display provides perfect photo opportunities along the bayfront throughout the holiday season.



🎭 Performing Arts & Cultural Celebrations

St. Petersburg Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 5-7) – A cherished holiday tradition returns to the historic Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. The St. Petersburg Ballet Company, official company-in-residence at the Academy of Ballet Arts since 1971, performs Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic. Follow Clara’s magical Christmas Eve journey as she saves the enchanted Nutcracker Prince from the evil Mouse King, featuring dancing children, toy soldiers, giant mice, sword fights, Snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Tickets start at $30, with special group pricing available.


Vienna Light Orchesta at The Mahaffey Theater  (Dec. 10) – Experience the magic of the holidays with the Vienna Light Orchestra at The Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Pete on Wednesday, Dec. 10.


This acclaimed international ensemble brings together extraordinary musicians and remarkable sopranos from seven countries for an unforgettable evening of holiday enchantment. With rich vocals, sweeping strings, and beautiful orchestral arrangements, the performance surrounds you with the warmth, nostalgia, and wonder that define the season.


 



🎅 Family-Friendly Activities & Santa Events

Santa in the Park (Dec. 13–23) – Meet Santa Claus in person at North Straub Park nightly from 6-9 p.m. Bring your own camera to capture magical memories with the big man himself. This free event runs for 11 consecutive nights, giving families plenty of opportunities to visit Santa in a beautiful waterfront setting.


S’mores with Santa (Dec. 12–13) – Gather around the fire at Pinellas Pioneer Settlement from 5-7 p.m. for a delightful evening making s’mores, creating crafts, and spending time with Santa Claus. This cozy event is perfect for children to share their holiday wishes while enjoying sweet treats. Admission is $5 per person. Online registration available for Friday and Saturday, with walk-ups accepted on Saturday only.


Santa’s Calling – A unique St. Pete tradition, Santa Claus calls children ages 8 and younger Dec. 9-11  to chat about their holiday wishes. Free event, but registration is required by  Dec. 5, 2025. One form per child.


Holiday Movies in the Park – Celebrate the season with free outdoor screenings at various parks. Enjoy pre-movie festive activities, photo opportunities with Santa, and concessions. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Holiday activities start at 6:30 p.m., movies at 7 p.m. Schedule: Dec. 6 at Vinoy Park (“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”), Dec. 13 at Pinellas Pioneer Settlement (“The Santa Clause”), Dec. 20 at Huggins-Stengel Field (“A Miser Brothers’ Christmas”).



📚 Library & Community Events

Visit Santa at the Library (Dec. 15-18) – Join St. Petersburg libraries for music, stories, and visits with Santa. Bring cameras! Each child visiting Santa receives a free book. Schedule: Monday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. (W. Community Library), Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. (N. Community Library), Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. (S. Community Library), Thursday, Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. (Johnson Community Library) and 6:30 p.m. (President Barack Obama Main Library). Free event.


Holiday Events for Seniors at Sunshine Senior Center – Free events throughout December including Holidays Around the World (Dec. 3), Make & Take: Angel Ornament (Dec. 8), Cookies & Cocoa (Dec. 15), and Holiday Party with Santa (Dec. 22). Registration required.



🎁 Additional Holiday Activities

Chimney in the Trunk (Dec. 20) – On Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. at Thomas “Jet” Jackson Recreation Center, families volunteer their trunks to distribute holiday gifts, stockings, treats, and prizes. Features arts & crafts, fun gifts for kids, live music, and raffles. Free event.


Always double-check event calendars for current dates and times. Events can change or require tickets. The official St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater websites are great resources for up-to-date holiday listings. And don’t forget VISIT FLORIDA’S comprehensive Events Page.