December 19 – December 21, 2025
📅 Thursday, December 18
🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Los Angeles Kings
7:00 PM | Benchmark International Arena
The Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Los Angeles Kings for an exciting cross-conference showdown at Amalie Arena. Expect fast-paced hockey, physical play, and plenty of high-energy moments as both teams battle it out on the ice. Whether you’re a die-hard Bolts fan or just love live sports, this matchup is a thrilling way to kick off the weekend.
🔗 Details
🎄 Wheel of Fortune Live: Holiday Edition
7:30 PM | Ruth Eckerd Hall
America’s favorite game show comes to life with a festive holiday twist. Audience members have the chance to spin the iconic wheel, solve puzzles, and win prizes, all while enjoying seasonal surprises and interactive fun. It’s a family-friendly night filled with nostalgia, excitement, and holiday cheer.
🔗 Tickets
🎤 Method Man
Hard Rock Casino Tampa | 8:00 PM
Hip-hop icon Method Man brings his legendary energy and catalog to the Hard Rock Casino Tampa for a high-powered live performance. Known for his work with Wu-Tang Clan and a successful solo career, this show is a must for fans of classic hip-hop and live performance.
🔗 Tickets
🎄 Elvis Blue Christmas Show
New Tampa Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Celebrate the holidays with a festive tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. The Elvis Blue Christmas Show blends classic Elvis hits with seasonal favorites for a nostalgic and entertaining holiday concert experience.
🔗 Info
📅 Friday, December 19
🏈 2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
2:30 PM
College football excitement returns to Tampa with the annual Gasparilla Bowl. Featuring a competitive postseason matchup, lively fan bases, and Tampa’s signature pirate-themed flair, this game delivers a festive game-day atmosphere both on and off the field. A must for football fans looking to kick off the weekend early.
🔗 Tickets
🌌 Laser Light Shows at MOSI
5:30 – 9:30 PM | Museum of Science & Industry
Step inside MOSI’s new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre for an immersive laser light experience. Featuring vivid visuals, synchronized music, and dazzling special effects, these shows blend science, art, and entertainment into one unforgettable experience. Ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for something truly unique.
🔗 Info
🎧 Silent Disco Fridays
6:00 – 9:00 PM | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park transforms into a glowing dance floor as Winter Village hosts its signature silent disco. Guests groove to music through wireless headphones, creating a colorful and playful scene beneath the holiday lights. With skating, shopping, and festive treats nearby, it’s the perfect kickoff to a fun-filled evening downtown.
🔗 Details
🎤 MGK Live
8:00 PM | Benchmark International Arena
Machine Gun Kelly brings his genre-blending sound to Tampa with an explosive live performance. Known for his raw lyrics, high-energy production, and emotionally charged setlists, MGK delivers a concert experience that feels both intimate and arena-sized. Fans can expect a powerful mix of chart-topping hits and fan favorites.
🔗 Tickets
😂 Pete Correale: As I Was Saying
8:00 PM | Ruth Eckerd Hall
Comedian Pete Correale takes the stage with his signature observational humor and relatable storytelling. Drawing from everyday life, relationships, and personal experiences, his stand-up style is quick, clever, and laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish.
🔗 Details
🎬 Merry & Bright Movie Night
8:00 – 11:00 PM | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen
Celebrate the holidays with a festive outdoor screening of the beloved classic Elf. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs, cozy up under twinkling lights, and enjoy seasonal brews and bites. Free VIP seating is available with registration, making this a warm and cheerful way to enjoy a holiday movie night with friends and family.
🔗 Details
🕯️ Candlelight Christmas Classics
8:30 – 9:45 PM | Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church
Experience the magic of the season through a candlelit concert featuring beloved Christmas classics. Surrounded by the soft glow of hundreds of candles, guests will enjoy an intimate and elegant performance that captures the warmth, beauty, and spirit of the holidays.
🔗 Info
Sermons Fest Presented by Beatschill
7:00 PM| Crowbar Ybor
Kick off the weekend with an electrifying music experience as Beatschill presents Sermons Fest. Expect high-energy beats and live performances that will get the crowd moving.
📅 Saturday, December 20
🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes
7:00 PM | Benchmark International Arena
The Lightning return to home ice to take on the Carolina Hurricanes in a high-energy Eastern Conference matchup. Expect speed, skill, and nonstop action as both teams push for a big win. A great night for hockey fans looking for playoff-level intensity.
🔗 Details
🎶 Heavy Pets at Jannus Live
8:00 PM | Jannus Live
The Heavy Pets bring their signature blend of funk, rock, jazz, and soul to Jannus Live for a night of infectious grooves and improvisational jams. Known for their feel-good sound and loyal fanbase, this show promises high energy, crowd connection, and nonstop movement on the dance floor.
🔗 Info
🎶 Rockapella Christmas
8:00 PM | Ruth Eckerd Hall
The legendary a cappella group Rockapella returns with a festive holiday performance filled with tight harmonies, vocal percussion, and seasonal favorites. Blending classic Christmas songs with contemporary flair, this concert is a joyful holiday tradition for all ages.
🔗 Info
🎄 Holiday RiverFest
2:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Julian B Lane Park
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park hosts an all-day holiday spectacular featuring live music, a glowing boat parade, wiener dog races, and an ugly sweater contest that feels legally binding. Add food, drinks, kid-friendly chaos, and a charity-focused Lane of Giving, and you have a festive marathon that refuses to choose just one personality.
🔗 Here
🚤 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
6:15 PM – 7:45 PM | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | Downtown Tampa
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade returns, illuminating the Hillsborough River with a dazzling display of holiday cheer. Boats decorated in festive lights glide through downtown, creating one of the season’s most beloved waterfront traditions.
🔗 Info
🎤 Zutemas
6:00 PM | Crowbar Ybor
Celebrate the holiday season early with Zutemas, featuring live music, festive vibes, and plenty of cheer. Bring your friends and enjoy a night of music and holiday spirit.
🔗 More info & tickets
🎛️ Adventure Club – Throwback Tour
10:00 PM – 2:45 AM | The Ritz Ybor
Relive the hits of the past with Adventure Club on their Throwback Tour. Expect electronic beats, nostalgic vibes, and a late-night dance party that won’t disappoint.
🎉 Perreoland: Winter Wonderland Edition
10:00 PM | The Ritz Ybor
Perreoland transforms The Ritz into a winter-themed Latin nightlife experience. Expect reggaeton, Latin hits, festive visuals, and a packed dance floor as the party goes late into the night. Perfect for those looking to celebrate the weekend with high-energy vibes.
🔗 Here
📅 Sunday, December 21
😂 Miss Renee Live: One Night Only
4:45 PM | Tampa Funny Bone Club
Miss Renee brings her bold, unfiltered humor to Tampa for a special one-night-only performance. Known for her viral storytelling and relatable takes on everyday life, she delivers a comedy set packed with laughs and crowd-favorite moments.
🔗 Tickets
🎭 Meet Loaf
New Tampa Performing Arts Center | 3:00 PM
This entertaining tribute honors the music and theatrical style of Meat Loaf with powerhouse vocals and dramatic flair. Fans can expect a high-energy performance celebrating some of rock’s most iconic anthems.
🔗 Details
🌟 Ongoing Holiday Experience
⛳ Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition
December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | St. Pete Pier | 12 PM – 8 PM or 10 PM
Putt the Pier returns as a festive waterfront mini-golf experience infused with holiday spirit. This custom 18-hole course winds along the St. Pete Pier, featuring cheerful Christmas-themed obstacles, sparkling décor, and stunning bay views. A fun and interactive outing for all ages.
🔗 Here
🎡 Busch Gardens Christmas Town
November 14, 2025, to January 5, 2026 |10AM – 10PM
Busch Gardens transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with millions of lights and nonstop holiday entertainment. Guests can explore themed villages, enjoy festive food, and experience shows and fireworks throughout the park. Coasters run under twinkling night skies, creating a magical nighttime thrill. A huge holiday tradition running daily through early January.
🔗 Link
Winter Village – Curtis Hixon Park
November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026 |12 PM – 9 PM
A holiday tradition returns with ice skating, cozy cafés, and festive local shops along the Riverwalk. Visitors can enjoy sparkling lights, seasonal treats, and one of Tampa’s most photogenic winter backdrops. It’s the perfect spot for families, friends, or romantic outings. A warm, cheerful experience to enjoy all season long.
🔗 Link