Best Holiday Events Around Tampa Bay
Christmas In The Wild
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo offers a night of holiday fun with the animals. On select dates the animals come out at night to party with carolers, costumed characters, performers, a Christmas tree, holiday treat, music and photo ops. Santa and his elves will be at the zoo as well. The Christmas in the Wild event is included with admission, or $21.95 and starts after 4 p.m. on the event days.
Event dates are December 16-23 and December 26-30 until 10 p.m.
Ice Skating At Tampa’s Winter Village
With 80 degree days, a frozen pond is out of the question for Floridians to skate on. But this holiday season residents can still experience an outdoor skating rink in the park. Ice skating at Tampa’s Winter Village is going on every day through Christmas. The cost is only $12 for 90 minutes of skating, which includes skate rentals. This year there is a cafe from Mise en Place with holiday snacks, sweets and a full bar with Christmas themed drinks.
600 N ASHLEY DRIVE, TAMPA, FL 33602
Santa’s Workshop
MOSI’s Idea Zone transfers into a Minecraft-inspired winter wonderland. Enjoy a cubic Christmas tree and Minecraft model train while elves help create cardboard creatures and retro toys. Children can see live science shows and search for lost toys hidden throughout the whole museum. A great event for children and families to enjoy now through January 3rd and is included with admission.
http://www.mosi.org/mosi-events/santas-workshop-november-25-january-3/
St. Petersburg’s Waterfront Light Display
Perfect for a date night, enjoy a pleasant walk down a pedestrian only walkway to see thousands of lights and decorations. Snowflake lights and a giant greeting card display are also along the walk. And best yet, it’s free!
Located through downtown St. Petersburg.
River Of Lights Christmas Cruise
Take a cruise up the Hillsborough River on the Yacht Starship. See festive lighted bridges, shimmering downtown skylines and decorated Tampa harbor homes. The cruise includes a holiday buffet, hot cocoa, cookies, carols, and more. Prices are $59.95 and $39.95 for children.
(813) 223-7999
Wonderland Of Lights
Head to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds to visit a Christmas village featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, North Pole train rides, amusement rides, food and crafts. The 38 day event runs through December 31st and has an animated and still light display. Prices range from $20-$35
