Christmas is almost here and Tampa-area families are ready to celebrate — but how do you plan to celebrate this year? The Tampa area promises plenty of holiday fun each and every year with brilliant light displays, outdoor skating rinks, holiday attractions, winter wonderlands, and much more. We want to help you make the most of the holiday season this year with this list of favorite 2025 Christmas events and activities in Tampa, FL created by Brandon Ford.
Things To Do for Christmas 2025 in the Tampa Area
Have you made plans for the holiday season this year? Christmas in Tampa will provide incredible opportunities for fun and family that we know you will love. Families looking for things to do this Christmas in the Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg area may find a new favorite on our list of Christmas events.
Here are a few of our favorite Christmas events in the area:
2025 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
WHEN: Saturday, December 20 at 6:15 p.m.
WHERE: Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa
The Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is a magical tradition like no other in the Tampa area where families can see hundreds of boats on the river lit up with brilliant Christmas lights. The parade starts by the Davis Islands and can be viewed from many spots including Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, the Tampa Convention Center, and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
WHEN: November 21 – January 4
WHERE: Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
When the holiday season arrives, Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa becomes the Winter Village and a must-see attraction in the area. The Winter Village provides families with a festive holiday market, a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, a chance to ride the Winter Village Express, festive ice skating shows, and more. Lace up your ice skates and join in the fun at the Winter Village this year!
ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild
WHEN: Select Nights in December
WHERE: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Tampa-area families that love nature and animals will love Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa. This annual event is highlighted by festive animal-themed light displays across ZooTampa, Christmas music, photos with Santa Claus, and more. Families will enjoy holiday-themed animal experiences, fun and interactive holiday shows, and Christmas-themed treats and drinks.
Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park
WHEN: November 27 – January 4
WHERE: Largo Central Park
Do you love holiday light displays? Do you love carnival rides? The Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park will check all the boxes with more than 2.5 million LED Christmas lights on a holiday walking tour. In addition to the festive lights, families can enjoy a carousel, a ferris wheel, food, and local vendors.
Are you making your holiday plans for this year? We hope that this list of 2025 Christmas events and activities in Tampa, FL will help you plan ahead and enjoy the holiday season. Apply for credit approval today and get behind the wheel of a brand-new 2026 Ford F-150 at Brandon Ford!