Thanksgiving and the holiday season are right around the corner and families are gearing up for holiday-themed fun in the Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg area. This time of the year many families are looking for fun activities and events to add a little holiday cheer to their year and we want to help at Brandon Ford with this list of our favorite 2025 Thanksgiving and holiday events in Tampa, FL and the local area.
Things To Do for the Thanksgiving and Holiday Season in the Tampa Area
This time of year, Thanksgiving and Christmas go hand in hand — like a turkey dinner with apple pie for dessert. The bonus for Tampa-area families is that there are plenty of fun Thanksgiving and holiday events to enjoy in the local area. With everything from Thanksgiving turkey trot 5Ks and dinner cruises to festive holiday light displays, there is fun for all ages in Tampa.
Here is a closer look at a few of our favorite things to do for the Thanksgiving and holiday season this year:
Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble Run 5K
WHEN: Thursday, November 27 at 7 a.m.
WHERE: Benchmark International Arena
Hosted by the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, the annual Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble Run 5K is a tradition for many families in the area. Participants can sign up for a 1-mile walk/run or a 5K run/walk that can be run on site or on your own time as a virtual 5K. Proceeds from this family-friendly event are used to fund the Tampa YMCA Thrivers Club for youth who have fought cancer. Runners will receive an event t-shirt and swag when they complete the race — so lace up your running shoes and joint in the fun this year.
Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise with Yacht StarShip
WHEN: Thursday, November 27 with Reservation
WHERE: Yacht StarShip in Tampa and Clearwater
Are you tired of long hours in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving dinner? Take a break and enjoy a relaxing and festive Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise with Yacht StarShip this year. The special cruise will include a delicious Thanksgiving buffet prepared by Yacht StarShip’s executive chef, a bar at sea, and a live DJ on a 2-hour cruise of Tampa Bay. Make your reservations today for a Thanksgiving dinner cruise!
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
WHEN: November 21 – January 4
WHERE: Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa
Downtown Tampa will transform into a winter wonderland this holiday season with the annual Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park. This incredible holiday experience will include ice skating at the festive downtown ice rink, the River of Lights Boat Tours, a curling experience, the Winter Village Express, ice skating shows, The Shops at Winter Village, and an immersive light show. Do not miss out on the fun this holiday season!
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
WHEN: November 14 – January 5
WHERE: Busch Gardens Tampa
Is Thanksgiving just another day before you get to dive headfirst into the Christmas season? If Christmas is your favorite part of the holiday season, you can jump in with both feet at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. This annual experience includes plenty of fun activities around the park, from festive holiday shows and the Holly Jolly Express to Christmas-themed shopping and holiday light displays.
Are you ready for a fun and festive holiday season? It starts right here with this list of 2025 Thanksgiving and holiday events in Tampa, FL created by Brandon Ford. Apply for credit approval today and get behind the wheel of a brand-new 2026 Ford F-150 in the Tampa area!