Last Updated on October 26, 2025
Tampa in December offers warm Florida sunshine and holiday cheer. Enjoy festive decorations, family fun, and great places to experience Tampa.
Explore indoor and outdoor activities, from dazzling light displays to special events. Discover the best things to do in Tampa this December.
Explore indoor and outdoor activities, from dazzling light displays to special events. Discover the best things to do in Tampa this December.
My favorite things about visiting Tampa during this time include the quieter beaches, mild weather, and lots to do!
Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
Theme Park Thrills and Holiday Cheer
Photo Credit: Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay transforms into Christmas Town. Millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, and of course, Santa await.
From mid-November to early January, visitors can enjoy the holiday experience.
Have fun on thrilling rides and animal encounters within this winter village.
Purchase tickets online to visit Busch Gardens and add to your fun in Tampa in December!
From mid-November to early January, visitors can enjoy the holiday experience.
Have fun on thrilling rides and animal encounters within this winter village.
Purchase tickets online to visit Busch Gardens and add to your fun in Tampa in December!
Embrace Dazzling Light Displays in Tampa
Photo Credit: Florida RAMA
Tampa’s December light displays are amazing to see!
Stroll through the Holiday Lights in the Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens from late November to early January. Take in a million LED lights and illuminated figures.
There are also free things for the kids to do on Thursdays and Sundays in December.
Another cool thing about this place is the several gardens you can visit year-round, including the Butterfly Garden.
For a Florida twist, explore FloridaRAMA in St Pete this winter.
This exhibit offers interactive displays and festive decorations.
They also do things like scavenger hunts, and you can walk around neon lights.
There are lots of things to do here for kids, adults, and the whole family.
Venture beyond Tampa for more holiday cheer. Discover other cool displays and an immersive holiday spirit.
Check our Tampa section for available hotels in the Tampa Bay area and explore additional holiday market details.
The holiday spirit makes Tampa a great place to visit in December!
Stroll through the Holiday Lights in the Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens from late November to early January. Take in a million LED lights and illuminated figures.
There are also free things for the kids to do on Thursdays and Sundays in December.
Another cool thing about this place is the several gardens you can visit year-round, including the Butterfly Garden.
For a Florida twist, explore FloridaRAMA in St Pete this winter.
This exhibit offers interactive displays and festive decorations.
They also do things like scavenger hunts, and you can walk around neon lights.
There are lots of things to do here for kids, adults, and the whole family.
Venture beyond Tampa for more holiday cheer. Discover other cool displays and an immersive holiday spirit.
Check our Tampa section for available hotels in the Tampa Bay area and explore additional holiday market details.
The holiday spirit makes Tampa a great place to visit in December!
Festive Events to Fill Your December
Just prior to December, mark your calendar for special Tampa events. Join the Holiday Extravaganza at Hyde Park Village in late November.
Experience an evening filled with lights and live music. Find a parking garage and experience all the Tampa Bay Christmas offers.
From late November to early January, visit the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park. Enjoy ice skating, charming shops, and warm beverages.
Park downtown and walk along the Riverwalk. Explore downtown Tampa with easy access from the Tampa Riverwalk, which comes alive with festive decorations during the holiday season.
From late November through December, experience Ybor City’s historic Victorian Christmas Stroll. Step back in time and enjoy this annual event.
Don’t miss the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade a few days before Christmas.
Watch decorated boats sail along the Riverwalk. This Tampa tradition is family-friendly.
Madeira Beach offers things to do south of Tampa for more adventures. Many restaurants are along John’s Pass, and this is a great place to shop for gifts or grab some drinks and snacks from a variety of stores.
Many hotels and other lodging in the area make this an ideal winter vacation location. Cruise ships line the docks for those looking to leave Tampa via the bay.
Experience an evening filled with lights and live music. Find a parking garage and experience all the Tampa Bay Christmas offers.
From late November to early January, visit the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park. Enjoy ice skating, charming shops, and warm beverages.
Park downtown and walk along the Riverwalk. Explore downtown Tampa with easy access from the Tampa Riverwalk, which comes alive with festive decorations during the holiday season.
From late November through December, experience Ybor City’s historic Victorian Christmas Stroll. Step back in time and enjoy this annual event.
Don’t miss the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade a few days before Christmas.
Watch decorated boats sail along the Riverwalk. This Tampa tradition is family-friendly.
Madeira Beach offers things to do south of Tampa for more adventures. Many restaurants are along John’s Pass, and this is a great place to shop for gifts or grab some drinks and snacks from a variety of stores.
Many hotels and other lodging in the area make this an ideal winter vacation location. Cruise ships line the docks for those looking to leave Tampa via the bay.
Family Fun for the Holidays
Experience Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa at Lowry Park from late November up until a few days before Christmas.
See the zoo with festive decorations and special animal encounters. There are also special holiday shows, food and drinks, and lots more for the kids.
Santa’s Scientific Workshop at MOSI Tampa in mid-December engages curious minds. Explore and discover the wonders of science during the Bay Christmas. Consider buying your tickets online.
You can check out and enjoy YuleTides at the Florida Aquarium from late November to early January.
This family-oriented event features Florida’s marine life. Check out local dining options as well.
And for more holiday fun in Tampa, Hyde Park Village is an amazing destination for live entertainment and dining.
This village features a wide variety of restaurants.
See the zoo with festive decorations and special animal encounters. There are also special holiday shows, food and drinks, and lots more for the kids.
Santa’s Scientific Workshop at MOSI Tampa in mid-December engages curious minds. Explore and discover the wonders of science during the Bay Christmas. Consider buying your tickets online.
You can check out and enjoy YuleTides at the Florida Aquarium from late November to early January.
This family-oriented event features Florida’s marine life. Check out local dining options as well.
And for more holiday fun in Tampa, Hyde Park Village is an amazing destination for live entertainment and dining.
This village features a wide variety of restaurants.
Holiday Fun Outside Of Tampa
Explore other holiday events outside Tampa in nearby Clearwater and St Petersburg.
Visit St. Pete Beach for nearby activities and a perfect vacation. St Pete is a great place for the entire family with so many activities like the St. Pete Pier or you can visit Pass-A-Grille, Treasure Island, or one of the other beaches.
Check out the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds from late November until the end of December. This enchanting experience offers interactive displays and family fun.
Visit St. Pete Beach for nearby activities and a perfect vacation. St Pete is a great place for the entire family with so many activities like the St. Pete Pier or you can visit Pass-A-Grille, Treasure Island, or one of the other beaches.
Check out the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds from late November until the end of December. This enchanting experience offers interactive displays and family fun.
👉 When in the area, a dolphin tour is a must and I recommend the Little Toots Dolphin Tour in Clearwater!
The Best Things to Do in Tampa in December
| Event | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Busch Gardens Christmas Town | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | |
| Hyde Park Village Holiday Extravaganza | Hyde Park Village | |
| Winter Village | Curtis Hixon Park | |
| Victorian Christmas Stroll | Henry B. Plant Museum in Ybor City | |
| Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village | Hillsborough County Fairgrounds | |
| Christmas in the Wild | ZooTampa at Lowry Park | |
| Holiday Lights in the Garden | Florida Botanical Gardens | |
| Interactive Exhibits | FloridaRAMA | |
| YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium | The Florida Aquarium | |
December is a great time to visit Tampa! Here I am on New Year’s Eve at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach!
Conclusion
As you can see, Tampa shines in December with entertainment options and festive decorations!
From Christmas events and light displays to attractions and day trips, Tampa offers family-oriented fun activities.
Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
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