Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa

Where to find the most DAZZLING Christmas lights in Tampa Bay

Look no further, your family’s 2023 guide for the best holiday lights in Tampa Bay is here! There’s no better way to put your family into the holiday spirit than touring one of the beautiful Christmas light displays!

RelatedThe Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay


Our Favorite Family-Friendly 2023 Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights Displays in Tampa Bay:

Events are listed by COUNTY to help you find a holiday lights display near you. Keep in mind that dates and events are subject to change, so always check with the event website before heading out the door. We’ll be updating this page as event dates are announced.

The BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa and Hillsborough County

New walk through light up dragon at Christmas Town
New in 2023: Walk through a light-up dragon at Christmas Town! Photo by Laura Byrne.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

Now through January 7, 2024, Daily
Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping.

Festival of Lights & Santa's Village
Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds.

Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds

Now through December 31 | 6-9 pm weekdays & 6-10 pm weekends
Your hometown holiday festival returns with more lights, new entertainment, and the gift of family fun! From Thanksgiving Day until New Year’s Eve, Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village envelops families in more than 1 million lights along an expanded 2-mile drive featuring hundreds of dazzling light displays. Santa’s Village is packed with holiday-themed rides, a Holiday Market, and the Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village. Visits with Santa, craft stations, Santa’s Barnyard, camel rides, holiday movies, and live entertainment promise endless fun for the entire family.

>>Click to Watch our Christmas and Holiday Lights Reel!<<

 

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa 

Now through January 1, 2024
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. The park sparkles with lights and festive holiday decorations. Guests can skate along downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink while taking in views of the Tampa River Walk. The Shops of Winter Village will feature five boutiques from local markets and the Icicle Craft Kitchen of Winter Village will serve up some seasonal holiday treats.

Lighted Giraffe at ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild
NEW in 2023: A larger-than-life lighted giraffe at ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild in the Africa Realm. Photo by Laura Byrne.

Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa 

Now through December 30, 2023, Select Nights
Christmas in The Wild is back and is bigger, better, and brighter than ever! Enjoy the magic of ALL-NEW larger-than-life lighted animals while celebrating the holiday season. We love how the zoo transforms into a whimsical wonderland filled with beautiful lights, seasonal holiday treats, festive shows and entertainment, and more.

Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park

Now through January 2024 
Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk among the festive holiday lights as the area transforms into a winter wonderland. Highlights include a 35-foot-tall LED-lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor, a holiday selfie station at the Pirate Water Taxi ticket booth, a floating gingerbread lighted display, and a lighted pine tree forest. Hotels, restaurants, and bars along the Riverwalk will also have festive lighted displays.

River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa

Select dates in December | The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is on December 23, 2023
Don’t miss this water taxi cruise to view Tampa’s Christmas lights and holiday decorations.  The Christmas Light cruise departs from the Tampa Convention Center, and the Christmas Light cruise includes Holiday Christmas carols and visit with pirate elves! Write a letter to Santa and pop it in the North Pole buoy. There is also a special Christmas light cruise for the Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on December 23, 2023.

Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B Plant Museum in Tampa

December 1 – December 23, 2023
The Victorian Christmas Stroll is back for its 42nd year! It’s the perfect way to step back into time at the Henry B Plant Museum and be dazzled by the beautifully decorated rooms, each with a different theme. This year, they will have a display of 40 vintage Santas in honor of 40 years. Take in the beauty of a 14′ Christmas tree and travel back in time to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. You just might be inspired by one of the beautiful trees!

Holiday Lights at Water Street in Tampa

Beginning November 17, 2023
Water Street illuminates with gorgeous lights and holiday decor. You can simply walk along and enjoy the lights or even attend a seasonal event like the Holiday Promenade on December 7 and more. You can see the full lineup of events at Water Street here.

Christmas Lights at Chick-Fil-A on Waters Avenue

Now through December 30, Monday-Saturdays
Visit the most festive Chick-Fil-A in Tampa Bay and check out their annual Christmas lights display! Santa will also be there on select dates so be sure to stop by and say hello.

Raprager Family Farms Old Fashioned Country Christmas 

Select Dates Now through December 23, 2023
Raprager Family Farm is exploding with Christmas cheer! Lights and decorations blanket the farm. Go on a holiday hayride and take a picture inside a giant inflatable snow globe. Check out the lighted gingerbread village, hear stories from Mrs. Claus pay a visit to Santa, and take pictures with him at his workshop. In addition to holiday-themed attractions, there will be a petting zoo, corn pit, bounce pillow, playground, live music, crop maze, and more. While you are there, be sure to stop by the Sweet Shop for some warm cinnamon-roasted nuts, hot cocoa, and Christmas fudge. NEW this year, get all All-Season passes for $15 and come back as many times as you’d like!

The Light of Christmas, First Baptist Church, Plant City

Now through January 1, from 6-10 PM
This free, synchronized light show features over 80,000 lights, great music, and a message of hope for the Christmas season. The 35-minute program runs nightly from 6 – 10 PM through January 1st. Experience the joy and love of the holiday season!

Christmas Lane in Plant City

Now through December 24, 2023
The Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland. Take in the wonder of the 1.5 million lights that adorn 200 Christmas trees from 4 to 40 feet. They will have rides, food, live entertainment, and a kids’ zone. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph will also be there to celebrate and take festive photos with guests.

Temple Terrace Drive-Bay Lights Display

Beginning December 1, 2023, Every Evening from 6:00 pm-11:00 pm 
This neighborhood is one of the top areas to go see amazing holiday lights in Tampa Bay! The community has been hard at work putting together a display you can watch from your car. Tune to 95.5 FM as you approach to listen to the music as it’s synchronized with the lights. Visit their Facebook page here for more.

The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC House in Valrico

Daily
A local family, the Burtons, is competing on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight reality show and you can see their spectacular holiday light display for yourself! Their home is located at 2014 Sydney Road in Valrico. While it is free to experience their light display, they do ask those who can donate pet food. This year, they are supporting two non-profits: A Kitten Place and It’s Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter. You can see their story on ABC Action News here.

A Night of Lights Chanukah Celebration

December 14, from 5 pm-8 pm
Celebrate Chanukah at Water Street with a special Menorah lighting in the neighborhood. The event includes live entertainment, food, and activities for all ages. This event is free and open to the public.

The Best Christmas Lights in St. Pete and Pinellas County

Enchant Christmas 2023 Owl
This gorgeous owl is one of the mischievous forest animals you’ll meet along the way through the maze at Enchant Christmas 2023. Photo by Laura Byrne.

Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field

Now through December 23, 2023
This is one of our favorite holiday events in Tampa Bay as Tropicana Field is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring millions of twinkling lights. You can also go ice-skating along a lighted trail, visit with Santa, shop local businesses at the market, and more! The best part is, it’s indoors so it’s weatherproof!

Holiday Lights & Rides at Largo Central Park 

Now through December 31, 2023
The annual family-friendly tradition at Largo Central Park will feature a spectacular holiday light display of over two million dazzling LED lights. Guests can also enjoy a stunning carousel and a seven-story Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the lighted park. Rides are $6 each or 4 for $20. Largo Central Park’s Christmas lights and Holiday lights will light up on evenings from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. It is free to park and stroll among the sparkly Christmas lights.  101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771. 

Holiday Lights in The Gardens at The Florida Botanical Gardens

Now through December 31, 2023
The gardens sparkle with one million LED lights that twinkle in a variety of bright colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures are sure to wow guests of all ages. The Children’s Candy Cane Area will provide free kids’ crafts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

Waterfront Lights in St. Petersburg

Now through Jan. 1, 2024
Enjoy twinkling light displays, which dazzle even more reflected off the water at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park, and the St. Pete Pier!

The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg 

Now through January 3, 2024
Looking for a Christmas light display in St. Petersburg? Oakdale Christmas House in St. Pete offers an amazing walk-through Christmas light experience that is bigger and better than before! You’ll be amazed by the Oakdale Christmas House’s half-million twinkling lights which have been ranked as among the world’s best Christmas light displays! Featured on both HGTV and The Today Show, this event is not to be missed. The house is located at 2719 Oakdale Street South, St. Petersburg, FL.

Robert’s Christmas Wonderland in Clearwater

Open Daily, Year-round
If you’ve never been to Robert’s Christmas Wonderland, make this the year you go! For many of us long-time residents, it’s become a family tradition to visit this store which is actually open year-round. They have the most magical display of lighted Christmas trees which you can wander through and a wide selection of ornaments and holiday decor. While it sounds a bit crazy to mention a store in our top picks of holiday lights, when you go, you’ll see why it made our list!

Robert's Christmas Wonderland Clearwater
The Christmas tree room at Robert’s Christmas Wonderland Clearwater in 2023. Photo by Laura Byrne.

Safety Harbor’s Harbor Holiday Nights at Folly Farm and Safety Harbor

December 14, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm (the events on the 15 and 16th have been cancelled due to inclement weather)
Enjoy holiday lights, a campfire, children’s activities, a trolley light tour, shopping, crafts, and more! Harbor Holiday Nights is FREE. The Trolley Light Tour has a ticket fee of $5/person.

Indian Trails Hot Cocoa and Holiday Lights Fundraiser

December 9 and 23, 2023
The event on December 16 has been rescheduled to December 23 due to inclement weather. 
The Indian Trails neighborhood off Alderman Rd. and Omaha Street in Palm Harbor dazzles with a spectacular display of lights. Local meteorologist Denis Phillips will have a hot chocolate fundraiser on December 9th and 16h along with items from his “Rule #7” collection. All proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network and Feeding Tampa Bay.

St. Petersburg Drive By Christmas Lights Neighborhoods in Seminole, St. Pete

December 1 through December 31, 2023
Drive through 3+ miles of St. Petersburg Christmas lights’ neighborhoods from 6 pm to 10 pm for a St. Petersburg Christmas light display and Christmas light show you’ll never forget! This 3.2-mile Christmas light drive-by tour takes place in the Seminole/St Petersburg subdivisions of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village, where these St. Petersburg residents generously decorate their homes and yards with beautiful Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, and even more Christmas lights for Tampa Bay to drive by and enjoy!

The Best Christmas Lights in Wesley Chapel and Pasco County

Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass

Nightly starting November 11, 2023
Symphony in Lights presented by AdventHealth Wesley Chapel provides guests the opportunity to experience an array of dancing lights choreographed to music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, holiday festivities, and snow for the whole family to enjoy.

Celebration of Christmas Lights 2023 in Shady Hills

November 24 – December 30, 2023, on select nights.
Enjoy a great Christmas lights and holiday lights display in the Port Richey area. This Christmas light event takes place at the Concourse in Shady Hills in Pasco, a short Christmas light drive away from Tampa. Go on a one-mile drive through a larger-than-life holiday light display and then park to take a ride on the Grand Concourse Railroad through the lighted Christmas Wonderland to Safety Town which is decorated in lights for the holidays.

The Best Christmas Lights in Masaryktown and Hernando County

Christmas Under the Moon at HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown

December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23
Head to HarvestMoon Fun Farm for their very first dazzling Christmas light display! You can also take a stroll down Christmas Tree Lane, visit with the animals in the petting farm, sip on some Hot Chocolate, munch on some Kettle Corn, and more! Tickets are $10 per person for ages 3 and up. Kids ages 2 and under are free. Activities included with admission: Jumping Pillow, Petting Farm, Cow Train, Ball Zone, Hill Slide, Swings, Arts & Crafts, Photo Ops, and an enchanted hay ride.

The Best Christmas Lights in Polk County and Auburndale

Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village 

December 1-30
 This is a drive-through Christmas lights event!  First, you and your family will drive through Christmas lights for a mile to experience spectacular lights, and next, if you choose, after seeing the drive-through Christmas lights you can make a visit at Santa’s Village at the end of the drive-through Christmas lights!  Santa’s Village features rides, entertainment, a visit with Santa, Holiday activities for children and adults of all ages! The International Market World, 1052 US-92 in Auburndale. 

Shimmering Lights Winter Festival at Sun Kissed Acres in Dover

December 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, from 6:30pm-9:30pm
This is an outdoor walking trail that’s about 1/4 mile long, filled with shimmering lights, outdoor movies, games, a scavenger hunt, maze, and holiday music. There will even be visits with Santa and a foam play area on select nights. They ask you to wear comfortable close toed shoes and bring bug spray just in case the mosquitoes come out. Tickets are $8 for everyone 3 and older in advance and $9 at the gate.

Snowfest: A Walk in the Snow

December 9 from 5pm-9pm
Head to Lake Mirror where man-made snow will be falling as visitors enter the designated event area. There will also be arts, crafts, vendors, a beautiful 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Workshop, a book giveaway, entertaiment, food trucks, and more! Grab some hot cocoa while you check out the artisan markets and enjoy the festive lights of Lake Mirror.

Light Up Bonnet Springs Park

December 15-30, from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
The new Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland is hosting Light UP BSP, a free community event featuring themed activities, holiday lights along the boardwalk, live performances, character meet-and-greets, and more. Explore the Light UP BSP page for the full line-up of events.

Related – Check out the Orlando Holiday & Christmas Lights

The Best Christmas Lights in Citrus County

 

Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park’s Winter Waterland

December 8-9, 15-16, and 2, 2023 from 6 pm-10 pm
The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park proudly presents Winter Waterland! The entrance fee is only $10 per person. Children two and under are free. Take a festive stroll through the park which is lit up with holiday lights, watch An Elf Story underwater mermaid show, take a picture with Santa and his mermaid elves, and MORE!

 

The Best Christmas Lights in Sarasota

 

Lights in Bloom 2023

December 8-10, 12-23, 26-30, 2023 and January 1-3, 2024
Lights in Bloom features more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways of Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus. Step into a tropical wonderland with photo ops, activities, and entertainment for the whole family. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Entry tickets are $40 for non-members and $25 for members. $15 for children ages 5-17. Children under 4 are free.

Winter Nights Under the lights at Palma Sola Botanical Gardens in Bradenton

December 13-17, 2023 from 6pm-9pm
The Palma Sola Botanical Gardens is hosting families for this free holiday lights even in the gardens. There will be donation boxes throughout the park if you feel inclined to make a donation to help support the community gardens. The gardens are located at 9800 17th Avenue NW in Bradenton.


 

More stories we think you’ll love: