Winter Village Tampa

NEW Festive Fun Arrives in Downtown Tampa at Winter Village

Get ready to buckle up those skates for a unique experience in Downtown Tampa– ice skating is back at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, but that’s not all!

Curling is back along with a ton of other new and exciting fun like theme nights every day of the week!

This year’s event is ready to welcome you now through January 1, 2024.

Winter Village Tampa is one of Our Favorite Holiday Events for Families in Tampa Bay, so let’s dish on the details so you know what to expect.

Winter Village Ice-Skating Tent with lighted trees in park
Here’s a look at the Winter Village ice-skating tent in 2023. It’s at the heart of Winter Village which includes local shopping, treats, curling, and more!

What are the hours for Winter Village?

Winter Village will be open Monday through Friday from 4 pm until 11 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm until 11 pm through January 1. Hours do vary a bit around the holidays, so check the ice skating and shop calendars on the website to confirm. They will also be open from 11 pm-11 pm on Hillsborough County non-school days.

What’s NEW at Winter Village in 2023

NEW! Theme Days

  • Sensory Skate Mondays
  • Theme Skate Thursday Nights
  • Street Curling Wednesdays
  • Thunderstruck Thursdays
  • Silent Disco Fridays
  • Shop Small Saturdays
  • TGH Children’s Hospital Sunday Skate

Sensory Skate Mondays

The first hour the rink is open, it will be reserved for guests with special sensory needs and their families and friends.

Theme Skate Tuesday Nights

Each Tuesday night, there will be a fun holiday theme along with weekly Thunderstruck Thursdays where you can celebrate the Tampa Bay Lightning with enhanced activations including themed food and beverage items, and additional activities.

  • November 21 – “Do You Know the Gingerbread Man?” National Gingerbread Cookie Day
  • November 28 – “The One with The Holiday Armadillo” – Friends Night
  • December 5 – “Let’s Glow Skating” – Neon Night
  • December 12 – “Tacky Threads” – Ugly Sweater Night
  • December 19 – “When Lightning Strikes” – Tampa Bay Lightning Night
  • December 26 – “The Spirit of Holiday Past, Present, and Future” – Decades Night

Street Curling Wednesdays

Experience an ice-free version of this Winter Olympic favorite without the crowds. Street Curling will continue Wednesday-Sunday.

Thunderstruck Thursdays

Celebrate our Tampa Bay Lightning with enhanced activations, including Bolt-themed beverage and food options.

Silent Disco Fridays

Every Friday night from 7-9 pm, you and your date can participate in a silent disco. Headphones are first-come, first-serve and are property of Tampa Downtown Partnership (must be returned).

Shop Small Saturdays

Celebrate and support the small businesses that help create the vibrant atmosphere of Winter Village.

Returning Favorites at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Kids Ice Skating at Winter Village
Even beginners can skate alongside seasoned pros!

Ice Skating in downtown at Winter Village 

When we say there’s nothing quite like ice-skating on real ice outside in the middle of downtown…in FLORIDA…there’s truly nothing like it.

You must pre-book your ice-skating time online at WinterVillageTampa.com to secure your spot on the ice. You will get 75 minutes to skate. Tickets are $17 which includes your skate rental.

Winter Village will be open during school breaks from 11 am to 11 pm, giving you hours and hours to play and explore!

Curling

Curling will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesdays through Sundays, so get ready for some friendly competition! You will get 45 minutes to play and they will have equipment available to rent.

Curling at Winter Village Tampa
You can also go curling under the palm trees at Winter Village Tampa!

Winter Village Express

The Winter Village Express is back in 2023! It takes you on a unique, festive ride on the TECO Streetcar on Sunday evenings.  Along the way, you’ll enjoy cookies and milk, holiday sing-a-longs, and more festive surprises. The Winter Village Express takes you from Whiting Station Downtown to Ybor City and back.

Tickets are $10 – book here before they sell out!

360-degree Light Show powered by TECO

Upgraded with new lights that wash the park in color each night. These stunning 10-15 minute displays will take place at 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm.

The Shops at Winter Village

Adorable ornaments at one of the 19 boutiques at Winter Village in Tampa
We love these adorable ornaments from one of the 19 boutiques at Winter Village in Tampa.

Check off the holiday wish list and shop local at the Shops at Winter Village. You’ll find 19 local businesses nestled inside PODS along the sidewalk next to the skating rink. You can support them during regular hours and on Shop Small Saturdays.

  • Don Me Now
  • Unlock Tampa Bay
  • Modern Paws
  • For the Bay Clothing Company
  • Jalex Designs
  • Play by Clark
  • Charcuterie by Kinki
  • Flour
  • Plant La Vie
  • The Main Ingredient
  • Nairi Handmade Jewelry
  • Dark Door Spirits
  • Calia Rose Boutique

The Cafe at Winter Village

While you’re at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, be sure to stop by The Cafe at Winter Village for a snack and sips! There has been a pretty good selection in years past and of course, there were hot chocolate options.

  • Icicles Craft Cocktails
  • Icicles Craft Kitchen
  • Kahwa Coffee
  • Whatever Pops
  • Gourmet Crepes & Beverages

Holiday Classics with Tampa Theatre

More fun additions include an outdoor holiday movie screening on the lawn in partnership with the Tampa Theatre. On schedule so far:

  • Saturday, December 16 at 7 pmElf

Santa at Winter Village

Santa is slated to make a few pop-up appearances at Winter Village. He’s on schedule to pop in for a visit on: December 1, 8, and 15, 2023.

He’s also going to make an appearance during Santa Fest in Tampa!

The Christmas Lights at Winter Village and Curtis Hixon Park

The trees along Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park are lit for the holidays and even synchronize to music during mini-shows throughout the night! It’s beautiful and best of all, it’s FREE to watch!

Related: The BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay

Holiday Lights at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa
Holiday Lights at Curtis Hixon Park

Winter Village is not to miss!

It is free to go to Winter Village, however, you will need to pay to go ice skating. Your family can truly make an afternoon/evening out of your visit to Winter Village. There are plenty of areas to snap cute family photos, so keep that camera handy!

Since Glazer Children’s Museum is nearby, pop over for a visit to check out Gingerbread Village where you can make a gingerbread house out of recycled materials and add it to the growing village! It opens from November 21 through December 31, 2023. They have more holiday-themed activities too!

Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children's Museum
Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children’s Museum