Tampa Holiday Travel Tips & Events 2023

Holiday Events & Travel Tips in Tampa

Tampa offers a wide range of holiday events and experiences that are completely unique to Tampa Bay. Whether you want a traditional Christmas or theme park fun, this is the place for you! Head to dazzling light displays, whimsical parades, and more with Walsh Chauffeured Transportation. If you’re traveling to Tampa for the holidays make sure to plan ahead and book early to ensure the best trip possible.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens – November 11– January 7

Busch Gardens offers park-wide holiday festivities and is one of the family-friendly highlights of the season. Christmas Town in the park becomes a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights that you can see from the top of a roller coaster. Families enjoy heartwarming shows, meet beloved characters like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and embark on thrilling rides under the stars. The park’s iconic Christmas Town captures the spirit of the season and is a must-visit in Tampa for anyone seeking a little holiday cheer.

Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village – November 23 – December 31

Head to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds for the always incredible Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village. This drive-through light display is a spell-bounding trip through a winter wonderland with synchronized lights dancing to holiday music. After the drive, families can explore Santa’s Village, complete with holiday treats, crafts, and the chance to meet Santa.

ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild – November 24 – December 30 (select nights)

For anyone that loves wildlife, ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild is the place to be during the holidays. ZooTampa has the area’s largest lighting display, which transforms the zoo into a dazzling holiday extravaganza. Visitors from all around Tampa stroll through the displays, encounter exotic animals, and even meet Santa Claus himself! Christmas in the Wild is a unique blend of learning about conservation and having fun. It is sure to be memorable holiday night for the whole family.

Holiday Boat Parade – December 23, 2023

The Tampa Riverwalk really comes alive with the annual Holiday Boat Parade, the largest lighted boat parade in Tampa Bay! This parade of decorated boats glitters and glides along the Hillsborough River, creating a breathtaking scene for everyone to see all along the Riverwalk. However, the real highlight is always the 35-foot-tall LED-lighted Christmas tree that floats down the harbor.

Holidays at LEGOLAND

Holidays at LEGOLAND in Winter Haven features an amazing 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree and special holiday-themed LEGO builds throughout the park. LEGOLAND builders create a holiday like nowhere else! Families also enjoy live entertainment, see LEGO Santa, and can even participate in a LEGO scavenger hunt. It’s a holiday experience that somehow manages to combine all of the creativity of LEGO with the magic of the Christmas season.

As you plan your holiday getaway in Tampa, remember to plan your trip accordingly. This means to dress for the occasion (it may be a mild winter but evenings still get cool), book airlines and places to stay early, and don’t be afraid to explore beyond the theme parks and special events. Take some time to explore Tampa’s diverse neighborhoods, enjoy its culinary scene, and relax on its beautiful beaches. And, if you’re headed to a night on the town, remember to drive safe and book a professional car service with Walsh Chauffeured Transportation in Tampa.

Reserve hassle-free, luxury Cadillacs, shuttles, and limousines to holiday events in Tampa with Walsh!

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