Holiday Events and Activities in Tampa Bay – Published Nov. 21, 2017

The holiday season is in full swing in Tampa Bay, with a plethora of festive events and activities for everyone to enjoy. From twinkling lights to ice skating, there is something for everyone to get into the holiday spirit.

Busch Gardens is transformed into Christmas Town, with over 2 million twinkling lights creating a holiday wonderland. Guests can enjoy Christmas-themed entertainment, visits with Santa, and even meet Rudolph and Sam the Snowman. This magical experience is included with admission on select nights through Dec. 31.

For those looking to lace up their skates, Tampa’s Winter Village offers outdoor ice skating in Curtis Hixon Park. Each 90-minute session includes skate rental, and guests can warm up with themed drinks and holiday snacks at the cafe.

If you’re looking for a more traditional holiday experience, Wonderland of Lights at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is the place to be. This 32-day event features animated and still light displays, a Christmas village with horse-drawn wagon rides, the North Pole Express, a petting zoo, and visits with Santa. There are also games, camel and pony rides, and holiday food to enjoy.

For those looking to get active before indulging in Thanksgiving feasts, the Goody Goody Turkey Gobble and Times Turkey Trot offer races for all ages and abilities. The Goody Goody Turkey Gobble is stroller and dog-friendly, with music and family activities, while the Times Turkey Trot offers a buffet of races including a 1-mile Gobbler, Wingding 5K, 5K Fun Run, and 10K Turkey Trot.

After all the festivities, you can enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg. The open house-style event includes a traditional Thanksgiving meal and entertainment by Mike Balistierri.

Whether you’re looking for holiday lights, ice skating, a festive race, or a free Thanksgiving meal, Tampa Bay has something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.