10 Popular Holiday & Christmas Events in Tampa Bay for both Friends and Family

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10 Popular Holiday & Christmas Events in Tampa Bay for both Friends and Family Exactly a month before the big day, the residents of Tampa Bay had started preparing. From twinkle lights at the Busch Gardens to the Lowry Park Zoo to wishing Santa to come to their town. Besides these, there are an ample number of events that are scheduled to happen during the Christmas Holidays. These 10 events can definitely be a treat for your friends and family.

  1. Performances: The Moscow Ballet’s grand production is organizing performances at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The performance is named as Great Russia Nutcracker. Another performance worth witnessing is at the Straz Center by the name of Patel Conservatory. Even visiting the oldest theater in Tampa could be a treat for enjoying the classic movies.
  2. Amusement Parks: An entire Christmas Town is created at the Busch Gardens during the holiday season. Also, the Lowry Park Zoo is converted into a wild wonderland with a range of wild events happening over 19 days during this holiday season. Another place worth visiting is the Florida Aquarium that would be hosting the Snow Days after the Christmas gets over.
  3. Parades & Festivals: The 7th Annual Parade & Fest at the Ybor City’s Snow is where Santa is scheduled to make an entry. The place will see snowfalls all through the parade route along with marching bands as well as other performers. Santa Fest Parade, as well as the Fest at Curtis Hixon Park, is a remarkable parade to witness. On the other hand, Safety Harbor’s Annual Holiday Parade is the place where you can see old cars, Santa, Shriners and Fire Trucks. Annual Elena Tresh Foundation Snowfest at Safety Harbor, especially for kids, offers an opportunity to play with snow in this winter wonderland.
  4. Outdoor ice skating: If this is something you wish to try, then it’s The Winter Village where you should be heading to. This is created by transforming the Curtis Hixon’s Waterfront Park in form of a holiday hotspot that would offer sounds, activities, and sights for people of every age. There are over 20 boutiques from the local producers and a wide range of drinks and sweets by Sono Café at the Riverwalk Winter Village hospitality region.
  5. Historic Spirit of Holidays: Stroll across the University of Tampa to witness the Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum. One can see the 19th century Christmas décor in different rooms that are displayed using both old as well as new holiday decorations.
  6. Tree Lightings:Another place that one need to be at is the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Street Party to be held at the Hyde Park. This has been occurring for the last 20 years and is a family friendly traditional event celebrating Santa’s arrival. The Mayor is scheduled to light up the city’s Christmas tree at the Curtis Hixon Park would be visited by thousands of residents.
  7. Melodious music: Families will have a gala time listening to the classics performed by the Opera Tampa during the holiday show that will be held at Straz Center. Moreover, Florida Orchestra will also be there to conduct at Holiday Pops concert to lift up the holiday spirits from Mahaffy Theater, Straz Center, and the Ruth Eckerd Hall. Cookies, Cocktails, and Carols can be witnessed at the Largo Cultural Center in the first couple of weeks of December.
  8. Santa Meet ‘N Greets: Here you get the opportunity to sit on the lap of Santa and speak about how the year has been. This event will take place at the International Plaza at the Ice Palace. Snowfalls will make the environment a lot better.
  9. Christmas at a Beach: If you are looking to celebrate this Christmas at the beach, then it’s recommended that you visit St. Pete Beach. Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa would showcase opulent holiday décor across the holiday coupled with music and a lot more.
  10. Boat Parades at St.Petersburg: The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Boat Parade would definitely be a treat for the eyes. It is scheduled to take place on the Hillsborough River till the Downtown Tampa. Vinoy Park’s St. Petersburg Boat Parade is another annual boat parade that showcases illuminated boats captivating the lights floating over the water.

Image Credit : Mariamichelle