A musician wearing a yellow cap, sunglasses, and a tie-dye shirt performs on stage while singing into a microphone and playing an acoustic guitar decorated with stickers. — Ernest playing Country Thunder festival in Kissimmee, Florida on Sept. 11, 2021. Credit: YES Market Media/Shutterstock

A brand-new holiday celebration is coming to Tampa this winter, bringing country music, weiner dogs, ugly sweaters and more.

The inaugural Holiday RiverFest will transform Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park into a holiday hub, complete with live performances, seasonal activities, and a finale of lights and fireworks.

Performances from Nashville singer-songwriter Ernest (stylized in all caps) and country star Uncle Kracker follow the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade.

Alongside the music, guests can enjoy a full day of activities, from the Kids Zone and splash pad to quirky fun like the wiener dog races. For adults, Holiday RiverFest features designated 21+ areas, including an Ugly Sweater Party Zone with a private bar and Insta-worthy décor.

The Lane of Giving at the heart of the festival will spotlight ForHearts Worldwide, a local nonprofit delivering life-saving cardiovascular devices to underserved communities.

At the close of the night, the downtown Tampa skyline will glow with a holiday-themed drone show followed by a grand fireworks display.

Festival founder John Santoro, who owns The Ritz Ybor and Sunset Music Festival, said in a release that he wants Holiday RiverFest to become a longtime local tradition.

“Tampa is my home, and it’s given me so much over the years,” Santoro said. “This festival is my way of giving back—bringing all walks of life together to celebrate the season, support great causes, and make holiday memories that will last a lifetime.”

Tickets start at $37.50 for Holiday RiverFest, happening Saturday, Dec. 20, in Tampa.

Pitch in to help make the Tampa Bay Journalism Project a success.

This article appears in Sept. 4-10, 2025.