It may not snow in Tampa Bay, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of yuletide cheer. Here are a few can’t-miss holiday events, including light shows, Christmas markets, bar pop-ups, and even a few opportunities to toss some snow balls.
Enchant Christmas
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg
Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Featuring a 100-foot-tall lighted Christmas tree, Enchant Christms presents a holiday event you can get lost in. Tropicana Field is transformed into a decorated story-themed maze where you can enjoy the lights while embarking on a mission to help Santa save Christmas by keeping an eye out for pieces of his broken Magic Timepiece along the way. Find all of the pieces for a chance to win a prize at the end of your visit. The event will also feature ice skating, snacks, activities for kids and cocktails for adults. Tickets range from $20-$30.
Photo via Enchant Christmas/FacebookWinter Wonder Wharf at Sparkman Wharf
615 Channelside Dr, Tampar
Dec. 10 & 17
Sparkman Wharf has transformed into a holiday-themed hub this Christmas season. On Dec. 3, a free Holiday Remix Singalong will be taking place in the Sparkman Wharf Lawn, followed by a free, all ages comedy show on Dec. 10 featuring live entertainment and photo-ops. On Dec. 17, a family oriented Christmas caroling event will be taking place at the wharf, so the whole family can sing along and enjoy singing along as well as activities and live entertainment. Photo via Winter Wonder Wharf at Sparkman Wharf/FacebookPirate Water Taxi River of Lights
333 S Franklin St., Tampa
Nov. 25-Dec. 24
The Pirate Taxi will be cruising around providing views of holiday decorations along the water in downtown Tampa. There will be holiday displays, sing-a-longs, cookies and hot chocolate and a snow flurry finale. Tickets start at $25 for kids and $30 for adults, and children will receive a holiday gift during the ride.
Photo via Pirate Water Taxi/FacebookHoliday Lights in The Gardens
12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo
Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Florida Botanical Gardens is now on its 22nd annual holiday lights event, featuring one million lights, as well as a model train show hosted by The Train Guy during opening weekend. Suggested donation for admission is $10, and free for children 13 and under.
Photo via Florida Botanical Gardens/FacebookVisit a holiday pop-up bar
Multiple locations
Through New Year’s Eve
Miracle, a holiday pop-up cocktail bar company is hosting two events in the Bay this holiday season at Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails in downtown St. Pete, and at Strandhill Public in Tampa Heights. The bars will feature festive-themed cocktails, such as the “Christmapolitan” and the “Jingle Balls Nog”. Over in Dunedin at the Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar, the Sippin’ Santa holiday popup will be taking place. Festive drinks will include “Island of Misfit Toys” and “Rudolph’s Rum Rhapsody.”
Photo via Intermezzo/WebsiteChick-Fil-A’s Light Display
6299 W Waters Ave.,Tampa
Nov. 18-Dec. 31
Chick-Fil-A’s light display is returning this year, marking over two decades of festive cheer at this fast food chicken stop. Be sure to check out the lights as you snack on some waffle fries, and don’t miss your chance to see Santa on Fridays beginning Nov. 25.
Photo via Chick-Fil-A/Facebook
