Since finding a pine tree and plopping your kid on Santa's lap are arguably two of the most important goals over the next few weeks, we thought we'd make it a little bit easier for you. What follows are local spots where you can either cut down your own Christmas tree (or, if you prefer to avoid sharp tools, find one in a lot), as well as meet the Big Man himself, all within the Tampa Bay area.
Where to get a Christmas tree, meet Santa and other holiday experiences in Tampa Bay
By CL Staff on Wed, Nov 25, 2020 at 1:17 pm
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Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Dates vary, check website for details35317 Huff Rd., Eustis
Reservations and tickets are required for all dates to enter the farm. Visit the forest for family-friendly christmas activities such as cutting your own tree, a ride on the Santa’s Flight Zip Line, a snack at the Hungry Elf Cafe and no-contact visits with Santa. Prices vary by day, check the website for more details.
Photo via Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest/Facebook
Tampa Bay Farmer’s Market
Now through Christmas season10001 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa
The Tampa Bay Farmers Market Christmas Tree Lot is now open for the 2020 holiday season. Visit the store for fresh-cut trees, poinsettias, wreaths, garlands and more. It’s open seven days a week, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Photo via Tampa Bay Farmers Market/Facebook
Santa & Ice Skating in North Straub Park
Now through Christmas seasonSelect dates in December, visit website for details
Visit North Straub Park for outdoor Glice® skating (that's Swiss-engineered synthetic ice, people!) and a visit with Santa. Skating sessions are $5 for 30 minutes and include skates. The activities typically last from 6 to 9 p.m.
Photo via North Straub Park/Facebook
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon
Nov. 20-Jan. 3600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa
Curtis Hixon’s Winter Village is back again this year. Head downtown for ice skating, festive lights along the Tapa Riverwalk and winter treats from local spots like Kahwa Coffee. All ice skating tickets must be purchased online in advance, they’re $15 for all ages and include skates.
Photo via Winter Village at Curtis Hixon/Facebook
Great Lakes Christmas Tree Farms
5107 N. 22nd St. TampaOpen Daily
Selling its trees at both the Tampa Bay Farmers Market and Great Lakes Christmas Tree Farms, the business offers fresh cut Christmas trees (see above, before they're cut), floral-grade Quality poinsettias, wreaths, garlands and more. Customers are also able to order online for pickup or delivery.
Photo via Great Lakes Christmas Tree Farms/Facebook
LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular
1 Legoland Way, Winter HavenDates vary, visit website for details
Celebrate the holidays in Winter Have, about 45 minutes away from Tampa. The park will feature festive shows and treats, special LEGO characters and fireworks on select nights. The event is included in a standard day ticket, which starts at $84.99.
Photo via LEGOLAND Florida/Facebook
Ergle Christmas Tree Farm
Open daily3325 Treiman Blvd, Dade City
Visit Ergle Christmas Tree Farm to cut down your own five-to-ten-foot tree. Field varieties are Sand Pine and Southern Cedar. The farm will also have freshly made wreaths made from Fraser Fir. The farm asks that customers wear masks and practice social distancing.
Photo via Ergle Christmas Tree Farm/Facebook
Gallagher’s Pumpkins and Christmas Trees
Open daily7401 4th St N, St. Petersburg
Gallagher’s offers a variety of trees in many colors, shapes and sizes, as well as handmade wreaths and poinsettias,cacti and ferns. There are numerous photo sports for Christmas cards and family memories. If you plan on taking photos, you must reserve a time in advance online.
Photo via Gallagher’s Pumpkins and Christmas Trees/Facebook
Dave’s Christmas Tree Lot
Open daily106 E Lumsden Rd. no. 6438, Brandon
Dave’s Christmas Tree Lot offers trees such as Grand Fir, Oregon-grown Noble Fir, Fraser Fir, Douglas Firs, Black Spruce, Blue Spruce and Scotch Pines. They even deliver for those that don’t want to leave the house for a tree. The Lot also sells floral-grade poinsettias, handmade wreaths and garlands.
Photo via Dave’s Christmas Tree Lot/Website
The Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village
15 Sydney Washer Rd, DoverNov. 26-Dec. 27
The Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village is celebrating five years with a COVID-19 safe way to celebrate the holiday. Visitors will drive through over a mile of lights and holiday displays all from the safety of your own car. You can also stop by Santa’s Village every weekend and indulge in fair-type foods, entertainment and even meet Santa.
Photo via Wonderland of Lights/Facebook
ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild
1101 W Sligh Ave, TampaNov. 27-Dec. 30
Attractions at the annual ZooTampa event include Christmas tree light shows, a marketplace with European-style holiday treats, meetings with Santa and his reindeer and a holiday kaleidoscope light show. Reservations are required for this event and tickets start at $26.95 per person.
Photo via ZooTampa/Facebook
Lazy Acres Christmas Tree Farm
Open daily starting Nov. 2714920 Swift Rd., Dade City
Lazy Acres Christmas Tree Farm is another family owned and operated business that has provided Christmas trees and other holiday decor for over 30 years. The farm sells imported Fraser Firs as well as home-grown Red Cedars. It also has a petting zoo and sell snacks like boiled peanuts and cotton candy.
Photo via Adobe Images
Raprager Family Farm Christmas Events
Dates vary, check website for details16907 Boy Scout Rd., Odessa
Raprager has a daytime and evening Christmas event for around-the-clock fun. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., enjoy Christmas in the County. Tickets at $15 for adults and $10 for kids for a day filled with face-painting, a jump pillow, a hay chute slide and more. After 6 p.m., all tickets cost $9 for activities such as a hay ride, a Christmas tree show and lots of food vendors.
Photo via Adobe Images
The Christmas Trail
Dec. 11-Dec. 232837 South Frontage Rd., Plant City
This is an outdoor walking trail where viewers will see tons of lights, a Jack Frost Ice Show and a 25-foot Christmas tree show. Besides the cool holiday decor, there will be fun activities and holiday treats like hot chocolate with marshmallows. Masks are required and tickets must be bought in advance online. The cost is $15 per vehicle.
Photo via The Christmas Trail/Facebook
Victorian Christmas Stroll
Nov. 21-Dec. 31401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Visit the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel (aka the Henry B. Plant Museum at University of Tampa) to experience the beauty and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas. Each exhibit room has its own unique display with beautiful trees, Victorian art and other holiday decor. Masks will be required and because of a limited capacity tickets must be bought in advance.
Photo via Henry B. Plant Museum/Facebook
Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm
Opening Nov. 2720638 Moreland Dr., Spring Hill
Take a visit to this choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm in Spring Hill. Complimentary beverages will be available, and Blue Acres also offers rustic wood centerpieces, handmade wreaths, centerpieces and potted trees.
Photo via
Northstar Wisconsin Christmas Trees
Now through Christmas Season2905 Gulf-To-Bay Blvd., Clearwater
Established in 1982, Northstar Wisconsin Christmas Trees in Clearwater provides a wide assortment of premium-quality Christmas trees. Special care will be taken this year to ensure the health and safety of customers.
Photo via
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Now-Jan. 310165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa
With enhanced health and safety measures, Busch Gardens Christmas Town will have brand new fireworks, millions of lights, and the first-ever outdoor production of Christmas On Ice. Christmas Town is included with daily admission, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes.
Photo via
Santa Claus Visits The Florida Aquarium
Nov. 27-28. Dec. 5, 12, 19701 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Catch Santa inside his snow globe at the Florida Aquarium this holiday season and take advantage of this socially distanced photo-op. Professional pictures will also be available for purchase. Dates begin the day after Thanksgiving and will go sporadically until Dec. 19.
Photo via
Santa’s Flight Academy International Plaza
Nov. 27 – Dec. 2414920 Swift Rd., Dade City
Swing by International Plaza and Bay Street to get a picture with Santa, with choices for three different photo packages ranging from $39.99 to $49.99. All sessions are reservation only, masks will be required at all times, and Santa will stay at least six feet away from guests.
Photo via International Plaza and Bay Street/Facebook
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