Holiday lights near Tampa Bay for families (2026)
Checked · Covers Oct 28 – Jan 15 · All times are local Eastern Time
We list 4 holiday light events around Tampa Bay for Oct 28 – Jan 15: 2 displays running for weeks and 2 one-night events. 1 list free admission. Displays that run for weeks come first, then one-night parades and tree lightings around Tampa Bay. Popular nights can sell out, so check the official page before you go.
Light displays open for weeks
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- When
- Fri, Nov 13 – Mon, Jan 4 (Select nights Nov 13–Jan 4) · Select nights; check the park calendar
- Cost
- Included with Busch Gardens admission
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The park becomes a winter wonderland with dazzling lights, festive entertainment and family holiday traditions on select nights.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Holiday Lights & Displays on the Downtown Waterfront
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 – Fri, Jan 1 (Nightly Nov 28–Jan 1)
- Cost
- No admission listed
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Stroll the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park and the St. Pete Pier.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
One-night light parades and tree lightings
Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · Parade 6:30pm; tree lighting after the parade
- Cost
- No tickets listed
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
St. Petersburg’s 98th Santa Parade steps off from Albert Whitted Park at 6:30pm, followed by the tree lighting in North Straub Park.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Santa Fest Parade, Park Festivities & Holiday Tree Lighting
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 · Parade 1pm; park 1–5pm; tree lighting 6pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A full day downtown: the Santa Fest Parade at 1pm (Morgan & Madison streets to Ashley Dr & Cass St; Madison Street is a prime viewing spot), park festivities 1–5pm with holiday crafts, games and free photos with Santa, the 6pm lighting of seven Christmas trees, and a free outdoor holiday movie.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Frequently asked questions
When do holiday lights open around Tampa Bay in 2026?
2 light displays on our list run for weeks: Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa, Nov 13 – Jan 4) and Holiday Lights & Displays on the Downtown Waterfront (St. Petersburg, Nov 28 – Jan 1).
Which holiday light events near Tampa Bay are free?
1 light event lists free admission on the official page: Santa Fest Parade, Park Festivities & Holiday Tree Lighting (Tampa, Sat, Dec 5).
How much do ticketed light displays near Tampa Bay cost?
Prices from the official pages: Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Included with Busch Gardens admission), Holiday Lights & Displays on the Downtown Waterfront (No admission listed) and Santa Parade & Tree Lighting (No tickets listed). Prices can change by night.
Can kids see Santa at a light display near Tampa Bay?
Yes. 2 light events on our list have Santa: Santa Parade & Tree Lighting (St. Petersburg, Nov 28) and Santa Fest Parade, Park Festivities & Holiday Tree Lighting (Tampa, Dec 5). Some charge extra for Santa photos.
Which Tampa Bay-area cities have holiday lights events?
We list holiday lights events in 2 cities, including Tampa (2) and St. Petersburg (2).
Our weekend search covers Phoenix Metro & Arizona for now, and more areas are coming soon. This guide is hand-checked the same way.
How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. An event is called free only when its official page says so. Read how we verify listings.
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