Intro
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting some of the most magical Christmas light displays in Tampa? The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, garlands, and decorations adorning homes, streets, and public spaces. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of the top 5 magical Tampa Christmas light displays that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Tampa's Christmas light displays are a beloved tradition, attracting thousands of visitors each year. From the elaborate displays in neighborhoods like Bayshore Beautiful and South Tampa to the stunning shows at local attractions like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium, there's no shortage of festive fun to be had. So grab some hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to experience the magic of Tampa's Christmas light displays.
1. Bayshore Beautiful Holiday Light Display
The Bayshore Beautiful neighborhood is one of Tampa's most popular holiday destinations, with a dazzling display of lights and decorations that stretch for miles. This picturesque neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland, with homes, lawns, and streets adorned with festive lights, garlands, and decorations. Visitors can drive through the neighborhood or take a leisurely stroll to take in the sights and sounds of the season.
Best Time to Visit:
The Bayshore Beautiful Holiday Light Display typically runs from late November to early January, with the best viewing times between 6 pm and 10 pm.
Getting There:
The Bayshore Beautiful neighborhood is located just south of downtown Tampa, near the intersection of Bayshore Boulevard and Interbay Boulevard.
2. Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a world-renowned theme park, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a winter wonderland known as Christmas Town. This festive celebration features millions of twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and live entertainment, including concerts, shows, and character meet-and-greets. Visitors can also enjoy special holiday treats, such as hot cocoa and cookies, and take part in festive activities like ice skating and decorating cookies.
Best Time to Visit:
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens typically runs from late November to early January, with the best viewing times between 10 am and 10 pm.
Getting There:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located at 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612.
3. Henry B. Plant Museum's Victorian Christmas Stroll
The Henry B. Plant Museum is a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture, and during the holiday season, it's transformed into a winter wonderland. The museum's Victorian Christmas Stroll features a festive display of lights, decorations, and live music, as well as special holiday events and activities, such as cookie decorating and visits with Santa. Visitors can stroll through the museum's beautifully decorated grounds and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Best Time to Visit:
The Henry B. Plant Museum's Victorian Christmas Stroll typically runs from late November to early January, with the best viewing times between 10 am and 8 pm.
Getting There:
The Henry B. Plant Museum is located at 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606.
4. Tampa's Riverwalk Winter Festival
Tampa's Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile pedestrian path that runs along the Hillsborough River, offering stunning views of the city and its surroundings. During the holiday season, the Riverwalk is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a festive display of lights, decorations, and live music. Visitors can stroll along the Riverwalk, enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, and take part in special holiday events and activities, such as ice skating and visits with Santa.
Best Time to Visit:
The Tampa Riverwalk Winter Festival typically runs from late November to early January, with the best viewing times between 6 pm and 10 pm.
Getting There:
The Tampa Riverwalk is located in downtown Tampa, near the intersection of Ashley Dr and Kennedy Blvd.
5. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Curtis Hixon Park is a beautiful 8-acre park located in downtown Tampa, and during the holiday season, it's transformed into a winter wonderland known as the Winter Village. This festive celebration features a stunning display of lights, decorations, and live music, as well as special holiday events and activities, such as ice skating and visits with Santa. Visitors can also enjoy festive food and drinks, such as hot cocoa and cookies.
Best Time to Visit:
The Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park typically runs from late November to early January, with the best viewing times between 6 pm and 10 pm.
Getting There:
Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602.
Gallery of Tampa Christmas Light Displays
Tampa Christmas Light Displays Image Gallery
As the holiday season comes to a close, we hope this article has inspired you to get out and experience the magic of Tampa's Christmas light displays. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these festive displays are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. So grab some hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season in Tampa!