9 Fun Things To Do In Tampa This Holiday Break
It's the most wonderful time of the year. The weather is starting to cool off, giving us a nice reprieve from the Florida heat and an opportunity to enjoy the hottest of cocoa's.Family is coming home for the holidays. The kids are off from school. Everything is falling into place for a perfect holiday season... except you have no idea what to do. Don't worry, we have you covered.
Here are 9 fun things to this holiday break!
1. Curtis Hixon Park's Winter Village
11/17-1/5 | Curtis Hixon Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at Curtis Hixon Park's Winter Village! Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with holiday lights and decorations. There is fun for the whole family with their ice rink (real ice), waterfront cafe and holiday shops, free activities & more!
2. Busch Gardens Christmas Town
11/19 - 12/31 | Busch Gardens Tampa
The Christmas cheer begins here. Christmas Town™ beams with twinkling lights, Yuletide shows, holiday shopping and even a visit to Santa’s House. Beloved characters from the television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"™ return with Christmas Town’s debut of Sam the Snowman. Plus, there are rides for anyone in the family to enjoy; ranging from the child friendly Sesame Street Play Area to the thrilling roller coasters. This will be one of must-do's for the season.
3. Streamside Dr. Christmas Lights
12/12 - 12/22 | 11048 Streamside Dr., Tampa, Fl 33624
Looking to add some holiday spirit to your drive home in the evenings? Check out the Streamside Dr. Christmas lights. The lights are synchronized to the music being played over your car radio (88.3FM). Featured on Fox 13, this is the talk of the town.
4. Apollo Beach Christmas Golf Cart Parade
12/16 @ 6:30 | Salty Shamrock
Looking for something unique to do? You won't find much more unique than a Christmas Golf Cart Parade. This event keeps getting bigger and better each year, so come and check out some of our community’s holiday handiwork! Plus, ESPN will be filming footage to be aired when the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's take on the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium.
5. Watch Elf at Curtis Hixon Park
12/15 @ 7:30 | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Elf will be presented FREE to the community as part of Curtis Hixon Park's Winter Village Event. Sit on the lawn and enjoy this charming comedy with all of your family and friends. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served and be sure to bring your blankets and folding chairs.
12/17 | Channelside
Give back for the holidays by participating in America's Sweetest Race. With inflatables and games to occupy the kids and an all chocolate after party, this event with be enjoyable for the whole family! All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish.
7. Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
12/22 | Curtis Hixon Park
This entertaining event provides fun for all ages. Bring the kids to participate in the family friendly "Elf in the Park Scavenger Hunt" from 4-7pm in and around the Winter Village. Participation is FREE and we will have small prizes for the kids and a raffle for everyone.
The adult (21+) edition "Naughty Elf" runs from 6-10pm. It starts in the park and ventures out into downtown Tampa to complete 15 riddles at participating bars and venues for a chance to win a Tampa Staycation and other local prizes. The entry fee is $20.
8. What the Fork! FREE Cooking Demo Series
12/31 | Sweetwater Organic Community Farms
If you're looking for something a little less holiday themed to do, check out this cooking demo. Learn how to make a Tofu Vegan Sensation and start the New Year off with some amazing cooking skills.
9. Light up Tampa Bay at Channelside
12/31 | Channelside
End the year with a bang. Watch as Channelside "lights up" Tampa Bay with live entertainment, midnight fireworks and a ball drop. There's something to do for everyone at Channelside, making this night a happy one for the whole family.
Let us know if there's anything we missed! Happy Holidays!