What to Do in Tampa Bay for the Holidays: 2022 Event Guide

At Air Care, we’re celebrating the 2022 holiday season with some special cheer!

As the Florida weather becomes less humid and more mild, our spirits are high in anticipation of the fun holiday and Christmas festivities across the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area.

To kick off the festive fun, our AC technicians and office staff are excited to share our top picks for things to do in a city near you. So, open up your calendars and browse our 2022 event guide below—featuring holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies, light displays, boat and holiday parades, and more!

 

Holiday Markets, Tree Lightings, Light Displays, Boat Parades, and Christmas Events in the Tampa Bay Area

Check out these indoor and outdoor holiday events across Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area below, listed by date. Please note: Event details are subject to change, so be sure to visit each event website for more information.

 

Christmas Market at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, FL

Location: Indian Rocks Baptist Church, 12685 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL

Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022

Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Holiday shopping!

Details: Kick off the holiday shopping season by visiting the Indian Rocks Christmas Market, featuring more than 60 local vendors offering handmade treasures, unique gift items, and lots of holiday cheer.

Website: Learn more at https://indianrocks.org/events/christmas-market/.

 

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL

Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

Dates: Select nights from Monday, November 14, 2022, to Monday, January 2, 2023

Times: Various times

Admission: Included with general admission ticket, as well as Busch Gardens Fun Card and annual passes

What’s included: Entertainment, themed treats, thrill rides, animal experiences, character meet and greets, and holiday fun!

Details: Celebrate the season at Busch Gardens Christmas Town with millions of twinkling lights, holiday character meet and greets, and family-favorite Christmas shows and displays. Christmas Town features extended hours on weekends and additional dates with even more festive experiences, including indulgent culinary treats at the Christmas Town Village and select locations around the park, nighttime experiences on Florida’s best thrill rides, and more!

Website: Learn more at https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/christmas-town/.

 

Christmas Under the Oaks at St. Petersburg College in Clearwater, FL

Location: SPC Clearwater, 2465 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33765

Date: Sunday, November 13, 2022

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Holiday shopping!

Details: Get your Christmas shopping done early at the “Christmas Under the Oaks” at St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus. Presented by the GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club, this annual event features local artists, crafters, and vendors selling homemade treasures like jewelry, pottery, wreaths, and more. Stop by Sunday, November 13th in Clearwater to find the perfect gift!

Website: Learn more at https://m.facebook.com/events/239346948377303/.

 

Holiday Spectacular at the Tampa Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa, FL

Location: Tampa Riverwalk in Tampa, FL 33602

Dates: Monday, November 28, 2022, through January 2023

Time: Dusk to dawn

Admission: Free

What’s included: Holiday lights!

Details: Enjoy a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk to experience the holidays like never before. Displays include a 35-foot-tall lighted Christmas tree floating in the harbor, a holiday selfie station, a lighted pine tree forest on the Riverwalk Manor Dock, and lighted displays of gingerbread men, toy trains, trees, and more along the Riverwalk and Water Works Park.

Website: Learn more at https://thetampariverwalk.com/events-news/events/holiday-spectacular.html.

 

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at the Mahaffey Theater

Location:  Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Time: Show begins at 8 p.m.

Admission: Ticket prices vary by seat selection ($58 – $180).

What’s included: Holiday music!

Details: Do you remember the first time you heard Christmas music by Mannheim Steamroller? A GRAMMY® Award-winner, Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 41 million albums, 30 million in the Christmas genre. This year’s show will feature all of your favorite original classic Christmas hits from the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album, along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting. Celebrate holiday magic in 2022 when they bring their Christmas tour to the Mahaffey Theater!

Website: Learn more at https://www.mannheimsteamroller.com/mannheim-steamroller-christmas-2022/.

 

Holiday Lights Stroll in Largo Central Park in Largo, FL

Location: Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771

Date: Thursday, November 24, 2022, through Sunday, January 1, 2023

Time: 6 to 11 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Holiday lights, children’s activities, food, and fun!

Details: The City of Largo presents its annual spectacular holiday light display with more than two million dazzling LED lights, a carousel, and a seven-story Ferris wheel offering a bird’s-eye view of the 70-acre Largo Central Park. Park admission is free and children’s train rides are available for $5.

Website: Learn more at www.playlargo.com.

 

Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, FL

Location: Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774

Dates: Friday, November 25, 2022, through Sunday, January 1, 2023

Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Admission: Suggested donation of $10 per person

What’s included: Holiday lights, entertainment, children’s activities, food, and fun!

Details: The Florida Botanical Gardens will sparkle once again with one million twinkling LED lights, vibrant laser lights, and lighted displays to wow guests of all ages. Stop by for a stroll and see the all-new children’s Candy Cane area with family-focused activities and fun.

Website: Learn more at https://www.flbgfoundation.org/holidaylights.

 

Enchant Christmas Light Maze in St. Petersburg, FL

Location: Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Dates: Friday, November 25, 2022, through Sunday, January 1, 2023

Time: Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $35 per person

What’s included: Entertainment, children’s activities, food, and fun!

Details: Back again this year, step into the most magical Christmas light maze at the Tropicana Field in downtown St. Petersburg. Enchant also offers holiday adventures for the whole family, including an ice-skating trail, holiday treats from around the world, an artisan Christmas market, and a meet-and-greet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Website: Learn more at https://enchantchristmas.com/.

 

Lights of Lake Park Estates in Seminole, FL

Location: Neighborhoods of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village. Since this is an area and neighborhood, there is no specific physical address. Some locations you can put into your GPS are as follows:

  • Lake Park Dr, Seminole, FL 33777
  • Lake Park Dr & 109 Ave N, Seminole, FL 33777
  • 106th Ave N & Lake Park Dr, Seminole, FL 33777
  • Bryan Dairy Rd & 109 Ave N, Seminole, FL 33777
  • 109 Ave N & 102 Ave N, Seminole, FL 33777

Dates: Throughout December 2022

Time: 6 to 10 p.m.

Admission: Donations to Suncoast Hospice of Clearwater encouraged

What’s included: Holiday lights and Christmas displays!

Details: Drive through the annual light show in the neighborhoods of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village. Residents generously decorate their homes with over three miles of Christmas lights and decorations for the public to enjoy. Donations are accepted to benefit the Suncoast Hospice of Clearwater, and you can donate along the route at a non-contact cart this year.

Website: Learn more at http://lightsoflakepark.com.

 

North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, FL

Location: Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St East Parrish, FL 34219

Dates and Times: Departures at 5:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on:

  • December 1, 2, 3, 4
  • December 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
  • December 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
  • December 19, 20, 21

Admission: Prices vary by package

What’s included: Train ride, children’s activities, Santa, food, and fun!

Details: Hop aboard the North Pole Express this holiday season to experience a 3-hour round trip journey to the “North Pole Training Station,” where Santa awaits to visit with every child along with entertainment, activities, campfires, and all the hot chocolate and cookies you can eat.

Website: Learn more at https://www.frrm.org/north-pole-express/.

 

Downtown Palm Harbor Tree Lighting in Palm Harbor, FL

Location: White Chapel & Harbor Hill, 1190 Georgia Ave, Palm Harbor, FL

Date: Friday, December 2, 2022

Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Tree lighting, vendors, food, and fun!

Details: Help light up downtown Palm Harbor and kick off the holiday season with an evening of entertainment, games, and cheer. Bring the whole family to enjoy a snow play area, food, vendors, and fun at this year’s Palm Harbor Tree Lighting ceremony.

Website: Learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/downtown-tree-lighting-tickets-362586876107.

 

Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting in Dunedin, FL

Location: Dunedin Marina/Edgewater Park, 51 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida 34698

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Admission: Free; VIP tickets available

What’s included: Boat parade with Santa, tree lighting, music, food, and fun!

Details: Ring in the holidays with Dunedin’s waterfront celebration, featuring a decorated boat parade, Santa’s arrival (on the last boat of the parade), holiday music, s’mores, and a tree lighting ceremony in Edgewater Park.

Boat Registration: All parade boats must register in advance. Register online from November 1 through December 1, or until maximum capacity is reached.

Website: Learn more at https://www.dunedingov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/40802/30?sortn=EDate&toggle=all&npage=6.

 

Belleair’s Holiday Parade and Party in Belleair, FL

Location: Public Works Complex, 1075 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Belleair, FL 33756

Date: Sunday, December 4, 2022

Time: 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Themed vehicles, decor, and fun

Details: The town of Belleair is kicking off the season with a holiday parade and party. Are you a resident and want to participate in the parade? Find out more information on the community’s Facebook page.

Website: Learn more at https://www.townofbelleair.com/451/Special-Events.

 

41st Annual Holiday Parade in Safety Harbor, FL

Location: Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 200 Main St, Safety Harbor, FL

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022

Time: Beginning at 10 a.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Themed floats, Santa, and fun!

Details: Find a spot on Main Street to view Safety Harbor’s infamous holiday parade, featuring decorated floats, old-fashioned cars, Shriners, and Santa at the end of the parade. Want to register your group to participate? Fill out the entry form here.

Website: Learn more at https://www.cityofsafetyharbor.com.

 

City of Oldsmar Tree Lighting Ceremony in Oldsmar, FL

Location: Oldsmar City Hall, 100 State Street W. Oldsmar, FL 34677

Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Time: 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Tree lighting and live music!

Details: Come on out for the holiday tree lighting ceremony with Oldsmar’s Citizen of the Year as residents light up City Hall, hear caroling, poetry readings, and more.

Website: Learn more at https://www.myoldsmar.com/911/SPECIAL-EVENTS.

 

Harbor Holiday Lights at Folly Farm in Safety Harbor, FL

Location: Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 200 Main St, Safety Harbor, FL

Dates and Times:

  • December 9, 2022, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
  • December 10, 2022, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
  • December 16, 2022, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
  • December 17, 2022, 5:30 – 9:00 PM

What’s Included: Holiday lights, food, crafts, art, and children’s activities!

Details: Join the folks at Folly Farm for four nights of holiday fun for the whole family, including holiday lights, a campfire, children’s activities, and more. Are you a vendor interested in participating? Fill out the Harbor Holiday Nights Vendor Application.

Website: Learn more at https://www.cityofsafetyharbor.com.

 

56th Annual Lighted Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Madeira Beach, FL

Location: Madeira Beach Marina, 503 150th Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33708

Dates: Saturday, December 10, 2022

Time: 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Lighted boat parade, music, and fun!

Details: For the 56th year, watch the waterways in Madeira Beach light up with boats displaying their best Christmas lights. You won’t want to miss this festival of lights on December 10th.

Website: Learn more at https://madeirabeachfl.gov/festival-of-lights-holiday-boat-parade/.

 

12 Days of Christmas in Clearwater Beach, FL

Location: Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Dates: Thursday, December 1, 2022, through Sunday, December 25, 2022

Time: Various times

Admission: Free

What’s included: Holiday decorations, Santa, children’s activities, food, and fun!

Details: Celebrate the season on Clearwater Beach with the 12 days of Christmas! While details are still being planned, expect lots of holiday cheer and festive activities again this year. Last year was packed with meet-and-greets with the Clauses, Santa’s elves, and the mischievous Grinch, as well as music from carolers, giveaways, and fun.

Website: Check for updates at https://www.12daysofchristmasclearwater.com/.

 

Indian Rocks Beach Lighted Boat Parade in Indian Rocks Beach, FL

Location: Indian Rocks Beach, 401 2nd St, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022

Time: 7 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: Themed boats and holiday lights

Details: Watch decorated and lighted boats parade through the waterways for the Indian Rocks Boat Parade, launching from the Holiday Inn Harbourside at 7 p.m.

Website: Learn more at http://www.indian-rocks-beach.com/events_archive.php?Month=11&Year=2022.

 

Winter Wonderland at R.E. Olds Park in Oldsmar, FL

Location: R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Dr W, Oldsmar, FL 34677

Date: Friday, December 2, 2022

Times: 5 – 9 p.m.

Admission: Free

What’s included: A giant snow slide, concessions, and a Santa visit!

Details: Enjoy Oldsmar’s annual Winter Wonderland experience with your family! From family-fun activities to Miss Suda’s Dancers’ year-end holiday recital, this free event will bring all the holiday festivities. You won’t want to miss this exciting event!

Website: Learn more at https://www.myoldsmar.com/911/SPECIAL-EVENTS.

For more holiday and Christmas events not featured here, search “2022 Holiday Events Near Me” from your favorite search engine.

 

Need AC Service or Repairs? Contact Your Clearwater AC Professionals

Whether you plan to attend outdoor holiday festivities or spend most of your time indoors this season, it’s important that your home is cooled or heated comfortably …especially if you’re expecting guests!

Trust our team of air conditioning professionals at Air Care, who can assist with AC maintenance, repairs, or installation needs—whether this winter or all year long. We proudly service Pinellas, western Hillsborough, and southern Pasco counties, and we’d be happy to prepare your home for company this holiday season.

“I have lived in Pinellas Park most of my adult life, and I am very used to using certain companies for different problems now. I have, for instance, used Air Care in Clearwater for my air conditioning repair services and a new AC unit as a customer for almost 25 years or more. Every time I need them, they are always very prompt and very good service. I would recommend them to anyone who is having ac problems and needs a reliable company to work with.” – Mrs. F of Pinellas Park, FL

If you need AC service this season, contact Air Care today.