TAMPA, Fla. — It's time to break out the ugly holiday sweaters because Winter Village is coming back to downtown Tampa.
Each year, the Tampa Downtown Partnership and the Tampa Bay Lightning come together to set up an entire snowy village, complete with ice skating, Santa sightings, curling and classic holiday treats for the whole family.
This year, Winter Village runs from Nov. 17 through Jan. 1 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
“The Tampa Downtown Partnership is excited to offer more holiday programming than ever before—such as silent disco, Thunderstruck Thursdays, and weekly themed skate nights,” Shaun Drinkard, interim president of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, said in a statement. “We love being a special part of the holiday season for all in Tampa’s Downtown.”
Here's everything you need to know as you and your family plan a trip to Winter Village.
🛍️ Shopping
A record 40 small businesses will fill 19 market-style shops held in PODS storage containers stocked with gifts for everyone on your list.
Local businesses include:
- Calia Rose Boutique
- Charcuterie by Kinki
- Dark Door Spirits
- Don Me Now
- Flour
- For the Bay Clothing Company
- Jalex Designs
- Modern Paws
- Nairi Handmade Jewelry
- Plante La Vie
- Play By Clark
- The Main Ingredient
- Unlock Tampa Bay
- 6 additional shops that will rotate weekly
❄️ Winter activities
⛸️ Ice skating
Guests can glide across a real 5,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink. Tickets include skate rental and 90 minutes of ice time for $17 and must be bought online ahead of time.
🥌 Street curling
Known as the "cool cousin of shuffleboard," this ice-free activity offers guests a chance to engage in friendly competition on the ice.
🥙 🍹Food & drinks
Treat yourself to festive foods and craft drinks throughout the Winter Village. Options include specialty cocktails from Icicles Craft Kitchen and Bar; coffee from Kahwa Coffee; dessert crepes, juices and teas from Gourmet Crepes; and popsicles from Whatever Pops.
🎄 Family-fun entertainment
🎅 Santa Sightings
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with guests and posing for photos throughout the village on Dec. 1, 8 and 15.
🌟 360-Degree Light Show
Powered by TECO, this show will cover the park in color each night. Enjoy 10- to 15-minute displays at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m.
🎬Holiday Movie Night
Thanks to the Tampa Theatre, check out an outdoor screening of "Elf" at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
🚋 Winter Village Express
This streetcar experience offers singalong holiday music, trivia, stories and more. Five 50-minute trips are available every Sunday evening from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17. Tickets typically sell out well in advance and must be purchased ahead of time online for $10.
Visitors to the Winter Village can also enjoy a whole new schedule of themed days, including:
🧩 Sensory Skate Mondays – The first hour of skating is reserved for guests with special sensory needs.
👕 Theme Skate Night Tuesdays – Lace up your skates and dress up to different themes like Neon Night and Tampa Bay Lightning.
🏅 Street Curling Wednesdays – Enjoy this Winter-favorite activity without the crowds.
⚡ Thunderstruck Thursdays – Celebrate the Bolts with special Lightning-themed activities, food and beverages.
🕺 Silent Disco Fridays – From 7–9 p.m., put on a headset and boogie down to top hits and radio classics.
🎁 Shop Small Saturdays – Celebrate and support the small businesses that make the Winter Village possible.
🧒 TGH Children’s Hospital Sunday Skate – Enjoy family-friendly tunes on the ice.
