TAMPA, Fla. — With the holiday season right around the corner, many places around the Tampa Bay area already have their Christmas decorations up.
Whether you want a drive-thru or walking experience, there's something for everyone at the dozens of events through the next month. Many experiences are immersive with dazzling lights, shopping opportunities and the chance to enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate.
Here's where you can get into the holiday spirit:
- Dates: Nov. 15-Jan. 5
- Price: Included with park admission
- What it is: 70 miles of lights throughout the entire park with specialty holiday foods, shows and the opportunity to meet Santa and Rudolph
- Dates: Nov. 28-Dec. 29
- Price: $25 car pass on days when Santa's Village is closed, $30 when it's open
- Where: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
- What it is: Two-mile drive-thru immersive experience of continuous light features followed by a walking visit to Santa's Village with holiday goodies
- Dates: Nov. 22-Jan. 5
- Price: Free but additional activities, such as ice skating, cost more
- Where: 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa
- What it is: A light show, ice skating, curling and a pop-up market. There is also a Winter Village Express, a TECO Line Streetcar, to take people from the Winter Village to Ybor and back. It will feature sing-along songs, trivia and milk and cookies, costing $10.
- Dates: Nov. 22-Jan. 4
- Price: Free
- Where: 6299 W Waters Ave., Tampa
- What is it: The fast-food chain displays millions of Christmas lights every year for visitors to see.
- Dates: Nov. 15-Christmas
- Price: Free
- Where: Downtown Tampa
- What is it: There is live music on Saturday and Sunday nights aside from the trees decked out in lights and other festive decorations.
- Date: Dec. 21 at 6:15 p.m.
- Price: Free but there's a VIP section that is $85 that includes a special seat, drink ticket and more
- Where: Riverwalk in Tampa
- What is it: Tampa's largest lighted boat parade
- Dates: Select November and December
- Price: $29.95
- Where: ZooTampa
- What is it: Light displays, holiday treats and animal experiences
- Dates: Nov. 30-Jan 1
- Price: Free
- Where: North Staub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park and the St. Pete Pier
- What it is: Thousands of holiday lights and decorations
- Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 24 from 6-10 p.m.
- Price: $10-12 per person
- Where: Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
- What it is: Millions of lights with Christmas trees and, entertainment and a light maze
- Dates: Select nights from Nov. 29-Dec. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Price: $9.50
- Where: SunKissed Acres in Dover
- What it is: An outdoor walking trail decorated with lights featuring pictures with Santa and hot chocolate
- Dates: Wednesdays through Sundays from Nov. 30-Dec. 22
- Price: Free but they ask visitors to bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy to be donated
- Where: 201 N Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater
- What it is: Trees are decorated with lights, there is an entertainment stage, photos with Santa and cookie decorating.
