Tampa's Santa Fest & Tree Lighting
Visitors can watch a colorful downtown parade and enjoy continuous live entertainment, reindeer games, and make-n-take crafts. Free photos with Santa are available throughout the festivities, alongside food and beverages for purchase. After dark, Tampa's Mayor leads the countdown to illuminate seven Christmas trees before an outdoor family holiday movie screening.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Free admission. Food and beverages are available to purchase on site.
Hours
Parade: 1 p.m.; Santa Fest: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; tree lighting: 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; holiday movie: 6:45 p.m.
Food & Drink
Food and beverages are available to purchase on site.
Parking
Nearby downtown garages and surface lots are available within a short walk.
Pets
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring a blanket or a low-back chair so you can settle in for the free family holiday movie in the park after the trees are lit.
- Park in one of the downtown garages or surface lots nearby, all within a short walk of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
- Keep your dog on a leash the whole time, since only well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at the festival.
- Stay after dark to watch the Mayor lead the countdown that lights the seven Christmas trees, followed by the holiday movie.
- If you sell food, skip applying with a food truck or concession stand and apply only with prepackaged, commercially sealed food items.
Special Events & Promotions
- After the tree lighting, stay for a free family holiday movie in the park.
Links & Contact
Run by City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
Kids can make take-home crafts, play reindeer games, get free photos with Santa and catch the nonstop entertainment, then watch the parade through downtown.
Is there food?
Yes, food and drinks are sold on site.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, as long as your dog is well behaved and on a leash.
What should I bring for the movie?
Blankets and low-back chairs are welcome, so you can settle in after the trees are lit. Grab some popcorn and snuggle up for the free family holiday movie in the park.
How can I join the parade or sell at the festival?
There are separate applications for the parade and for vendors. Food trucks and concession stands aren't being accepted, but sellers of prepackaged, commercially sealed food items can apply.
Browse Christmas in Tampa
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.