It’s time to start planning a merry and bright trip to Tampa if you’re bringing family or friends on the road for the holiday season this year! December is a magical month in the Tampa Bay area. Average Tampa temperatures in December ranging from a high of 73 degrees to a low of 57 degrees Fahrenheit make it easy to enjoy outdoor fun and attractions.
While the temperatures remain warm, the twinkling lights, live music, and festive entertainment bring out the holiday cheer. The best part is that there are so many fun things to do in Tampa Florida in December for all ages if you love food vendors, live entertainment, and festive shows.
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Of course, there’s nothing like building “snowmen” in the sand on a Clearwater Beach Christmas! Dive into our curated list of the most enchanting things to do in Tampa Bay this December!
1) Get In The Holiday Spirit With A Boat Tour
One of the perks of visiting Tampa and Clearwater Beach in December is that the water is just fine! This is a wonderful place to take a boat tour. At The Tropics Boat Tours, we offer year-round Dolphin Exploration Tours and Sunset Celebration Cruises in Tampa Bay Area. Booking a cruise can be a great way to treat your friends or family to an unforgettable gift!
Whether you’re in the mood for one of our daily cruises aboard our double-decker catamaran or you prefer to make private memories aboard a personal charter, you’ll enjoy unparalleled access to wildlife and views. Our incredible itineraries bring you from Clearwater Bay through Clearwater Pass to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As a guest, you’ll enjoy:
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Narration from experienced guides who are ready to teach you about the environment and local dolphin population.
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Spectacular views of the coastline along Tampa Bay! Get your camera ready!
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World-class, luxury boats with all of the latest features and amenities.
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Options to purchase wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks. Ask about our drink packages.
Our experienced guides will teach you all about dolphins and their environment while you enjoy the spectacular views of the coastline. Book a spot for the entire family with The Tropics Boat Tours this December!
Experience A Holiday Wonderland On The Water At The Lighted Boat Parade
As the holiday season unfolds, there’s no better way to get in the festive spirit than by joining us for our Lighted Holiday Boat Parade Cruise. This enchanting experience is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories together. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm on the 14th of December, and with tickets priced at just $35 for adults and $20 for children aged 4-12, it’s an affordable way to celebrate the season.
So gather your loved ones, grab your cameras, and join us for an unforgettable evening on the water. This holiday season, let The Tropics Boat Tours be part of your family traditions, as we celebrate the joy and wonder of the holidays together!
2) Visit Busch Gardens For A Wonderful Time
Looking for family fun in Tampa Bay? The holiday season provides some wild entertainment at Busch Gardens! This park hosts an award-winning holiday event called Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Running from November 15 through January 5, this festive event features nearly 70 miles of dazzling lights spanning the park! Highlights include:
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Santa’s North Pole Experience at Santa’s workshop
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Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
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The Holly Jolly™ Express locomotive experience that brings riders along a track with views of a 65-acre space that’s home to the park’s zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and more
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Special holiday dining experiences offering festive sweets and flavorful hot chocolate
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Live shows and entertainment featuring ice skaters, fireworks, and Christmas-themed entertainment with your favorite Sesame Street® characters
Entry to Christmas Town is included with your day pass to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. All of the park’s regular rides and attractions will be operating as normal during the event.
Don’t miss your chance to see this iconic Tampa Bay park all lit up for the holidays. Put visiting Christmas Town at Busch Gardens on your list of things to do in Tampa in December!
3) Enjoy Ice Skating And Shopping At Winter Village At Curtis Hixon Park
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park features an outdoor ice skating rink. Situated along the famed Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Park comes alive with festive lights, sounds, and entertainment for the holidays from November 22 through January 5. Each reservation gives you 90 minutes of skate time with skate rentals included. Just be sure to make your reservation online before showing up for ice skating!
In addition to the exhilarating ice skating experience, Winter Village offers a delightful array of holiday activities that the whole family can enjoy. The Shops at Winter Village is a unique and festive retail experience featuring boutiques from local vendors. Shoppers can enjoy views of the Hillsborough River as they shop at pop-up shops held in PODS® containers. The layout of the event is reminiscent of winter markets found in major cities around the world. The event will host up to 40 vendors per weekend.
A café will also be set up with food vendors offering cozy, holiday-themed beverage and dining options. You can look forward to crepes, gourmet chocolate, craft cocktails, and more! The atmosphere is truly magical, with twinkling lights and cheerful music creating a winter wonderland right in the heart of Tampa. Don’t forget to snap some photos with the stunning backdrop of the park and the city skyline, making for perfect holiday memories to cherish for years to come.
Pro Tip: To avoid the busiest times, consider visiting during weekday afternoons or early evenings. This way, you can enjoy a more relaxed skating experience and have plenty of time to explore all the festive offerings at Winter Village!
4) Attend Tampa’s Santa Fest And Tree Lighting
Tampa’s famed Santa Fest happens the first weekend in December! In 2024, the event will take place on December 7. Santa Fest also coincides with the big tree lighting in Tampa. Here’s what the itinerary looks like:
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The big parade starts at 1 p.m. at Morgan Street and Madison Street. The route travels west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive before turning north to end at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. If you want the best views, get there early to park your chair along Madison Street.
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Tampa’s official tree lighting ceremony event kicks off at 6 p.m. Prior to the tree lighting up, guests can enjoy a showcase with live music, holiday dancers, and much more live entertainment for all ages!
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Finally, it’s time for the big event! The Tampa tree lighting actually includes seven stunning Christmas trees.
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The evening wraps up with a holiday movie with free admission!
Pro Tip: This is a great option if you’re coming to Tampa for a little getaway in December before jetting off to spend the actual holidays back home. There’s simply no better option for live entertainment and merriment in December in Tampa!
5) Discover Fun Things For The Holidays At The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa turns into something of a Christmas town for sea life during the holiday season! The aquarium creates a fun theme for guests looking for festive things to do in Tampa Bay each year. The theme for 2024 is YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium.
During this immersive event, families, couples, and everyone else can have so much fun exploring coastal holiday traditions from around the globe! Highlights include:
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An official holiday tree made from upcycled beach materials!
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A tree trail in the aquarium’s Aquatic Lounge that showcases uniquely decorated trees nestled in boats.
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Outdoor sand sculptures and other festive photo opportunities!
The Florida Aquarium’s holiday experience runs from November 29 through January 5, transforming the aquarium into a dazzling underwater wonderland that you won’t want to miss!
Pro Tip: Consider purchasing a timed entry ticket online to skip the lines and make the most of your visit!
Plan An Unforgettable December Vacation In Tampa Bay
The twinkling lights of Tampa Bay are waiting to fill your heart with Christmas magic this year! Of course, there’s no gift like treating yourself to a one-of-a-kind dolphin tour, sunset cruise or a lighted boat parade.
The Tropics Boat Tours is here to help you plan a magical and unforgettable experience. Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the best option when you want nothing less than picture-perfect holiday memories.
There’s no need to wait for Santa! Book your boat tour with The Tropics Boat Tours for one of our December dates today!
