TAMPA, Fla. — It's the most wonderful time of the year: the holidays are upon Tampa Bay once again, and the area is gearing up for some seasonal cheer. From parades to light viewing to holiday markets, residents and visitors can take part in the festive fun. Take a look at what's happening in your area.

Click the links for additional details on each event. 

Citrus County

• Winter Waterland 
  Dec. 13 -14; 20-21, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
  Festivities include a candy cane forest, an underwater mermaid performance, and an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Take a festive stroll through the park, lit up with holiday lights.
  
  
• Celebration of Light 
  Dec. 17 – 23, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
  The community can expect to see different entertainment and refreshments nightly. Enjoy “Sebastian’s Winter Wonderland,” a synchronized light, sound show and more.
  
  
• Free Kids' Holiday Party at the Museum 
  Dec. 21, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum
  The party will include holiday crafts, games, prizes and dancing. The event is for ages 5 and up. Parental supervision is required for the duration of the event. Spaces are limited, so preregister by calling in advance at (352) 341-6428.
  
  
• Christmas Speakeasy
  Dec. 15 and 22, 5 p.m. -7 p.m. | Storm Distillery
  Enjoy some holiday magic, featuring themes from “The Night Before Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol.” Bring a wrapped $5 gift for a White Elephant event.

Hernando County

• Breakfast With Santa 
  Dec. 21, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Hernando County YMCA
  Bring the family out for breakfast with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself. A holiday photo station also will be available.
  
  
• Winter Wonderland Market
  Dec. 22, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Harvest Christian Church
  Enjoy ornament decorating, a bounce house, pictures with Santa, and an array of vendors at this holiday event.
  
  
• 2nd Annual Family Sensory Christmas Celebration 
  Dec. 19, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Hernando Park
  This event is designed to create an inclusive holiday experience for families with children of all abilities, especially those with sensory sensitivities. There will be low-sensory activities, quiet zones, and a craft market.
  
  
• Santa’s Christmas Trail
  Now – Dec. 21, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Marine Corps League Detachment 708
  See thousands of Christmas lights and walk through Candy Land, Santa’s Workshop and much more.

Hillsborough County

• 2024 Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village 
  Now  – Dec. 29 | Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
  Families can travel over 2 miles through seasonal and Florida-themed light displays and a drive-thru animated light tunnel. Guests can also enjoy themed holiday rides, activities, holiday movies and shopping.
  
  
• Winter Village in Curtis Hixon Park
  Now  – Jan. 5 | Curtis Hixon Park
  Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink will feature holiday shopping and treats. Guests can meet Santa on select nights.
  
  
• River of Lights 
  Now – Dec. 30 | Pirate Water Taxi – Downtown Tampa
  River of Lights takes guests on a Christmas cruise down the Hillsborough River, where there will be views of Tampa’s festive decorations. The cruise is held on select nights.
  
  
• Victorian Christmas Stroll 
  Now – Dec. 31, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum
  The Victorian Christmas Stroll is a holiday tradition that offers a glimpse into Christmas past. Decorations include visitor favorites and new displays, with complimentary cookies and holiday music adding to the atmosphere.

Manatee County

• Manatee River Boat Parade 
  Dec. 14, 6 p.m. | Manatee River, between the De Soto and Green Bridges
  A dazzling array of decorated boats will cruise along the Manatee River to bring in some festive cheer.
  
  
• North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum 
  Now – Dec. 22 | Florida Railroad Museum
  Guests will travel 30 minutes to the North Pole, where Santa is waiting. There will also be games, hayrides and crafts upon arrival.
  
  
• Holiday Fun Land 
  Dec. 20 – 22; Friday at 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. | Sutton Park
  This event features a 30-foot snowman, train rides, a scavenger hunt, live music and vendors.

Pasco County

• Celebration of Lights at the Concourse 
  Now – Dec. 30 | 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills
  Drive one mile through a display of holiday lights at the Concourse in Shady Hill’s annual Celebration of Lights event. You can also park to board a mini train over to Safety Town, a miniature town decorated with lights. It’s $25 per carload.
  
  
• Raprager Family Farms Holiday Hoedown 
  Now – Dec. 22 | Raprager Family Farms
  Stroll through Christmas lights and décor around the farm while enjoying live entertainment, photo ops with Santa, farm animal viewing, and more.
  
  
• Snowcat Ridge 
  Now – March 2 | 27839 Saint Joe Rd. Dade City
  At the Tampa Bay area's only alpine snow park, guests can experience snow tubing, ice skating, photos with Santa Claus, story time with Mrs. Claus, a Peppermint Play Zone, a scavenger hunt, and a variety of themed food and beverages.

Pinellas County

• Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides at Largo Central Park 
  Now – Dec. 29, 5 – 10 p.m. | Largo Central Park
  The family-friendly tradition at Largo Central Park will feature a spectacular holiday light display of over two million LED lights. There will also be a carousel and a seven-story Ferris wheel. Rides are $6 each or 10 for $50.  It is free to park and stroll among the Christmas lights.
  
  
• Unchant: Christmas With a Florida Twist 
  Now – Jan. 13 | FloridaRAMA
  Find clues to a mysterious narrative, go on an immersive scavenger hunt & enjoy the work of over 75 local and international artists.
  
  
• Holiday Lights in the Gardens 
  Nov 29-Jan 4 | 5:30-9:30pm | Florida Botanical Gardens
  Enjoy one million twinkling lights, vibrant lasers, and lighted figures in a dazzling display. 
  
  
• North Greenwood Holiday Social 
  Dec. 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | North Greenwood Recreation Center
  Enjoy a festive holiday celebration featuring games, prizes, hot cocoa, crafts and fun for the whole family. Santa will be joining in on the fun.
  
  
• Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 
  Dec. 21, 7 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall
  Get ready for a night of aerial feats and acrobatics as Cirque Musica puts on a performance for the holiday season.
  
  
• Chabad of Clearwater Hanukkah Celebration
  Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m. | Coachman Park
  The celebration will feature the Simply Tsfat band from Israel, a surprise-themed menorah, cotton candy, caricaturist, Thunderbug meet-and-greet, Clearwater Fire Department Gelt Drop, elected officials, delicious latkes and donuts and a dreidel hunt.

Polk County

• Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale
  Now – Dec. 29, 6 – p.m. (Sunday - Thursday); 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Friday – Sunday) | 1052 US-92, Auburndale
  Families can drive through to see a Christmas light display and visit Santa’s Village at the end. Santa’s Village features rides, entertainment, a visit with Santa, and holiday activities for children and adults of all ages. Visitors are also encouraged to bring a toy for Toys for Tots.
  
  
• Winterfest and Christmas Parade in Davenport 
  Dec. 14, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Tom Fellows Community Center
  The Christmas parade staging will take place at the Lewis Mathews Complex and will finish at the Tom Fellows Community Center. Guests can enjoy viewing floats, festive lights, and a visit from Santa.
  
  
• Holiday Night Market in Downtown Lakeland 
  Dec. 14 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Munn Park
  The event will feature over 150 creatives, artists, and makers, as well as live music and specialty food and drinks.
  
  
• Mistletoe Market in Bartow 
  Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Downtown Bartow
  Local vendors will be offering unique gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. Downtown merchants will be open, creating a festive atmosphere for everyone.