2017 Tampa Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade: What To Know

TAMPA, FL – With the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park already in full swing, the City of Tampa officially will welcome the holiday season.

Between Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2, three of Tampa’s wintertime traditions will take place: The annual Christmas Tree Lighting, the 36th Annual Downtown Christmas Parade and Santa Fest.

The holiday events will bring revelers to downtown Tampa to join in the fun at the Winter Village. Here’s what area residents and visitors need to know before you go to the 2017 Christmas events in Tampa:

Tampa’s Tree Lighting 2017

Tampa’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on the first Friday in December. This year’s event takes place on Friday, Dec. 1 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a live performance from the Late Night Brass. Magic 94.9 once again will host their Secret Santa Giveaway at the Tree Lighting.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will host the countdown to the tree lighting. The Tree Lighting always features a movie in the park; but this year, it coincides with the Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics Movie Series. The series moved to the Winter Village with the theater undergoing restoration. The Polar Express will be shown after the ceremony at 8 p.m.

The Winter Village also will be open during the festivities, with shopping, ice skating and concessions. Blankets, low-back chairs, coolers and dogs on leashes are permitted. Glass and alcohol are prohibited.

Admission is free.

2017 Downtown Tampa Christmas Parade

The 36th Annual Downtown Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m.

The parade will start at the corner of Morgan and Madison streets, then travel west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive. It will turn north on Ashley and end at Cass Street. According to the City of Tampa, the best viewing is along Madison Street.

The annual Christmas Parade doubles as the kickoff for Tampa’s Santa Fest, which takes place immediately after the parade.

2017 Santa Fest

Tampa’s Santa Fest takes place Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon to 4 p.m. in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Surrounded by Winter Village, Santa Fest features free photos with Santa Claus, continuous holiday entertainment, make-n-take holiday crafts and hands-on games and activities.

The Winter Village also will be open during Santa Fest, featuring shopping, ice skating and concessions.

For more information, visit www.tampagov.net.

Image via City of Tampa Government Facebook page