15 places to see Christmas lights in the Tampa Bay area

Places to see Christmas lights in the Tampa Bay Area

Symphony in Lights: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, displays its annual light show, featuring more than 250,000 LED lights choreographed to the music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra and holiday favorites. It’s open daily at 6 p.m. through Dec. 31, and admission is free.

 Christmas Town: The family-friendly event has returned to Busch Gardens and runs through Dec. 31. The show will feature more than a million twinkling lights, Christmas-themed entertainment, a “Christmas Time Tree Show,” music by the Holiday Hills Band, photos with Santa and treats and shopping

Holiday Lights In the Gardens: Take a leisurely Christmas walk through Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. The gardens will feature more than 750,000 twinkling lights, lasers, animated figures and entertainers lining the trails. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a decorated gazebo on select nights, and added this year is a six-and-a-half foot tall snowman and his family. A $4 donation is suggested.

Lowry Park Zoo celebrates the holidays with more than a million twinkling lights, Santa (through Dec. 23), reindeer and reindeer games, unlimited rides and more

Oakdale Christmas House: This home display was once named one of the top-three Christmas lights displays in the U.S. by the “Today Show” and has appeared on HGTV. More than half a million lights, including a 70-foot-tall Christmas tree and more than 700 animated or moving objects will be on display, 6-10 p.m., every night until Jan. 3. Admission is free. The house is located at 2719 Oakdale St. S. in St. Petersburg.

 Celebration of Lights: On select evenings through Dec. 27, Safety Town at the Concourse will feature a 1-mile scenic drive through animated light displays, plus an interactive game and holiday music for inside the car. The cost is $20 per car and $40 per 14-passenger van. Proceeds will benefit charitable organizations. The display is located at 15325 Alric Pottberg Road in Spring Hill.

Rawls Road Lights: This multi-home display in the Carrollwood area has been a holiday tradition for more than 15 years and has been featured on HGTV. It features a walk-through area (which may not be open until later in the season), and a display that’s visible from the street featuring a light show synced to music, inflatable decorations and thousands of lights. Located at 5118 Rawls Road in Tampa, the display is open daily through Jan. 1, dark-9 p.m. Admission is free (donations accepted).

Victorian Christmas Stroll: Downtown Tampa is a scenic backdrop for the Christmas exhibit at Henry B. Plant Museum on the University of Tampa campus (401 W. Kennedy Blvd.). It features thousands of lights, hundreds of feet of garland, Christmas trees, vintage fashions, antique toy decorations, live music and more. It opens Tuesday at 10 a.m. and runs through Dec. 23. Admission is $15, $13, and $9.

River of Lights Christmas Cruises: Yacht Starship is hosting their annual holiday cruise taking place on select evenings in December. Departing at 6:30 p.m. each night, the River of Lights Christmas Cruise will take guests on an elegant cruise on the Hillsborough River where dozens of buildings and bridges will light up the holiday night sky. There will also be a chorus of carolers on board as well as a traditional holiday buffet, appearances from Santa, hot chocolate, and more. Admission for adults is $59.95 plus, $1 port fee & tax; children are $29.95, plus $1 port fee & tax.

Bright Nights: Glazer Children’s Museum is transformed into an enchanted land of lights with exhibit areas lit up and in tune with the holiday classics. The exhibit, which runs through Dec. 18, includes exclusive playtime and an evening the entire family will enjoy. Admission is $15 ($10 for museum members). The museum is located at 110 Gasparilla Plaza in Tampa.

Homosassa Christmas lights display is set to flash in time to music, which visitors can hear by tuning to 98.9 FM. The house is located at 3930 S. Swan Terrace in Homosassa.'The Griswold Family

Downtown St. Petersburg: After dinner on Beach Drive or shopping at Sundial, stroll through Straub Park’s walkway adorned by thousands of lights and a collection of giant greeting cards. The display will be up until Jan. 1. Admission is free.

Waterfront Lights and Display

While you stroll along the pedestrian walkway of St. Petersburg’s waterfront, see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North and South Straub Parks including the unique snowflake lights. Don’t miss the Giant Greeting Card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park made by local teens at St. Petersburg’s Recreation Centers. Lights and decorations by City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation. 

Santa & Ice Skating in North Straub Park

Visit Santa in the Park and go “glice” skating on a simulated ice rink in North Straub Park. Both activities typically are from 6 to 9 p.m. on the following dates: December 5 & 6, 9 through 13, and 17 through 23. Skating is $5 for 30 minute sessions. Santa visits are free. Camera’s allowed. 

Disney Osborne dancing lights at Hollywood studios- This is the last year that they are doing it and its magical I highly suggest to everyone to see it once in your life. Its truly the most magical experience. 

Magic Kingdom also has Mickey's Very merry Christmas for the younger age children its full of fun. Dance party with characters and much more. The castle is so beautiful this time of year. A must see in Florida.