Tampa Top 10 - December 2025

ORNAMENT MAKING

Dec. 4, 6 p.m. at The Dali. In this hands-on workshop, you will create your own surreal ornaments featuring imagery inspired by the latest special exhibition, “Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí.” Register in advance. thedali.org

HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE

Dec. 20. The parade kicks off at 6:15 p.m. near the Lighthouse off Davis Islands, cruising past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center. From there, large boats will end, while smaller boats continue upriver ending near Armature Works. Free viewing along the Riverwalk. thetampariverwalk.com

CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD

Select nights throughout December at ZooTampa. Featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delicious holiday treats, amazing wildlife, seasonal entertainment, and new festive adventures. Included with a ZooTampa Membership or day ticket. No reservations needed. zootampa.org

WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Wheel of Fortune LIVE! brings America’s favorite game to the stage for a special Holiday edition! The game show has been adapted into a stage show where randomly selected guests get the chance to win over 500 prizes! rutheckerdhall.com

WINTER VILLAGE

Through Dec. 24 from noon – 10 p.m. daily. Winter Village has transformed Curtis Hixon Park and the surrounding Riverwalk into an immersive holiday experience that includes an open-air ice skating rink, unique food & drink options, nightly 360-degree light shows, and weekly events. wintervillagetampa.com

LES MISERABLES

Dec. 10 – 14 at the Straz Center. Set against the backdrop of 19thcentury France, Les Misérables tells the story of Jean Valjean, who, for decades, has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, and agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter. strazcenter.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dec. 5 – 23 at the Straz Center. The show comes to life as a live 1940s radio play, complete with holiday music and clever sound effects. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge unfolds in a nostalgic evening of ghosts, redemption, and festive storytelling. strazcenter.org

DOLLY ‘S SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dec. 22 & 23 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, this musical reinvents Dickens’ classic in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee of the 1930s, with Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town. rutheckerdhall.com

CLASSIC MOVIES

At Tampa Theatre. Sing-Along “White Christmas” (1954) at 3 p.m. on Dec. 7; “Elf” (2003) at 3 p.m. on Dec. 14; “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) Dec. 19-23; and “Love Actually” (2003) at 3 p.m. on Dec. 28. Purchase tickets online. tampatheatre.org

NEW YEARS EVE

Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Ring in 2026 with a dazzling fireworks celebration over the Hillsborough River, featuring prime viewing spots along the Riverwalk and at Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi. Welcome in the new year with sparkle! VIP opportunities available for purchase. thetampariverwalk.com