Friends of the Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Presented by Manthey Hospitality
If you’re looking for the perfect way to soak up the holiday season in Tampa, you have to check out the Friends of the Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular. We look forward to this every year, and honestly, it just keeps getting better. Starting November 30, 2025, all the way through January 2, 2026, the Riverwalk basically turns into Tampa’s most festive waterfront runway, complete with floating light displays, glowing trees, and photo ops that practically beg to be posted.
Consider this your excuse to grab a hot cocoa, take a stroll, and let the lights do the rest.
What We Love Along the Way
Here are some of our favorite displays you won’t want to miss:
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The 35-foot LED Christmas tree floating in the harbor — it’s kind of the star of the show.
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The 30-foot LED panel tree in front of The Sail Pavilion lights up perfectly to music. We recommend grabbing a bite or drink from The Sail and just watching the lights do their thing.
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Lighted garland and red bows all along the Riverwalk. Simple, classic, and always festive.
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The holiday selfie station at Water Works Park. Our pro tip: go right at sunset for the best lighting.
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The gazebo at Water Works Park is all decked out for the season.
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Those grand oaks in Water Works Park dripping with thousands of twinkling lights — it feels like stepping into a holiday movie.
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The floating gingerbread display, toy train, and teddy on a toy horse near the Laurel Street Bridge. These are super cute and a hit with kids.
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The pirate-themed displays by Water Works Park — a 22-foot pirate ship, a 14-foot pirate ship, a sword fight, and even a pirate with a spyglass and treasure chest. Only in Tampa do pirates crash Christmas, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
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The floating pine tree forest near Curtis Hixon Park. It’s one of our favorite spots for a peaceful moment.
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The penguin trio sliding down an igloo near Curtis Hixon Park. This one always gets a laugh — they look like they’re having the time of their lives.
And don’t forget to wander into the hotels, bars, and restaurants along the way. They always go all-out with their holiday lights. We suggest making a night of it — grab dinner, take a stroll, grab a drink, take another stroll. You get the idea.
