Tampa Bay Festival of Lights

Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
Dates: November 27 – December 28, 2025
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds

Join us Nov 27 through Dec 28 for 5 festive weeks of holiday magic! Experience the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village, open daily with gates at 6 PM nightly. This expanded event features over 1.5 million dazzling lights, a nearly 2-mile drive-thru light show, and a festive walk through Santa’s Village, full of rides, holiday treats, crafts, and visits with Santa.

Santa’s Schedule:

Santa will be in his workshop from Nov 27 – Dec 24 and returns to the North Pole on the 25th.
Visit before Christmas Day if you want pictures with Santa!

Santa’s Village & Holiday Market:

Open every day during the festival
Includes a self-guided walking tour of Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village
Santa’s Craft Stations, Facepainting, Holiday Movies & Shorts
Interactive Barnyard and Camel Pen (pet and feed animals, camel rides available)
Holiday Carnival rides (Reindeer Carousel, Candy Cane Swings)
Holiday Market with gifts and crafts
Wine and cider from the local Keel & Curley Winery

Special Nights & Entertainment:

Nov 27–29: Strong and Amazing Aerial Stunt Show with Laura J
Nov 30: Kyndal Wynn
Dec 4–7: Strong and Amazing Aerial Stunt Show with Laura J
Dec 11–14: Dennis Lee Band
Dec 18–24: Dennis Lee Band
Dec 26–28: Ridge Country Band
Dec 4 & 11: Paws & Claus Night – Bring your leashed pets for photos with Santa ($10 donation for printed photo)
Dec 18: Heroes Night – Discounted admission for active/retired Military, Police, Fire, and First Responders ($15/car, show ID at gate)

Traffic & Entrance Info:
While the festival is open daily, special traffic patterns are in place on select high-attendance nights:

Nov 28–29, Dec 5–6, Dec 12–13, Dec 19–20, Dec 22–28
Traffic directions and patterns will help manage entry/exit efficiently on these nights
Click on "Get tickets" to see the calendar. Please click on the date to see the exact hours for gate and village!

Tickets:

Prices are per carload (minibus and charter bus passes available, bus not included)
Cars: $30 (drive-thru + Santa’s Village), $25 (drive-thru only, max 8 people)
Mini Bus & Charter Bus options available
Season Pass: $75 (valid all days, purchaser must be present with ID)
Group discounts for 20+ cars
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable