Pinellas County’s Holiday Happenings: A Festive Guide for Locals, Visitors & Snowbirds
Celebrate the season with lighted boat parades, markets, concerts, and magical holiday traditions all across the Gulf Coast.
The holiday season shines especially bright in Pinellas County, where twinkling lights, waterfront celebrations, concerts, markets, and parades create a festive atmosphere from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a winter visitor, or a snowbird settling in for the season, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s your guide to the most enchanting holiday events happening across the county and beyond.
Ongoing Holiday Attractions
Holiday Lights in the Garden — Nov. 28 – Jan. 3
A beloved tradition returns to Florida Botanical Gardens, transforming the grounds into a dazzling walk-through wonderland of lights, music, and holiday scenes. Perfect for families and date nights.
Holiday Shows & Performances
Cirque Dreams Holidaze — Nov. 29 | The Mahaffey Theater
A high-energy holiday spectacular featuring acrobatics, music, costumes, and theatrical magic.
Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Motown Holiday Party — Dec. 2
Celebrate the holidays with classic Motown hits performed live in a festive musical tribute.
Vienna Light Orchestra — Dec. 10 | The Mahaffey Theater
A glow-filled holiday concert experience featuring orchestral arrangements of seasonal favorites.
A Very Broadway Christmas — Dec. 21 | The Mahaffey Theater
A holiday revue packed with show tunes and festive flair.
A Drag Queen Christmas — Dec. 22 | The Mahaffey Theater
A joyful, campy, and wildly entertaining holiday performance that’s become a fan favorite.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas — Dec. 24 | The Vinoy
A charming Christmas Eve event at one of St. Pete’s most iconic hotels.
NUTCRACKER! — Dec. 28 | The Mahaffey Theater
A fresh and spirited take on the holiday classic.
In the Mood for New Year’s Day with the Glenn Miller Orchestra — Jan. 1
Kick off the new year with big band nostalgia from one of America’s most iconic orchestras.
Holiday Markets, Shopping & Seasonal Festivals
Shopapalooza — Nov. 29–30
A massive waterfront holiday market featuring hundreds of local makers, artists, and food vendors.
Holiday Sip & Shop — Dec. 5 | Downtown Safety Harbor
Shop small, sip local, and stroll downtown as merchants host festive evening specials.
Merry Beach Market & Holiday Festival — Dec. 12–13
Enjoy coastal holiday shopping, live entertainment, and beautiful beach views.
St. Pete Beach Mistletoe Market — Dec. 13
A charming holiday market ideal for finding unique, beachy gifts.
St. Pete Indie Holiday Festival — Dec. 21
A favorite for art lovers and handmade gift hunters at the holidays.
Santa Visits, Family Fun & Festive Runs
St. Pete Beach Breakfast with Santa — Dec. 13
A cheerful holiday morning for families with Santa, treats, and photo ops.
Boley Centers’ 43rd Annual Jingle Bell Run — Dec. 13
A festive night run through downtown St. Pete with Christmas lights, music, and costumes.
Angel Tree Toy Run — Dec. 13
A charitable ride supporting families in need during the holidays.
Lighted Boat Parades: A Florida Holiday Staple
The waterways light up each December with these beloved floating festivals:
St. Pete Beach Boat Parade & Tree Lighting — Dec. 5CANCELLED due to lack of participation- City of South Pasadena Boat Parade Watch Party — Dec. 12
- BCYC’s 39th Christmas Boat Parade (Gulfport) — Dec. 13
- Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Boat Parade — Dec. 13
- Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade — Dec. 20
- Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Boat Parade — Dec. 20
- Downtown St. Pete Lighted Boat Parade — Dec. 21
New Year’s Celebrations
ReliaQuest Bowl Beach Day — Dec. 29
Festive fun on Clearwater Beach leading up to the big game.
ReliaQuest Bowl — Dec. 31
A New Year’s Eve football tradition with fans from around the country.
Vinoy Centennial NYE Celebration — Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year at one of St. Pete’s grandest venues.
New Year’s Eve at the St. Pete Pier — Dec. 31
Live music, fireworks, food, and waterfront views for a perfect send-off to 2025.
From sparkling boat parades to festive markets, live performances to glowing gardens, Pinellas County offers endless ways to celebrate the holidays. Bundle up (lightly—it is Florida!), gather your loved ones, and let the season shine. 🌟