Annual Winter Village, Skating Rink Open At Curtis Hixon Park

TAMPA, FL — The holiday season has returned to downtown Tampa with the annual Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park featuring a riverfront ice skating rink and a nightly light show set to holiday music.

Hosted by the Tampa Downtown Partnership at the park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Winter Village runs runs through Jan. 3. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Christmas Eve hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Christmas Day hours are 4 to 10 p.m.

The rink will have extended hours Dec. 23-Jan. 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

New this year is the Winter Village Choo-Choo, a 12-seat, three-car trackless train making 10-minute loops around the park during the light show. Train cars will be limited to one family at a time and will be sanitized between rides. It runs from 6 to 9 p.m.

The 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink will operate at half capacity, and tickets must be bought online in advance to eliminate ticket lines. All skaters must wear masks, and ground decals will help them follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets for the skating rink are $15 and are available now here.

You do not need a ticket to experience Winter Village. In addition to free rides on the Winter Village Choo-Choo, visitors can browse local goods at the Shops at the Winter Village and sample festive food and drink available for purchase Cafe at Winter Village. This year's vendors are Icicles Craft Kitchen, Kahwa Coffee and Whatever Pops.

Each night there will be a light show accompanied by holiday music from 6 to 10 p.m.

Special events include:

Holiday Tales with Bob & Gretchen

These free family shows will be in the heart of Winter Village each Sunday through Dec. 20 at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Letters with Mrs. Claus

Write and mail your letter to Santa right at Winter Village. Mrs. Claus will be on hand to help children write the perfect letter, pose for festive photos and answer questions about the “big man” himself. Children can also drop off their letters. Mrs. Claus will visit Winter Village through Dec. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Santa Sightings

He’s making a list and checking it twice, but not before making a few surprise visits to Winter Village. Stay tuned to the @WinterVillageTampa Facebook and Instagram pages for clues as to when you might catch a glimpse of the man in red. Bring your camera and prepare for a socially distanced Santa experience.

All hours subject to weather and rink conditions. You will be sent an email if your ice skating reservation must be rescheduled.

Visit Facebook Page for real-time updates.