Tampa Santa Fest, Tree Lighting 2015: What You Need to Know

Tampa Bay area residents hoping to get into the holiday spirit need only take a trip downtown this weekend.

The city of Tampa’s tree lighting takes place Friday, followed by Santa Fest and the downtown Tampa Christmas Parade Saturday and the Menorah Lighting Ceremony Sunday.

Here’s what folks need to know before they go:

Tree Lighting Ceremony

This event takes place at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. The 10-piece horn band Late Night Brass will entertain.

The Buckhorn family is expected to light the city’s 30-foot tree around 7:50 p.m. One the tree is lit, “A Christmas Story” will be shown in the park at no cost.

Santa Fest

The city’s 34th annual Santa Fest and Christmas Parade are set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 5. While the parade steps off at 11 a.m. at Madison and Pierce Streets, viewers are encouraged to arrive by 9 a.m.

The parade will head west on Madison, turn north on Ashley Drive and end at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The city says the best viewing is along Madison Street from Pierce to Tampa.

Santa Fest follows the parade with music, a visit from Santa, make-and-take crafts and more. The fun continues until 4 p.m.

The city’s parking suggestions include:

• Royal Street, 1200 N. Tampa St.
• Jackson Street, at the corner of East Kennedy Boulevard and Jackson Street
• The Ft. Brooke Garage, 107 N. Franklin St.

Menorah Lighting

The event takes place at City Hall Plaza in downtown Tampa at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit the city’s website.

Photo courtesy of the City of Tampa Facebook page