Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Winter Village On Tap In Tampa

TAMPA, FL — Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen Saturday, Dec. 18, along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa.

More than 100 decorated boats will parade up the Hillsborough River starting at 6 p.m. at the southern tip of Davis Islands, through the Convention Center basin and up the river to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf where judging will occur.

Judges are pairs from Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The first-, second- and third-place winners of the sailboat and motorboat competitions will each receive a trophy.

Afterward, head to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa as the annual holiday Winter Village continues.

Hosted by The Tampa Downtown Partnership, the winter wonderland features a 5,000-square-foot ice-skating rink at Curtis Hixon Park, which is open seven days a week. Tickets for $17 must be bought online in advance, and reservations are subject to weather and rink conditions.

The three-time Stanley Cup champs, the Tampa Bay Lighting, have joined this year's celebration with a Tampa Bay Lighting-themed 360-degree holiday light show with illuminated trees synchronized to music.

Also new this year, the festivities are expanding to Lykes Gaslight Square Park.

"Sweet Street at The Square" will feature Sweet Mama's Ice Cream shop along with lighting displays, local shopping and other activities every Sunday.

"We are growing the celebrations throughout downtown Tampa and creating a destination that everyone can enjoy for the entire holiday season," said Lynda Remund, president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. "We're also happy to support our small businesses who can help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list."

Another fan favorite, the Winter Village Express has returned this year. The family-friendly excursion takes families from downtown's Whiting Station to Ybor City and back on the TECO Line Streetcar. The one-hour trip features a holiday sing-along, holiday trivia, milk and cookies, and some surprises. The Winter Village Express has its final run on Dec. 19. Tickets are $10 with children 2 and under riding for free. Click here for tickets.

Other activities include:

• Random appearances by Santa.
• The Curtis Hixon Choo-Choo, a 12-seat, three-car trackless train, will make 10-minute loops around the park during the nightly light show at Winter Village, sponsored by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
• Kahwa Coffee will offer hot and iced beverages while Icicles Craft Kitchen and Cocktails will serve up food and holiday spirits and Whatever Pops will offer handcrafted ice pops.
• Shops at Winter Village include Apartment No. 3, Don Me Now, Plante La Vie, Pop Shoppe, The Main Ingredient, The Modern Paws and Unlock Tampa Bay.

What You Need To Know

Parking is available for a nominal rate at multiple locations adjacent to Winter Village presented, including the William F. Poe Parking Garage north of Curtis Hixon Park. Click here for a full list of options.

Those attending are encouraged to park and then walk to destinations along the Tampa Riverwalk or travel to the Winter Village by Pirate Water Taxi, Coast Bike Share or e-scooter. See Getting Around.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Tampa Riverwalk, downtown parks, the dog park adjacent to Winter Village and Winter Village event areas. Dogs are not allowed on the ice rink.

Winter Village is free to attend and is open to all ages. The shops and café area feature specialty goods, food and drink for purchase. The ice rink requires paid admission to skate and for ice skating rentals.