Tis the season to welcome the warmth and love of family and friends, and to partake in the holiday traditions we hold close. Here in the Clearwater, Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg area there is much to see and do. This is especially the case during the holidays.
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater & Tampa Bay is a vital part of the community and we embrace local events taking place in honor of the season. With this in mind, we have put together 12 days of local Christmas traditions list much like the beloved 12 days of Christmas, highlighting some of the holiday events going on in our area.
12/01/17 — Oldsmar Christmas Wonderland
The City of Oldsmar is transforming R.E. Olds Park into a Christmas Wonderland Friday, 12/01, from 6 pm – 9 pm! There will be a giant snow slope, inflatables, pictures with Santa, concessions, and a showing of the Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The event is free and you can learn more at www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/events-calendar/oldsmar-christmas-wonderland.
12/01/17 — Safety Harbor Tree Lighting
Enjoy the lighting of Safety Harbor’s giant Christmas tree. Choirs will warm up the crowd for a visit from Santa Claus. The fun starts at 11 a.m. at the John Wilson Park Gazebo.
12/02/17 — Miracle on Cleveland Street
This free and family-friendly festival will transform downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street into a winter wonderland complete with falling snow, a skating rink, horse and carriage rides, pictures with Santa, carolers from the Clearwater Chorus, a giant gingerbread house and much more! This event is from 5 pm – 10:00 pm.
12/01/17 — Holiday in the Park
Celebrate the holidays at Pinellas Park’s Holiday in the Park! This free event starts at 5:30 pm on 12/01, at England Brothers Park. This community-wide family event will feature children’s games, entertainment, photos with Santa, hayrides, children’s train ride and much more!
12/08/17 — St. Pete Beach Boat Parade
Head down to St. Pete Beach to watch lighted boats parade through the waterways. The parade viewing party starts at 6 p.m. in Horan Park and includes music, hot chocolate, art projects for children, and a special visit from Santa. Admission is free.
12/09/17 — Pinellas Park Christmas Parade
This annual event is steeped in Christmas tradition. Watch as festive floats parade down the streets of Pinellas Park starting at 6 pm. Visit their website to view the spectator map and get more information.
12/09/17 — Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade
The Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade is an annual holiday parade that weaves through downtown Tarpon Springs starting at 10 a.m. This year’s parade route begins at Manatee Plaza and goes north on E. Lemon Street, then south on Ring Ave and finishes its last leg on Tarpon Ave. all the way to Spring Bayou.
12/09/17 — Candy Cane Hunt Following the Tarpon Springs Parade
After the Annual Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade in downtown Tarpon Springs (approximately 11:30 a.m.), stick around and head to Craig Park for the annual Candy Cane Hunt. This event is free and children up to age 12 can hunt for the lucky candy cane. There will also be crafts, music and a visit from Santa.
12/09/17 — Clearwater Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
This beloved annual event in Clearwater promises fun for the entire family! Festively decorated boats will parade past Coachman Park around 8 p.m. From there, the fleet will cruise under the Memorial Causeway Bridge turning into the Clearwater Marina Channel before navigating to the Clearwater Yacht Club. This event is free.
12/09/17 — Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting
Dunedin’s annual waterfront celebration will feature boats parading through the Marina at approximately 7 pm. The event also features holiday music and s’mores while waiting for Santa to arrive by boat to lead the countdown in the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree. This event is free and takes place at Dunedin Marina / Edgewater Park.
12/09/17 — St. Petersburg’s Illuminated Boat Parade
Spend the evening enjoying the 30th annual parade hosted by the St. Pete Rotary Club. Boats decorated for the holidays will light up Tampa Bay near downtown St. Pete. This free and family-friendly event begins at 6:30 pm. Parade-goers can get a good look all along the waterfront with the best spots will be near Albert Whitted Airport, Spa Beach, Vinoy Yacht Basin and Vinoy Park.
12/17/17 — Redington Beach & Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade
Decorated boats donned in their holiday best will pass through the intra-coastal waterways from the Tom Stuart Causeway to The Pub restaurant in Indian Shores. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m and is free and family-friendly!
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater & Tampa Bay would also like to remind you to not forget the traditions of the season closer to home, as well. Whether it is spending time with family and friends, hosting a holiday celebration or just relishing in the ambiance and joy this time of year brings — Enjoy!
