2024 Tampa Bay Christmas and Holiday Parades
When it comes to the holidays, one of the most anticipated events are Christmas and Holiday parades in the Tampa area. Whether it’s the traditional street parade or illuminated boat parades, it’s always a very festive event for all to enjoy.
Parades usually include floats, cars, bands, entertainment, candy and lots of fun! Here are some quick tips to help you navigate the popular parade season.
Family-Friendly Tips for Christmas and Holiday Parades:
- Visit the parade route before the day of the event and determine where you’ll be able to park.
- Want a great spot? You may need to arrive up to two hours early for a close spot to the parade route.
- Be prepared to walk. You may have to park further away in order to access the route.
- Bring your own seating. If you arrive early, you’ll be able to stake a great spot for blankets or lawn chairs.
- Bring water and snacks for the family. This will help to alleviate some stress and tantrums.
- Bring cash. You may need to pay for parking and a lot of times, parades usually have holiday festivals to continue the celebration.
- Have fun! Dress up and take lots of pictures. These are memories your family will always remember.
Street Parades
1. Santa Fest & Christmas Parade at Curtis Hixon Park
The 2024 Santa Fest is back at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park followed by the annual Tampa Tree Lighting.
Join the fun on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The parade steps off at 1 p.m. beginning at Morgan Street and Madison Street. It travels west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive, turns north and ends at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. Best viewing is along Madison Street.
2. Mainstreet Zephyrhills Christmas Parade at Festival of Lights
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 4-9 p.m.Â
38537 5th Ave, Zephyrhills,
Main Street Festival of Lights Parade is the highlight of the event which begins at 4 p.m., a fun-filled day & night for the whole family. There will be live local entertainment, lots of food, merchandise, and craft vendors to choose from at the event.
3. 51st Annual Pinellas Park Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 6-8 p.m.Â
5800 Park Blvd N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781-3250, United States
4. Dunedin Old Fashioned Christmas and Holiday Parade
Downtown Dunedin, 500 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698,
Watch Santa arrive in downtown Dunedin as the holiday parade begins at 4:00 pm and travels along Douglas Avenue, from Beltrees Street and heads north to Skinner Blvd (580). The parade will feature holiday-decorated floats, bands, performers, and, of course, Santa Claus!
Immediately after the parade, Downtown Dunedin is transported back in time as old fashioned Christmas activities and entertainment and yes, even snow, are spread throughout downtown. Children, families, and the young at heart can enjoy Clydesdale horse-drawn carriage rides, snow slides, kid’s crafts, old fashioned games, face painting, live music in Pioneer Park featuring “Modern Measure,” and roast marshmallows to create gooey s’mores!
Returning this year is our ice-skating rink! All ages can experience the thrill of ice skating and glide your way around the rink. We’ll provide the skates, you create the memories. Handcarts will be provided for the young or less-experienced. And to cap off this great event, make sure to visit Santa Claus! Have you been naughty or nice? Let him know your Christmas wishes for the year and don’t forget to have your camera ready to capture this precious moment.
5. Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
1 N Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States, Florida 34689
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade, a festive way to kick off the holiday season! Whether you’re excited to see the colorful floats, enjoy the lively music, or soak in the overall holiday spirit, Tarpon Springs provides the perfect setting for a celebration.
Gather the family and head to beautiful downtown Tarpon Springs for a truly magical experience that will create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming tradition
6. Safety Harbor Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:30AM
Safety Harbor Main Street – Closed from Bayshore to 9th Avenue from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
7. Palm Harbor Christmas Parade 2024
It’s Back!!! Come out and celebrate the holiday season with community leaders, local businesses, and even Santa!
We all missed this fun community event last year, and look forward to this great return!
Boat Parades
1. The Downtown Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.Â
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen the Saturday before Christmas, December 21st, along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf where judging will occur and the parade will end.
2. Tarpon Springs Illuminated Boat Parade
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024 – 6:30pm – 9:00pm
The 35th Annual Boat Parade will be held on Friday, December 6th. Vessels will proceed down the Anclote River and into the Whitcomb and Spring Bayous.
You can view the parade from the Sponge Docks, Whitcomb Bayou, Craig Park & Spring Bayou. Boats should arrive at Whitcomb Bayou at approximately 8 pm.
There is no charge to participate, but all vessels must be registered to enter. Registration forms may be obtained at the City Marina and the Recreation Division administrative office or online here.
Trophies will be awarded to the best-decorated boats. Call Duffy at 942-5628 for more details.
Where:Â Craig Park, 100 Library Ln, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Website: https://www.ctsfl.us/recreation-department/recreation-events/
Organizer: City of Tarpon Springs
Phone:Â 727-942-5628
3. Annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade & Chili-to-Go Fest
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2021, 4-7 p.m.
Riverview Park & Civic Center, 11020 Park Drive, Riverview, FL 33560
Experience the holidays Florida style! Celebrate with us and cheer on your favorite decorated boats decked out for the holidays as they travel up the beautiful Alafia River!
Photos with Santa:Â Join Santa on the decorated stage inside the Riverview Civic Center to capture your photos. Â
Food:Â Food, snacks, and drinks will be available inside the Riverview Civic Center for a donation. Cash and card accepted.
Holiday Music & Entertainment:Â Immerse yourself in the cheerful sounds of the season provided by Master of Ceremonies Jeanne Bush and DJ Jeff Olsen.
Chili Cook-Off ($5 donation): Vote for your favorite Chili! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded around 7 PM.
After the boat parade, join us at
River’s Edge Bar & Grill
6226 Ohio Ave, Gibsonton
for the announcement of the winners.Â
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4. The Annual Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 6 p.m.
The parade starts at the docks of The Tampa Sailing Squadron, located on Apollo Beach Boulevard. The event is free. All boaters in the surrounding communities are invited to participate.
See the full Parade route.
5. Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade 2024
Lowry Park, 7525 N Boulevard St
6. 58th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
ROC Park – Come and do some shopping at the Merry Market, enjoy live music and join the kick off party on the seawall and watch the parade.
John’s Pass – Have an evening of Holiday music and shopping with a late viewing of the parade.
Prizes will be awarded for for participating boats
Register your boat to be in the parade at the Madeira Beach Marina 727-399-2631
See Upcoming Parades:
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3. [CANCELED FOR 2024] Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 6-9pm at Dunedin Marina/Edgewater Park
The Dunedin holiday parade of boats begins at the Marina at 7 p.m.. Enjoy holiday music and smores while waiting for Santa to arrive by boat and lead the countdown in the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree. Limited seating, please bring lawn chairs.
2021 Boat Parade Route: The boat parade starts at Marker 1 Marina, travels south along the Intracoastal to Union Street, and returns north to the Dunedin Marina. Boats will arrive at Dunedin Marina at approximately 7:00 pm.
