Happenin’
HappeninsTampa BayDecember

Things to do in Tampa and Tampa Bay in December 2026

Lighted boats parade up the Hillsborough River in December. St. Pete gets one Saturday of real snow, packed into toboggan slides in North Straub Park. Safety Harbor Holiday Parade and Tampa's Santa Fest & Tree Lighting land in December, with 12 more on the list below.

Follow Tampa Bay in your calendar: Google CalendarApple or Outlook Confirmed dates only. New ones appear on their own.

Starting in December

Snowfest Holidays & Parades

Snowfest

Saturday, Dec 5 North Straub Park, St. Petersburg
$5

Expected in December, dates not announced yet

Already on when December starts

These started in an earlier month and are still running.

8 more run every week in Tampa Bay year round, including Ybor City Saturday Market and Sunsets at Pier 60. See the full calendar.

Planning the trip around it

Practical guides to hotels and days out around Tampa Bay.

Tampa parking the night before a cruise or a game

Port Tampa Bay's cruise garage is $19 a night, plus $11.99 a pass. Downtown hotel valet starts at $39, and Westshore hotels by the Bucs stadium self-park for $15 to $25.

St. Pete Beach on a budget

The beach is public, so a $109 room sits on the same sand as a $409 one. September is the cheapest month, and Sunday to Wednesday the cheapest nights.

Is the Busch Gardens Fun Card worth it?

A Fun Card costs about two discounted day tickets and covers up to sixteen months. Parking is extra at about $35 a visit, and four visits' parking costs more than the card.

Other months in Tampa Bay

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulySeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

← NovemberJanuary →