Get ready to sparkle and shine this holiday season! The Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village is back at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds — and this year’s event is bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever.
📅 November 27 – December 28
🚪 Gates open nightly at 6 PM
📍 Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Tampa Bay
✨ A Million Lights, Countless Smiles
This nearly 2-mile drive-thru light spectacular features dazzling displays with both traditional holiday and Florida-themed scenes — plus a mesmerizing animated light tunnel you won’t forget. There are more than 1.5 million lights!
🎅 Santa’s Village Fun for All Ages
After the drive-thru, families can explore Santa’s Village, where holiday cheer fills every corner.
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
● 📸 Visits & Pictures with Santa ($5 with your own device or $10 printed)
● 🎨 Craft stations & face painting
● 🎥 Holiday movies and shorts in the Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village
● 🐪 Pet the animals in Santa’s Barnyard or even go for a camel ride!
● 🍭 Holiday rides including the Reindeer Carousel and Candy Cane Swings ($5 per ride or $40 for a 10-pack)
● 🔥 Fire pits & picnic tables for cozy family moments
● 🛍 Holiday Market for unique gifts and crafts
● 🍷 Wine and cider from local favorite Keel & Curley Winery
● 🍫 Treats galore — s’mores kits, holiday snacks, and more!
Bonus: Some activities are free, like the walk-through light experience, live entertainment, and outdoor movies!
🐾 Special Event Nights
Mark your calendar for these extra-special themed nights:
● Dec 4 & 11 – Paws & Claus Night: Bring your furry friends for photos with Santa! A $10 donation to the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center gets you a free printed pet photo.
● Dec 18 – Heroes Night: Active and retired Military, Police, Fire, and First Responders get a discounted $15 car admission (must show ID at gate).
🎶 Holiday Entertainment
Enjoy festive live performances throughout the season!
● Nov 27–29 & Dec 4–7: Aerial Stunt Show with Laura J
● Nov 30: Kyndal Wynn
● Dec 11–14 & Dec 18–24: Dennis Lee Band
● Dec 26–28: Ridge Country Band
🎟 Ticket Information
Car Admission:
● $30 per car (up to 8 people) – Drive-Thru + Santa’s Village
● $25 per car – Drive-Thru Only
Mini Bus (up to 15 people):
● $40 – Drive-Thru + Santa’s Village
● $35 – Drive-Thru Only
Charter Bus (up to 30 people):
● $80 – Drive-Thru + Santa’s Village
● $60 – Drive-Thru Only
Season Pass: $75 (valid every night of the festival for one vehicle)
Group Discounts Available:
● 20–74 tickets: $25 per car
● 75–149 tickets: $24 per car
● 150+ tickets: $23 per car
📞 Contact: (813) 737-FAIR
🌟 Don’t Miss This Holiday Tradition
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village truly captures the magic of the season — with twinkling lights, cozy fires, sweet treats, and joyful memories for the whole family. So pack up the car, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and make this drive-thru and walk-thru wonderland part of your family’s holiday tradition! Learn more and plan your visit: Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village.
