Looking for some ways to get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank? You’ve come to the right place! One of our favorite holiday traditions is driving around neighborhoods in the Tampa metro area to see some of the best Christmas lights displays. Scroll down to see our favorite neighborhoods.
There are plenty of events and options to see some dazzling Christmas displays. But keep in mind how much you’ll have to pay to get in and how much you’ll spend on holiday-themed drinks, snacks, etc. Some families work for days to get their houses lit up beautifully for the holidays. Why not take advantage of the free Christmas light displays around the Tampa Bay area? If driving around isn’t enough for you, we have the must-see holiday events guide here.
Spending your Christmas in Tampa
We have a lot of non-traditional holiday celebrations in Tampa. While many other cities can take advantage of winter-themed celebrations, we have to get creative in the Sunshine State. Light-up boat parades are one of the more popular Florida Christmas events, you can see Christmas sand sculptures or make “sand angels”. And all of our theme parks transform into a holiday paradise. Here are some unique ways you can spend your Christmas day in Tampa.
When driving around the area gazing at lights, remember to respect the privacy of the families in their houses. Try not to park in front of their yard or ask them to keep their displays on longer. Also, keep in mind some families might turn off their displays when it’s raining. We got our inspiration for this list from a Reddit thread and added a few of our favorites.
These are the Tampa Bay neighborhoods with dazzling Christmas light displays
Bayshore Blvd/Hyde Park
You could spend hours just admiring the houses along Bayshore Blvd and in Hyde Park, but during the holidays it’s another level. The best street is South Boulevard between Swann and Bayshore.
The Lights of Lake Park Estates
The neighborhoods of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village, generously decorate their homes and yards with over 3.0 miles of Christmas Lights and Decorations for the public to enjoy. Donations are accepted at the Suncoast Hospice Cart located along the route. 100% of the donations are provided to Suncoast Hospice to support their community activities. Find more info here.
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Indian Trails - Palm Harbor
This Palm Harbor neighborhood has been going all out for the holidays for YEARS! You can drive down any street in this neighborhood and find all of the houses decked out in lights.
Streamside Drive in Carrollwood
This Tampa neighborhood goes all out every year for the holidays. Drive by houses with decked out lights, inflatables, and a light show tuned to a radio station!
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Honorary Mention: Chick-Fil-A on Waters
Any Tampa local knows all about the Chick-Fil-A on Waters Ave in Town n’ Country. Every year this stores Christmas lights display gets bigger and bigger. We can’t wait to see what they do this year!
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