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City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Logo

Holiday Events

November 2024 - January 2025
Phone:
(727) 893-7441


Holidays in the Sunshine City

Join us for the City of St. Petersburg's Holidays in the Sunshine City celebration! This festive event features a variety of activities for all ages. Enjoy enchanting light displays and fun holiday activities that bring the community together.

From family-friendly events to seasonal festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come celebrate the joy of the season with us and make lasting memories in the heart of our beautiful city! Don’t miss out on the holiday magic—mark your calendars and join the celebration!




Tree lit for the holidays
96th Annual Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

  • Saturday, November 30
  • 6:30 PM
  • Downtown St. Petersburg

Join us for a festive evening as we usher in the holiday season with St. Pete's annual Santa Parade & Tree Lighting!

The fun begins with the Santa Parade at 6:30 PM, starting at Albert Whitted Park and twinkling down Bayshore Dr. to 5th Ave. NE. Right after the parade, we’ll gather in North Straub Park for the Tree Lighting, which will happen shortly after the parade wraps up.

Join the Parade

BE PART OF THE PARADE: Join us in making this year's parade magical by lighting up downtown with festive spirit. Whether marching or showcasing a float, your participation will spread holiday cheer. Complete the application online:

PARADE APPLICATION

Application deadline: November 11

Girl on a tobaggan ride
Snowfest


St. Pete's Snowfest is back! Join us for a delightful winter celebration filled with fun for the whole family. Enjoy thrilling toboggan slides for both adults and children, bounce around on exciting inflatables, and unleash your creativity at our arts and crafts tents.

For just $5, you can grab a wristband that covers all activities. Purchase yours online or at any City recreation center until December 6 at noon, or get them on the day of the event. (Please note: wristbands do not include food truck purchases.)

Wristbands coming soon!

Movie
Holiday Movies in the Park

Celebrate the holiday season with a free outdoor screening in the park! Enjoy a cozy evening filled with pre-movie festive activities, including photo opportunities with Santa, reindeer games, and concessions. Don’t forget to bring your blankets or lawn chairs to settle in for a movie experience under the stars. Join us for a night of holiday cheer and fun!

    Movie Schedule:
  • Event opens to the public at 6:30 p.m.
  • - Dec. 7: "Nightmare Before Christmas" - Huggins-Stengal Field, 1320 5th St. N.
  • - Dec. 14: "The Grinch" - Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE
  • - Dec. 21: Movie & Location TBD
Santa waving
Santa's Calling

  • December 10-12
  • 6:00 - 9:00 PM
  • Virtual event

Chat with Santa about the holidays! Santa Claus, in cooperation with the City of St. Petersburg, calls children to chat about their holiday wishes.

Children must be 8 years old or younger. One form per child must be completed. Forms must be submitted by Friday, December 6.

Registration required. Registration opens Novermber 11.

Volunteer for Santa's Calling

Volunteer to be Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus or an elf. Invite your family and friends to join the holiday fun. Must be 18 years old to participate.
Volunteer Schedule
December 12-14
from 5:30 - 9 PM
at the Parks & Recreation Department
If interested, email anita.westmoreland@stpete.org.

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S'mores with Santa


A delightful holiday event you won't want to miss! Join us for an enchanting evening as you gather around the fire to make delicious s'mores, crafts, and spend time with Santa Claus himself. This cozy gathering is the perfect opportunity for children to share their holiday wishes with Santa while enjoying sweet treats.

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Gingerbread Building Contest


Get into the holiday spirit by designing and building a gingerbread house that can withstand a series of festive stress tests! This fun and creative event is open to all ages, making it a perfect way for families to celebrate the season together.

Registration is required, with one reservation per family or group:
Register for 12:30 PM timeslot
Register for 2:00 PM timeslot

Santa in the park
Meet Santa in the Park


Join us for **Meet Santa in the Park** and experience the joy of the holidays! This festive event offers a wonderful opportunity for children and families to meet Santa Claus in one of St. Pete's waterfront parks.Take memorable photos with Santa and share your little ones’ Christmas wishes. Don’t miss this chance to create special memories with Santa! Cameras are encouraged.

Santa in the park.
Visit with Santa at the Library

Schedule:

Join us for music, stories, and a visit from Santa. Bring your camera! Each child who visits Santa will get a free book! Call 727-892-5296 or email spark@stpete.org for information.

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Holly Jolly Jubilee


Join the festive fun this holiday season at the Sunshine Senior Center! Get ready for a merry mash-up of craft stations, exciting activities, games galore, and a sprinkle of surprises.

Admission: $3/person. Limited spots available. Tickets on sale beginning November 18. Purchase tickets online:
Purchase tickets

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Cocoa Night Hike


Join our Rangers for a cozy Cocoa Night Hike to celebrate the Winter Solstice! Enjoy warm cocoa as you explore the serene trails under the stars. Bring your friends and family for a delightful evening adventure!

Admission: $5/person. Registration is required. Limited spots available.
Reserve Your Spot

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Gingerbread Habitats


Get creative by building gingerbread habitats for local wildlife using candies and icing. This fun, family-friendly activity combines art and nature, making for a delightful day of crafting and learning!

Admission: $20/group of 4. Registration is required. Limited spots available.
Reserve Your Spot

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Chimney in the Trunk


FREE EVENT

Gather your family and friends for a joyful community celebration! Join us as parents, families, and local teen programs volunteer their trunks to distribute holiday gifts, stockings, treats, prizes, and other festive goodies.

Event Highlights:

  • - Arts & crafts
  • - Live music
  • - Raffles

BE PART OF THE PARADE: Join us in making this year's parade magical by lighting up downtown with festive spirit. Whether marching or showcasing a float, your participation will spread holiday cheer. Complete the application online:

PARADE APPLICATION

Application deadline: November 11

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Holiday Lights & Displays

  • November 30 - January 1
  • Downtown Waterfront Parks


Take a stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier.

Don’t miss the giant greeting card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park made by local teens and participants from St. Petersburg’s recreation centers.