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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!
- 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- Saturday, December 7
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- North Straub Park
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!
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!
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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
- 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 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.
- December 13 & 14
- 6:00 - 8:00 PM
- Pioneer Settlment at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 3010 31st St. S., Gate 2
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.
- December 14
- Timeslots available:
- - 12:30 - 1:30 PM
- - 2:00 - 3:00 PM
- West Community Library at SPC-Gibbs Campus, 6700 8th Ave. N.
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
- December 14-23
- 6:00 - 9:00 PM
- North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE
- FREE EVENTS
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.
Schedule:
- - Monday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 AM at West Community Library at SPC-Gibbs Campus, 6700 8th Ave. N.
- - Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 PM at North Community Library, 861 70th Ave. N.
- - Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 10:30 AM at South Community Library, 2300 Roy Hanna Dr. S.
- - Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10:30 AM at Johnson Community Library, 1059 18th Ave. S.
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.
- Wednesday, December 18
- 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St. N.
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
- Friday, December 20
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 County Club Way. S.
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
- Saturday, December 21
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 County Club Way. S.
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
- Saturday, December 21
- 1:00 - 4:00 PM
- Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center, 1000 28th St. S.
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
- 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.