FreeSt. Petersburg Santa Parade & Waterfront Holiday Tree Lighting
Sat, Nov 286:00 PM – 9:30 PM · Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov 28, 2026; Parade begins at 6:00 PM; Tree lighting at 7:30 PM
North Straub Park & Central Avenue400 Bayshore Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701 · 16.2 mi approx. from TampaDirections
All ages; open-air downtown parade with wide viewing sidewalks; stroller friendly
FreeFree public parade and tree lighting celebration; ice skating ticketed separately
About this adventure
St. Petersburg's historic 98th Annual Santa Parade marches down Central Avenue from 5th Street to Bayshore Drive, filling the downtown arts corridor with marching bands, lighted floats, giant balloons, and costumed dance troupes. Following the parade, families gather in North Straub Park along the waterfront for the official lighting of the giant city holiday tree. The park comes alive with thousands of glowing lights, live holiday music, and the opening of the waterfront holiday ice skating rink. Paved park walkways offer seamless stroller access and easy bayside strolls.
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