Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater · FL
Things to do with kids in Tampa — December 2026
106 family events in December 2026. Every listing links to the organizer’s own page. Dates are in Eastern Time.
What’s on now in Tampa →Events
- Outdoors
Through Dec 30
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
From $34.95
Nov13FriOutdoorsThrough Jan 4
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Paid
Nov20FriOutdoorsThrough Dec 27
Enchant Christmas St. Petersburg 2026 at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
From $28
Nov1SunMarkets and festivalsThrough Dec 31
Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum
With admission
- Light displays
Through Jan 1
Holiday Lights & Displays on the St. Pete Waterfront
Downtown Waterfront Parks (North Straub, South Straub, Pioneer Park, St. Pete Pier)
FreeAll ages
- Light displays
Through Jan 1
Holiday Lights & Displays on the St. Pete Waterfront
Downtown Waterfront Parks (North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, St. Pete Pier)
All ages
- Light displays
Fri, Nov 27 · 5:30 PM
Holiday Lights in the Gardens 2026 (Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo)
Florida Botanical Gardens
With admissionAll ages
Dec1TueArts & craftsTue, Dec 1 · 4:00 PM
Holiday Makerspace for Families @ East Hernando Branch
East Hernando Branch Library
Free
Nov26ThuLight displaysThrough Jan 3
Largo Central Park Holiday Lights
Largo Central Park
Free
Dec1TueSTEM & discoveryTue, Dec 1 · 11:00 AM
Preschool Power Hour: Frosty the Snowman Fun — Dunedin Library
Dunedin Public Library (Community Meeting Room)
FreeAges 3–6
Nov28SatCommunityThrough Dec 23
Snow Globe Photo Op at East Hernando Branch Library
East Hernando Branch Library
Free
Dec1TueArts & craftsTue, Dec 1 · 4:30 PM
Winter Art Camp with the Hernando County Fine Arts Council @ Main Library
Hernando County Main Library
FreeAges 5–12
Dec2WedSTEM & discoveryWed, Dec 2 · 4:30 PM
Holiday STEM Stations at Spring Hill Branch Library
Spring Hill Branch Library
FreeAges 6–12
- Nutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:30 PM
Holiday Movie in the Park: The Grinch (Brandon)
Brandon Park & Recreation Center
FreeAll ages
- STEM & discovery
Fri, Nov 6 · 3:30 PM
Lego Club
East Lake Community Library
Free
Dec4FriNutcracker and showsFri, Dec 4 · 3:30 PM
Nutcracker Story Time with Gulf Coast Ballet Theater
Palm Harbor Library
Free
- Tree lightings
Fri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Safety Harbor Tree Lighting at John Wilson Park
Gazebo at John Wilson Park
Free
- Community
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:00 PM
Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs
Downtown Tarpon Springs
Free
- Parades
Fri, Dec 4 · 8:00 PM
Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade
Craig Park
- Markets and festivals
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:00 PM
Winter Wonderland at R. E. Olds Park (Oldsmar)
R. E. Olds Park
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa – Dunedin Community Center
Dunedin Community Center
From $10
- Sports & play
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Candy Cane Games Family Field Day — Seminole
Seminole Recreation Center
From $10
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 7:30 PM
Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert at Mahaffey Theater
Mahaffey Theater
Paid
- Tree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 4:00 PM
Downtown Palm Harbor Christmas Tree Lighting at Harbor Hall
Harbor Hall, Downtown Palm Harbor
Free
- Outdoors
Sat, Dec 5 · 6:30 PM
Holiday Movie in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks (Huggins-Stengel Field)
Huggins-Stengel Field
FreeAll ages
- Community
Sat, Dec 5 · 6:30 PM
Holiday Movies in the Park (St. Pete)
Huggins-Stengel Field (Dec 5) and Vinoy Park (Dec 12)
FreeAll ages
- Tree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM
Holiday Tree Lighting & Stroll at Largo Central Park
Largo Central Park
FreeAll ages
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Kids Open Legos!
Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center
FreeAll ages
- Parades
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Safety Harbor Holiday Parade on Main Street
Main Street, Safety Harbor
Free
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Santa's Merry Meet and Greet
East Lake Community Library
Free
Nov7SatArts & craftsSat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Sensory Saturday | Hands-On with Curious Creations Co. at the MFA
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
With admissionAll ages
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Dec 5 · 8:00 AM
Sensory Saturday at MOSI
MOSI - Museum of Science & Industry
From $7All ages
- Community
Sat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Snowfest in North Straub Park
North Straub Park
From $5
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5
Tampa City Ballet: The Nutcracker 2026
New Tampa Performing Arts Center (Dec 11-13, 17-19); University of South Florida (Dec 5-6)
Paid
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
Tampa's Santa Fest Parade & Holiday Tree Lighting
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and downtown Tampa parade route (Madison St / Ashley Dr)
FreeAll ages
- Light displays
Sun, Dec 6 · 6:00 PM
Seminole Holiday Lights Parade
Seminole Recreation Center
Free
- Sports & play
Sat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Train Weekend: Largo Central Railroad rides
Largo Central Park
FreeAges 1+
- Arts & crafts
Mon, Nov 2 · 4:00 PM
CraftVentures (Ages 4 - 10 with a Caregiver)
President Barack Obama Main Library
FreeAges 4–10
Dec7MonSports & playMon, Dec 7 · 10:00 AM
Jingle Bell Ball for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers (East Lake Library)
East Lake Community Library
FreeUp to 5
- Arts & crafts
Mon, Nov 2 · 10:00 AM
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Puppet Show Presented by the Junior League of St. Petersburg (For Toddlers - 2nd Grade)
President Barack Obama Main Library
Free
Dec9WedHanukkahWed, Dec 9 · 10:30 AM
Baby Café: Chanukah with Chabad of Pinellas
Palm Harbor Library
Free
Nov11WedArts & craftsWed, Nov 11 · 10:00 AM
Homeschool Hours at the MFA St. Petersburg
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
With admissionAges 5–14
- Santa visits
Wed, Dec 9 · 3:30 PM
Story Time with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Palm Harbor Library
Palm Harbor Library
Free
- Santa visits
Thu, Dec 10 · 10:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa at Balm Park
Balm Park & Recreation Center
Free
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Dec 11 · 2:00 PM
Hapi & Patty, The Crabgrass Cowboys: Family Music Show
Town 'N Country Regional Public Library
FreeAges 6–12
- Community
Fri, Dec 11 · 6:30 PM
Holiday Movie in the Park: Frozen (Northdale)
Northdale Park & Recreation Center
FreeAll ages
- Outdoors
Fri, Nov 13 · 5:30 PM
Parents' Night Out: Glow-in-the-Dark Zip Line (ages 7-12) – Empower Adventures
Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
From $74Ages 7–12
- Santa visits
Fri, Dec 11 · 5:00 PM
S'mores with Santa at Pinellas Pioneer Settlement
Pinellas Pioneer Settlement (at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve)
From $5
- Santa visits
Fri, Dec 11 · 5:00 PM
S'mores with Santa at Pioneer Settlement
Pinellas Pioneer Settlement
From $5
- Markets and festivals
Fri, Dec 11 · 5:30 PM
Seminole Holiday Winterfest
Seminole Recreation Center
From $7
Dec11FriNutcracker and showsFri, Dec 11
The Nutcracker 2026 – Tampa City Ballet at New Tampa Performing Arts Center
New Tampa Performing Arts Center
PaidAll ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Art Explorers Workshop: Christmas on Canvas — Seminole
Seminole Recreation Center
From $20Ages 7–12
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Children's Theatre: The Wind in the Willows at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library
FreeAges 4+
Dec12SatParadesSat, Dec 12 · 3:30 PM
Dunedin Holiday Parade & Old Fashioned Christmas
Downtown Dunedin (Main Street & Douglas Avenue)
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:30 AM
Gingerbread House Building Challenge
President Barack Obama Main Library
FreeAll ages
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 12 · 1:00 PM
Holiday Concert in the Park (Largo Community Center)
Largo Community Center Park
From $5
- Parades
Sat, Dec 12 · 6:00 PM
Holiday Golf Cart & Bike Parade — Oldsmar
Oldsmar Public Library
From $5
- Outdoors
Sat, Dec 12 · 6:30 PM
Holiday Movie in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas (Vinoy Park)
Vinoy Park
FreeAll ages
Dec12SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
Holiday Pops: Tampa Bay's Beloved Holiday Tradition (Florida Orchestra) at Mahaffey Theater
Mahaffey Theater
From $20
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 6:00 PM
Meet Santa in the Park (North Straub Park)
North Straub Park
Dec12SatOutdoorsSat, Dec 12 · 3:00 PM
Nature Winter Workshop at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (Nature Center)
All ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 4:00 PM
PJ's & Pizza with Santa (Ages 7 & Under)
Southwest Recreation Complex
Up to 7
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Santa in Space at MOSI
MOSI - Museum of Science & Industry
With admissionAll ages
- Nov14SatArts & crafts
Sat, Nov 14 · 9:00 AM
Studio Saturdays: Free Pop-Up Artmaking at the MFA
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
FreeAll ages
Dec13SunCrafts and cookiesSun, Dec 13 · 1:30 PM
Clay Gingerbread Houses Workshop (W-YH608) – Dunedin Fine Art Center
Dunedin Fine Art Center
From $65
Nov15SunCommunitySun, Nov 15 · 9:15 AM
PJ Connects Playdates for children 1-4 – Tampa JCCs & Federation North (Nov 15, Dec 13)
Tampa JCCs and Federation - North Location
Ages 1–4
- Crafts and cookies
Tue, Dec 15 · 11:00 AM
Homeschool Holiday Candles Workshop (ages 6-12) — Dunedin Library
Dunedin Public Library (Meeting Room B)
FreeAges 6–12
- STEM & discovery
Tue, Dec 15 · 3:30 PM
STEAM Time: Snow Dough
Lutz Branch Library
FreeAges 6–12
- STEM & discovery
Thu, Nov 19 · 10:00 AM
Homeschool Program at Florida Botanical Gardens
Florida Botanical Gardens (Butterfly Landing outdoor classroom)
From $5
Dec16WedSanta visitsWed, Dec 16 · 4:00 PM
Robot Reindeer Games @ East Hernando Branch
East Hernando Branch Library
FreeAges 6–12
- Santa visits
Thu, Dec 17 · 3:00 PM
Cookies & Milk with Santa at Palm Harbor Library
Palm Harbor Library
FreeAges 4–9
- Santa visits
Fri, Dec 18
Breakfast with Santa for Toddlers – Westchase Recreation Center
Westchase Park & Recreation Center
Paid
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Nov 20 · 3:30 PM
Chill Crafternoon
East Lake Community Library
Free
- Santa visits
Fri, Dec 18 · 6:30 PM
Cinema Creations: Elf Movie Night (ages 7-11) — Dunedin
MLK, Jr. Recreation Center
From $15Ages 7–11
Dec18FriMarkets and festivalsFri, Dec 18 · 7:00 PM
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland at Ruth Eckerd Hall
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Paid
Oct23FriSports & playFri, Oct 23 · 6:00 PM
Funtastic Fridays Parents' Night Out – Countryside Recreation Center
Countryside Recreation Center
Paid
Dec18FriCommunityFri, Dec 18 · 6:00 PM
Holiday in the Park — Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center
From $1
- Community
Fri, Dec 18 · 6:00 PM
Holiday Kids Night Out at The Centre of Palm Harbor
The Centre of Palm Harbor (Palm Harbor Parks & Recreation)
From $30Ages 6–12
- Dec18FriOutdoors
Fri, Dec 18 · 6:30 PM
Hot Chocolate Night Hike at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Nutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 18
Next Generation Ballet's Nutcracker at the Straz Center
Straz Center for the Performing Arts – Morsani Hall
Paid
- STEM & discovery
Fri, Nov 27 · 5:30 PM
Parents' Time Off: Kids' Drop-Off at The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium
From $50Ages 5–12
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 19 · 9:30 AM
Breakfast with Santa!
Zephyrhills City Hall (Council Chambers)
Free
- Dec19SatCrafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 19 · 10:30 AM
Gingerbread Habitats at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (Nature Center)
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Oct 24 · 1:00 PM
Jr. Woodworkers at the Land O'Lakes Library Foundry (ages 9-12)
Land O'Lakes Branch Library (The Foundry makerspace)
FreeAges 9–12
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Nov 21 · 11:00 AM
LEGO Hour
Tarpon Springs Public Library
Free
Nov28SatSanta visitsSat, Nov 28 · 10:30 AM
Santa Meet & Greet at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum
With admission
- STEM & discovery
Wed, Nov 11
Bricks 4 Kidz Tampa School Break & Winter Break Day Camps
Bricks 4 Kidz Creativity Center
Paid
Dec21MonSTEM & discoveryMon, Dec 21 · 8:30 AM
Camp Imagination Winter Break Camp: Imaginative Inventors
Glazer Children's Museum
From $80Ages 5–10
- Outdoors
Mon, Nov 23 · 8:30 AM
Holiday Kids Camp 2026 (zip line & paddle board day camp, ages 7-12) – Empower Adventures
Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
PaidAges 7–12
- STEM & discovery
Wed, Nov 25 · 9:00 AM
Nature Navigators Drop-Off Mornings at Florida Botanical Gardens
Florida Botanical Gardens
From $25
- STEM & discovery
Mon, Nov 23 · 6:00 PM
Night at the Aquarium (Kids' Drop-Off Night) at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
PaidAges 5–10
Dec22TueNutcracker and showsTue, Dec 22 · 7:00 PM
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Ruth Eckerd Hall
Ruth Eckerd Hall
PaidAll ages
- Community
Tue, Dec 22 · 10:15 AM
Supersized Winter Storytime
Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center
FreeAll ages
Dec22TueCommunityTue, Dec 22 · 5:00 PM
Yule Ball @ West Hernando Branch
West Hernando Branch Library
Free
Dec23WedArts & craftsWed, Dec 23 · 1:00 PM
Holiday Movie Matinee for Families at Spring Hill Branch Library
Spring Hill Branch Library
Free
- Arts & crafts
Wed, Dec 23
Slava's Snowshow at the Straz Center
Straz Center for the Performing Arts – Ferguson Hall
Paid
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Oct 31 · 10:00 AM
Kids Open Studio Painting at Starkey Ranch Library
Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center
Free
- Light displays
Sat, Dec 26 · 8:15 PM
Laser Light Show: Holiday at MOSI
MOSI - Museum of Science & Industry
From $13All ages
Oct25SunArts & craftsSun, Oct 25 · 9:00 AM
Art on the Spectrum: Sensory-Friendly Hours at Tampa Museum of Art
Tampa Museum of Art
Free
- STEM & discovery
Sun, Oct 25 · 8:00 AM
Sunshine Sunday: Sensory-Friendly Morning at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum
Dec28MonArts & craftsMon, Dec 28 · 9:00 AM
Winter Break Bonanza Three-Day Workshop (W-YH625) – Dunedin Fine Art Center
Dunedin Fine Art Center
From $120Ages 7–10
- New Year’s Eve
Wed, Dec 30 · 10:00 AM
Kids Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Majeed Discovery Garden
Majeed Discovery Garden, Florida Botanical Gardens
From $5
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 9:30 AM
Downtown Countdown: Noon Year's Eve at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum
With admission
- Light displays
Wed, Nov 25 · 10:15 AM
Lights! Music! Dance! New Year's Eve Storytime
Land O'Lakes Branch Library
FreeUp to 5
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 10:30 AM
Pint Sized Noon Year's Eve Party (7 and Under)
Central Park Performing Arts Center
Up to 7
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 3:00 PM
Sunset to Sparkle: Clearwater Beach Family New Year's Eve
Pier 60 Park
FreeAll ages