Your Hometown Holiday Festival is
Bigger Than Ever Before!
Join us for an EXPANDED holiday light spectacular that will envelop you and your family in an enchanting environment blanketed in more than a million lights from entrance to exit. Young and young at heart will enjoy the nearly 2 MILE drive-thru immersive experience of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village, full of attractions, holiday goodies and visits with SANTA!
EXPANDED PRODUCTION
As you enter the fairgrounds enveloped in more than 1 million lights, you and your family will travel nearly 2 miles through seasonal and Florida-themed displays and a drive-thru animated light tunnel. The expanded Santa’s Village will feature holiday- themed rides and a self-guided walking tour of the Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village decked out in festive lights. Designed to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, the elaborate light displays themed to Florida and traditional winter holidays are a family favorite.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village is your Hometown Holiday Festival with dazzling animated lights, big festive displays, themed holiday rides and activities, and yummy treats in a cozy neighborhood atmosphere.
There’s something for everyone at this festive event, from dazzling lights to games and activities for all ages, visits with Santa, tasty treats, holiday movies and holiday shopping. Plan your visit today!
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT:
Nov 30 & Dec 21 – Dance for Donations
Dec 1, 2, 3 – Laura J – Strong & Amazing Aerial Holiday Show
Dec 7, 14 & 18 – Big Time Jukebox – Music
Dec 8 & 9 – Katie Lombardo – Music
Dec 10, & 17 – Aimee Carter – Music
Dec 15 & 16 – Dennis Lee – Music
Dec 20 – We are Amplify! Florida Academy of Performing Arts and Music Showcase
Dec 22 & 23 – Jordan Denise Williams – Music
SPECIAL NIGHTS:
Dec 7 – Heroes Night
Dec 14 – Paws & Claus Night
Due to popular demand, the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds will open the Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights until Dec 31 2023 – Celebrate the new year with the Festival of Lights!
Click on a date to buy tickets for that date.


EXPANDED AREAS
This year’s immersive event is bigger and better than ever, with additions such as:
- New “Under the Sea” themed drive thru area
- Expanded Santa’s Village that has:
- Holiday-themed rides including a Reindeer Carousel and Holiday Train ride
- Self-guided walking tour of Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village decked out in period décor and beginning with a 80 ft.-long animated light tunnel.
- Holiday Market is open every day Santa’s Village is open so you can find the perfect gifts for your loved ones!
TICKET INFORMATION:
CARS:
$25 (max 8 people) – on days when Drive-thru experience and Santa’s Village is open.
$20 (max 8 people) – on days when Drive-thru experience ONLY is open.
CHARTER BUS:
$80 (max 30 people) – on days when Drive-thru experience and Santa’s Village is open.
$60 (max 30 people) – on days when Drive-thru experience ONLY is open.
MINI BUS:
$40 (max 15 people) – on days when Drive-thru experience and Santa’s Village is open.
$35 (max 15 people) – on days when Drive-thru experience ONLY is open.
SEASON PASS:
$60 *NEW* The person listed as purchaser for season pass must provide a photo ID and be in the car for admission. One season pass is valid for admission on every day of the festival.
GROUPS:
20-74 Tickets $5 off – $20 per car
75-149 Tickets $6 off – $19 per car
150+ Tickets $7 off – $18 per car
Please contact the Fair Office to organize group sales – Email or Call Us: (813) 737-FAIR

SANTA’S VILLAGE
After your magical drive thru, take a holiday stroll through Santa’s Village, filled with activities and treats to tempt the young and young-at-heart. Festive lights blanket the area from the Town Square to Holiday Plaza.
Activities
- Visits & Pictures with Santa on Santa’s Porch
- Santa’s Craft Stations in Santa’s Workshop
- Holiday movies and shorts in the Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village
- Santa’s Interactive Barnyard where you can pet and feed the critters
- Santa’s Camel Pen where you can pet the camels and even go for a camel ride!
- Holiday treats and goodies along Main Street
- Holiday Plaza and Historical Village are filled with picnic tables and fire pits to gather around