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2024 Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa's Village

Date: Nov 28 - Dec 29, 2024

Location(s):

Hillsborough County Fairgrounds - 813-737-3247

Category(s):

Festival of Lights

Join us NOV 28 thru DEC 29 for 5 festive weeks!

GATES OPEN 6 PM NIGHTLY

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!

NEW THIS YEAR!

EXPANDED Drive Thru to include new area "Santa's Winter Woodland"

SANTA'S VILLAGE now offering Keel & Curley Wine

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW

NOV 28 - DEC 29

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EXPANDED PRODUCTION

As you enter the fairgrounds enveloped in more than 1.5 million lights, you and your family will travel over 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 29 - EVE

Nov 30 - Williams

Dec 1 - Riverview High School Victorian Carolers

Dec 5-8 - Strong and Amazing Aerial Stunt Show with Laura J

Dec 12-15 - Dennis Lee Band

Dec 19-24 - Dennis Lee Band

Dec 26 - EVE

Dec 27 - Jordan Denise Williams

Dec 28 - Dance 4 Donations

Dec 29 - Aimee Carter

SPECIAL NIGHTS:

Dec 5 – Heroes Night – Active and retired Military, Police, Fire, First Responders with ID get a discounted admission of $15 per car on Thursday Dec 5 - MUST SHOW ID AT GATE (not available online)

Dec 12 – Paws & Claus Night – Bring your well-behaved dogs and cats (on a leash) for a special night at the Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village including Pet Photos with Santa. For a $10 donation to the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center you received your FREE printed pet photo with Santa!

Due to popular demand, the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds will open the Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa's Village until Dec 29

HOLIDAY MARKET APPLICATION

2024 HOLIDAY MARKET VENDOR APPLICATION

EVENT HOURS

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EXPANDED AREAS

This year’s immersive event is bigger and better than ever, with additions such as:

New "Santa's Winter Woodland"
Return of last year's favorite "Under the Sea"
Expanded Santa’s Village that has:
- Wine and Cider from local favorite Keel & Curley Winery
- 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 EVERYDAY Santa’s Village is open so you can find the perfect gifts for your loved ones!

TICKET INFORMATION:

CARS: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE

$30 (max 8 people) – on days when Drive-thru experience and Santa’s Village is open.
$25 (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:

$75 *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 – $25 per car

75-149 Tickets $6 off – $24 per car

150+ Tickets $7 off – $23 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 Themed Facepainting
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
Holiday Rides in Santa's Carnival with a Reindeer Carousel and Candy Cane Swings
Holiday Market to pick up your festive holiday gifts and crafts
Wine and Ciders available by local favorite Keel and Curley Winery

Activities in Santa's Village

Pricing for Santa's Carnival:

$5 for 1 ride
$40 for 10-pack

More information here

Pricing for Santa Photos:
$5 Use Own Device
$10 Printed Photo

Pricing for Santa's Barnyard:
$5 Feed Cups
$15-20 Camel Rides

Other Activities:
$4 Hayride Individual
$12 Hayride (Family of 4)
$2 Make Your Own Crafts
$3 Smores Kit

Free Activities:
Walk Thru Experience
Live Entertainment on our Holiday Stage
Holiday Movies and Shorts

Food & Drink - Prices Vary

Thank you to our Sponsors

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for our 2024 Tampa Bay's Festival of Lights please click here for more information.