On the first Saturday of December, downtown Tampa becomes a place of wonder and magic with smiling faces at our one and only Santa Fest and Tampa's Christmas Parade.  Families line the spectacular one-mile parade route in downtown Tampa as they cheer the sights and sounds of the season.  

Boasting over 75 Christmas themed entries, including brightly decorated floats and Mini Coopers, dance troops, bands & drum lines, and magical characters from Tampa's Krewe, the Christmas Parade is an event you don't want to miss!

​What could be more magical than the appearance of Santa and his elves as they arrive in Tampa?  For kids young and old, the jolly old elf marks the true beginning of season.  The family fun continues in beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with Santa Fest. Enjoy continuous holiday entertainment, make-n-take crafts, bounce houses, rock wall,  and lots of  reindeer games.  Free photos with Santa are presented by Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc.