Santa waving on a float during a parade at night.

Holiday Activities in Downtown St. Pete

Nov 30, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025

The City of St. Petersburg is excited to celebrate the holiday season this year! The annual Holidays in the Sunshine City offers holiday happenings and festive fun for all ages.

Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Saturday, November 30th @Albert Whitted Park at 6:30pm

  • Join us for an evening of fun as we kick off the holiday season with St. Pete's 96th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting! The Santa Parade begins at 6:30 PM at Albert Whitted Park and runs along Bayshore Dr. to 5th Ave. NE. The Tree Lighting immediately follows the parade in North Straub Park.

Snowfest

Saturday, December 7th @North Straub Park from 9:00am - 2:00pm

  • St. Pete's Snowfest is back! Join us for a delightful winter celebration filled with fun for the whole family. Enjoy thrilling toboggan slides for both adults and children, bounce around on exciting inflatables, and unleash your creativity at our arts and crafts tents. For just $5, you can grab a wristband that covers all activities.

Jingle Jazz

Saturday, December 7th @Enoch Davis Center from 4:00 - 7:00pm

  • Join us for a captivating evening where the smooth sounds of jazz meet the festive spirit of the holidays. Enjoy live performances by local musicians, featuring classic and seasonal favorites, all in a cozy, festive atmosphere. Savor holiday-inspired treats while soaking in the joyful ambiance. Bring your friends and family to celebrate the spirit of the season! Tickets are $25 - get your tickets here.

Holiday Movies in the Park

December 7th - 21st at 6:30pm (locations are listed below)

  • Celebrate the holiday season with a free outdoor screening in the park! Enjoy a cozy evening filled with pre-movie festive activities, including photo opportunities with Santa, reindeer games, and concessions. Don’t forget to bring your blankets or lawn chairs to settle in for a movie experience under the stars. Admission is free.
  • Movie Schedule:
    • Dec. 7: Nightmare Before Christmas @ Huggins-Stengal Field (1320 5th St. N.)
    • Dec. 14: The Grinch @ Vinoy Park (701 Bayshore Dr. NE)
    • Dec. 21: Movie & Location TBD

Santa's Calling

December 10 - 12th from 6:00 - 9:00pm

  • Chat with Santa about the holidays! Santa Claus, in cooperation with our department, calls children to chat about their holiday wishes. Children must be 8 years old or younger. Registration is required - please complete the free online form. Registration opens November 11th. 

S'mores with Santa

December 13 - 14th @Pioneer Settlment at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve from 6:00 - 8:00pm

  • A delightful holiday event you won't want to miss! Join us for an enchanting evening as you gather around the fire to make delicious s'mores, crafts, and spend time with Santa Claus himself. This cozy gathering is the perfect opportunity for children to share their holiday wishes with Santa while enjoying sweet treats.

Gingerbread Building Contest

Saturday, December 14th @West Community Library at SPC-Gibbs Campus @12:30pm & 2:00pm

  • Get into the holiday spirit by designing and building a gingerbread house that can withstand a series of festive stress tests! This fun and creative event is open to all ages, making it a perfect way for families to celebrate the season together. Registration is required, with one reservation per family or group. Register for the 12:30pm Class Here | Register for the 2:00pm Class Here

Meet Santa in the Park 

December 14th - 23rd @North Straub Park from 6:00 - 9:00pm

  • Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa in North Straub Park. Cameras are encouraged.

Visit with Santa at the Library

December 16 - 19th @Various Community Libraries

  • Join us for music, stories, and a visit from Santa. Bring your camera! Each child who visits Santa will get a free book. Call 727-892-5296 or email [email protected] for information. You can view the schedule and library locations here.

Holly Jolly Jubilee

Wednesday, December 18th @The Sunshine Senior Center from 11:30am - 3:00pm

  • Join the festive fun this holiday season at the Sunshine Senior Center! Get ready for a merry mash-up of craft stations, exciting activities, games galore, and a sprinkle of surprises.
  • Admission is $3 per person. Limited spots available. Tickets on sale beginning November 18. Purchase tickets online here.

Cocoa Night Hike

Friday, December 20th @Boyd Hill Nature Preserve from 7:00 - 9:00pm

  • Join our Rangers for a cozy Cocoa Night Hike to celebrate the Winter Solstice! Enjoy warm cocoa as you explore the serene trails under the stars. Bring your friends and family for a delightful evening adventure!
  • Admission is $5 per person. Registration is required. Limited spots available.

Gingerbread Habitats

Saturday, December 21st @Boyd Hill Nature Preserve from 10:00am - 12:00pm

  • Get creative by building gingerbread habitats for local wildlife using candies and icing. This fun, family-friendly activity combines art and nature, making for a delightful day of crafting and learning!
  • Admission is $20 per group of 4. Registration is required. Limited spots available.

Chimney in the Trunk

Saturday, December 21st @Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center from 1:00 - 4:00pm

  • Gather your family and friends for a joyful community celebration! Join us as parents, families, and local teen programs volunteer their trunks to distribute holiday gifts, stockings, treats, prizes, and other festive goodies. Free admission.

Holiday Lights & Displays

November 30 - January 1st @Downtown Waterfront Parks

  • Take a stroll along the downtown waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park and the St. Pete Pier.

Event Category

  • Festivals
  • Food + Drink
  • Kids

Guest Information

  • Family-Friendly

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