Entertaining out of town guests? Celebrating the holiday season with friends?  Want to do something fun with your co-workers?   There are plenty of fun things to do in Tampa Bay this Holiday!  Things that do not involve a mall or Santa Claus!  Here is a quick list of ideas to make your holiday sparkle with laughter and good cheer!

Related Read: Christmas Traditions to Celebrate With Friends and Family

Holiday Things-to-Do Guide in Tampa Bay

Take A Ride, Go for a Walk or Skate!

Cross Bay Ferry- Tampa Dock

The Cross-Bay Ferry offers water transportation to residents and businesses in Downtown Tampa and Downtown St. Pete, and is a fun activity for people of all ages.  If you are shopping, hop aboard and head across the bay without sitting in traffic! In 15-20 minutes, you have arrived! On a date or an evening out? Add adventure to your list of things to do! The ferry is fun and a time saver too! Times vary, from 7 am to 10:30 pm, depending on the day. Check their schedules for exact times. Click on the name above, and you can head over to their website!

RVIP LIFE

RVIP LIFE Club offers RV Adventures at a fraction of the cost of other RV rental companies, free of ownership obligations. With this Membership, you can take advantage of all the advantages of luxury RV travel, camping, and leisure without having to deal with the hassles of RV ownership. Get ready for your holiday vacation with RVIP LIFE

Jingle Bell Bazaar at Ybor - Holiday Festival

On December 11th jingle All The Way with a free family festive holiday event in Historic Ybor City! A day filled with live music bands, dance performances, food trucks, vendor shopping, and of course, Santa! FREE Event and FREE Seating in the park are provided.

 

Pirate Water Taxi 

Enjoy River of Lights at Pirate Water Taxi's holiday tour of downtown Tampa's lighted bridges, a boarding photo, carolers, holiday cookies, hot cocoa, and their whimsical narration at a one-of-a-kind holiday experience this December cruising up the Hillsborough!  The prices are $30 for adults and $25 for children (It increases by $5 around weekends). The Holiday Cruise lasts 45 minutes. Here are the times and dates you can experience this unique thing to do in Tampa Bay:   
​Times: 6:15 P.M., 7:15 P.M., 8:15 P.M., 9:15 P.M.
Dates: Fri 11/25, Sat 11/26, Fri 12/2, Sat 12/3, Fri 12/9, Sat 12/10, Sun 12/11, Fri 12/16, Sun 12/18, Mon 12/19, Tues 12/20, W 12/21, Th 12/22, Fri 12/23, Sat 12/24


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Winter Village Ice Skating and More at Curtis Hixon Park

Enjoy this temporary Winter Village with plenty of fun things to do at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa where you can ice skate, enjoy carolers, buy gifts, and more Florida style! No heavy jackets or snow boots are needed! Enjoy all the wonderful sights and sounds of the Holidays daily throughout December.

  • Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Fridays: 4:00 pm-10:00 pm  
  • Saturdays: 10:00 am-10:00 pm
  • Sundays: 12:00 pm-9:00 pm
  • School Holidays: 10:00 am-10:00 pm

Ice skate rentals are available on-site at the ice rink for children and adults. Tickets are $10 per person for 90 minutes of skating, including skate rental. Tickets can only be purchased at the ice rink entrance. Call (813) 221-3686 if you want to schedule a group! 

Tampa Riverwalk

Miles long, The Riverwalk is an active, pedestrian-friendly walk chock full of fun experiences along the way from hotels, bars, transportation, entertainment, and fitness.

You can drink alcohol along the walk provided it is in a proper cup.  So where do you get one of those 'proper cups'?  From one of the many approved vendors along the walk, fun places where you can get great food, craft beer, and excellent drinks, places like Aloft, W XYZ Bar, or Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. You can enjoy the Sports bar with an 18-foot Big Screen or watch people from the outdoor patio overlooking the marina. You will find the Winter Village mentioned above on the Riverwalk, along with dog parks, interactive art, lights, and so much more! On the 18th you can watch the Lighted Boat Parade from the Riverwalk, or pay to board the American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum, where the parade ends, and a winner will be crowned! 

Enjoy Friendly Competition here in Tampa Bay!

Pin Chasers - Midtown

Imagine a night out with the family where everyone is off their phones - well, at least until you do something silly or throw a strike as the rest of your gang cheers! If you can spare the time (pun intended) bowling is a great way to enjoy family fun!  And this Tampa bowling hotspot has it all with 40 lanes, a full liquor bar, a game room, and great food!  Enjoy quality time with your family and friends at any of Pin Chasers' 3 convenient Tampa bowling centers.  And best of all, you can enjoy the fun through Christmas night as they'll be open on Christmas Day, from 5 pm till 1 am!

TopGolf Tampa

TopGolf is not just for golf enthusiasts, it's for anyone who loves music, food, and fun, and unless you are a Grinch, you'll have a great time celebrating with friends, family, and co-workers as you get a little swing time in!  They book large parties fast, so make your plans and book your group for a "top night" out! If you need a last-minute office party idea check out: Last Minute Holiday Party Ideas in Tampa

Let the Games Begin in Tampa Bay!

GameTime is a Family Entertainment Center featuring a fun day/night out for kids of all ages.  Play your favorite video games, ride simulators, and redemption games like skee ball!  Besides fun things to do they also offer a full liquor bar, high-definition HDTVs, and a great menu of appetizers, burgers, salads, and more!  Located in the heart of Ybor City, it's a great place to bring your group! They open on Christmas Day so you can play, eat, drink and be merry before Christmas Dinner!  1 Hour of Timed Play is $25,  2 Hours of Timed Play is $40 and 3 Hours of Timed Play is $50, or you can get an all-access card. Ask for details at the desk.

Fun Girls Night Out! 

The Getaway

The Getaway is a short drive across Gandy Bridge and a great place to put your toes in the sand as you enjoy grouper tacos and a cold beer!  Want to de-stress?  This is how to do it.  Kick back, and enjoy the holidays with good food, a great vibe, and a laid-back atmosphere under a tiki bar. Yeah, baby, this is what being a Floridian during the holidays is ALL about! You need time to get away, and they have the place! Love Bloody Marys?  They've got a good one! Read more about The Getaway and other Bloody Good Spots in Tampa Bay in Best Bloody Mary Bars Found in Tampa | Top 50.

 If you have an event or business you feel would be perfect for this thing To Do Holiday article please contact us by commenting below!  We'd enjoy the opportunity to talk with you.
 
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Check out more Holiday events on our Holiday Guide to Tampa! After all, we are your local guide to everything fun going on in Tampa Bay!