Best places to see Christmas lights in Greater Tampa Bay
This time of year, befuddled homeowners tangle themselves up in all manner of green wire, trekking across steep roofs and generally piquing the Grim Reaper’s interest. It is all done in the name of good Christmas spirit: These perfectly sane people are simply beautifying their homes for the holiday season.
While sparkling LEDs adorn residences all over Greater Tampa Bay, there are quite a few local spots where everyone can enjoy glowing holiday magic — and notably without having to tiptoe along precarious rooftops.
Here are some of the most spectacular places to enjoy light displays all around the region:
Enchant Christmas
Not satisfied with a mere display of lights, Enchant Christmas offers a shining maze of them that brings visitors straight into the story of “The Mischievous Elf” as they walk through. Photo opportunities abound, and there are glorious lights literally everywhere in sight.
Where: 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg
When: Opens at 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through Jan.2
Temple Terrace Light Show
Suburbia shines in Temple Terrace, where residents have a little extra motivation to deck the halls — or, rather, the rooftops — as residents in the River Run community can earn cash prizes for the best decorated house. Temple Terrace employs computerized lights that flash in sync with 95.5 FM radio.
Where: 7804 River Ridge Drive, Tampa
When: 6 to 11 p.m. ongoing until end of December
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Glowing vessels traverse the Hillsborough River in a cheerful procession, drawing awe from passersby and probably scaring fish to half to death.
Where: Riverwalk, Tampa
When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18
Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
In downtown Tampa, large, merrily festooned Christmas monuments dominate the Riverwalk. A 35’ Christmas tree looks out over a 22’ glowing pirate ship — and many more lit attractions.
Where: Riverwalk, Tampa
When: 6 p.m. daily through Jan. 2
Sylvan Ramble Lights
Light shows set to the tune of favorite Christmas songs that also benefit local nonprofits are 100% within the most festive range of Christmas spirit. Sylvan Ramble raises awareness and funds for several area nonprofits and truly puts on a show.
Where: 4412 W. Sylvan Ramble St., Tampa
When: 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 31
Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park
Largo Central Park charges $5 per ferris wheel ride, but checking out the lights is free of charge. Imagine all those lights from a seven-story-ferris-wheel’s-eye view…
Where: 101 Central Park Drive, Largo
When: 6 to 11 p.m. through Jan. 2
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights
The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds open up a kind of drive-through light show, including a wide range of imagery. This may be the only time viewers will not be distressed to find large glowing crabs adjacent to occupied mangers.
Where: 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover
When: 6 to 10 p.m. daily through Dec. 26
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
This botanical garden promises no fewer than 1 million twinkling lights, which does not even include the additional attractions like lasers and lighted figures.
Where: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo
When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 2
By Drew Mortier
