Friends Of The Tampa Riverwalk Host Holiday Spectacular

TAMPA, FL — The magic of the holiday season will be on display along the Tampa Riverwalk once again. This year, the 2.6 miles of Riverwalk will be aglow with lights, festive decorations and activities for the whole family as part of the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk’s Holiday Spectacular, presented by Mosaic.

Tampa rang in the holiday season on Sunday, Nov. 26, with the annual Holiday Harbour Tree Lighting in front of the Tampa Convention Center and Sail Pavilion. Mayor Jane Castor symbolically “flipped the switch” on this year’s Holiday Spectacular and a floating 35-foot-tall Christmas tree, sponsored by Tampa General Hospital.

Holiday Spectacular Décor

All along the river basin, visitors will be treated to a variety of lighted floating displays including a pine tree forest, teddy on a toy horse, a gingerbread house with a boy and girl, and a toy train. To celebrate Tampa’s distinct local culture, there will also be a lighted pirate sword fight, two pirate ships and a treasure chest. New this year is a trio of playful penguins sliding down an igloo.

The floating barges will be lit nightly and add to the magical holiday ambiance along the Riverwalk. Additional decor will include lighted garland and red bows on the Riverwalk light poles, thousands of twinkling lights will adorn the grand oaks in Water Works Park along with a festively decorated Christmas tree-shaped gazebo. And don’t miss the decorated photo ops along the Riverwalk this year.

Hotels, restaurants and bars along the Riverwalk will also have lighted displays.

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Tampa is known for its lighted boat parades, and this is the one that started them all. The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, sponsored by Yacht StarShip and Pirate Water Taxi, will glide down the Hillsborough River on Saturday, Dec. 23 beginning at 6:15 p.m.

This Tampa tradition has grown to become one of the largest on Florida’s west coast. Approximately 125 vessels, all decorated and aglow for the holidays, are expected on the 7.5-mile route.

The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Laurel Street Bridge where the boats will turn around and proceed to Sparkman Wharf where the boat parade will conclude.

Judging will take place at the Tampa Convention Center by pairs from Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay. First-, second- and third-place trophies will be awarded.

Registration is required to participate and is available online.

The first 50 boats to register will lock in early-bird pricing of $85. After that, the registration increases to $95. Registration includes two tickets to the exclusive Captain’s Party at American Social, a swag bag with an assortment of giveaways and the chance to win various raffle prizes.

Spectators can gather at several public viewing areas along the route, which include Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, American Social, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Channel Drive, Julian B. Lane Park, Sparkman Wharf, Tampa Riverwalk, the University of Tampa and the American Victory Ship to cheer on the boaters and get a close-up look at the lighted boats. To view the complete route, click here, which also has information on parking and transportation options.

Sponsors for this year’s Holiday Spectacular are Mosaic, Pirate Water Taxi, Yacht StarShip, Tampa General Hospital, Florida Avenue Brewing, Sparkman Wharf, Teacher’s Federal Credit Union, American Social, the Barrymore Hotel, Boat Life Tampa Charters and The Tampa Convention Center. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more, email info@TheTampaRiverwalk.com.