Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Season To Kick Off With Tree Lighting Nov. 28

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 Riverwalk’s Holiday Spectacular, presented by Mosaic.

Holiday Harbour Tree Lighting

The festivities kick off on Monday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. with the Holiday Harbour Tree Lighting.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will sail along the Hillsborough River basin in a Pirate Water Taxi to the Convention Center docks to symbolically “flip the switch” on this year’s Holiday Spectacular and a floating 35-foot tall Christmas tree, sponsored by Tampa General Hospital.

After the tree lighting, guests are invited to stay and enjoy a holiday-themed carnival including a DJ, game zone, food trucks, vendors and more. In addition, Friends of the Riverwalk will partner with Feeding Tampa Bay this holiday season to host a virtual food drive.

Holiday Spectacular

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, 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, a treasure chest and more.

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 there will be festively decorated photo ops along the Riverwalk this year.

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

The Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular will run along the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park from Nov. 28 to Jan. 2.

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. 17th beginning at 6 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 Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf and be judged by pairs from Big Brothers/Big Sisters Tampa Bay.

First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in two categories: sailboat and motorboat. Winners will each receive a trophy. A registration fee for boaters who wish to join the parade is $75, and can be paid online.

Spectators can gather at several public viewing areas along the route, including Curtis Hixon Park, Armature Works, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Channel Drive, Julian B. Lane Park, Sparkman Wharf, Tampa Riverwalk, University of Tampa, the American Victory Ship and Water Works Park to cheer on the boaters and enjoy the imaginative lighted boats. To view the complete route, click here, where you'll also find parking and transportation options, photos of last year's winner and registration.

This year’s Holiday Spectacular is made possible by Mosaic, Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi, Tampa General Hospital, Sparkman Wharf, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Kroger, Valley Bank, The Barrymore Hotel, State Farm and Armature Works.

Friends of the Riverwalk is a privately funded nonprofit that supports special events, activities and beautification efforts along the Tampa Riverwalk, working in partnership with the city.