Winter Village Turns Curtis Hixon Park Into Winter Wonderland

TAMPA, FL – Ranging from Thunderstruck Thursdays to Sensory Skate Mondays and Silent Disco Fridays, the return of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning features fresh experiences each day of the week, plus more local small business shopping and an elevated 360-degree light show powered by TECO that will blanket the park in festive color every evening.

The family holiday tradition will jingle its way into Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park through Jan. 1. from 5 to 11 p.m.

This year a record 40 local small businesses will fill 19 holiday shops in The Shops of Winter Village delivered by PODS Moving & Storage, and the Cafe at Winter Village serving coffee, desserts and custom cocktails.

Also returning are classic family favorites like holiday movie night, Santa sightings, the Winter Village Express streetcar experience and street curling.

“The Tampa Downtown Partnership is excited to offer more holiday programming than ever before—such as silent disco, Thunderstruck Thursdays and weekly themed skate nights,” said Shaun Drinkard, interim president of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We love being a special part of the holiday season for all in Tampa’s Downtown.”

New Theme Days

Sensory Skate Mondays — The first hour the ice rink is open, it will be reserved for guests with special sensory needs and their families and friends.

Theme Skate Night Tuesdays — From ugly sweaters to “Friends,” dress up to match the mojo of each unique Tuesday night on the ice. See each week’s fun theme below.

Street Curling Wednesdays — Experience an ice-free version of this Winter Olympic favorite without the crowds. Street curling continues each Wednesday through Sunday.

Thunderstruck Thursdays — Celebrate the Tampa Bay Lightning with enhanced activations, including Bolts-themed beverage and food options.

Silent Disco Fridays — Step off the ice and into the silent disco. From 7 to 9 p.m., put on a headset and get down with music for every mood, from dance favorites to holiday hits.

Shop Small Saturdays — Celebrate and support the small businesses that help create the vibrant atmosphere of Winter Village.

TGH Children’s Hospital Sunday Skate — Bring the family for skating to family-friendly tunes.

Skating, Shopping And More

Ice Skating — Enjoy this wintertime favorite on a real 5,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink with the backdrop of the University of Tampa and Tampa Riverwalk. Tickets include skate rental and 90 minutes of ice time for $17 and must be bought online in advance.

The Shops of Winter Village delivered by PODS Moving & Storage will feature more boutiques stocked with holiday gifts.

The Café at Winter Village — Treat yourself to food and specialty cocktails from Icicles Craft Kitchen and Bar; coffee from Kahwa Coffee; dessert crepes, juices, and teas from Gourmet Crepes; and popsicles from Whatever Pops.

360-Degree Light Show powered by TECO — Upgraded with new lights that wash the park in color each night, marvel at the 10- to 15-minute displays at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m.

Holiday Movie Night — Thanks to the Tampa Theatre, bring your buddies to a showing of "Elf" at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

Santa Sightings — Santa and Mrs. Claus will make stops at different locations throughout Winter Village, posing for photos and greeting children on Dec. 1, 8, and 15.

Winter Village Express — Hop onboard a streetcar singalong filled with holiday music, trivia, stories and surprises. Five 50-minute trips are available every Sunday evening through Dec. 17. Tickets typically sell out well in advance and must be purchased ahead of time online for $10.

Street Curling — This cool cousin of shuffleboard and horseshoes is ready for some friendly competition Wednesday through Sunday.

Theme Skate Night Tuesdays

Dec. 5 — “Let’s Glow Skating.” It’s Neon Night on the ice.

Dec. 12 — “Tacky Threads.” Pull on that ugly sweater and lace up your skates.

Dec. 19 — “When Lightning Strikes.” Break out your Bolts gear and show your support for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Dec. 26 — “The Spirit of Holiday Past, Present, & Future.” It’s Decades Night, so dress to fit your perfect time period and party like it’s 1999 (or whatever year you’d like).

Hours And Info

Ice Skating will be available Monday through Friday from 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

During Hillsborough County Schools Holiday Breaks, there will be ice skating every day from noon to 11 p.m.

Shopping and dining will take place Thursday and Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. During school breaks, shopping and dining will be open every day from noon to 10 p.m.

Holiday Hours:

Thanksgiving: Ice rink open from 4 to 11 p.m.; shops and café closed.

Christmas Eve: Ice rink open from noon to 8 p.m.; shops and cafe open from noon to 4 p.m.

Christmas Day: Ice rink open from 2 to 11 p.m.; shops and café closed.

New Year's Eve: noon to 11 p.m.

New Year's Day: noon to 11 p.m.

Admission to Winter Village is free. Ice skating and the Winter Village Express require separate tickets purchased online. For any schedule changes due to weather or ice conditions, check the Facebook page @WinterVillageTampa.