Things To Do in Tampa This Weekend: November 28-November 30

Tampa’s weekend events are full of holiday spirit, offering festive cheer and fun for all ages. Catch a musical adaptation of a classic Christmas movie, experience Christmas in the Wild,…

christmas zoo tampa
Photo: ZooTampa

Tampa's weekend events are full of holiday spirit, offering festive cheer and fun for all ages. Catch a musical adaptation of a classic Christmas movie, experience Christmas in the Wild, or attend Tampa Bay's Festival of Lights.

"A Christmas Story, the Musical"

  • What: A heartwarming musical retelling of a holiday classic
  • When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, and Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa
  • Cost: Tickets start at $62.20

"A Christmas Story, The Musical" brings the beloved holiday film to life, with music and lyrics by the songwriters behind "Dear Evan Hansen," "La La Land," and "The Greatest Showman." Set in 1940s Indiana, the story follows young Ralphie Parker's hilarious quest for his dream gift, a Red Ryder BB gun, amid a whirlwind of family antics and festive chaos.

Christmas in the Wild

  • What: A magical holiday light show at the zoo
  • When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, and Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from 4 to 10 p.m. (additional dates available through Dec. 31, 2025)
  • Where: ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa
  • Cost: Early bird pricing for admission after 4:00 p.m.: $29.95 (early bird pricing ends at noon on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025)

Christmas in the Wild transforms ZooTampa at Lowry Park into a luminous holiday playground featuring one of Tampa Bay's biggest light displays, immersive themed realms, and festive animal encounters. Stroll through glowing tunnels and view oversized illuminated sculptures while connecting with wildlife.

Tampa Bay's Festival of Lights

  • What: A dazzling drive-through and family holiday carnival
  • When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, and Saturday, Nov. 30, 2025, from 6 to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m.
  • Where: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover
  • Cost: $5 for one ride and $40 for a 10-pack; drive-through light show and parking: $30/car (up to eight occupants) or $25/car on drive-through only nights (up to eight occupants)

Tampa Bay's Festival of Lights turns Hillsborough County Fairgrounds into a vibrant holiday wonderland with more than 1 million lights and 80 themed displays. Drive through a spectacular 2-mile light show featuring colorful animations and giant festive figures, then step into Santa's Village for kids' craft stations, holiday treats, live entertainment, and a petting zoo.

Other Events

This weekend's activities in Tampa include comedy, dance, and sports:

  • Sommore: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at 6:30 and 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., C-112, Tampa
  • Ballet of Lights: "Sleeping Beauty": Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at 4 and 6 p.m. at Centro Asturiano de Tampa, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Arizona Cardinals: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa