Things To Do in Tampa This Weekend: December 5-December 7
The first week of December brings a wonderful blend of holiday traditions, family-friendly activities, and vibrant culture to the Tampa Bay region.
The first week of December brings a wonderful blend of holiday traditions, family-friendly activities, and vibrant culture to the Tampa Bay region. The community offers an extra measure of joy to kick off the season with both charm and holiday spirit, ranging from time-honored ballet performances and seasonal parades to fun-filled winter-themed zones.
The St. Petersburg Ballet Presents "The Nutcracker"
- What: A magical hometown "Nutcracker" tradition
- When: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Hough Concert Hall at The Palladium at St. Petersburg College, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
- Cost: Tickets $30
Experience a festive holiday tradition with the St. Petersburg Ballet Company's "The Nutcracker" presented at The Palladium in St. Petersburg, Florida. The performance transforms Tchaikovsky's timeless score into a vivid, theatrical journey full of toy soldiers, giant mice, sword fights, snowflakes, and the enchanting Land of Sweets. Produced by the official school-in-residence of the company, this production features emerging dancers who will animate the magic of this holiday classic.
Tampa's Santa Fest and Tree Lighting
- What: Tampa's cheerful holiday kickoff
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 1 p.m., with tree lighting at 6 p.m.
- Where: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa
- Cost: Free to attend; vendors will have items available for purchase
Join the festive fun at Tampa's Santa Fest & Tree Lighting in downtown Tampa, where a lively holiday parade, waterfront entertainment, and the illuminating tree lighting ceremony on the city's scenic riverfront create a family-friendly celebration for the holiday season. Visitors are invited to enjoy cheerful entertainment, visit delightful holiday characters, experience children's activities, and bask in the fun holiday experience throughout Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, uniting the season's spirit with community spirit.
Snowfest St. Petersburg
- What: A family-friendly winter fun day
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive Northeast, St. Petersburg
- Cost: $5 wristband; vendors will have items available for purchase
Snowfest brings a burst of winter excitement, with toboggan slides for both kids and adults, fun inflatables, arts-and-crafts tents, food trucks, and plenty of festive activities. A wristband grants access to all attractions and can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event, with will-call pickup available for online buyers. This lively community celebration is designed for families to enjoy hands-on creativity, outdoor thrills, and seasonal cheer.
Other Events
Tampa's early December lineup blends thought-provoking theater, high-energy comedy, and community-minded fun. Whether taking in a compelling stage performance, enjoying a night of stand-up comedy, or joining a festive toy-drive celebration on wheels, the city offers a lively mix of entertainment and holiday spirit:
- Salk: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 151, Tampa
- Pauly Shore: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club Restaurant, 1600 E. 8th Ave., C-112, Tampa
- Toy Drive Skate: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from noon to 9:30 p.m. at Skate World Tampa, 7510 Paula Drive, Tampa
