TAMPA – Downtown Tampa’s Winter Village returns from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 at Curtis Hixon Park for its 10th anniversary season.
The event transforms the Tampa Riverwalk into a waterfront winter destination with light shows, games and music.
This year’s Winter Village celebrates a decade of holiday magic with new attractions and a record number of local businesses, making it a destination to skate, shop and celebrate the spirit of the season.
Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, said the event also celebrates the people, small businesses and partnerships that make downtown vibrant and welcoming.
“Winter Village has grown from a small community gathering into a cherished Tampa tradition that brings families, friends and visitors together in Tampa’s Downtown,” Hairston-Bridges said.
What’s New in 2025?
- 10th Anniversary Time Capsule: Opening Day (Nov. 21) marks the start of the season with a time capsule celebration. Guests are invited to bring a photo from past visits or snap a new Polaroid onsite to include in a capsule that will be sealed until the event’s 20th anniversary in 2035.
- River of Lights Boat Tours: In partnership with Pirate Water Taxi, guests can hop aboard the River of Lights cruise for a 45-minute journey down the Hillsborough River, departing from Winter Village (Stop #12). The cruise features sing-alongs with snow flurries, games and visits from Santa’s helpers. Kids can mail letters to Santa at the floating mail station, bringing awareness to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets cost $35 for adults and $25 for children.
Skate, Sip and Shop Local
- The real-ice skating rink returns as the centerpiece of Winter Village, offering 75-minute sessions for $17 per skater, which includes skate rental. Skating hours vary by school schedules and holidays, with extended hours during Hillsborough schools’ winter break. Tickets are available at WinterVillageTampa.com.
- Guests can refuel at Icicles Craft Kitchen & Bar, Mi Cafecito Coffee, Gourmet Crepes and Whatever Pops.
- The Shops of Winter Village will spotlight 70 local small businesses this year (up from 41 last season), with 10 full-season retailers, seven partial-season shops and more than 30 rotating vendors through the holidays. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, apparel, art, and treats daily from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 (hours vary by day).
- Celebrate Shop Small Weekend from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 to 30 with 18 additional small businesses. The first 100 shoppers will receive a “I Shopped Small at Winter Village” tote bag.
Daily Programming
From themed skate nights to silent discos, Winter Village is packed with activities for all ages:
- Tuesdays – Theme Skate Nights: Enjoy rotating themed nights like Grinchmas, Ugly Sweater and Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes, including photo ops by Tampa General Hospital.
- Wednesdays – Trivia and Holiday Game Night: Test your knowledge at trivia from 2 to 4 p.m. and enjoy additional holiday games when the shops and cafe are open.
- Thursdays – Thunderstruck Thursdays: Celebrate Tampa Bay Lightning pride by purchasing themed menu items for the chance to win tickets.
- Fridays – Silent Disco: Dance under the stars with headset rentals from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays – Shop Small Saturdays: Surprise tote giveaways and local vendor spotlights.
- Ice Shows: Watch performances on select dates throughout the season.
Winter Village Express is back with milk, cookies and entertainment led by new characters Rudy and Holly. The holiday train ride on the TECO Line Streetcar runs from Whiting Station to Ybor City. Tickets cost $10 and must be purchased in advance.
Winter Village will debut 10th anniversary merchandise for purchase.
On the web: WinterVillageTampa.com
