Tampa's Tree Lighting

Mayor Jane Castor will welcome the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the City of Tampa's official Christmas trees in front of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Friday, December 4. 

Due to the pandemic and social distancing restrictions, the public is encouraged to tune into News Channel 8 beginning at 7 p.m. and celebrate safely at home. 

Mayor Castor will be joined by News Channel 8’s Jennifer Leigh, and Kris Kringle to light Tampa’s seven beautiful, glittering trees!

Tampa's Tree Lighting Ceremony will also be streamed live in its entirety on the Tampa’s Parks & Recreation Facebook page. Instruments for Life and Tampa ShowStars will perform and the Mayor will offer a few remarks before starting the countdown to turn on the Christmas lights.

PLUS: With a little bit of Christmas magic (thanks to a green screen) you and your family can still get your Photos with Santa. Presented by the Friends of Tampa Recreation, Photos with Santa, or choose from several holiday backgrounds, will be available in Curtis HIxon Waterfront Park from December 4 - December 24:
Monday-Thursday: 4-9 pm
Friday-Saturday: 4-10 p.m.
Sunday: 4-9 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
*The Photos with Santa booth will be located under the palm trees, near Ashley Drive.