Celebrate December in St. Pete–Clearwater 🎄
The holiday spirit is alive and well in the St. Pete–Clearwater region this December. Whether you’re planning a getaway or looking for local attractions while staying at one of our premium vacation homes, here’s a curated list of standout seasonal events that combine festive fun with Florida sunshine.
1. Madeira Beach Lighted Boat Parade – December 13th
- Arrive early (before 6:30 pm) to secure a good viewing spot along the canals or at John’s Pass.
- At nearby ROC Park you’ll also find a “Merry Market” with live music on the seawall — perfect for sipping something warm and browsing holiday goods before the parade begins.
- At John’s Pass, after the parade ends, enjoy the festively lit village with holiday music, shopping and upbeat energy.
- Tip: Parking can get busy near the canals — consider arriving by ride‑share or local shuttle.
2. Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Parade – Sunday, December 7th
A family‑friendly daytime parade: decorated floats, cars, golf carts, bicycles, skateboards — anything that rolls — take to East Gulf Blvd and the finger streets of Indian Rocks Beach, ending at Kolb Park (1507 Bay Palm Blvd) around mid‑afternoon.
- Begins at 1:00 pm — perfect for families and younger guests.
- Bring a blanket or chairs for comfortable viewing; many participants hand out candy or treats.
- After the parade, explore the local beachfront cafés and shops for holiday specials or warm drinks.
3. Holiday Market & Merry Beach Market – December 9 at ROC Park
On the same evening as the lighted boat parade, join the hustle and bustle at ROC Park / Madeira Beach Recreational Complex (200 Rex Place), where over 150 local vendors come together for holiday shopping, live music and festive dining from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
- Great stop for guests staying in the area, combining shopping, music and the parade all in one location.
- Ideal for finding unique, local artisan gifts while enjoying festive ambiance.
- Tip: Arrive early (2 – 4 pm) for best vendor selection, then stay into the evening to catch the boat parade kickoff.
4. Clearwater Yacht Club Boat Parade – December 13th at 6:30 pm
For a slightly different nautical holiday experience, the boat parade hosted by the Clearwater Yacht Club begins at 6:30 pm on December 13th — offering another scenic waterfront option for festive fun.
- Combine with a stay at nearby Clearwater Beach for a full day of sun, sand and holiday lights.
- Suggest planning your dinner or sunset walk at the beach, then transition into parade‑viewing mode as the boats illuminate the evening waters.
5. Holiday Movies at the Park – December 6, 13, and 20th
The movie series opens to the public at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Dec. 6: Vinoy Park – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- Dec. 13: Pinellas Pioneer Settlement – The Santa Clause
- Dec. 20: Huggins-Stengel Field – A Miser Brothers’ Christmas
For more details about holiday events in St. Pete, visit stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents.
6. Holiday Lights In The Gardens 2025
Holiday Lights in the Gardens is a winter fundraiser for Florida Botanical Gardens. It runs from Friday, November 28th, 2025-Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 5:30-9:30 PM nightly.
There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, with kids 12 and under free.
The Florida Botanical Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages. You won’t want to miss it! Interested in being a sponsor? See the information below.
Kids Activities
There will be free kids activities in the Majeed Discovery Garden every Sunday and Thursday evening throughout the month of December.
7. Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™
Tampa’s Biggest and Brightest Christmas Event
The magic of the holidays comes to life at Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™ sponsored by GEICO®, a celebration full of festive cheer.
This holiday season gather with family and friends to create merry memories at Busch Gardens Tampa’s annual Christmas Town event. On select dates, between November 14 and – January 5, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland to get you in the Christmas spirit. Tampa Bay’s longest running Christmas celebration includes:
- Holiday-inspired treats and culinary delights
- Meet-and-greets with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends
- Festive entertainment
- Holiday shopping
- Your favorite theme park rides and attractions
Entry to Christmas Town is included with your admission to Busch Gardens. Click here to learn more.
Why Stay with Us During These Events
Choosing one of our premium vacation homes means you’re just minutes away from this holiday action — and when the day’s events wrap up, you come home to comfort, luxury and ease:
- Prime locations near parade routes and event venues.
- Thoughtfully prepared interiors for unwinding after a festive evening.
- Local support and property management ensure you’re stress‑free — from arrival through departure.
- Whether you’re here for the boat parades, holiday markets or movie nights, we make your stay seamless so you can focus on creating memories.
A Few Tips For a Smooth Holiday Getaway
- Book early: Accommodations fill quickly during holiday events; secure your home as soon as dates are decided.
- Arrive before sunset: Many parade‑viewing spots fill up fast — plan to be on site 30‑60 minutes ahead if you want the best view.
- Parking & transport: Consider ride‑share or shuttle services, especially near canal routes where parking is tight.
- Weather‑aware: While Florida weather is generally mild, nights can be breezy — pack a light jacket for evening events.
- Combine your calendar: With events like the boat parades and holiday markets overlapping, you can create a full afternoon‑into‑evening itinerary (shopping → dining → parade) without changing locations too much.
We look forward to welcoming you this December and helping you make the most of the holiday festivities in St. Pete–Clearwater. Let us know if you’d like personalized recommendations for events, dining, or how to pair your stay with one of the parades or markets.
