Tampa’s Winter Village Celebrates 10 Years of Holiday Magic
Tampa’s beloved Winter Village officially opens tonight at 5 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Park, marking the beginning of the holiday season in downtown Tampa. This annual waterfront attraction invites families, locals, and tourists to experience festive sights, sounds, and activities over the next six weeks. As the event celebrates its tenth anniversary, organizers anticipate over 250,000 visitors, making it a must-do for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of the season.
A Decade of Holiday Cheer Returns to Downtown Tampa
This year marks a special milestone as Tampa’s Winter Village celebrates its tenth anniversary, transforming Curtis Hixon Park into a vibrant holiday destination. From Friday night, November 21, 2025, through January 5, the park will buzz with energy, creating cherished memories for hundreds of thousands of guests. It’s the perfect spot to kick off your holiday festivities.
The Heart of the Village: Outdoor Ice Skating
The most anticipated attraction at Winter Village is undoubtedly the outdoor ice-skating rink, offering a unique opportunity to glide under the Florida sky. Given its immense popularity, skating sessions tend to fill up quickly, especially on busy nights and weekends. Visitors are strongly encouraged to reserve their ice-skating times online in advance to guarantee a spot and avoid disappointment.
Beyond the Ice: Festive Fun for Everyone
Even if ice skating isn’t on your agenda, there’s a wealth of other activities and delights to explore. The Winter Village atmosphere is enhanced with live music, a variety of local food vendors offering festive treats and seasonal delights, and numerous holiday decorations that create a charming backdrop for your visit. It’s an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll with family or friends.
Exciting New Additions for This Year
To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Winter Village introduces some exciting new features designed to enhance the visitor experience. Look forward to “Game Night” on Wednesdays, offering fresh entertainment for all ages. Additionally, a new “Sensory Relief Zone” will provide a quiet space for those needing a break from the festive hustle and bustle, ensuring a more inclusive environment for all guests.
Seamless Travel to Downtown Tampa
Anticipating the large crowds, particularly on peak evenings, Tampa’s Downtown Partnership advises visitors to plan their transportation strategically to avoid parking challenges. Ivy Lupco, Manager of Public Placemaking and Programming, suggests utilizing various convenient options. Consider ridesharing, cycling, or using DASH Tampa, the downtown area shared hub program. Walking in from nearby areas, especially along the scenic Riverwalk, is also highly encouraged.
Plan Your Visit: Dates, Times, and Special Shows
Tampa’s Winter Village runs from its opening night on November 21, 2025, until January 5. Throughout this period, special ice-skating shows are planned to entertain visitors, including performances on opening weekend, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. For a complete overview of daily operating hours, specific event times, and detailed ticket information, be sure to check the official Tampa’s Winter Village website.
- When does Tampa’s Winter Village open and close this year?
It opens tonight, November 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. and runs through January 5. - What is the biggest attraction at the Winter Village?
The outdoor ice-skating rink is the main draw, and reservations for sessions are highly recommended. - Are there any new features for this year’s event?
Yes, new additions include “Game Night” on Wednesdays and a “Sensory Relief Zone.” - How can I avoid parking issues when visiting?
Consider using rideshare, bicycling, DASH Tampa, or walking along the Riverwalk to avoid the downtown parking crunch. - Where can I find the full schedule of events and ticket information?
A full schedule and ticket details are available on the official Tampa’s Winter Village website.
To make the most of your visit to Tampa’s Winter Village, plan your trip in advance, especially by reserving ice-skating times and exploring alternative transportation methods to fully enjoy the holiday festivities.
Tampa Winter Village Celebrates Ten Years
