Artistic rendering โ Event may differ
Holidays in the Sunshine City
The City of St. Petersburg invites everyone to celebrate the holiday season with its annual 'Holidays in the Sunshine City' event series. This festive celebration features a dazzling array of holiday lights and decorations along the waterfront, enchanting movies in the park with family-friendly activities, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus. Don't miss the spectacular Santa Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony to officially ring in the holidays, or the fun-filled Snowfest with slides and activities.
What to Expect
Annual holiday celebration with diverse festive events
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE โ Get tickets
- Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome in all City parks except for Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
Other Christmas Events Near St. Petersburg
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and individuals seeking festive holiday activities
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, cheerful
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Medium
Special Events & Promotions
- Annual 'Holidays in the Sunshine City' celebration
- Illuminated Santa Parade & Tree Lighting ceremony
- Snowfest with toboggan slides and inflatables
- Movies in the Park with pre-movie activities
- Meet-and-greet with Santa Claus
Location
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown St. Petersburg
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department
Food & Drink
Food trucks available
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Check the specific park locations for each event, as 'Holidays in the Sunshine City' spans multiple venues across St. Petersburg.
- For the 'Movies in the Park' events, arrive early to enjoy the pre-movie activities like food trucks, arts & crafts, and lawn games.
- Bring your own camera to capture memorable photos with Santa during the 'Santa in the Park' meet-and-greet.
- Participating in the Santa Parade requires pre-registration; check the provided link for details and deadlines to showcase your group or business.
- While many events are free, Snowfest may have specific activities or attractions that incur additional costs; check for on-site details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific dates and times for the 2025 holiday events?
Information for the 2025 holiday season is still being finalized. The city encourages visitors to 'Stay tuned for 2025 holiday information!'
Are pets allowed at the holiday events?
Leashed dogs are generally welcome in City parks, with the exception of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. It's advisable to confirm pet policies for specific event venues.
Where can I find information about becoming a vendor or participating in the Santa Parade?
For vendor inquiries, contact greenthumb@stpete.org for the Green Thumb Festival. For the Santa Parade, a link is provided to learn more and register online.
What is the cost of admission for these holiday events?
Admission for most 'Holidays in the Sunshine City' events, such as 'Movies in the Park' and 'Holiday Lights & Displays,' is free and open to the public.
Are there specific locations for each holiday activity?
Yes, event locations vary across St. Petersburg. For example, 'Movies in the Park' are held at Vinoy Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, and Huggins-Stengel Field, while 'Santa in the Park' is at North Straub Park.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.