It's time to get in the holiday spirit with a little snow and sunshine, as you participate in the activities taking place at some of our best attractions. From twinkling light shows and real reindeer to Santa and his swimming elves, Tampa Bay offers a holiday experience for all ages to enjoy.

You'll find Christmas entertainment, live music, festive treats, holiday shopping and thousands of twinkling lights, as Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens Tampa into a holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas. Busch Gardens will fill the senses with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors to create a memorable new family tradition.

Ybor City's historic holiday spirit kicks off with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 18.  Festive crowds will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and listen to the sounds of the season from live carolers and performers as they count down to the dramatic lighting of the 34-foot tree in Centro Ybor.   On Dec. 12, arrive early for front row seats for the Snow on Seventh Holiday Parade, which begins at 6 p.m.  Floats, marching bands and more entertain as snow falls throughout the parade route.

Football fans and families from across the country can root on the home team during the Outback Bowl New Year's Eve Parade and Pep Rally and Battle of the Bands competition on Thursday, Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve), starting at 5:30 p.m.

Attend Tampa's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 4 in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the dynamic sounds of the Late Night Brass.  The evening will also include a Christmas Market and free movie in the park featuring National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  The next day is Santa Fest, complete with a holiday parade, make-and-take crafts, hands-on games and activities, and more.

Make sure to catch the brand new production of The Sound of Music, directed by three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O'Brien, is coming to the Straz Center. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy® and Academy® Award winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev'ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. The hills are alive!

Other events include Snacking with Santa at the Armed Forces History Museum, The Holiday Music Concertfeaturing chamber ensembles, Suzuki classes and our Vocal Arts choirs, and The Florida Orchestra's Holiday Pop Series.

Enjoy your holiday adventures in Tampa Bay's Tropical Wonderland!