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Discover Exciting Winter Events in and Around St. Pete, FL
Looking to escape that cold up north? St. Petersburg FL and the Tampa Bay area are the ultimate spot for a family-friendly and warm getaway. You’ve got perfect weather for outdoor fun — think golfing, boating, fishing, and hiking in beautiful nature reserves.
And there’s more: winter here is lit with amazing events and festivals you won’t want to miss.
In this blog, we’ve picked out three of the absolute best ones and gone over all the juicy details you need to know.
Get ready for some serious winter fun in the sun!
1. Kingfish Tournament, Madeira Beach, Mid-November
Twice every year, Madeira Beach serves as the host for the oldest and richest kingfish fishing tournament in the United States, The Kingfish Tournament.
Usually, the event kicks off with the Captain’s Meeting and runs for three days until Saturday when roughly 600 teams of anglers weigh in their catches and receive their well-deserved awards. The team that performs the best is crowned “The KING” and first-place prizes revolve around $50,000.
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Where to stay in Madeira Beach, FL
In the Tampa Bay area, just like all of Florida, opting for a vacation rental over a hotel can make a huge difference. You’re spoiled for options that fit every budget and preference. Where to look? Check out our great options for your stay in Madeira Beach.
2. Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup, Treasure Island, Mid-November
In 2001 Treasure Island earned the status as the “Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida” and now a sand sculpting competition and exhibition takes place every year. Let us tell you, this sandy party is as family-friendly as it gets in the Sunshine State.
Each year, organizers come up with a theme that’s open to interpretation. Just imagine a fantastical wonderland of sand sculptures, brought to life by incredibly talented master sand sculptors from all corners of the globe. Their tools? Nothing fancier than sand, buckets of water, their own hands, and their boundless imagination!
There’s also a whole bunch of activities to dive into, like a beach food court, a beer garden, and an arts and crafts market.
Skies are also alive: with kites during the day, and at night, fireworks light up the heavens and bring an extra sprinkle of excitement. It’s Florida, right? So there’s music, too! Local bands and artists from all around come together to get everyone grooving every single night.
3. Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Late November and December
Ready to soak in that holiday atmosphere? Christmas might not be the first thing on your mind when you think about Florida, but things certainly light up in St. Pete when Enchant Christmas brings the holiday magic to Tropicana Field. This is not just a family-friendly activity but also one of the best winter festivals in Florida.
This spectacular event is lit up with over 4 million twinkling lights and has a Christmas market, a skating rink, and plenty of delicious food and drinks. Overall, it feels more like a European night market than a beachy scene in sunny Florida — and that’s the goal here.
The Christmas Lights Maze is a big hit. Imagine a fairytale-like visual wonderland with intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and all sorts of Instagram-worthy angles. The ice skating area is also beautifully decorated with even more light displays and is probably the closest thing you’ll get to a winter wonderland in Florida.
Got little elves tagging along? They’ll love paying a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There’s also a play area for the kids where they can gather around for story time, giving you a well-deserved break from all their holiday antics.
This event requires tickets, but kids under 3 get in for free. They offer ticket options for all types of visitors, from family packs and night owl deals to VIP passes with banquets included, and they even have opportunities for private parties.
When is Enchant Christmas in St. Petersburg FL?
In 2023, Enchant Christmas happens between November 24 and December 31. For all the merry details, check out their website.
Pro tip: it’s a good idea to book your tickets online in advance because this event tends to sell out.
Top things to do and see in St. Petersburg FL
Do you know what else is fun in St. Pete? Going museum hopping.
You can go from a Christmas wonderland to a surreal wonderland with a visit to the Dali Museum. This is the largest collection of works by the surrealist genius outside Spain.
Afterward, you can head to the Imagine Museum, which displays beautiful and highly unusual glass artworks. Who would have thought there are so many things you can create with glass?
There’s also a living nature museum. The Sunken Gardens is a beautiful and tranquil place with shaded paths winding around tropical plants. And since this is Florida, you’ll also find macaws and flamingos adding even more color to the scenery.
Where to stay in St. Petersburg FL
In and around St. Petersburg, there are plenty of options for vacation housing, ranging from vacation beachfront condos and apartments to cozy cottages further inland. Take a closer look at these options tailored just for you.
The Best Winter Events and Festivals in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Area
There’s really no room for winter blues in the Tampa Bay area, especially in St. Pete. Yet, remember that while it’s a fantastic time to explore the city, it’s also considered a peak tourist season. So, be sure to book ahead to secure your piece of sand in this beautiful paradise.
