The City of St. Petersburg is excited to celebrate the holiday season! The annual Holidays in the Sunshine City offers holiday happenings and festive fun for all ages.
Join us for an evening of fun as we kick off the holiday season with St. Pete's 95th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting!
The Santa Parade begins at 6:30 PM at Albert Whitted Park and runs along Bayshore Dr. to 5th Ave. NE. The Tree Lighting immediately follows the parade in North Straub Park. Tree Lighting time is based on when the parade ends.
Join us for some festive fun! There will be toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more.
The $5 wristband includes all activities and can be purchased online or at an City recreation center until Dec. 1 at noon. Wristbands can also be purchased day of the event.
Wristbands do not include items at the food trucks.
Online wristband purchases: Bring your receipt to will call on the day of the event to pick up your wristbands.
Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa in North Straub Park! Cameras welcomed.
Saturday, December 9
6:OO PM
Crescent Lake Park
Enjoy a movie in the park with family and friends!
TASCO will be showing "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" starting at 6:30 p.m. at Huggins-Stengel Sports Complex.
Enjoy holiday activities with family and friends starting at 6 p.m., including:
- Photos with Santa and friends
- Holiday arts & crafts
Admission is free
Please be aware that parking is limited. Parking Lot at the TASCO Center for Teen Technology will open at 5:30 PM.
December 12-14
Chat with Santa about the holidays! Santa Claus, in cooperation with our department, calls children to chat about their holiday wishes.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Complete the form online:
Please be aware that this is not an in-person event/activity nor a gift giving program.
Volunteer for Santa's Calling
Volunteer to be Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus or an elf. Invite your family and friends to join the holiday fun. Must be 18 years old to participate.
Volunteer Schedule
Decorate holiday cookies, meet Santa and his elves, and browse small gifts for sale for friends and family!
Free gift wrapping provided.
Must register online. Please contact 727-893-7326 with any questions.
Reserve your spot! Space is limited for this event.
November 25 - January 1
Downtown Waterfront Parks
Take a stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier.
Don’t miss the giant greeting card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park made by local teens and participants from St. Petersburg’s recreation centers.
Holidays in the Sunshine City is a month-long celebration of holidays festivities in the city of St. Petersburg, also known as the Sunshine City.
The Holidays in the Sunshine City is sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department.
For more information, contact the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department at 727-893-7441.
There's always something happening in the Sunshine City!
Click here to see what's happening around the city. #FunShinesHere
