Snow is not required for a storybook Christmas. On Florida’s Gulf Coast, the holiday season arrives with warm sand, glowing boats on the water, and Santa making appearances in the most unexpected places. From festive parades and twinkling light displays to Christmas dinner by the beach, there is no shortage of holiday magic to discover. This guide rounds up the best St. Pete Christmas events, from big celebrations in the city to family favorites right on the shoreline. And with a full lineup of seasonal happenings on property, TradeWinds Resort is a great place to enjoy a Florida Christmas.
Christmas Week at TradeWinds Resort
When the holidays arrive, TradeWinds turns up the cheer with a full schedule of Christmas week fun for guests. Little ones can enjoy breakfast and photos with Santa on Saturdays, November 28, December 5, 12, and 19. On December 23 and 24, kids can drop off their wish lists at the Letters to Santa station at Shelldon’s Discovery Cove from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other holiday-themed activities include a Holiday Slime Lab, stocking decorating, and a candy cane hunt.
Grown-ups get in on the fun, too. Join a Holiday Mixology Class at Santa’s Pub on December 23 at noon (21 and over), and look for festive seasonal drinks throughout the week. You can find the full lineup on the Resort Happenings page.
Evenings by the Water
Christmas week at TradeWinds does not slow down after sunset. On December 23 and 24 at 5 p.m., a Holiday Lights Canal Cruise is on the schedule, a beautiful way to see the season sparkle from the water. Check the resort calendar for reservation details as the date approaches.
On Christmas Eve, families can slip into pajamas for the ’Twas the Night Before Xmas PJ Party and Fireside Movie from 8 to 10 p.m. Christmas night brings a Silent Night Disco from 8 to 10 p.m., followed by a Glow Beach Bash at the SandBox on December 26. Teens have their own Teen PJ Party and Fireside Movie on December 27.
Christmas Day Dining
You may not want to cook on Christmas, and at TradeWinds you don’t have to. The festive Christmas Day Brunch buffet at Island Grand is the centerpiece of the day, and you can reserve your spot for Christmas brunch online. If you prefer a plated dinner, Christmas Day specials are also served at Pete’s Gulf Bistro, Palm Court Italian, and RumFish Grill.
For menus and details across the season, visit the holiday dining page. TradeWinds also offers a New Year’s Eve party and dinner experiences, so you can stay through the final countdown of the year.
Kick Off the Season in Downtown St. Pete
The holiday spirit starts early in the city. The 98th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting takes place on Saturday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown St. Pete. It begins with an illuminated Santa parade, followed by the tree lighting at North Straub Park.
If you love Christmas lights in St. Pete, mark your calendar for Enchant Christmas. The popular light experience returns to Tropicana Field from November 20 through December 27, 2026. Guests can wander through the world’s largest Christmas light maze, glide along an ice skating trail, browse a holiday village, and meet Santa. The 2026 story is called Night of the Nutcrackers, and a new Ferris wheel makes its debut this year. Since the event is indoors, it is a great option for any evening.
Lighted Boat Parades and Holiday Markets
Few traditions feel more like Florida than a parade of decorated boats. In St. Pete Beach, the annual boat parade and tree lighting ceremony happens on Friday, December 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Horan Park. Admission is free, and families can enjoy live entertainment, food from local vendors, and a chance to visit Santa while the boats glide by.
A little farther up the coast, Madeira Beach celebrates its 60th Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 12. The parade begins at ROC Park at 6:15 p.m. and ends at John’s Pass. The Merry Beach Market and Holiday Festival is also listed for the same weekend, so you can combine shopping, music, and a front-row view of the lights. Check the event pages before you go, since schedules can change.
Beach Days Between the Festivities
One of the best parts of a Florida Christmas is that you can trade a scarf for sunscreen. Between holiday events, there are plenty of St. Pete Beach activities to fill your days. Stroll the soft white sand, take a dip in one of the resort pools, paddle along the waterway, or watch the dolphins from a cruise. For more inspiration, check out our guide to fun things to do in St. Pete Beach.
Kids will have plenty to keep them busy, with craft classes, a water slide, and Shelldon’s Discovery Cove, while adults can unwind with a cocktail at one of the beach bars. It is the kind of vacation that lets everyone slow down and enjoy the season together.
Plan Your Holiday Stay
Choosing the right St. Pete Beach hotel makes all the difference when you want holiday memories without the hassle. At TradeWinds, you can choose between Island Grand and RumFish Beach, both located on the Gulf of Mexico, with multiple pools, beach access, and a variety of dining options on property. Holiday dates tend to book quickly, so it helps to plan ahead.
This year, swap the snow shovel for a beach chair and give your family a Christmas they will remember. When it is time to turn your Christmas plans into a Gulf Coast getaway, book your stay at TradeWinds Resort and celebrate the season with your toes in the sand!
