Tampa Convention Center Events

3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party

Saturday, December 13, 8pm - 12am

📍Top Shelf Sports Lounge Downtown Tampa
 

Here’s what’s going down:

- DJ Big Hurt keeping the dance floor packed all night

- Full bar slinging festive cocktails

- Late-night bites to fuel your moves

- Ridiculous party games (with bragging rights attached)

- Prizes & surprises that keep the night lit
 

This isn’t your average holiday party… this is where 30+ comes alive, the sweaters get wild, and the vibe stays grown & fun all night.

Be part of the big Silver Anniversary of Tampa’s original, free holiday event for everyone and every boat – illuminated kayaks, canoes, SUPs, power boats too - this year on a SATURDAY!

Paddlers lead the way upriver from Lowry Park to Sulphur Springs in the 25th Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade, Saturday, December 13. Come to Lowry Park Boat Ramp, 1204 W Flora St. between 5:00 & 5:30 to get on the water. Parade starts promptly at 6:00 pm, ends at 7:00 at Sulphur Springs Action League’s Community Party at Sulphur Springs Park, 701 E. Bird St.

This FREE holiday event organized by the Friends of the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay Sierra Club.
REGISTER EACH INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT in your KAYAK, CANOE, POWER BOAT, etc. HERE IN ADVANCE for this SIERRA CLUB OUTING: http://bit.ly/4ougRcT

Spectators may watch from Lowry Park, Sulphur Springs Park, or anywhere in between. Do not register unless you plan to be on a boat on the river.

Follow the footsteps of great impressionist painters and get outside to make some art in the landscape of Tampa Bay's gorgeous scenery in this Plein Air watercolor and oil painting course. Soak in the beauty and inspiration of nature as you create art at scenic locales throughout Hillsborough.

This course will meet in a local park and will require moving about the park to find your spot to paint. Bringing a lightweight camping chair, blanket, or other items that make your time in the park more comfortable is encouraged.

*While some watercolors and paper materials will be provided, students are encouraged to bring their own supplies, hand towels, and water bottles for cleaning brushes.

Step into a world of holiday cheer at the 7th Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar at Ybor! Tampa’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Ybor City, sparkles a little brighter as this magical, family-friendly festival fills the streets with holiday cheer, music, and festive fun for all.

Follow the sound of jingling bells to a day filled with live bands, dazzling dance performances, and holiday vendors. Let the aroma of seasonal bites and sugary holiday treats lead you through a festive maze of food trucks and holiday vendors. Wander into Santa’s Village, where you can meet the jolliest fellow of all and snap free photos in his merry wonderland. Little elves will delight in craft stations, games, and hands-on holiday fun sprinkled all around the festival.

So gather your loved ones—two-legged and four-legged—and join us for a day of sparkle, laughter, and memory-making magic. This FREE holiday festival welcomes everyone… and promises plenty of cheer!

Come jingle with us at the Jingle Bell Run/ Walk! Your participation helps support the nearly 60 million Americans, including hundreds of thousands of children, living with the daily pain of arthritis.

All participants receive an official Jingle Bell Run shirt, finisher medal & jingle bells. Come enjoy food & drinks (including lunch from P.F. Chang’s and beer), fun kid’s zone, photos with Santa, entertainment, holiday costume contests, silent auction, Top Team Tailgate, and much more! Awards & prizes for overall top finishers, fundraisers, and teams!

Remix is a series of make-and-take art workshops for adults inspired by the Museum’s current exhibitions with a new project every month. Workshops are designed to be enjoyed by participants of any skill level and all materials are provided.

Join us at Winter Village, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning, for Tuesday Themed Skate Nights!

Enjoy rotating themed nights like Grinchmas, Ugly Sweater, and Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes, including photo ops by Tampa General Hospital. All participating visitors will be entered into a raffle for a set of tickets to local entertainment.

• November 25 - Holidays Around the World
• December 2 - Grinchmas
• December 9 - Ugly Sweater
• December 16 - Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes
• December 23 - Nightmare Before Christmas
• December 30 - Holiday Shimmer

Learn more and purchase ice skating tickets here: wintervillagetampa.com

Join us for a special evening with internationally acclaimed artist Jun Kaneko (Japanese-American, born 1942).

Doors open at 5 pm, guests will enjoy delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres from local favorites, along with a complimentary glass of wine and a cash bar.* The Curator’s Chat with artist Jun Kaneko, Ree Kaneko, and Joanna Robotham, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, will be held at 6 pm in the Morsani Atrium.

The Tampa Museum of Art is pleased to present Jun Kaneko: Silence Before Sound, first major survey of the artist’s work in Florida. The exhibition celebrates five decades of art—from early drawings created in Japan, to ceramics he made as a member of the influential California Clay Movement in the 1960s, and Kaneko’s groundbreaking projects that blurred the boundaries of painting, ceramics, and sculpture.

Your participation in this celebration directly supports the Silence Before Sound exhibition and the associated educational programs at the Tampa Museum of Art, helping to foster a vibrant art community.

Join us at Winter Village, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning, for silent disco every Friday from 6-9pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park!

Dance (or boogie!) to your favorite tunes before checking out the other festivities, including ice skating, local shops, food & drinks, and more!

Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, lighting up the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa with a dazzling display of holiday cheer. The parade kicks off at 6:15 PM near the Lighthouse off Davis Islands, with both large and small vessels cruising past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center.

From there, large boats will conclude at the Convention Center, while smaller boats (under 12’ air draft) continue upriver past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Ulele, finishing near Water Works Park and Armature Works.

Spectators can enjoy free viewing along the Riverwalk at multiple locations, with judging and a VIP viewing area located at Sparkman Wharf. All registered boats are eligible for prizes — so deck out your vessel and be part of Tampa’s most magical holiday tradition!

You are cordially invited to join us for the River Christmas Extravaganza—a special Christmas event, featuring a full 50-piece orchestra and over 500,000 Christmas lights! Bring your friends and family as we celebrate the King of Kings.

Tickets are FREE but space is limited.

Event starts at 7pm. Valid ID required for entry.

Available dates: December 12, 14, 19, & 21.

Discover an exciting and engaging experience during the holiday break. MOSI offers science focused camps by grade level for two weeks, sign up for one of both weeks!

Camps run from 9am to 4pm, packed with interactive and educational experiences. For added convenience, we offer extended care in the mornings (7am-9am) and afternoons (4pm-6pm) for an additional fee, allowing parents flexibility with their schedules.

Join us at Winter Village, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning, for Tuesday Themed Skate Nights!

Enjoy rotating themed nights like Grinchmas, Ugly Sweater, and Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes, including photo ops by Tampa General Hospital. All participating visitors will be entered into a raffle for a set of tickets to local entertainment.

• November 25 - Holidays Around the World
• December 2 - Grinchmas
• December 9 - Ugly Sweater
• December 16 - Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes
• December 23 - Nightmare Before Christmas
• December 30 - Holiday Shimmer

Learn more and purchase ice skating tickets here: wintervillagetampa.com

They're back! Join us at Winter Village, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning, for our Tampa Bay Ice Show on select nights, where festive cheer meets breathtaking talent! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hillsborough River, this enchanting performance will feature our skilled skaters showcasing their artistry and athleticism. This show is FREE to watch!

Tuesday, December 24th @ 7 PM - Special Christmas Eve Show
Tuesday, December 31st @ 7 PM - Special New Year’s Eve Show

CLOSING WEEKEND

Friday, January 2nd @ 7PM
Saturday, January 3rd @ 7PM
Sunday, January 4th @ 7PM

After watching the talented ice skaters, check out everything Winter Village has to offer, including local shops, food & drink, and more!

Learn more at https://wintervillagetampa.com/

This Christmas, sit back and enjoy a festive and flavorful brunch courtesy of the Rusty Pelican. Featuring a three-course menu filled with shareable starters, a fresh raw bar, decadent family-style desserts, and personal-plated fan-favorite entrees like Surf & Turf, Wild Mushroom Pappardelle, Prime Rib Benedict, and Chicken & Waffles, this brunch offers the perfect balance of traditional holiday fares with exciting and indulgent twists.

Elevate your meal with premium additions like Beef Wellington, available for preorder for $20, and $30 bottomless mimosas with mix and match flavors like watermelon & lime, cucumber & mint, mango & tajin, and the classic orange.

This brunch is $98 for adults and $35 for children under 12. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol. "Please drink responsibly."

Join us at Winter Village, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning, for silent disco every Friday from 6-9pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park!

Dance (or boogie!) to your favorite tunes before checking out the other festivities, including ice skating, local shops, food & drinks, and more!

Join us at Winter Village, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning, for Tuesday Themed Skate Nights!

Enjoy rotating themed nights like Grinchmas, Ugly Sweater, and Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes, including photo ops by Tampa General Hospital. All participating visitors will be entered into a raffle for a set of tickets to local entertainment.

• November 25 - Holidays Around the World
• December 2 - Grinchmas
• December 9 - Ugly Sweater
• December 16 - Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes
• December 23 - Nightmare Before Christmas
• December 30 - Holiday Shimmer

Learn more and purchase ice skating tickets here: wintervillagetampa.com

Discretion, elegance, and mystery define The Forbidden Ball. Step behind the mask and into a realm where glamour reigns, indulgence is expected, and every secret is dressed in silk. Live music drifts through the shadows—seductive strings, soulful vocals, and rhythms that pulse like a heartbeat—setting the tone for a night where fantasies unfold and identities blur. Included in Package - Each guest to enjoy a 4-course menu, welcome drink, and midnight toast.

*Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly.*

Join us at Winter Village, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning, for silent disco every Friday from 6-9pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park!

Dance (or boogie!) to your favorite tunes before checking out the other festivities, including ice skating, local shops, food & drinks, and more!

Use clay to build, mold, and sculpt three-dimensional works using coil building, slab building, and other hand-building techniques. All experience levels are welcome; beginners and up. 55+

*Firing costs, essential tools, and glazes included. Clay is available for purchase separately in studio.

This class will teach students to capture the character, structure, and movement of the human figure. Students will make a 18x24” tonal drawing from the live model and sketch the sculptures in the museum’s antiquities collection in order to learn core principles. Each lesson focuses on using simple tools to communicate the action of the body clearly and effectively. 18+ Sundays, Jan 11 - Mar 1 | 1:00–4:00 PM (7 classes)

This course introduces students to the essential skills of creating with clay in a calm and welcoming studio setting. You will learn the full clay-to-ceramic process through hand-building and basic wheel-throwing techniques. Along the way, you'll explore form, texture, surface design, and glazing. Designed for both beginners and returning students, this class offers a space to develop meaningful, hands-on skills and a deeper understanding of the craft. 18+

Classes Available | Jan 13 - Feb 24 (6 Classes, *No class Jan 27), Mar 24 - Apr 28 (6 Classes)

*Firing costs, essential tools, and glazes included. Clay available for purchase separately in studio.

Ceramics Continued Study is a space for students to enhance their learning experience with instructor assistance and guiding knowledge. Sign up for a single class to continue working and add the finishing touches on projects you've started in one of our other classes. Sign up for multiple classes to choose your own adventure in hand-building or wheel thrown ceramics. Work with your instructor to plan out your projects and make them a reality. Some experience with clay is recommended. 55+ 
 

Gain access to a quiet and creative space to explore digital drawing with Procreate! With input from the instructor, you can create your own art, comics, anime characters, and much more! Open to ages 12+

*All programs and equipment are provided!

Work with clay on the potters' wheel and learn how to hand-build. Beginners start with a hand-building project to get acquainted with the clay and then jump into learning how to create their next ceramic adventure. Intermediate students can dive right into getting dirty and take inspiration from instructor-led projects. All experience levels are welcome! 18+ Classes Available | Jan 15-Mar 5 (7 classes), Mar 12-April 30 (7 classes *No class Mar 19

*Firing costs, essential tools, and glazes included. Clay is available for purchase separately in studio.

Discover your child’s K–12 education options at the School Choice Safari on January 24, 2026, from 10 am–1 pm at ZooTampa’s Saunders Pavilion. Meet school representatives, enjoy free food, games, and family fun, and get personalized bilingual support from GuidEd. Hosted by GuidEd and the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. Free to attend; Zoo admission not required!

Work in your drawing and painting media of choice or explore new ones. In these three-hour instructor-guided single-session classes, students will learn the fundamentals and expand their 2D knowledge while creating images from life. Learn the basics and grow your techniques with tailored instruction and live model sessions. Ages 18+ 
 

*Drawing materials provided. These classes do have live Nude Models.

Remix is a series of make-and-take art workshops for adults inspired by the Museum’s current exhibitions with a new project every month.

This month's project will be inspired by our Jun Kaneko exhibition. Learn the art of glaze-painting on your own ceramic tile!

Hoist the sails —the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest returns for another year! Celebrating Jose Gaspar’s takeover of Tampa, the day begins with the Gasparilla Invasion, when hundreds of pirates board the Jose Gasparilla and an accompanying flotilla to set sail across Hillsborough Bay to the Tampa Convention Center.

The 4.5-mile parade route brings celebration and the tossing of beads, coins, and other treasures! The route is led by the captain and his Ye Mystic Krewe, and over a hundred floats go through historic Bayshore Blvd. and downtown Tampa. Plus, don't miss the live music stages along the Tampa Riverwalk.

Get your tickets today to capture new treasured memories!

The Florida State Fair returns to Tampa with twelve days of wild rides, over-the-top fair food, live entertainment, and adventures for all ages. Visitors can also explore Florida’s agricultural roots through interactive exhibits and livestock shows. In 2026, the Fair joins the nationwide America250 festivities as America’s Sunniest Celebration, commemorating 250 years of U.S. history with special tributes, performances, and red, white, and blue flair!

*Ticket pricing varies by date and ticket type—please visit Florida State Fair for full details, including special promotional days and discounts. 

The Florida State Fair returns to Tampa with twelve days of wild rides, over-the-top fair food, live entertainment, and adventures for all ages. Visitors can also explore Florida’s agricultural roots through interactive exhibits and livestock shows. In 2026, the Fair joins the nationwide America250 festivities as America’s Sunniest Celebration, commemorating 250 years of U.S. history with special tributes, performances, and red, white, and blue flair!

*Ticket pricing varies by date and ticket type—please visit Florida State Fair for full details, including special promotional days and discounts.

The Florida State Fair returns to Tampa with twelve days of wild rides, over-the-top fair food, live entertainment, and adventures for all ages. Visitors can also explore Florida’s agricultural roots through interactive exhibits and livestock shows. In 2026, the Fair joins the nationwide America250 festivities as America’s Sunniest Celebration, commemorating 250 years of U.S. history with special tributes, performances, and red, white, and blue flair!

*Ticket pricing varies by date and ticket type—please visit Florida State Fair for full details, including special promotional days and discounts.

Get acquainted with the wonderful world of Encaustic hot wax painting! Explore painting, collage, and embellishment techniques in this beginner-friendly 3-day workshop! Ages 18+