Tampa Riverwalk has one of the best public holiday displays in America, according to USA Today

A large light display with a Christmas tree set up on a waterfront area
The Tampa Riverwalk Tree Lighting Ceremony 2024 | Photo via Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk’s annual Holiday Spectacular (on the corner of Beneficial Drive and Channelside Drive) has earned a spot in the top 10 for best public holiday lights display in USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. This year, the display ranked #8, a one-spot jump from last year. We’ll take that as a big win!

A panel of industry experts, along with USA Today editors and contributors, selected the Riverwalk for its eye-catching displays—including a towering 35-foot Christmas tree, a glowing gingerbread house, toy train displays on the water and twinkling lights draped over the iconic oak trees at Water Works Park. This festive setup truly transforms the Riverwalk into a holiday wonderland.

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a large Christmas tree at the center of a shopping district
The spectacular lights at Water Street Tampa — just a few steps off of the Tampa Riverwalk.

The Riverwalk goes all out for the holidays

Tampa and Hillsborough County locals, along with supporters nationwide, came together to help the Riverwalk shine even brighter with their votes. The results were revealed on December 6. You can see the rankings here.

The Riverwalk has one more big holiday event coming soon: the annual lighted holiday boat parade on December 21. Don’t forget to join the festive fun with Pirate Water Taxi’s River of Lights Cruise, which departs from the Sail Plaza.

a yellow water taxi cruises past a floating Christmas tree
Photo via Pirate Water Taxi

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