Courtesy of @enchantstpetersburg on Instagram
By Hadley Hiles
This holiday season, there are many festive events happening within driving distance of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus that will get you in the Christmas spirit.
Whether you have family coming to town, or you want to experience some holiday fun with friends, or even go by yourself, there is something for everyone.
From ice skating, to tubing and playing in fake snow, here are five attractions that you can visit during the most wonderful time of the year.
Enchant at Tropicana Field
Only five minutes away from campus, Enchant at Tropicana Field is an immersive light maze with over four million lights, Santa visits, a 100-foot tall Christmas tree, holiday shopping, ice skating and more. Located at 1 Tropicana Dr., this exciting holiday event is open now until Jan. 1, 2023, with tickets starting at $35 for adults and $20 for kids.
Clearwater Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens, located at 12520 Ulmerton Rd., is hosting their annual holiday lights every day from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. until Jan. 2, 2023. Admission is a recommended $10 donation per person for ages 13 and up. All admission fees will go to the upkeep of the gardens’ precious ecosystem as part of its seasonal fundraiser.
Snowcat Ridge
Florida’s first alpine snow park is here. Snowcat Ridge offers two-hour snow tubing sessions on its 400-foot long and 60-foot tall snow tubing hill and unlimited access to the Artic Igloo, Crystal Ribbon ice skating rink and Alpine Village. Admission ranges from $29.95 to $52.95, depending on the day and time you want to attend. The park is open until Feb. 26, 2023.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Winter Village hosts Christmas tree lightning, Santa sightings, a festival bike parade, holiday film screenings and an ice skating rink that costs $17 for 75 minutes. Holiday shopping opportunities will be available until Jan. 4, 2023.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens has transformed the park into a Christmas Town, featuring different festive shows, holiday dining, shopping, the Holly Jolly Express, twinkling lights and more. You can experience Christmas Town, located at 10165 McKinley Dr., until Jan. 9, 2023. The event is included with park admission, which starts at $99.99.
