Holiday Tree Lighting in Tampa at Armature Works
Saturday, November 21 · 5pm – 9pm · Free to attend
Tampa's Free Holiday Tree Lighting Kicks Off the Season
Saturday, November 21 · 5pm to 9pm · Free to Attend
The holiday season in Tampa starts here. Our annual tree lighting takes over all of Armature Works for one big night: a holiday market, photos with Santa, s'mores by the fire, a snowy wonderland and live performers around every corner. It all builds to the countdown, when the tree lights up over the Hillsborough River.
Entry is free for the whole family and the only paid add-on is the $20 Kid Zone pass. Grab dinner, holiday cocktails and dessert from the restaurants inside and make a night of it. Just north of Downtown Tampa on the Tampa Riverwalk, it's one of the best free Christmas events in Tampa this year.
Kid Zone: $20 Pass for Bounce Houses, Train Rides, and more.
One $20 pass gets your kids unlimited bounce house time, an All Aboard Train Ride, and access to a snow slide from 5pm to 9pm. Bounce and slide, take a break for s'mores or a visit with Santa, then head right back in as many times as you want without paying twice. The Kid Zone is the busiest spot at the tree lighting, so buy your pass online before you arrive and skip the line.
Shop the Holiday Market in Tampa Heights
Check off your gift list at one of Tampa's favorite holiday markets. Local vendors set up across the property with handmade gifts, stocking stuffers and seasonal finds you won't see at the mall. Browsing is free, so grab a holiday cocktail and shop small at your own pace.
S'mores by the Fire
Pull up a seat at the fire pits and roast a marshmallow under the string lights. It's the coziest spot at the tree lighting, the perfect warm-up between performances and where most families end up once the sun goes down.
Photos with Santa in Tampa
Santa is coming to Tampa Heights! Bring your wish list, say hello to the big guy and grab a Christmas photo the whole family will want on the fridge. Santa is here from 5:00PM to 8:00PM and photos are free. Lines grow as the night goes on, so stop by early.
Free photos with Santa: 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Holiday Cocktails and Dining
Make it a night out. Sip seasonal cocktails and dig into dinner and dessert from the restaurants inside Armature Works, then head back out for the countdown. Once the tree is lit, the bars and restaurants stay open for a nightcap, so the celebration keeps going.
Live Holiday Performances All Night Long
There's something to stop and watch around every corner. Roaming performers and live acts fill Armature Works all night, building up to the tree lighting. Keep an eye out for glowing LED drummers, holiday break dancers and a jaw-dropping chair stacker whose balancing act climbs higher with every chair.
HOLIDAY PERFORMER SET TIMES:
5:00PM Toy Soldiers Performance
5:45PM Most Wonderful Time of the Year performance
6:30PM Breakdancers and LED Juggle Sticks
7:00PM LED Drummer Parade
7:35PM Mirror Ballerinas, Chair Stacking, Ballerina Violin Angel, and Rockettes Performances.
8:00PM Tree Lighting Countdown Begins - Snowy Wonderland
8:30PM Berkley Prep School Performance
Mirror Ballet
Dancers in head-to-toe mirrored costumes glide through the crowd, catching and scattering every holiday light on the property. It's one of the most magical sights of the night, so have your camera ready.
Nutcrackers and Stilt Walkers
Nutcracker soldiers march straight out of the holiday ballet while towering stilt walkers stroll high above the crowd. Little ones love spotting them, and they make for an unforgettable holiday photo.
Christmas Carolers
A choir of kids fills the property with all your favorite holiday classics. Grab a spot, sing along and soak in the most festive soundtrack in Tampa Heights.
Hot Cocoa
Nothing says tree lighting like a warm cup of hot cocoa. Grab one to sip while you shop the market, catch the performers or count down to the big moment. Cocoa will be sold within the holiday market!
The Tree Lighting Countdown at 8pm
This is the moment. Gather at the tree, count down with the crowd and watch it light up over the Hillsborough River to officially kick off the holiday season in Tampa. Stick around after for one more s'more, a little more shopping or a nightcap inside.
Tree Lighting Countdown starts at 8:00PM
Hours, Location and Parking
Armature Works is at 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, in Tampa Heights along the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Riverwalk. The Holiday Tree Lighting runs Saturday, November 21 from 5pm to 9pm all over the property.
Parking and rideshare pickup are right in front of Steelbach at the main entrance, and Uber and Lyft drop-offs run as normal. Come hungry. The restaurants, bars and shops inside stay open, so the night doesn't have to end when the tree lights up.
Holiday Tree Lighting FAQ
When is the Armature Works Holiday Tree Lighting 2026?
The Holiday Tree Lighting is Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 5pm to 9pm across the Armature Works property in Tampa Heights.
Is the Armature Works tree lighting free?
Yes. Entry is free for everyone. The $20 Kid Zone pass is the only paid add-on. Food, drinks and holiday market purchases are pay as you go.
What time does the tree light up?
The tree lighting countdown is at 8pm, with live holiday performances all evening leading up to it.
What is there for kids to do?
Kids can meet Santa, play in the fake snow wonderland, roast s'mores by the fire, watch roaming performers and bounce in the Kid Zone with a $20 pass.
What's included in the Kid Zone pass?
The $20 pass covers bounce houses and a snow slide with unlimited in and out access from 5pm to 9pm. Ages 4 and up.
Can we take photos with Santa?
Yes. Santa will be at Armature Works during the tree lighting. Free photos from 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Is there a holiday market?
Yes. Local vendors set up across the property with handmade gifts, stocking stuffers and seasonal goods. Browsing is free.
Where do I park for the tree lighting?
Parking and rideshare pickup are in front of Steelbach at the main Armature Works entrance on N Ola Ave.
Are dogs allowed?
All dogs are welcome!
What happens if it rains?
Weather updates will be posted to the Armature Works Instagram and Facebook. The restaurants, bars and shops inside stay open rain or shine.