Where to see Christmas tree lightings in the Tampa Bay area

Cities, towns, businesses and churches are getting into the holiday spirit. Here are 18 opportunities for you to see a holiday tree lighting.

Ybor Tree Lighting: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor typically counts down for Ybor’s tree lighting. You might even see fake snow. Free. 6 p.m. Nov. 15. Centro Ybor, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-242-4660.

Holiday Happening: Hyde Park Christmas Tree Lighting: The Danny Bub Combo provides the music for dancing as Hyde Park Village lights its holiday tree. Also, stilt walkers, aerial performances, face painting, illusions and visits with Santa. Free. 5-9 p.m. Nov. 16. Hyde Park Village Stage, 742 S. Village Circle, Tampa.

City of South Pasadena Holiday Tree Lighting: Mayor Arthur Penny throws the switch to light up the tree and park at this celebration with music, refreshments and other cheer. Free. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Bay View Park, 7054 Sunset Drive S., South Pasadena.

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting: The city of St. Petersburg’s 95th annual Santa Parade begins at Albert Whitted Park and runs along Bayshore Drive to Fifth Avenue NE. The tree lighting immediately follows the parade in North Straub Park. Tree lighting time depends on the length of the parade. Takes place during the monthlong Holidays in the Sunshine City celebration. Free. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 25. Albert Whitted Park, 107 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441.

Zephyrhills Christmas Tree Lighting: Join the city of Zephyrhills for the annual Christmas tree lighting. Free. 8 p.m. Nov. 27. Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St. 813-780-0000.

MacWonderland: If you have access to MacDill, you and your family can enjoy free treats, face painting, a tree lighting led by 6ARW Commander, crafts, games, snow machines, live reindeer, a skating rink and photos with Santa. Free. 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1. Breakaway Event Center, 7315 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa. 813-840-2020.

City of St. Pete Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting: The parade starts at the Blind Pass Bridge and travels south to the Pinellas Bayway Bridge. Meet Santa and listen to music at the parade viewing party and tree lighting ceremony. Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 1. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. 727-363-9232.

Tree Lighting: Safety Harbor lights the giant Christmas tree at this ceremony with choirs and a visit from Santa Claus. Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. 750 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1555.

Lealman Christmas Tree Lighting: Enjoy free hot dogs, sweet treats and hot cocoa at the second annual tree lighting with a snow slide, bounce house, games, DJ dancing, photos with Santa and performances by the Lealman Elementary Choir and Pinellas PAL drumline. Free. 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 1. 3875 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

Tampa Holiday Events: Tampa’s holiday events start off with a parade through downtown Tampa at 1 p.m. SantaFest follows in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park starting at 3. The Tampa tree lighting takes place at 6, with a holiday classic movie at 6:45. Free. 1 p.m. Dec. 2. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa.

Tree Lighting Celebration: Join the Tierra Verde downtown businesses to light the town’s holiday tree. Free. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 2. Downtown Tierra Verde, 1110 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. 727-867-9362.

Church Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festival: The public is invited to the lighting ceremony for the fully decorated 16-foot Christmas tree. The festival includes a trackless Christmas train, photos with Santa, Christmas treats, shepherds with live Nativity animals, stilt-walking toy soldiers and a balloon-twisting elf. Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 2. City on a Hill Church, 4265 13th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-851-9999.

Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting: Stroll through Largo’s light display and watch various performers. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. and Santa arrives for free photos starting at 6:30 p.m. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 2. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6740, ext. 5014.

Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting: Dunedin kicks off the holiday season with a parade of whimsically decorated and illuminated boats launching from Loggerhead Marker 1 Marina and moving along the Intracoastal toward Dunedin Marina. It ends with the arrival of Santa, who will greet children of all ages. Also includes greetings from city dignitaries, holiday music, food by Olde Bay Café, s’mores and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. Free. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 2. Dunedin Marina, 51 Main St. 727-738-2920.

Pasco Tree Lighting: Wear Santa hats and decorate Christmas cookies at this community block party celebrating the lighting of the town’s tree. Free. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 2. Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 5433 Main St., New Port Richey.

Tree Lighting: The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement invites the public to sing carols with the St. Petersburg High School chorus and enjoy holiday-themed art making, docent-guided tours, coffee, cocoa, pastries and the lighting of their holiday tree. $10, members free. 5-7 p.m. Dec. 5. Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, 355 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-440-4859.

Christmas on Main: Brooksville Tree Lighting: Brooksville celebrates the tree lighting with 100 artisan vendors, visits with Santa, food trucks and entertainment by Live Oak Theatre. Free (food additional). 5-9 p.m. Dec. 7. Main Street, downtown Brooksville.

Holiday Winterfest and Tree Lighting: The city of Seminole celebrates the lighting of its Christmas tree at this festival with make-and-take crafts, a craft market, live entertainment, snow sledding, visits with Santa and a bounce house. Free, $7 sledding and bounce house. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St. N. 727-391-8345.