Christmas Events for Kids in St. Petersburg (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

17 min read

The St. Petersburg area has 18 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Enchant St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg on November 20 to Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition in St. Petersburg, which runs through January 3. 5 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Florida, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 18 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in St. Petersburg for 2026, in St. Petersburg
  • First: Enchant St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, November 20. Runs latest: Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition, St. Petersburg, through January 3
  • Free: Holiday Movies in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks, Holiday Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Visit with Santa at West Community Library, Visit with Santa at South Community Library and Visit with Santa at the Main Library
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Florida Christmas train rides page.

St. Petersburg Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
18 confirmed for 2026
Cities
St. Petersburg
Season
November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
5
Kinds of events
holiday lights, Santa visit, holiday crafts and story time with Santa
Last checked

Plan your December

When each St. Petersburg Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Enchant St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg on November 20; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in St. Petersburg? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in St. Petersburg

18 confirmed events for kids in St. Petersburg, soonest first.

St. Petersburg: Enchant St. Petersburg

Holiday lightsEnchant Christmas · St. Petersburg

Host
Enchant Christmas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
When
Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (select dates)
Cost
Tickets from $28, price varies by date and entry time
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Enchant returns to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season with a new light maze and a new storyline to follow. Inside the venue, families can walk the maze, skate on the ice, browse a small shopping village and stop at several photo spots set up with festive displays.

Santa is on site for visits, and the grounds have caroling and other live entertainment along with seasonal food and drinks. A light-up dance floor is also part of this year's setup. Tickets go on sale by visit date and entry time, with a family offer that bundles two adult and two junior tickets. Prices rise as popular dates fill, so the lowest rates sell first.

Parent tip: Choose a date early, since the cheapest tickets go first. Junior tickets are sold in a family bundle.

See dates and details from Enchant Christmas (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: 98th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

Holiday paradeSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost
Price not listed
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

St. Petersburg kicks off its Holidays in the Sunshine City season with the 98th annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 28, at 6:30 pm. The illuminated parade starts at Albert Whitted Park on the downtown waterfront and ends at North Straub Park, where the city tree is lit.

Santa is part of the parade, and the evening opens the city's run of holiday lights and displays along the downtown waterfront parks and the St. Pete Pier, which continue through January 1. The city's Parks and Recreation page lists the parade and tree lighting without a ticket price, and it links to a sign up form for community groups that want to march. As with any downtown parade, plan to arrive early for a good viewing spot along Bayshore Drive and expect road closures nearby.

Parent tip: Arrive early for a spot along the route. The page's sign up form is for groups that want to march, not for spectators.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Holiday Lights and Displays

Holiday lightsSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Waterfront Parks (North Straub, South Straub, Pioneer Park and the St. Pete Pier), Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 (nightly display; hours not listed)
Cost
Price not listed
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

From November 28 through January 1, the downtown waterfront parks of St. Petersburg carry holiday lights and displays. The city lists North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park and the St. Pete Pier, all linked by walking paths along the bay.

It is a free-to-walk way to see the decorations, though the city page does not state a price or hours. The display opens with the Santa Parade and Tree Lighting on November 28, and several kid events, including Meet Santa in the Park at North Straub Park, take place in the same area in December. A phone number for questions is listed on the city page. The waterfront is flat and stroller friendly, and you can combine a lights walk with dinner at one of the Pier restaurants.

Parent tip: Visit after dark for the full effect. Pair it with Meet Santa in the Park on the listed December nights.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with SantaSunken Gardens · St. Petersburg

Host
Sunken Gardens (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sunken Gardens, Oak Pavilion, 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
When
Sunday, November 29, 2026, 9 am to noon
Cost
$65 per person, includes all-day Gardens admission
Ages
Children with an adult
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Sunken Gardens celebrates the start of the holiday season with Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, November 29, from 9 am to noon. The traditional buffet breakfast is served outside in the Oak Pavilion, and families visit Santa Claus beside a freshly cut and decorated Christmas tree. There are holiday crafts for the whole family, and guests have exclusive access to the gardens from 9 am to noon.

Tickets cost $65 per person and include all-day Gardens admission. They must be bought in advance by filling out an interest form. Staff review submissions in the order received and contact families to take payment, so submitting a form does not guarantee a spot, and refunds are not given for no-shows. Families can bring their own cameras, since there is no professional photographer, and flamosas are sold for an additional fee. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Parent tip: Submit the interest form early. The form does not guarantee a place until staff confirm and take payment.

See dates and details from Sunken Gardens (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Holiday Movies in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks

Santa visitFreeSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Huggins-Stengel Field, 1320 5th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The city's Holiday Movies in the Park series opens on Saturday, December 5, at Huggins-Stengel Field with a free screening of Christmas with the Kranks. Pre-movie activities begin at 6:30 pm, and the movie starts at 7 pm.

Before the film, families can have photos taken with Santa, and concessions are available. The city asks guests to bring blankets or lawn chairs, since seating is on the field. The series continues the following Saturday, December 12, with a second free movie at Vinoy Park. The city page gives a phone number for questions and does not list an age range, but it describes the series as family oriented. As an outdoor event, it can be affected by weather, so check the city page before heading out.

Parent tip: Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Photos with Santa happen before the movie.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Snowfest

Holiday craftsSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm
Cost
$5 wristband covers all activities; food is extra
Ages
Kids and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Snowfest brings winter play to Florida at North Straub Park on Saturday, December 5, from 9 am to 2 pm. The city lists toboggan slides, inflatables, arts and crafts and food trucks.

A $5 wristband covers all of the activities, though food is sold separately. Wristbands can be bought online or at any City of St. Petersburg recreation center until noon on December 5, or at the event, so you can skip the line by buying ahead. The event sits right on the downtown waterfront at 400 Bayshore Drive NE, just before the evening holiday events begin. It is outdoors, so dress for Florida weather. The city page does not list an age range, but the activities are aimed at children and families.

Parent tip: Buy wristbands online or at a city recreation center before noon on December 5 to save time at the gate.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition

Holiday lightsSt. Pete Pier · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Pete Pier (opens in a new tab)
Where
St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (start of run; daily hours on the Pier page), 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Tickets sold online; price not listed
Ages
Families
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition sets up a one-of-a-kind mini golf course on the St. Pete Pier, with holiday-themed obstacles, a six foot Ferris wheel, Christmas music, lights and views over the water. The run starts on December 10 at 5 pm and continues through January 3.

The Pier describes it as a family outing, date night or friendly competition, with plenty of holiday photo spots along the course. Tickets are sold online through the Pier's event page, and the price is not shown on the calendar listing. Because the course runs for more than three weeks, it works for families visiting during winter break as well as local weekend trips. The Pier has restaurants on site, so dinner can be part of the visit. Check the Pier's ticket page for daily hours and slots.

Parent tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time and check the ticket page for daily hours.

See dates and details from St. Pete Pier (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: S'mores with Santa

Santa visitSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
When
Friday, December 11, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
Cost
$5 per person
Ages
Families
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

S'mores with Santa is a smaller, controlled holiday event designed for families who prefer a quieter crowd. On Friday, December 11, from 5 to 7 pm, families gather around a campfire to make s'mores with Santa, his elves and park rangers, with additional photo opportunities.

The event costs $5 per person and is registration only, so you need to sign up in advance through the link on the city's page. The page does not name an exact spot for the campfire, but it describes a photo set at the Pioneer Settlement, which is part of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve on the south side of the city. The small crowd setting makes this a good fit for children who are shy around Santa or sensitive to noise.

Parent tip: Registration is required. Confirm the exact meeting spot on the city page when you register.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Gingerbread House Building Challenge

Holiday craftsSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
President Barack Obama Main Library, 3745 9th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am to 3 pm
Cost
Registration required; no fee listed
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

At the Gingerbread House Building Challenge, participants design and build a gingerbread house that has to survive holiday-themed stress tests. The program runs twice on Saturday, December 12, at 10:30 am and 3 pm, at the President Barack Obama Main Library.

All ages are welcome. Registration is required, with one reservation per family or group, and you can register through the library's calendar at splibraries.libcal.com or by calling 727-893-7724. Because each session is a registered group activity, plan to choose your time slot when you sign up. The city page does not list a price. The challenge mixes building and a little friendly engineering, so it suits school-age children, and younger children can join with a grown-up helping. The library asks that you reserve once per family or group.

Parent tip: One reservation per family or group. Register at splibraries.libcal.com or call 727-893-7724.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Holiday Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Santa visitFreeSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The second Holiday Movies in the Park night is Saturday, December 12, at Vinoy Park on the downtown waterfront. The city is showing The Nightmare Before Christmas for free, with activities at 6:30 pm and the movie at 7 pm.

The pre-movie activities include photos with Santa, and concessions are available. Guests should bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the lawn. The movie is a stop motion classic that some young children may find spooky, so parents of little ones may want to look it up first. The city page does not list an age range but calls the series family oriented. The first movie of the series is on December 5 at Huggins-Stengel Field. A phone number for questions is on the city page.

Parent tip: Some of the film's imagery may be spooky for the youngest viewers. Bring blankets or lawn chairs.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Meet Santa in the Park

Holiday lightsSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
When
Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22 and Wed December 23, 2026, 6 to 9 pm
Cost
Price not listed
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Families can meet Santa at North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, on December 12 and 13 and again from December 18 through December 23, each night from 6 to 9 pm. The city describes it as a meet-and-greet with Santa.

Families are asked to bring their own cameras, so plan on taking photos yourself. The park is one of the downtown waterfront parks that carry holiday lights and displays from November 28 through January 1, so the visit pairs well with a walk through the decorations. The city page does not list a ticket price. A phone number for questions is posted on the page. With eight dates to choose from, families can pick a night that avoids the busiest weekend crowds. As with other outdoor events, check the city page for any weather changes.

Parent tip: Bring your own camera. Weeknights between Dec 18 and 23 may be calmer than the weekend nights.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Nature Winter Workshop

Santa visitSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 7 pm
Cost
Price not listed
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Nature Winter Workshop is a family event at the Nature Center at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve on Saturday, December 12, from 3 to 7 pm. The city lists craft activities, games and s'mores with Santa.

The four hour window lets families come and go, so you can drop in for part of the event rather than stay for the whole afternoon. The city page does not list a price, an age range or registration, so check with Boyd Hill if you want to confirm those details. Boyd Hill is on the south side of St. Petersburg, and the preserve's trails are nearby if children want to walk after the activities. A separate registration-only event, S'mores with Santa, takes place the previous evening on December 11.

Parent tip: Come and go as you like within the 3 to 7 pm window.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Visit with Santa at West Community Library

Story time with SantaFreeSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
West Community Library at SPC/Gibbs Campus, 6700 8th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
When
Monday, December 14, 2026, 10 am
Cost
Free; each child receives a free book
Ages
Children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

St. Petersburg's libraries host Visit with Santa events in the week of December 14. The first is at the West Community Library at the SPC/Gibbs Campus on Monday, December 14, at 10 am. The city describes the program as music, stories and a visit with Santa.

Each child who attends receives a free book, which makes the visit a nice keepsake. The program is free. Other dates in the same series are December 15 at 6 pm at the North Community Library, December 16 at 10:30 am at the South Community Library, and December 17 at 10:30 am at the Johnson Community Library and 6 pm at the President Barack Obama Main Library. For questions, call 727-892-5296 or email spark@stpete.org, as listed on the city page.

Parent tip: Call 727-892-5296 if you need to confirm space or timing.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Visit with Santa at South Community Library

Story time with SantaFreeSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
South Community Library, 2300 Roy Hanna Dr S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:30 am
Cost
Free; each child receives a free book
Ages
Children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The South Community Library hosts a Visit with Santa on Wednesday, December 16, at 10:30 am. The city's holiday page describes music, stories and a visit with Santa, and says each child who visits gets a free book.

The morning time suits preschoolers and families with younger children, and the program is free. It is part of a week of Santa visits at St. Petersburg libraries. The others are December 14 at 10 am at the West Community Library, December 15 at 6 pm at the North Community Library, December 17 at 10:30 am at the Johnson Community Library, and December 17 at 6 pm at the President Barack Obama Main Library. For questions, call 727-892-5296 or email spark@stpete.org. The page does not list an age range or registration.

Parent tip: Call 727-892-5296 to confirm details, since no registration information is listed.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Visit with Santa at the Main Library

Story time with SantaFreeSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
President Barack Obama Main Library, 3745 9th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 pm
Cost
Free; each child receives a free book
Ages
Children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The President Barack Obama Main Library holds an evening Visit with Santa on Thursday, December 17, at 6 pm. The city describes the program as music, stories and a visit with Santa, and each child receives a free book.

Because it is in the evening, this is the best fit in the series for families who cannot make a morning session. The program is free. The Santa visits run all week at different libraries: December 14 at the West Community Library, December 15 at the North Community Library, December 16 at the South Community Library, and December 17 at the Johnson Community Library at 10:30 am. For questions, call 727-892-5296 or email spark@stpete.org. The city page does not list an age range or any registration requirement, so check before you go if you plan to bring a large group.

Parent tip: This is the only evening session at the Main Library; mornings are offered at other branches.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Hot Chocolate Night Hike

Holiday eventSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
When
Friday, December 18, 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost
Price not listed
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The monthly family night hike at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve gets a holiday twist on Friday, December 18, at 6:30 pm. Park rangers lead the walk, and hot chocolate is part of the evening.

The city describes it as a family night hike and does not list a price, an age range or a registration requirement, so contact Boyd Hill if you need to confirm those before you go. The preserve is on the south side of St. Petersburg, and a night walk is a different way for children to see the park than a daytime visit. Dress for the weather, wear closed shoes and bring bug spray for evening walks in Florida. The city includes the hike in its 2026 holiday listing.

Parent tip: Wear closed shoes and consider bug spray for an evening walk.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: Gingerbread Habitats

Holiday craftsSt. Petersburg Parks and Recreation · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost
Price not listed
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Gingerbread Habitats is a nature twist on the holiday gingerbread house. On Saturday, December 19, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, families build habitats for animals at the Nature Center at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, choosing something like an aviary, a mountain or a grassland.

The city provides decorating supplies for the project. The page does not list a price, an age range or registration details, so check with Boyd Hill before you go if you want to confirm the cost or whether space is limited. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is on the south side of St. Petersburg and offers trails after the program, so it is an easy way to pair a craft with some time outdoors. The event is part of the city's holiday events listing for 2026.

Parent tip: Confirm price and space with Boyd Hill, since the city page lists neither.

See dates and details from St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg: NYE on the Pier Kids Rave and Fireworks

Holiday showSt. Pete Pier · St. Petersburg

Host
St. Pete Pier (opens in a new tab)
Where
St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 8 to 9 pm
Cost
Price not listed
Ages
Kids and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

NYE on the Pier brings a family friendly early countdown to the St. Pete waterfront on Thursday, December 31. At 8 pm, a Kids Rave features DJ beats, dancing and New Year's Eve fun built for children. At 9 pm, the Kids Fireworks Show lights up the sky over the water.

The timing is set so little ones can celebrate the big moment and still get home before bedtime. Families can eat at the Pier's restaurants before or after the show. The event is presented by the City of St. Petersburg, St. Pete Parks and Recreation, Visit St. Pete Clearwater and Pier Events. The calendar listing does not show a ticket price, so check the Pier's event page for the latest details. It is the one after-Christmas event in this list, and it is outdoors, so check the weather.

Parent tip: Eat dinner before the 8 pm rave if you want to be home by bedtime.

See dates and details from St. Pete Pier (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Florida Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Gainesville, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

St. Petersburg Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in St. Petersburg in 2026?

We confirmed 18 Christmas events for kids in St. Petersburg for 2026 on each host’s own page: Enchant St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg (November 20), 98th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting in St. Petersburg (November 28), Holiday Lights and Displays in St. Petersburg (November 28), Breakfast with Santa in St. Petersburg (November 29), Holiday Movies in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks in St. Petersburg (December 5), Snowfest in St. Petersburg (December 5), Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition in St. Petersburg (December 10), S'mores with Santa in St. Petersburg (December 11), Gingerbread House Building Challenge in St. Petersburg (December 12), Holiday Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas in St. Petersburg (December 12), Meet Santa in the Park in St. Petersburg (December 12), Nature Winter Workshop in St. Petersburg (December 12), Visit with Santa at West Community Library in St. Petersburg (December 14), Visit with Santa at South Community Library in St. Petersburg (December 16), Visit with Santa at the Main Library in St. Petersburg (December 17), Hot Chocolate Night Hike in St. Petersburg (December 18), Gingerbread Habitats in St. Petersburg (December 19) and NYE on the Pier Kids Rave and Fireworks in St. Petersburg (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in St. Petersburg, Florida?

For families in and around St. Petersburg, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Enchant St. Petersburg (Select dates, Nov 20 to Dec 27, 2026, tickets from $28, price varies by date and entry time); 98th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 28, 6:30 pm, price not listed); Holiday Lights and Displays (Nov 28 to Jan 1, price not listed); Breakfast with Santa (Sun, Nov 29, 9 am to noon, $65 per person, includes all-day gardens admission); Holiday Movies in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks (Sat, Dec 5, activities 6:30 pm, movie 7 pm, free); Snowfest (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 2 pm, $5 wristband covers all activities; food is extra); Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition (Dec 10 to Jan 3, from 5 pm, tickets sold online; price not listed); S'mores with Santa (Fri, Dec 11, 5 to 7 pm, $5 per person); Gingerbread House Building Challenge (Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 am and 3 pm, registration required; no fee listed); Holiday Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas (Sat, Dec 12, activities 6:30 pm, movie 7 pm, free); Meet Santa in the Park (Dec 12 and 13, then Dec 18 to 23, 6 to 9 pm, price not listed); Nature Winter Workshop (Sat, Dec 12, 3 to 7 pm, price not listed); Visit with Santa at West Community Library (Mon, Dec 14, 10 am, free; each child receives a free book); Visit with Santa at South Community Library (Wed, Dec 16, 10:30 am, free; each child receives a free book); Visit with Santa at the Main Library (Thu, Dec 17, 6 pm, free; each child receives a free book); Hot Chocolate Night Hike (Fri, Dec 18, 6:30 pm, price not listed); Gingerbread Habitats (Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, price not listed); NYE on the Pier Kids Rave and Fireworks (Thu, Dec 31, 8 pm Kids Rave, 9 pm Kids Fireworks, price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the St. Petersburg section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in St. Petersburg?

Yes. 5 of the 18 events here are free: Holiday Movies in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks in St. Petersburg, Holiday Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas in St. Petersburg, Visit with Santa at West Community Library in St. Petersburg, Visit with Santa at South Community Library in St. Petersburg and Visit with Santa at the Main Library in St. Petersburg. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in St. Petersburg this December?

Santa appears at Enchant St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg (November 20), 98th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting in St. Petersburg (November 28), Breakfast with Santa in St. Petersburg (November 29), Holiday Movies in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks in St. Petersburg (December 5), S'mores with Santa in St. Petersburg (December 11), Holiday Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas in St. Petersburg (December 12), Meet Santa in the Park in St. Petersburg (December 12), Nature Winter Workshop in St. Petersburg (December 12), Visit with Santa at West Community Library in St. Petersburg (December 14), Visit with Santa at South Community Library in St. Petersburg (December 16) and Visit with Santa at the Main Library in St. Petersburg (December 17). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in St. Petersburg?

Holiday story times on this page: Visit with Santa at West Community Library in St. Petersburg, Visit with Santa at South Community Library in St. Petersburg and Visit with Santa at the Main Library in St. Petersburg. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in St. Petersburg?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa in St. Petersburg (Sun, Nov 29, 9 am to noon). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Are there kids' Christmas events in St. Petersburg on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Enchant St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg (through December 27), Holiday Lights and Displays in St. Petersburg (through January 1), Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition in St. Petersburg (through January 3) and NYE on the Pier Kids Rave and Fireworks in St. Petersburg (through December 31).

How much is Enchant St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg?

Tickets from $28, price varies by date and entry time. Enchant St. Petersburg is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (select dates) at Tropicana Field. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 98th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting in St. Petersburg?

Price not listed. 98th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 6:30 pm at North Straub Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Lights and Displays in St. Petersburg?

Price not listed. Holiday Lights and Displays is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 (nightly display; hours not listed) at Downtown Waterfront Parks (North Straub, South Straub, Pioneer Park and the St. Pete Pier). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in St. Petersburg?

$65 per person, includes all-day Gardens admission. Breakfast with Santa is on Sunday, November 29, 2026, 9 am to noon at Sunken Gardens, Oak Pavilion. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Movies in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks in St. Petersburg?

Free. Holiday Movies in the Park: Christmas with the Kranks is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:30 pm at Huggins-Stengel Field. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Snowfest in St. Petersburg?

$5 wristband covers all activities; food is extra. Snowfest is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm at North Straub Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition in St. Petersburg?

Tickets sold online; price not listed. Putt the Pier: Holiday Edition is on Thursday, December 10, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (start of run; daily hours on the Pier page), 5 to 8 pm at St. Pete Pier. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is S'mores with Santa in St. Petersburg?

$5 per person. S'mores with Santa is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Building Challenge in St. Petersburg?

Registration required; no fee listed. Gingerbread House Building Challenge is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am to 3 pm at President Barack Obama Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas in St. Petersburg?

Free. Holiday Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 6:30 pm at Vinoy Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Meet Santa in the Park in St. Petersburg?

Price not listed. Meet Santa in the Park is on Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22 and Wed December 23, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at North Straub Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nature Winter Workshop in St. Petersburg?

Price not listed. Nature Winter Workshop is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 7 pm at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Visit with Santa at West Community Library in St. Petersburg?

Free; each child receives a free book. Visit with Santa at West Community Library is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 10 am at West Community Library at SPC/Gibbs Campus. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Visit with Santa at South Community Library in St. Petersburg?

Free; each child receives a free book. Visit with Santa at South Community Library is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:30 am at South Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Visit with Santa at the Main Library in St. Petersburg?

Free; each child receives a free book. Visit with Santa at the Main Library is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 pm at President Barack Obama Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Hot Chocolate Night Hike in St. Petersburg?

Price not listed. Hot Chocolate Night Hike is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 6:30 pm at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Habitats in St. Petersburg?

Price not listed. Gingerbread Habitats is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is NYE on the Pier Kids Rave and Fireworks in St. Petersburg?

Price not listed. NYE on the Pier Kids Rave and Fireworks is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 8 to 9 pm at St. Pete Pier. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in St. Petersburg?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our St. Petersburg Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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