Tampa, Florida, is a city full of holiday spirit, offering everything from festive meals to holiday cocktails and seasonal entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a special Christmas dinner, sip a festive drink, or take in the local holiday lights, there’s no shortage of options this Christmas season in Tampa.
1. Festive Dining: Where to Enjoy a Special Christmas Meal
Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City)
Columbia Restaurant has been a Tampa staple since 1905, known for its Spanish-Cuban dishes. During the holidays, the restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring roast pork, 1905 Salad, and Cuban sandwiches, making it a top choice for a traditional Christmas meal.
The Capital Grille (International Plaza)
For a more refined Christmas dinner, The Capital Grille serves prime steaks, fresh seafood, and seasonal sides in an elegant setting. It’s ideal for those looking to celebrate the holiday in a fine-dining atmosphere.
Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria (Downtown Tampa)
Bavaro’s is perfect for a more relaxed Christmas meal. With wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and seasonal specials, it offers great Italian comfort food in a cozy downtown setting.
SHOR American Seafood Grill (Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach)
Located at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater, SHOR offers fresh seafood with a beautiful view of Clearwater Beach. The holiday menu features classic American dishes, making it a great spot for a Christmas meal by the water.
Acropolis Ybor City
For Greek food lovers, Acropolis in Ybor City serves flavorful Mediterranean dishes in a lively atmosphere. It’s a fun, casual option for celebrating Christmas with family or friends.
American Social (Harbour Island)
This modern American restaurant on Harbour Island serves up festive dishes like prime rib and turkey, perfect for a Christmas dinner. With great views of the water, it’s a fantastic spot for a holiday meal.
Azure at EDITION (Channelside)
Azure offers a chic dining experience with modern American cuisine and coastal flavors. Its stylish ambiance makes it a great place to enjoy a holiday meal with stunning views of the bay.
Flor Fina at Hotel Haya (Ybor City)
Flor Fina blends Mediterranean and local flavors in a relaxed yet upscale setting. With holiday specials, it’s a great choice for a Christmas dinner in the heart of Ybor City.
Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi (Harbour Island)
Jackson’s offers a beautiful waterfront setting and a menu with sushi, seafood, and festive dishes. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy Christmas by the water.
Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar (South Howard Avenue)
Elevage serves modern American dishes with seasonal twists in a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy a Christmas meal in South Tampa.
Beacon Rooftop Lounge (Water Street)
For a light meal with a view, Beacon Rooftop Lounge offers tapas-style dishes. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed Christmas celebration with festive cocktails and panoramic views of downtown Tampa.
2. Holiday Drinks: Where to Enjoy Seasonal Cocktails
The Apothecary (Downtown Tampa)
The Apothecary is a speakeasy-style bar known for its craft cocktails, many of which feature holiday flavors like cinnamon and clove. It’s an intimate, cozy spot for sipping festive drinks.
Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club (Downtown Tampa)
For something lively, Ciro’s offers a retro atmosphere with classic cocktails and live entertainment. The seasonal drinks and holiday spirit make it a great place for an evening out.
The Hall on Franklin (Tampa Heights)
The Hall on Franklin is a trendy food hall with craft cocktails and holiday specials. It’s a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy seasonal drinks in a modern, vibrant setting.
Beacon Rooftop Lounge (Water Street)
Enjoy seasonal cocktails with views of the city at Beacon Rooftop Lounge. The bar serves a mix of holiday-inspired drinks, perfect for a festive night out.
Lilac at EDITION (Channelside)
Lilac is an upscale bar offering creative cocktails, many with a holiday twist. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy seasonal drinks with a beautiful waterfront view.
SiX at JW Marriott Water Street (Water Street)
SiX is a rooftop bar with panoramic views and festive cocktails. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy holiday drinks while taking in the Tampa skyline.
3. Casual Christmas Celebrations: Comfort Food and Relaxed Vibes
Datz Tampa (South Tampa)
Datz is a fun spot for comfort food with a holiday twist. From turkey and meatloaf to festive cocktails, it’s a great place for a laid-back Christmas meal with friends and family.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (Clearwater Beach)
If you prefer a beachfront Christmas, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill offers fresh seafood in a casual, beachy setting. While they don’t offer a specific holiday menu, the laid-back atmosphere and ocean views make it a great place to relax during the holiday season.
The Cheesecake Factory (International Plaza)
The Cheesecake Factory offers a wide variety of dishes, from hearty entrees to decadent desserts. It’s a family-friendly option for a casual Christmas meal.
Beijing House (Fowler Avenue)
Beijing House is a local favorite for Chinese comfort food. With flavorful dishes and a cozy atmosphere, it’s a great choice for a relaxed holiday dinner.
Texas de Brazil (West Boy Scout Blvd)
Texas de Brazil is a Brazilian steakhouse known for its endless grilled meats. It’s perfect for a hearty and festive meal with a fun, casual vibe.
Timpano Hyde Park (Hyde Park)
Timpano offers Italian-American comfort food in a stylish yet relaxed setting. It’s a great spot for a cozy Christmas meal with dishes like pasta, lasagna, and prime rib.
Whiskey Joe’s Tampa (Courtney Campbell Causeway)
Whiskey Joe’s offers a fun, casual atmosphere with views of the water. It’s a great place to enjoy holiday drinks and a laid-back meal by the water.
Yummy House Chinese Bistro (Hillsborough Avenue)
Yummy House serves flavorful Chinese dishes in a comfortable setting. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed holiday meal with plenty of tasty options.
4. Holiday Entertainment: Where to Celebrate the Season
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park (Downtown Tampa)
Winter Village transforms Curtis Hixon Park into a winter wonderland, featuring ice skating, a holiday market, and festive lights. It’s a fun place to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season.
Tampa Theatre’s Classic Christmas Movies (Downtown Tampa)
For a more relaxed holiday experience, head to the Tampa Theatre for classic Christmas movie screenings. Enjoy timeless films like It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas in a beautifully decorated historic theater.
Tampa Bay’s Holiday Lights
Tampa has some of the best holiday light displays in Florida. Check out ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild and the Florida Botanical Gardens for incredible light shows and holiday cheer.
The Dan at Hotel Flor (Downtown Tampa)
The Dan offers live music and cocktails in a stylish setting. It’s a great spot to enjoy a festive night out with friends.
Final Thoughts
Tampa has everything you need to eat, drink, and celebrate Christmas in style. Whether you’re dining at a fine restaurant, sipping holiday cocktails at a rooftop bar, or enjoying holiday lights with the family, Tampa has no shortage of festive spots to make your Christmas memorable.
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