Best Things to Do in December in Tampa

The Ybor City historic district, named after a 19th-century cigar maker, lies northeast of downtown Tampa, and is pronounced "Ee-bore" City. Notable for its history as a center of handmade cigar production, Latin culture and Spanish-influenced architecture, Ybor is one of only two urban National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, In addition to its rich history, this is also a vibrant, entertainment district with eclectic boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants lining the streets. One of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city, Ybor is a pedestrian-friendly, people-watching haven for explorers, strollers and club-goers. A wonderful place to buy cigars, listen to jazz, and get a feel for the heartbeat of Tampa.

Another riff on the food hall concept, Sparkman Wharf offers the culinary stylings of ten of Tampa's top chefs as they experiment with new concepts. Dubbed a dining garden, visitors sample from specially developed street food menus. The twist is that the restaurants are all working out of renovated shipping containers. Dining options run the gamut from raw oysters to French Vietnamese, to gourmet popsicles. The cornerstone of Tampa's billion-dollar Water Street development, this open-air meeting space features dining options, live music, comfortable seating, lawn games, and of course, a beautiful view of the waterfront.

In the heart of one of Tampa's most historic and affluent neighborhoods is one of the city's most upscale shopping destinations. Hyde Park Village is an on-street shopping district that is centered around a village square and covers six blocks of retail, dining and entertainment. Successfully blending the historic and the modern, the open-air environment offers a park-like atmosphere with a central fountain, pathways and casual seating areas for resting between shops. Speaking of shops, Hyde Park Village features 60 local, regional and national brands including Zimmermann, rag & bone, Anthropologie, bartaco, Warby Parker, lululemon, and Sephora, just to name a few. As more than just a shopping district, Hyde Park Village also hosts many community events including a monthly Fresh Market.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been voted the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the country by Parents Magazine and is a five-time winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The 56-acre nonprofit zoo is home to 1,300 animals and emphasizes regionally endangered species and those in similar climates. All of your favorites are here, including African species like giraffes, rhinos, and hippos, Asian animals like lions and tigers, as well as animals native to Florida, such as various species of alligator and crocodile. Once they've made their way around to all of the animals, the kids can play in the Australian-themed children's area that includes rides and other games. Going in the morning is a good idea, especially in the summer. Not only do you avoid the heat, but the animals also tend to be more lively.

Tampa's great weather can sometimes make it difficult to get into the holiday spirit for those used to the snow and cold. Inject a cheerful chill into your holiday celebrations at Winter Village located downtown along the beautiful riverfront. Consisting of an outdoor ice rink, cafe, and pop-up market, this event brings the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season. Enjoy some family ice time with a 75-minute skate costing $17 and includes skate rentals. The Cafe offers seasonal snacks and kid-friendly beverages to enjoy, and the pop-up market features local vendors and artisans with gift ideas. New this year is curling! This event takes place from November 18 through January 4.

Tampa's newest winter attraction is Florida's first Alpine Snow Park. Yes, you read that right, a snow park in Florida! The star of the park is the 60-foot tall, 400-foot long hill featuring single, tandem and family-style snow tubing. Ice skaters will enjoy gliding on a ribbon of ice under sunny Florida skies. There is also an Artic Igloo play area with drifts of real snow up to 5 feet high, and a bunny slope for kids 3 and under. When you're done with playing, peruse the Alpine Village's local vendors selling food and beverages, as well as gifts and souvenirs. Take a load off in the large seating area and enjoy watching the tubers and relaxing by the fire. Tickets are available online. General admission tickets include a 2-hour tubing window and unlimited admission to the Igloo and Village.

Built in 1891 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant, this history museum is located in what was originally the Tampa Bay Hotel, an extravagant resort that drew such guests as Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth. Now home to the University of Tampa, Plant's accomplishment is made all the more amazing when you realize that when it was built, the hotel was surrounded only by swampland. Now exquisitely restored, the hotel's striking minarets architecture, lavish furnishings and vibrant gardens provide a rare glimpse into the early years of Florida tourism. Sure, it makes returning to a modern-day hotel room a bit sad, but this Moorish beauty is a definite must-see.

The Straz Center is Tampa's world-class center for the performing arts and hosts most of the area's major cultural performances. Here you can enjoy performances from the Florida Orchestra and Opera Tampa, as well as popular music greats, dance troupes, and comedy acts. The Straz also hosts a full calendar of Broadway musicals and local theater productions. The facility features five individual theaters and several on-site dining options including Maestro's Restaurant, Café, and On the River that are open before most events. The largest and most impressive theater is the 2,610 seat Carol Morsani Hall with state-of-the-art acoustics and a 120 foot stage. In addition, most weekends the Straz center hosts free concerts featuring local music acts on their outdoor stage.

Wild animals and wilder rides await visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This 335-acre, Africa-inspired theme park boasts several scream-worthy roller coasters, 2,000-plus animals and a host of entertaining live shows. There is something for kids of all ages at this world-class park. While adventure lovers flock to the many adrenaline-inducing thrill rides, animal enthusiasts can enjoy hand-feeding kangaroos at Walkabout Way. While there is a gondola and a train to help negotiate the distances, be prepared to walk to explore all areas of the park. Luckily, there are plenty of areas to linger for rest and refueling, with shops, restaurants, and entertainment stages located throughout the park.

The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic exploration of the downtown waterfront and connects many of the city's most popular attractions, parks, and restaurants. The broad paved path follows the banks of the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel and is easily accessible to everyone including the disabled, kids, and furry friends. There are also many ways to navigate the Riverwalk which accommodates walkers, joggers, and bikers. A few of the landmarks you will pass include the Heights Public Market, Waterworks Park, Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Park, the Convention Center, and the Tampa Bay History Center. Along the way, you can discover numerous interpretive exhibits highlighting Tampa's history and public art exhibits. The path is almost 3 miles long, but there are plenty of spots to stop for a rest and grab a drink or a quick bite along the way.