Convenient to the airport, Westshore Plaza is a slightly less intimidating shopping mecca than the exclusive International Plaza but it maintains a great selection of upscale shopping and trendy dining options. The mall is anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears. Complimenting the department stores is a 14-screen movie theater and popular retailers such as The Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and White House Black Market just to name a few. Almost as impressive are their dining options that include Maggiano's Little Italy, PF Chang's China Bistro and Seasons 52 among others. There is also a food court for an easy place to pick up a quick bite.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Westshore Plaza is a fully enclosed shopping mall that is conveniently located to downtown with a full slate of upscale shopping and trendy dining.
Skye's expert tip: Throughout December, there are several fun and unique Santa events scheduled for both people and pets.
Located in heart of Tampa's historic district, the Ybor City Saturday Market is a popular spot for finding locally produced gifts and specialty items unique to the area. The Market has been operating since 2000 and is the largest continually-running outdoor market in Tampa. Local vendors and artists offer fresh local produce, gourmet foods & sauces, fresh-baked bread, prepared foods, herbs & plants, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath & body products, candles and much more! There is free parking and admission is free. Hours are 9 am - 1 pm, April to September and 9 am - 3 pm from October through March.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: If you're looking for unique, artisan gifts this holiday season, Ybor's Saturday Market has some of Tampa's best options.
Skye's expert tip: After you explore the market, allow time to wander around the neighborhood which is always hopping on a Saturday.
Located just 20 minutes from downtown, Tampa Premium Outlets offers shoppers 25% - 65% savings every day at more than over 100 designer and brand name retailers. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, the mall features other big names including Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. In addition to fashion and sportswear, there are a good selection of shoe, jewelry, accessory, and leather goods stores. Shoppers will enjoy the Key West ambiance at this open-air mall that also features ample lounge and seating spaces when you need to take a break. Very family-friendly, there is a play area for the kids, nursing lounges, and stroller rentals. Food options include several counter options as well as the 50s-inspired Johnny Rockets if you're looking for table service.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Tampa Premium Outlets is conveniently located and offers Christmas shoppers 25% - 65% savings at over 100 upscale retailers.
Skye's expert tip: Join their online VIP Club to get extra savings. It's free!
This 800,000-square-foot open-air lifestyle village is one of the most picturesque malls in the Tampa area. Wiregrass strikes the perfect balance between a hub of local activity and a shopping destination. As shoppers stroll the wide, immaculate streets, outdoor music and waterfalls create a joyful ambiance while rocking chairs and pocket parks offer restful respites. Over 100 eclectic stores and restaurants line the sidewalks, so visitors can indulge in tasty treats while happily collecting armfuls of shopping bags. Wiregrass is located near the junction of I-75 with I-275 and is definitely worth the stop if you're in north Tampa.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: The Shops at Wiregrass offer a relaxed, village-style shopping experience with fun and festive activities and events daily through the holidays.
Skye's expert tip: Throughout December, the mall hosts a "Symphony in Lights," a choreographed holiday light show complete with snow!
The Oxford Exchange is 25,000 square feet of mixed-use space that combines a bookstore and gift store with specialty coffee and tea vendors to create a unique shopping experience. Originally built in 1891 as stables for the nearby Plant Hotel (now the University of Tampa), the building has been painstakingly restored and new contemporary elements added to create a classic, but welcoming space. The gift store merchandise is carefully curated to provide high-quality unique items culled from New York, London and Paris. The bookstore features a hand-selected collection of books organized by eclectic themes such as "mind over matter" or "complicated women" as opposed to by author. After shopping, you can relax on an overstuffed leather sofa in one of the many seating areas and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: With its unique and eclectic gift and book stores, Tampa's Oxford Exchange is the perfect spot to shop for the hard-to-buy-for on your holiday gift list.
Skye's expert tip: As if you could enjoy shopping here more, they have just installed a new champagne bar. Gives a whole new meaning to sip and shop...
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.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: With its streets lined with unique and eclectic shops and boutiques, Tampa's historic district, Ybor City, is filled with holiday gift ideas.
Skye's expert tip: If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts with a Tampa flair, this is the place to shop.
It's hard to think of Tampa and not think of all the fresh fruits and veggies you can find here. Located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Tampa, family-owned Parkesdale Farms has been growing and gifting fresh citrus, strawberries and produce since 1956. Many varieties of citrus are in season during the winter months, however, there is always something in season in Florida. They also have a delicious selection of homemade preserves, pickled items, orange blossom honey, hot sauce and much more. Pick up a box of sweet, juicy navels, or have them shipped anywhere in the country. This business is closed during the first two weeks in August.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: If you'd like to give fresh citrus this year, visit Tampa's Parkesdale Market, the area's oldest roadside market just 15 minutes from downtown.
Skye's expert tip: If you're flying, you can ship your purchases home or as gifts for friends and family stuck in the cold.
A visit to Robert's Christmas Wonderland is a shopping tradition for families throughout the Tampa Bay area. Located just across the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Clearwater, it will take less than half an hour to get to Robert's from downtown Tampa. Best of all, you can visit at any time of year to get a dose of holiday spirit. Devoted entirely to Christmas, you can find anything you could possibly think of related to the season. Their huge selection of ornaments, collectibles, gifts, and of course, trees, has earned them the reputation as one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas stores in the southeast.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Robert's Christmas Wonderland is a Tampa Bay tradition and offers a huge selection of holiday gifts and decor year-round.
Skye's expert tip: During the holiday season it gets packed! Visit early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.
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.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: With it's small town atmosphere and festive decor, Christmas Shopping in Tampa's Hyde Park Village is fun for the whole family.
Skye's expert tip: This area has recently been revitalized with addition of a few new and wildly popular dining options.
When International Plaza was built, it changed the shopping landscape in Tampa. Located right next to the airport, it's our "fancy" mall, with shops that had not previously been in the Tampa market like Nordstrom's and Gucci. The mall features three upscale department stores and over 200 high-end specialty shops. In addition to great shopping, International Plaza is an entertainment center featuring over 30 eateries and bars either within the mall or on Bay Street, the adjacent open-air village of fine restaurants and small boutiques. If you need a quick Burberry, Tiffany, or Louis Vuitton fix while in town, head to International Plaza.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: In addition to hosting Tampa's best upscale shopping and dining options, International Plaza features spectacular holiday events and attractions.
Skye's expert tip: IP is a trip in itself with extensive shopping, dining, and nightlife, and even its own hotel!