A new, month-long series of holiday-themed events hosted by the Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa are sure to help get, and keep, everyone celebrating the season this year. Enjoy special events featuring good things to eat and drink, great photo ops, interactive fun plus a chance to mingle with familiar faces when “Winterland” opens Dec. 5. The pop-up holiday bar is the perfect spot for adults to enjoy the Christmas festivities too! 

With the help of thousands of bright lights, a larger-than-life snowman, cocktails inspired by the season and appearances by the Grinch, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause, this resort-style property will be Tampa Bay’s new holiday headquarters for family fun, date night outings and late night parties.

The winter wonderland pop-up bar opens nightly along the Rocky Point area's waterfront serving all sorts of beverages, including specialty cocktails, to help everyone get into the holiday spirit and toast the season in style.

Throughout December, there will be lots of fun places to pose, alongside the melted snowman or the 12' by 12' wrapped presents, for example, plus activities for all ages, an opportunity to donate unwrapped gifts to benefit local families, several times to chime in and singalong and guided tours of Winterland.

Admission to Winterland is free to the public. Festivities begin at designated times listed below and include a nightly lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., an eggnog and hot chocolate bar for all ages and the 12 Cocktails of Christmas drink menu. It’s all family-friendly until 9 p.m. seven days a week. After 9 p.m., all guests must be 21 or older. Christmas Caroloke is 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. on Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Care to share or just want to experience Winterland with friends, family members or co-workers?  The venue is available for holiday party rentals or for holiday after parties that let the fun continue until late night or early morning.

The 276-room resort even offers a Winterland Tampa package that includes two drinks per reservation, breakfast for two, complimentary parking and a holiday stocking stuffed with treats as well as room rates starting at $129 per night, based on availability.

Highlights of special events happening on select dates:

Dec. 5, 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.  Grand opening of Winterland with the lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Tour Winterland and the Grinch’s Cave, enjoy a meet-and-greet with the Grinch, sample selections from the 12 Cocktails of Christmas drink menu to make your way to the eggnog and hot chocolate bar that is suitable for all ages.

Dec. 6, 4 - 9 p.m.  Pets in Winterland provides holiday-themed photo ops for guests and their pets. Lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Tour Winterland and the Grinch’s Cave, enjoy a meet-and-greet with the Grinch, sample selections from the 12 Cocktails of Christmas drink menu to make your way to the eggnog and hot chocolate bar that is suitable for all ages.

Dec. 8, 6 - 9 p.m.  Family photos and dinner with the Grinch. Guests can enjoy an exclusive holiday dinner menu, family photo ops with the Grinch, a cookie decorating station, hot chocolate, and eggnog bar, a giant snowman, 12 Cocktails of Christmas and a live version of Elf on the Shelf. Guests are encouraged to wear holiday attire for photos. The dinner buffet is $24.95 for adults, $12.95 for children. ages, 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under.

Dec. 14, 5 - 9 p.m.  Ugly sweater party benefits local families. Must be 21 and older. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate or pay $10 admission.

Dec. 24, 5 - 9 .m.  Christmas Eve dinner with Mrs. Claus and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy a ham carving station, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing and more. The dinner buffet is $24.95 for adults, $12.95 for children, ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under.

Dec. 25, 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Christmas Day Buffet features a ham carving station, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing. The buffet is $24.95 for adults, $12.95 for children, ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. First responders and their families enjoy a 50 percent discount.

Dec. 31, 9 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Special New Year’s Eve celebration with special guest Mario Lopez hosted by The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa. The resort rings in the new year with live DJs and entertainment, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight plus a special, private fireworks display billed as “Tampa’s Only Dual-Barge Fireworks Display Over the Bay.”

Want more ideas to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Tampa Bay? Simply register at 813area or 727area. It’s easy and free!

Cover photo provided by The Godfrey Hotel