35th Annual Santa Fest and Tampa's Downtown Christmas Parade
Sat Dec 3, 11:00 AM - Sat Dec 3, 4:00 PM

Santa Claus comes to town on Saturday, December 3, 2016 during the 35th Annual Santa Fest and Christmas Parade!

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. and features grand, colorful floats from Tampa’s unique and diverse Krewes, dance troops, marching band, crazy characters, and of course Santa Claus!  The parade begins at Madison and Pierce streets. Heads west on Madison Street then turns north onto Ashley Drive, and ends at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The best viewing area is along Madison Street from Pierce Street to Tampa Street.

Parade viewers are encouraged to arrive by 9 a.m. for ease in parking and to get a good spot along the parade route. Suggested parking options:
¥ Royal Street, 1200 N. Tampa Street
¥ Jackson Street, E. Kennedy Blvd & Jackson Street
¥ Ft. Brooke Garage, 107 N. Franklin Street

After the parade, the fun continues in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with Santa Fest.  Bring your little elves to Santa Fest for a free keepsake photo with Santa sponsored by the Friends of Tampa Recreation; continuous holiday entertainment featuring the Tampa Gym & Dance Show Stars, Jordan Williams, Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy, Blake High School Choir and the City of Tampa Pre-School Ballet. Plus, there will be interactive games, bounce houses, a rock wall, make-n-take crafts, and giveaways.  The festival continues until 4 p.m.

Santa Fest is sponsored by Magic 94.9, Tampa Bay Times/tbt, WFLA News Channel 8, and Chick Fil-A.

For more information, please visit the Friends of Tampa Recreation on the web at www.friendsoftamparec.org or on Facebook.

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