Christmas is just around the corner, but the festive season is very different to most years as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Some regular events in Tampa are not taking place in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, though there is light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine arriving in the area.
Balancing the need to stay safe with the desire to see friends and family this holiday season is sure to be a challenge.
Here are some socially distanced activities in Tampa that can make this Christmas special.
Head to the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
While Christmas is coming, Tampa’s warm climate and sunny weather means it is hard for some people to get into the festive spirit.
But there is no doubt that the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park is one of the best places to go in the area for people who want to enjoy the Christmas mood.
A pop-up market is a great place to pick up some last-minute gifts, while the outdoor ice rink offers fun for all the family.
Even though the village is outside, there are still safety measures in place to keep people safe, with masks needing to be worn, as well as limited capacity to make social distancing possible.
Stay at home and play online games
Many people simply might not feel safe being out and about right now, especially with coronavirus cases in Tampa remaining at a stubbornly high rate.
Staying home might therefore be the best option, but even for people who have exhausted Netflix’s library of TV shows and movies, there is plenty of fun to find online.
Playing online games is a good way to fill up the day with options covering everything from video games to online slots, some of which can even be played for free these days.
Selecting the right online casino can be a challenge as many of their offers and promotions are so confusing, so it is important to know how to spot a good one.
No deposit offers are a good place to start as people do not have to risk any of their own money when signing up at a new online casino site.
Enjoy the Keys to Christmas hunt
Scavenger hunts might feel like more of an Easter activity, but Tampa families can make the short trip to the city of Brooksville to take part in the Keys to Christmas event.
Running until December 23rd, Keys to Christmas sees a decorative skeleton key hidden in the city every day over the festive period.
Those who want to take part in the event should head to the Brooksville Main Street Facebook page, where clues will be launched between 12-1pm every day.
Participating businesses in the area will also have extra clues up for grabs for those who buy items from them during the hunt.
The hidden skeleton keys are all located within the city of Brooksville and families who find one should take a picture with the item then take it to the Brooksville Welcome Center.
Prizes are available every day and there is a special prize that will be given out to one of the daily winners at the end of the Keys of Christmas promotion.
Visit a snow park in Florida
Florida might sound like an unusual place to set up a snow park, but Tampa families should make time in their festive schedule to go to Snowcat Ridge this Christmas.
With a 400-foot tubing hill and five feet of real snow drifts, there is something for everyone at the snow park, including places where holiday gifts and refreshments can be purchased.
Just like with the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, capacity has been limited at the snow park in order to allow social distancing.
Extra safety measures that have been put in place at Snowcat Ridge in place include temperature checks being carried out at the entrance to the facility.
Alternatively, thrillseekers might prefer a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during the holiday season, with capacity also limited at the Africa-inspired theme park, so book ahead.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has more than 2,000 animals, as well as a handful of roller coasters including SheiKra, while Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay promises unforgettable memories for those who head there this festive season.